Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 275

Chapter 275: 275-The Deception And My Monster Mate

Helanie:

"Lamar, don’t worry, she’ll be fine. I’m with her," Rayden said, noticing all the anxiety Lamar had shown ever since it was announced that I’d be paired with Rayden for the task.

We stood outside the cabin, ready to head out and take our places. It had been a hectic day. I had this growing uneasiness that I couldn’t share with anyone at the moment.

I avoided everyone and stood silently with Lamar in the corner. Jenny had been very friendly and all smiles with Rayden the whole day. I noticed the way Lamar looked at her and then how his expression turned upset.

"Let’s trade spots," he sternly asked Rayden, who clearly hadn’t expected it.

Rayden quickly shook his head in response to Lamar’s request. "We’ve practiced all day and made plans. I don’t think it’s a good idea to change the teams now."

I knew Rayden wouldn’t agree. By now, the others had started to gather around us, curious about what was happening.

"I think it’ll be fine. If she’s not comfortable, she can go with Lamar," Rudy said, stepping in and clearly annoying Sydney. Salem hadn’t shown any reaction that made me think she disliked me since we arrived, but I still didn’t trust the two sisters.

"No! I’m fine. I don’t want the plan to change," I argued. I didn’t want to switch teams.

Everyone immediately looked at Lamar’s face, as if waiting to see how he’d react to me refusing his request.

"Helanie! A minute!" Lamar groaned, placing his hand on my arm to gesture for me to step aside.

I followed him, while the others likely started gossiping about us.

"What’s going on? Don’t you realize Rayden isn’t the best choice to stay with?" Lamar voiced his disapproval almost instantly.

I fidgeted with my hands, locking my eyes with his as I firmly replied, "Lamar! Rayden is an alpha. I’ll be safer with him."

I didn’t want to hurt Lamar’s feelings, but he seemed to be struggling with my decisions lately.

"There’s no lie in that!" Sydney yelled, making it clear they had overheard us.

"Just so you know, I don’t agree with you," Lamar hissed before storming off.

Finally, we headed into the woods to check out the spots. There was a huge tree with a large X marked under it. A silver cage hung above the X, and on the other side, there was a chain that Lamar, Sydney, and Salem would hold.

They took their positions, none of them looking happy. Penn, Arlo, and Rudy armed themselves with swords and arrows, ready to attack the lycan once it arrived at the location. Sage was already marching up the mountains to search for the lycan and lure him down to the woods.

Rayden and I paced along the road, holding water guns. Being alone with him felt strange, and I tried my best to act normal.

"You know, I used to think you were stubborn and selfish. But recently, you’ve changed my mind, especially after you forgave me. I’m really impressed by your intelligence," he said after a long silence.

I didn’t feel like saying much, so I forced a smile and gave him a small nod to make my stance clear.