Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 478

Chapter 478: 478-My Family Never Saw Me Smile
Helanie:

“Don’t worry, I’m fine,” I finally arrived at the pack. The brothers didn’t want to let me go. They tried calling everyone, but sadly, the decision couldn’t be changed. It was only after the court hearing that I realized why someone would prefer being a rogue. But to be a rogue, they need permission—that was one of the crazy and outrageous rules the alphas have come up with.

“Don’t worry, I’ll stay around,” Penn said as he was driving the car.

Salem stayed beside me, and so did Gavin and Lamar. They could come and go since they weren’t rogues. For Penn and Salem, it would be much easier to visit me as Alpha Diaz wouldn’t want to upset their parents. But Lamar and Gavin could be forced to leave.

And I knew Alpha Diaz would do something like that just to put pressure on me.

“Keep this with you,” Lamar steadily slipped a dagger into my bag, but Gavin shook his head.

“Don’t get her in trouble. They’ll check her bags and stuff,” Gavin pulled the dagger out, refusing to let me carry anything that could make me seem like a threat.

“Guys, I’ll be fine,” I said, reassuring them since they kept freaking out.

“How? Are you taking that old man’s words seriously?” Lamar hissed, cracking his knuckles.

“Nope, I’m taking my training seriously. Guys, I’m not that timid Helanie, trust me,” I rolled my eyes playfully, just to comfort them.

I didn’t know what would be waiting for me at home.

“Just a question, Alpha Diaz’s son—” Penn started, and Salem quickly added,

“Oh, Altan? He’s my sister’s fiancé and mate.”

Her answer shut down Penn, who adjusted the mirror to stare at me.

I understood he had some questions about my face-off with Altan. We didn’t speak. I wouldn’t. I hated his face, and the way he had the nerve to look upset and relieved at the same time angered me.

I wouldn’t be fooled by any little alpha anymore.

But it was time for me to get out of the car and face the people who had tortured me throughout my childhood. It was crazy to stand before the same house and in the same neighborhood again.

As soon as I got out of the car, I noticed the neighbors coming out, some peeking through the windows, looking so disgusted with me.

Penn and Lamar grabbed my bags while Salem and Gavin made sure to stay with me.

“Hey! You’re from a bigger pack, right? You’re a royal beta’s daughter, what are you doing with her?” one of the old neighbor ladies yelled. I remembered her so well. She used to always accuse me of seducing her husband, the bald, big guy who would catcall any woman he saw on the road.

“You are an omega, hush! You’re not allowed to speak to me,” Salem waved her hand at her, causing the woman to be filled with shock at the disrespect.

“Please take care of yourself, okay? And call us if you need anything,” Salem held my hand as Lamar and Penn stood outside the door, noticing it had been left open but no one came out to welcome me. Of course, they wouldn’t.

“Sure, and you guys don’t worry too much about me. No one can harm me anymore,” I hugged her back, speaking in a loud voice so I wasn’t afraid of anyone hearing me talk now.

I stepped into the house with the others and found it empty. But just then, someone rushed inside with fresh flowers in her hands.

“Vani!” I screamed happily, feeling the warmth of her embrace as she hugged me.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she started tearing up, making me cry with her.

“I collected these for you,” she handed me the flowers, then looked at my friends. “Are they your friends?” she asked.

“Hey, I’m Salem, he’s Gavin, my boyfriend,” Salem stepped forward, introducing herself.

“I’m Lamar, Helanie’s brother,” Lamar smiled, and Vani looked so happy.

“I’m Alpha Penn,” of course, Penn had to use his rank to show I was friends with someone strong and powerful.

“I would have loved to be happy that she has an alpha friend, but they’re sucky—you know, the previous alpha—” As Vani continued to be herself, I had to give her a look to stop her from talking. I noticed Salem looking at us. She was the one I was hiding this conversation from. Being associated with Altan was the last thing I wanted to do.

“Anyway, you guys should stay. I baked some cookies for Helanie,” Vani clapped her hands as she was ready to head towards the kitchen when her mother bolted out of her bedroom.

“Don’t you dare waste our money on her or her friends!” Well, there you go. Larissa was probably dying after seeing me alive.

“Are you all staying?” she asked my friends, who instantly shared a glance and then glared back at her.

“You guys should head back home now. I’ll be resting too.” It was true that I was tired. I suggested my friends leave before my stepmother insults them, and the issues end up at the council and Alpha Diaz.

I wasn’t ready for another mess.

“Where are you taking those bags? That is my daughter’s room now!” Larissa yelled at Lamar and Penn.

“Which I can happily share with my sister,” Vani put her hands on her hips, giving it back to her mother.

“Well, I guess we’re leaving you in safe hands,” Salem joked, and I laughed, watching Larissa’s jaw drop.

Oh, I forgot— they had never seen me laugh before because they hated when I smiled.

“Wow, it’s almost like she’s never seen you happy before,” Gavin said to me, his eyes on Larissa, who was staring at my friends like they were ghosts.

“Well, things have changed. Show them all your fifty shades now,” Salem winked at me, giving me a pat on the back.

She was right. While I was at it, I was going to take some sweet revenge.