Sorry I'm Mated To The Commander novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

4700

65 vouchers

Neither Annie nor Professor Shayla had noticed it, but Nolan, who cared deeply for his adopted sister, was immediately concerned about how she was faring after leaving the Sullivan family.

The moment he saw Layla, his eyes locked onto the faint mark on her neck.

Layla tugged her collar up. “It’s nothing. I need to get to my make-up training. We can talk later, Nolan.”

“Okay,” he replied, his eyes still clouded with worry.

After Layla started the simulation, he turned to Shayla. “Professor, did anyone bully Layla during the training?”

Shayla had a rather poor opinion of the Sullivans. ‘You adopt a child and then just cast her aside? she thought

One gets attached to a pet, let alone a living, breathing person.

Her already serious expression turned icy.

“Aren’t the Sullivans the ones who bullied her the most?”

Nolan’s jaw tightened, his expression complicated. “It’s a misunderstanding, and the situation is complex. But no matter what, I’ve always seen Layla as my real sister. I won’t let anyone hurt her.”

Shayla knew Nolan was a recent, distinguished graduate and had a good sense of his character.

Her expression softened slightly. “She’s a very gifted kid. I don’t care how complicated things are with you aristocrats, but I hope you won’t interfere with her studies and waste her talent. That girl is going to be a brilliant mech engineer one day.”

Nolan frowned. ‘Didn’t Layla enroll in the command division?’

But seeing the stern mech professor before him, he held his tongue and turned his attention to the stats screen to watch Layla’s performance.

Piloting a mech for shooting practice was, in theory, harder than shooting without one.

But Layla was so familiar with mechs, and her reflexes were incredibly fast. Now that the suppressant was out of her system, her speed, agility, and stamina had all improved dramatically.

She was hitting the bullseyes with astonishing speed.

When the final results came in, everyone stared in disbelief. Her hit rate was an incredible ninety-nine

percent.

“Layla, that’s amazing!” Nolan exclaimed, his voice filled with pride.

When he had gone through the training, his own score was ninety-seven percent, which was already considered the ceiling for most.

11:56 Wed, Jan 7

Chapter 26

只今

2

66 Vouchers

The only person on Alpha Prime with a higher score was Atlas Zimmer, whose accuracy was a perfect one hundred percent.

Of course, no one could really compare themselves to Atlas; the Atlas was in a league of his own.

Shayla was equally thrilled. “Yesterday, the best score among the other students was from Tomas Coffey, who tied your previous record of ninety-seven percent. Layla, you are outstanding.”

With this make-up score, Layla had officially surpassed Tomas to claim the top spot.

Layla’s expression remained neutral. A score like this was nothing to be proud of.

Her goals were set much, much higher.

Knowing the siblings had things to discuss, Shayla told Layla to rest up before the afternoon endurance training and then left them alone.

Layla and Nolan walked to a long, glass-walled corridor that offered a panoramic view of the training delta.

“Layla, I had no idea you’ve become so accomplished. I’ll tell Dad as soon as I get back. He’ll be so happy to hear how well you’re doing. I’m sure he’ll let you come home.”

Layla shook her head. “Nolan, the Sullivan Manor isn’t my home.”

Nolan froze for a second. Thinking of his biased parents and his clueless sister, he fell silent. He looked at the young woman before him, who had suddenly grown up, and his heart stirred.

“What about me? If the Sullivans aren’t your family, are you getting rid of me, your brother, too?”

“No. You’ll always be my brother.”

Layla knew Nolan genuinely cared for her, and she could separate him from the rest, but she was never going back to that house.

Nolan’s expression was a mix of emotions. “Layla, where did you get the money? I know you’re proud, but you’re so talented now. You should be focusing all your energy on your studies and training. Don’t waste your gift, okay?”

“I know.”

The two of them, one in a military uniform and the other in black training gear, both tall and striking, made for a handsome picture as they stood side-by-side.

Atlas had been making his rounds at the base since he’d finished dealing with Layla’s issue, and he happened upon this very scene.

They were standing close, and Atlas could clearly see how relaxed Layla was with Nolan.

It was a clear sign of her trust in him.

A wave of irrational anger washed over the Ninth Prince, and the stellar rangers near him instinctively

11:56 Wed, Jan 7

Chapter 26

shivered.

‘Why did it suddenly get so cold? Is the AC broken?’

:

Before they could figure it out, Atlas was already striding toward Layla and Nolan.

82

55 vouchers

Layla had been reassuring Nolan about how well she was settling in at school, but the smile faded from her lips the moment she saw Atlas’s cold, approaching figure.

Nolan saw him too and immediately snapped to attention, saluting. “Your Highness.”

Atlas’s sharp gaze swept over Nolan, completely ignoring Layla. “I don’t recall you being stationed here.”

“No, sir. I’m with Sector Three Command, assigned to energy source protection. I’m currently on leave.”

“If you’re on leave, then go home and stay there.”

“Yes, sir…”

After dropping the curt dismissal, Atlas turned and walked away without giving Layla so much as a glance.

Layla lowered her eyes.

This guy is the poster child for a hit-it-and-quit-it asshole.

Once Atlas was gone, Nolan let out a soft sigh of relief. “He’s not that much older than us, but he’s terrifying. It’s probably the tier suppression. Oh, right, Layla, I thought you knew him? Why did he seem so cold to you just now?”

Nolan remembered the prince seeming quite friendly with her before.

“I only spoke to him during his rut,” Layla said flatly. “He probably doesn’t remember me now that it’s over.”

“You usually remember what happens during a rut. But the Ninth Prince is a busy man. He probably doesn’t remember us small fry.”

“Maybe.”

Nolan couldn’t stay long. After a few more words of advice, he had to leave,

“Nolan,” Layla said, remembering what her master had told her. “A friend sent me a package, but they didn’t know I’d left the Sullivans, so it was delivered to the manor. Could you hold onto it for me when you get back? I’ll come get it after my military training is over.”

“Of course.”

After seeing Nolan off, Layla headed back to her dorm.

A moment later, her optical computer buzzed. Unsurprisingly, it was a message from Atlas.

Atlas: [You and Nolan aren’t related by blood. Remember to keep your distance.]

11:56 Wed, Jan 7