Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 207

**Chapter 207: Hope**

**Deanna’s POV:**

In the days that followed my decision to stay away from Crestwood Park, I found myself increasingly drawn to the main house of the Mistbane Pack. It was a strange feeling, being here without Philip and Desmond, who I had unceremoniously kicked out. They had relocated to a villa on the far edge of our territory, leaving behind only echoes of their presence.

I had instructed the butler to clear out all their belongings, but no matter how hard I tried, I could still sense remnants of them lurking in the corners of the house. It was as if their energy clung to the very walls, whispering reminders of the chaos they had brought into my life. That’s when a thought struck me: perhaps it was time for a fresh start—a new house altogether.

From the couch, Kathryn’s gentle smile broke through my spiraling thoughts. “Deanna,” she said softly, her voice warm like a comforting blanket, “as long as I can live with you, I don’t care where we stay.”

Her words wrapped around my heart, and I realized how much I cherished this bond we had forged. Now, in this expansive house, it was just the two of us. The bustling household that once boasted nearly eight servants had dwindled to only two, leaving a serene quietness in its wake.

Despite the silence, the atmosphere felt different—warmer, more inviting. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I experienced the essence of a real family. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing memories to wash over me, taking me back to that pivotal day three years ago when I was finally brought home.

Back then, I had felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, awkward and lost, unsure of where I belonged. But now, I stood as the true owner of this villa, embracing my rightful place. More importantly, I had something I had longed for my entire life—a mother who loved me unconditionally, even if her affection had come later than I had hoped.

“By the way, Deanna,” Kathryn’s voice broke through my reverie, her tone gentle yet laced with uncertainty, “a friend of mine heard about everything that’s happened recently. She lives in Fruales and has invited me to visit her for a bit. I’m still deciding whether to go.”

I could see the flicker of hesitation in her eyes, a hint of sadness that she tried to mask with a brave smile. I pondered her situation for a moment, recognizing that perhaps a short escape would do her good.

“You should go,” I encouraged, my voice steady and supportive. “When you come back, we’ll find a new place together. Just the two of us.”

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and without a moment’s hesitation, she stood up to make the call. I leaned back against the plush couch, picking up my phone, my mind wandering. Ever since Luis had driven me to work that day, there had been a deafening silence between us. Not a single text had come through, and I hadn’t reached out either.

It felt as if we were caught in an unspoken standoff—both of us waiting for the other to make the first move, neither willing to break the silence. My finger glided across the screen, landing on the reminder in my calendar. Just three days left until our breakup deadline loomed ominously ahead.

As I blinked, my eyelashes brushed against the skin beneath my eyes, and a dull ache settled in my chest, a reminder of the uncertainty that lay ahead.

She began rummaging through her bag for a handkerchief, but I quickly halted her movements. “Don’t touch anything! You’ll only make it worse!”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself and suppress my nausea. The truth was, if I didn’t need her help to eliminate Deanna from my life, I would never have come near her. Just being in her presence made my skin crawl.

Not long ago, I had approached Desmond for my usual allowance, expecting the same lavish support I had always received. But this time, he had only handed me ten thousand dollars. Ten thousand.

I could hardly believe it. That paltry amount wouldn’t even cover my gas and coffee, let alone my shopping sprees or spa days. When I had cried, pleading with him to show me he still cared, that’s when I discovered the truth—Deanna had kicked both him and Philip out of the Mistbane Group.

Now, he barely had enough for himself, leaving me to navigate life like an ordinary civilian. Gone were the days of salons and extravagant shopping trips; I was suffocating under the weight of my new reality.

Yet, amidst the despair, a flicker of hope ignited within me. If I could just rid myself of Deanna, everything would go back to how it was. Philip and Desmond would reclaim the Mistbane Group, and I would once again be welcomed back into the fold—restored to my rightful place as the princess of the Mistbane Pack.

**Chapter 208: Bait**