Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 64

Chapter 64: 64-Unfair World

Helanie:

“We’ve been so worried about you. We wanted to come see you, but no one would tell us which hospital you were at,” Lucy said, holding my hand tightly, as she had since I arrived. I’d returned after a week. My injuries have healed, but the mental stress has only added to my concerns.

“I’m much better now,” I replied, not wanting to tell her that I’d actually been at my stepbrother’s farmhouse. I’ve learned not to trust anyone with my secrets. If my stepbrothers hadn’t shared my location, I probably shouldn’t either.

After Emmet explained the plan, he was asked to leave to handle some academy issues, leaving me alone at the farmhouse with the doctors and nurses. The new medical team was quite decent, making sure my comfort was their top priority.

This morning, a warrior escorted me to the shelter. I’d heard they were resuming the examinations today.

“Those two should never have been let out of prison,” Gavin muttered, shaking his head as he watched Salem walk out of the bathroom, freshly dressed for the exam.

“Excuse me? And why not? They didn’t break any rules,” she shrugged, her eyes narrowing as they fell on me, filled with hostility and irritation.

“But they hurt someone. Those rules exist for a reason—rules are there to keep animals in check. If someone attacks a rogue, they’re no better than animals,” Gavin argued, prompting Salem to roll her eyes and pick up the curling iron.

She grabbed a section of her hair and began curling it with the hot iron rod in her hand. “And did you ever think about what all this has done to my sister’s reputation? She was in prison. For the Goddess’ sake, she didn’t even have her makeup with her. Just the idea of her sleeping without her skincare routine freaks me out.”

It was, unfortunately, pretty common for people like her to act this way. I didn’t expect anything else from her.

“Anyway, I’m fine now, and I’m ready for the exam,” I said, pointedly ignoring that woman and trying to focus on the two people who were actually being kind to me.

“Then let’s head out—the trainers are here,” Gavin said, glancing at his phone. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of facing Lamar and Sydney again.

I followed behind them, dressed in the same brown tracksuit that Lucy had given me earlier. She’d washed it clean, and I was grateful for her thoughtfulness.

Once we stepped onto the training grounds outside the shelter, I noticed the seats arranged neatly for the audience. The brothers were finally arriving.

They were all dressed in black for some reason, with a group of warriors standing behind them—Lamar and Sydney among them. My stomach twisted at the sight, and I quickly lowered my head, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

When the group reached the platform near the brothers, Norman took the lead.

“These two were imprisoned for a reason. Unfortunately, the laws don’t fully apply to rogues. But that doesn’t mean we’ll tolerate such behavior again. These two candidates have been given another chance, and this will be their last. If they’re caught—” Norman paused, seeming to recognize the unfairness of the situation. At the very least, they could have been banned from the academy.

“If they’re caught again, they’ll be expelled.”

As he finished, Salem cheered, clearly thrilled to be reunited with her sister. But Sydney kept her head down, unwilling even to look up.

“However, Lamar and Sydney will no longer be eligible to compete for Alpha King status. Sydney may train here, but without any guarantee of ever achieving the royal beta rank she wanted, and the same goes for Lamar. Neither will be allowed to become Alphas or royal betas,” he announced, and I finally looked up.

The way Lamar clenched his jaw and closed his eyes made it clear that this punishment stung. Sydney covered her face in her hands and began to sob.

“If you don’t want this to be your future, you’re free to withdraw from the exam and join an academy that tolerates such behavior,” Norman hissed, his gaze sharp.

I noticed the brothers exchange a relieved look. The way Norman turned to them, his shoulders squaring, made it clear that his motives weren’t entirely about justice—or about me. He was doing this for his brothers.

“So, what’s your decision?” he asked the two of them, right before the exam began. Both looked visibly drained, likely from a sleepless night filled with regrets.

But this was what they deserved for their cruelty.

“I’ll stay,” Lamar sighed, his voice thick with guilt. He kept his eyes down, avoiding my gaze.

Sydney, however, stared right at me and said firmly, “I’ll stay.”

“Well then, let’s begin with your apologies to the victim,” Kaye stepped forward, gesturing for the two to apologize to me.

Lamar took the initiative, stepping towards me. Although every instinct told me to step back, I forced myself to hold my ground. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking… Honestly, I wasn’t thinking at all. What I did was inhumane. If I could, I’d apologize to you every day. Please, forgive me.”

There was a sincerity in his voice, a guilt that sounded genuine. But it didn’t soften my heart. I stayed silent, waiting as Sydney approached.

“I’m sorry. I was drunk,” she muttered, her tone laced with attitude, which made me groan in frustration.

“No, you weren’t,” I snapped. My comment sent a ripple of silence through the room. All eyes turned to her, waiting for a response. But it was Salem who stepped forward.

“You should have a little empathy—” she began, but her words were cut off sharply by Emmet.

“That’s enough, Salem. I sincerely hope you’re not suggesting that a victim should have compassion for the people who tried to kill her.” His harsh tone stunned everyone into silence.

Salem looked thoroughly humiliated, but Emmet wasn’t finished.

“And next time, don’t act like you’re everyone’s grandmother. Go back to your seat,” he yelled, pointing to the chair at the far end. Salem snatched up her belongings and hurried to the back, thoroughly chastened.

Realizing that the brothers were waiting for a genuine apology, Sydney took a deep breath and tried again. “I’m sorry. Please, forgive me.”