Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24: 24-I Will Work For My Stepbrother

Helanie:

"It is easy for you to make up rules for others. You don’t need to go out and find work or think about where you would be sleeping for the night. I am scared and alone, and I am trying to do my best to still find a way to make my life worth living. So, no! I won’t allow you to judge me or tell me that I am disqualified," I hissed, a large tear finally breaking from the corner of my eye.

The frown on his forehead unfolded, and he finally stepped back from me.

"You don’t have a place to crash at?" he asked as if I hadn’t told the brothers that I wouldn’t be going back home.

"I left my pack forever," I muttered, not hesitating in my responses.

"But why?" His tone softened a lot, but that didn’t mean he would be humble with me.

"I just did. I no longer wanted to live with my father, who had only seen me as a burden. I didn’t want to be sold to the neighbor or receive the worst punishment for disobeying him." I was discreet, not explaining in detail what had initially led me to leave.

But it was true that my stepbrother had always asked my father to make me marry some rich old werewolf.

Maximus looked lost, but I could tell he did not expect that to be my response.

"Augh!" With a stretch to his neck, he groaned in exasperation.

"If you needed work, you should come to me or your stepbrothers," he said, and the way he phrased it made me smile sarcastically.

"Stepbrothers? I thought you guys kicked me out. And as for your brother, which one are you talking about? Norman? I would rather trust the men from those hostess bars than your brother," I hissed every word when talking about Norman. He wasn’t nearly as kind as he pretended to be.

"Okay! I will not allow you to disrespect my brother. But as for work—you knew nothing about this job and just followed the guard like the idiot you are. Even if you need money, just use your brain before falling for such odd jobs," he hissed, stepping away and then pacing back and forth. _{fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓}

I just silently watched him go through a plethora of emotions and then nod his head when he came up with some kind of plan.

"I will speak to your mother and let her lend you money." The minute he said that, I shook my head as aggressively as I could.

"No! I am not taking anyone’s money." My tone was much more stern this time. Even he narrowed his eyes at me to make sure he was hearing me right.

"But you would rather—" I didn’t let him finish.

"Yes, I would rather earn it on my own."

"Get in the car; I will drop you at the shelter," he scoffed and led me in. Well, as expected, he made me sit in the backseat because being seen with him would not only make him look uncool, but it would also upset his brothers.

We drove in silence, and when we reached the woods, he stopped the car so I could get out. Without a word, he stretched his hand back with an address to his garage and then let me out. I stepped out of the car, and he drove past me to his mansion.

I began to walk back to the shelter, but this time the area looked so creepy. Once I arrived, I entered the hostel to find everyone else asleep. In fact, even the guy who was supposed to pick me up had come after I believe he couldn’t find me.

I didn’t realize how much time had passed while I was talking to Maximus. It was almost like time had stopped.

I reached my mattress and sat down, trying not to make noise to wake anyone. However, soon my stomach started growling, and I remembered the candidates were supposed to receive food from the royal academy’s kitchen today.

I sneakily got up again and left the cabin, heading towards the backyard to the kitchen. It was a cozy place with a fridge near the window, and as expected, the food inside was amazing. There were pies, different kinds of pasta, lasagnas, sandwiches, and even fried rice and chicken.

I filled a plate with a little bit of everything and sat down on the cold floor of the kitchen. The moonlight illuminated half the kitchen, allowing me to watch the trees sway in the wind while I ate.

However, after eating a good amount, my stomach was no longer the issue. Loneliness started to consume me, and I recalled how I had gotten myself tangled in yet another awkward situation today.

How did my life turn into a shithole like this?