Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 705

Chapter 705: 705-My Land Arthendel

Helanie:

After Lucy told us about Hans, it was Lamar who suggested, and almost pleaded, that no action be taken against Hans for now. He didn’t want the cruise trip to turn into a punishment center for anyone. He wanted to enjoy it. Even though it didn’t sit right with me, what if something like this happened again?, it was his request, and he was the victim, so it was agreed that Hans would be questioned once we returned home, and that’s when the incident would be officially addressed.

The rest of the trip was amazing. I spent most of my time with my friends, and I was grateful that none of my mates tried to bring up their own issues, or our issues, throughout the trip. They let me be myself.

However, I did notice them shifting their focus toward Emmet. Norman kept his distance, but Maximus, always a beloved brother, kept trying to get Emmet’s attention. And every time Emmet zoned out or didn’t respond, the look on Maximus’s face screamed that he didn’t like it. I guess they missed their brother, but at the same time, they were all aware that a life had been lost.

I wasn’t totally sure how I felt about it. Because at the end of the day, everything pointed to one truth, and one only: my baby died at Emmet’s hands. Even he had stopped using the excuse that he forgot, especially after I reminded him he had once told me about the well he claimed not to remember.

And finally, the week was over.

It was amazing. I had so much fun, and for the first time, I actually saw Gavin smile. It was in the middle of the night, when we snuck down to the last deck and I jumped in the water to control the sharks. That was my second transition, and I did it secretly, without telling my mates, because I knew they’d be angry. They didn’t yet know how well I could manage my transition, or what if I drowned? It was all still new to me. I didn’t even know what other powers I had. I was just experimenting. But my friends had the time of their lives.

Eventually, I had to come out because after a while, I would pass out. I still didn’t know why that happened, but I enjoyed it regardless. My legs would tingle afterward, but that was only in the beginning. Then we were back home.

I rushed through the main door, eager to speak to my mother. Everything was starting to make sense. Darcy’s comment, the pure werewolf, came back to me and stuck in my mind. I needed answers. I needed to know the truth about my identity.

"Mom" I called out to my mother, rushing towards her.

"Helanie—why did you shut off your phone?" my mother asked. She already looked anxious. And now that I had some idea why, I felt slightly more at ease.

I was pretty sure my mother knew. That was likely why she never wanted me going near the water.

"I need to speak with you," I said, holding her hand.

Emma grunted. Charlotte gave her a look. Charlotte had really changed herself into a better person. But her mother? Not so much.

"Is everything okay?" my mother asked. The look on her face said she already suspected something had happened.

"Yeah, everything’s fine. I just want to talk to you about the trip," I said, forcing a smile so I could fool Emma, who set her cup down and folded her arms over her chest.

"You can talk in front of us too. It’s not like we’ll cast the evil eye on your happiness," she said. Of course. That was expected of her.

"Emma, when my daughter says she wants to talk alone, she wants to talk alone," my mother snapped. free.web(n)ove(l)(.)c(o)m

She’d done a complete 180. She never used to take a stand for me. Now she wouldn’t even let me speak for myself. She’d turned into this overprotective mother who had to scold anyone that looked at me the wrong way.

And I could tell Emma didn’t like that change. She wanted my mother to mistreat me, that much was clear.

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