Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 274

**Chapter 274: Lunar Herbs and a Mother’s Approval**

**Zelena’s POV:**

In the last few days, I found myself entangled in a web of frustration, desperately trying to devise a plan that would lead to a meeting with Deanna. The clock ticked relentlessly, and every moment felt like an eternity.

Deanna had blocked me on every platform, a digital fortress that I couldn’t breach, no matter how hard I tried to play the role of the good guy. My messages went unanswered, my attempts at reaching out were met with silence.

With no other options left, I took to shadowing her, hoping to glean insight into her daily routine. I crouched low in the shadows outside Luminara Restaurant, my heart racing as I watched her from a distance. The sight of her with another man twisted a dagger of jealousy deep within me, coiling around my heart like a venomous serpent.

Perfect. Just perfect, Deanna. You’re really something! Hooking up with another Alpha so soon after everything we’ve been through!

Why do you have to be so damn popular?

Once I manage to deliver you to Mason’s bed and let that old bastard have his way with you, let’s see how desirable you still are to these Alphas.

**Deanna’s POV:**

The car glided smoothly along the winding roads, and soon enough, the familiar silhouette of the Mistbane Pack’s main house came into view. A wave of nostalgia washed over me, mixed with a hint of anxiety.

As I opened the car door, I noticed Kathryn, my mother, arriving home at the same time.

Malcolm stepped out of the vehicle, his demeanor polite and composed. “Mrs. Wiley, hello,” he greeted her with a charming smile.

Kathryn paused, setting her purse down as she scrutinized him with curiosity. “And you are?” she inquired, her tone laced with intrigue.

I quickly interjected, stepping forward to bridge the gap. “Mom, this is Malcolm Faulkner. I asked him to help recommend some professional managers tonight.”

In a surprising move, Malcolm walked around to the trunk of the car and retrieved a beautifully wrapped gift box, its elegance catching the soft glow of the evening light.

“Mrs. Wiley, I didn’t anticipate the pleasure of meeting you today, so I didn’t bring anything extravagant. This is just a small token of appreciation,” he said, extending the box toward her.

As the rich, medicinal fragrance wafted from the box, I felt a jolt of surprise.

This was hardly a “small token.” These were lunar herbs—extraordinarily beneficial for werewolves! They were a rare treasure throughout Nordvale!

“Mom, what are you talking about?” I shot back, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise to my cheeks.

Kathryn continued, undeterred. “My instincts are rarely wrong. Malcolm seems refined and cultured, with an excellent presence. Besides, the Grisclaw Pack is known for its progressive attitudes. I doubt he would concern himself with your background or status. If he truly likes you, I think you should give it a shot.”

With every word she spoke, discomfort pooled in my stomach, a heavy weight pressing down on me.

“Stop. Malcolm and I aren’t what you think. I don’t like him.”

“What does liking someone even matter? You liked Jale at first, then got tangled up with Luis, but neither of those men were good for you…”

The moment that last word slipped from her lips, Kathryn clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes widening in realization.

“Deanna, I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn. I just don’t want you to struggle so much.”

I lowered my gaze, my voice softening. “Mom, please don’t say things like that anymore.”