Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates - Chapter 94

Chapter 94: 94-The Forced Engagement

Norman:

“Emmet, just meet her once.” My strides were long as I chased after my brother through the open corridor leading to his sanctuary.

He had returned from the academy while I had just come back from the office after enduring a two-hour meeting. Mom had been blowing up my phone, pleading with me to convince Emmet to meet her.

“At least meet Demi and Davon,” I said. The moment their names left my lips, my brother stopped and turned to face me. The wind blew his coat and hair, making him look even more intense.

“Why? I don’t like kids, and I don’t like hanging around them. They’re loud and ask too many damn questions,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. Every time their names came up, Emmet’s attitude soured.

I couldn’t understand why, but he always looked uncomfortable when they were mentioned.

“Emmet, they’re our siblings,” I said, stepping closer to him. I hoped that if he looked me in the eye, he’d realize how much his behavior was hurting everyone. His attitude toward them was completely unjustified.

“And?” he shrugged.

“They’re innocent. Why are you taking your anger out on them?” I couldn’t grasp why Emmet was upset with Mom. She was a victim in all of this.

The last I remembered, when our parents were divorcing, he had begged Mom to stay. Dad had even allowed her to live in the guesthouse, but she chose to leave instead.

“I’m way past all that stuff. As for Demi and Davon, I don’t know what to say to them. They’re kids, and I have no idea how to deal with kids,” he said, sliding his hands into his pants’ pockets, his expression utterly nonchalant.

“Okay, I’ll be straightforward with you. Demi and Davon have been showing some behavioral changes. They’re becoming aggressive, especially for kids their age, and Mom wants you to tutor them.”

The moment I finished speaking, his jaw clenched visibly.

“Does she think that’s what I do at the academy? Tutor kids? They don’t even need a tutor; they need a babysitter. Is that what she expects me to become for them?” His tone turned sharper, prompting me to reach out and place a hand on his shoulder.

“Yes! Babysit them, spend time with them, and get to know their personalities. Also, start teaching them about our history and the werewolf powers we possess. Just meet them once, and you’ll understand what I mean,” I said, noticing a faint frown forming on his forehead. For a moment, it looked like he was finally considering my words.

“But I won’t force you,” I continued. “I’ll leave the decision in your hands. Just let me know what to tell Mom.”

I patted his shoulder and pressed my lips into a thin line before walking away.

I thought about heading back to my room to prepare some files for the latest deals when I saw Jessica sitting in the living room with Charlotte.

We had a fight in the parking lot of the hotel, and after that, I had ignored her entirely. So seeing her here was a surprise.

“Jessica!” I sighed exhaustedly.

She immediately stood up to greet me with a slight bow of her head.

“Come,” I said, shooting a harsh glare at Charlotte while calling Jessica to follow me. I had told Charlotte countless times to stay away from my guests. She was nosy, and if I ever caught her snooping around in my business, she’d have to face severe consequences.

Jessica followed me to my bedroom, and the moment she stepped inside, she turned to start talking.

“I couldn’t stay away from you, so I came here to squash our differences,” she said hesitantly, as if she had rehearsed this conversation in her mind a hundred times.

I slammed the door shut and folded my arms across my chest, silently hoping that, for once, she would back down.

“Jessica, I can’t keep doing this. You’re only hurting yourself with this forced engagement,” I said, deciding to be honest. I had given us a chance because she wanted me to believe I’d eventually fall for her. But so far, nothing of the sort has happened.

“Norman! Just one last chance. We need to make it work. We’re meant to be together,” she said, clasping her hands together as she begged. I looked away, unwilling to meet her pleading eyes.

“Why do you want to ruin your life with someone like me? You deserve someone who thinks about you, someone who helps ease your doubts and makes you feel secure. You know, after our argument, I didn’t even think about reaching out to you. That alone should tell you something. You don’t deserve this,” I said, tired of the façade we both upheld. In public, we pretended to be happy because she refused to let go.

“Okay, I get it. Just one last chance,” she whispered, holding up her pinky as if it would seal the deal.

“I don’t think this is healthy for you, Jessica. I want you to move on and find a better mate,” I said, shaking my head at her persistent demands.

When I finally raised my gaze, I saw her looking at me with teary eyes, her heartbreak evident.

“I am not returning the ring to you. I will not–I love you more than anyone in the world. I am ready to compromise. You don’t have to love me; just let me love you,” she insisted in a broken voice, her pleading tone shaking my resolve.

She was, after all, my friend, and that’s why I needed to put an end to this.

“That’s not fair–” I began, but she shook her head, cutting me off.

“I’m fine with it. You’re not even interested in someone else, so just stay with me. I won’t bother you,” she said, sniffing as she tried to hold back her tears, though some still slipped free.

I knew she’d say this, and I also knew how it would end. She’d be hurt, just like the last time.

“You had your man follow me, Jessica. You know how much I hate people snooping around in my business. And then you say you won’t care if I don’t love you back. But you do care enough to hire someone, make them follow me, and then show up at the parking lot of the hotel?” I paused, my voice firm. “I’m sorry, Jessica. But I’m not doing this anymore.”

Her sharp gasp made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

Why?

Why was she even in love with someone like me? I was incapable of loving anyone.

The only reason I kept going was to keep my brothers safe. That was my life’s only goal–and it would never change.