Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 63

Chapter 63: 63-A Perfect Man!

Helanie:

“I’m sorry,” I said, turning around to give him some privacy as he pulled another shirt from the bag he carried with him. Just a few days ago I was deeply hated by these brothers. But now they were taking turns taking care of me? Or was it because they felt guilty or responsible for someone from the shelter attacking the other candidate?

“Did I wake you up? Sorry, I didn’t realize I was being so loud,” he murmured softly in his deep, raspy voice.

“No, it’s fine. I… I haven’t been able to fall back asleep since waking up from a nightmare,” I admitted, waiting for him to finish changing.

He stepped up behind me, gently tapped two fingers on my shoulder, then walked past. That was his casual way of letting me know he was done.

I turned around just in time to see him untie his hair and give it a quick shake, freeing the loose strands.

“Then let me make you something to eat; you must be starving,” he offered, heading to the kitchen and pulling out some bread.

I walked over slowly, taking a seat at the counter while he cracked some eggs and began whisking them.

“Can I ask you something?” I couldn’t hold back my curiosity any longer.

He was so different, so distinct. I wondered why he wasn’t on his brother’s side.

“Go ahead,” he said, leaning over the pan with his head lowered but his eyes locked on mine. His large hands rested on the counter, steady and strong.

“Do you have a mate?” Asking him this felt strange, but I couldn’t stop myself.

It wasn’t that I wanted him to claim me—I was just curious. Being acknowledged and loved by my mate was far from my priorities.

Besides, I had felt a mate bond with his brother too. But since it happened only in a dream, and I didn’t have a wolf to confirm it, I might never know what that experience truly meant.

“Nope!” he replied, drawing out the “p” with emphasis.

“And I don’t want to find one. I believe in soulmates more than in a mate bond,” he said, surprising me with the distinction he made between the two.

“But… isn’t a mate supposed to be a soulmate?” I asked, watching him as he squinted one eye slightly and shook his head.

“For many, I just don’t believe in it,” he said as he began assembling the sandwich. I found myself zoning out.

Could it be that we shared a dislike for the Moon Goddess? Was that why he rejected what she had chosen for him?

“And you? Do you want to find your mate?” he asked, sliding the plate towards me. I stared down at the sandwich and scrambled eggs. They looked delicious.

How was he so perfect?

“I don’t have a wolf,” I replied, hoping it would suffice as an excuse.

“But that doesn’t mean you can’t feel a mate bond for the first time. Just make sure it’s a full moon, and you get some physical contact with your mate. Maybe try going to a full moon ball and dancing around,” he said casually, taking a bite from his own sandwich.

Of course, he knew everything. Did I really think I could deceive him? He knew all about wolves and how they could sense a mate bond, even when their wolf was dormant.

Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I took a bite of the scrambled eggs. “Since you’re a trainer and professor at the academy, you must have come across many individuals without wolves. Has any of them ever found their wolves?” I didn’t know what I was hoping to hear, as the academy rarely admitted such students.

“Hmm, not at the university, but outside of it, yes,” he nodded, leaning over his plate with his hands on the counter. His hair was so healthy—it shone beautifully.

“And?” I prompted.

“Honestly, they usually found their wolves before turning twenty,” he replied, his words lifting my spirits.

I didn’t say anything after that, focusing on my meal in silence.

“You’ll get your wolf one day, Helanie. But you have to work for it, maybe even make sacrifices,” he said thoughtfully. “Sometimes, wishes only come true if you’re willing to let go of something you love most.”

His words took me by surprise. When I looked up, I found him staring off at the wall, lost in thought.

That’s when his phone ringing finally snapped him out of his daze. He shook his head slightly, then picked it up, leaning one hand on the counter as he stared at the screen before answering.

“I’m listening,” he said, stepping out of the kitchen.

“I had a feeling they’d take that route,” I heard him say, his voice trailing off until it faded completely.

Oddly enough, I was feeling much better. The brothers had truly done their best to take care of me.

A few minutes after I’d finished my food, I saw Emmet return, a disappointed expression on his face. He slid his phone onto the counter, and it barely stopped at the edge. I could tell something bad had happened, something that was really bothering him.

“Is everything okay?” I asked. He sighed, his hands resting heavily on the counter, his broad frame leaning over it.

“They had to let Lamar and Sydney go. Rogues who aren’t linked to the mansion or the academy don’t get any protection, so any crime against them isn’t really considered a crime,” he said, a bitter edge in his voice, clearly upset by the news.

I wasn’t only disappointed—I was afraid, too. But I kept a calm expression, not wanting to show how much it disturbed me.

“It’s alright. I just wanted them to acknowledge that a crime was committed,” I said, keeping my posture straight as he looked at me in surprise.

“Helanie, it’s okay to show disappointment, to be angry,” he said gently, his voice so soft that I couldn’t help but give him a small smile.

“I’ll be fine. Once I’m at the academy, I’ll be safe,” I replied confidently. He nodded, almost proudly, as though he admired my optimism.

But now, more than ever, I was determined to see this through.