Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 72

Chapter 72: 72-The Story Of My Pendant.

Helanie:

I watched their faces in disbelief. After thinking it over, even Norman gave his brother a nod. The two looked so pleased with themselves after completely unsettling me. It was so infuriating, the way they were changing rules and all. And nobody would complain. Their academy was the best of the best. Even Alpha’s were sending their children to the academy.

“But that’s not fair. You two are trainers—people who train other Alphas and Alpha Kings! How could a mere girl like me, without a wolf or any training, ever fight any of you?” I wanted to shout and call for Emmet and Kaye, but what could they do? These two were responsible for today’s test, and Maximus had specifically chosen it for me.

“Well, if you’re so weak, then why try to be a part of our academy?” Norman folded his arms over his brother’s shoulders, smirking proudly at his brother for coming up with such a devious plan.

It was beyond unfair. Why were they so determined to crush my dreams? Was it simply because of the academy’s reputation, that they didn’t want someone “weak” like me in their ranks, or was there some other reason they were treating me this way?

“Hm, but she’s not wrong. If everyone hears she had to fight a trainer, they’ll agree it’s unfair.” Norman scratched his chin thoughtfully, making me wonder if he was mocking me or truly reconsidering.

“I know. How about this—” Maximus raised a finger as a new idea sparked in his mind. This time, he stepped back and walked until he was among the students who had been eagerly watching, waiting to find out what was going on.

“If Helanie here can land just one punch—just a single punch within a fifteen-minute match—she’s in!” he announced. Norman chuckled.

He walked back to join his brother and spread his arms wide. “He won’t even fight back. He’ll only defend himself.”

The pride on Norman’s face was unsettling.

Some of the students began to snicker, sensing how ridiculous it was. There was no way I could land a single hit on this beastly man.

“There’s no chance she’ll manage,” one of the students laughed, joined by a few others.

“Come on, Helanie. What happened to ‘I’ll do anything to be part of this academy’?” Maximus mocked, not caring that the other students were witnessing a teacher bullying a potential candidate.

At this point, I needed to stop calling myself a student. I wasn’t one yet, and with this final test, I likely never would be.

I lowered my head, remembering the faith Emmet had shown in me when he handed me that card. Even if I lost today, I’d stay in the ring for the full fifteen minutes and give it everything I had.

I raised my head and saw the brothers shrug. Norman slipped the card into his pocket, turning to the accepted students.

“You’re starting at the academy the day after tomorrow—” He was about to dismiss them, already assuming I wouldn’t fight, when I raised my voice, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“I’ll do it.” As my words cut through the air, everyone turned to stare. Norman took a moment, probably unsure if he’d heard me right.

“What did you say?” he asked, while Maximus rolled his eyes at me.

“I said I’ll do it.” I put down my bag and walked toward them steadily.

Maximus stepped closer and whispered in my ear, “Don’t embarrass yourself. Just leave.”

“No!” I took a step back, unwilling to let him manipulate me.

“Even if I don’t succeed, I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.” I adjusted my posture, and gradually, everyone started to step back, making space.

“Fine. Maximus, just do it. It’s only fifteen minutes,” Norman yawned, glancing at his watch. For them, it was just fifteen wasted minutes, but for me, it meant everything.

I couldn’t give up. Even though I knew the odds were stacked against me.

“Alright,” Maximus shrugged, and everyone cleared the field. Of course, he wouldn’t run around; he’d only need to stay within the white circle.

We faced each other, and the second Norman gave the signal, I lunged at Maximus with my weakest punch. It was laughably easy for him to dodge, and I ended up face-first in the mud. Laughter erupted as I lifted my head, mud streaked across my face. I quickly wiped it off with my sleeve and got back on my feet. Maximus didn’t even need to move fast; he just stood there, watching me struggle.

Each time I missed, the laughter grew louder.

I tried to mask my frustration, but my throat tightened, and my cheeks burned. I couldn’t land a single hit. Tears began to prick at my eyes, and I brushed them away with the back of my hand. Each passing minute reminded me of that night. This was my only chance to stand up to these Alphas. But now, it felt like I was losing it.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Maximus’s taunt jolted me back to the present. I was covered in mud.

My hand dropped for a second, my heart sinking. They were all having so much fun. They knew I couldn’t win and were just waiting for the fifteen minutes to be up. He was simply toying with me.

Just one punch, I told myself.

I threw my next jab a bit harder, hoping it might connect, but he sidestepped with a smug “Too slow!” that sent another wave of laughter through the crowd.

Frustrated, I charged at him, trying to land a punch or even an elbow to his face, but he moved aside so swiftly that I fell even harder, landing straight in the mud again.

This time, as I tried to get up, I felt my pendant brush against my lips. I didn’t know why, but it triggered a memory of how this pendant had once gotten me into trouble. Instead of focusing on the fight, I removed it right there in front of all the students and the two mocking brothers.