Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165: 165-Suddenly Everyone Is Jealous

Helanie:

A few minutes later, after I caught Penn glancing at me and quickly looked away upon realizing my mistake, I saw him approach our side of the table. He crouched down to whisper something into his sister’s ear.

She listened attentively, nodded, then quickly left her seat for him, walking around the table to sit next to Lamar.

Penn took the seat beside me, clearing his throat.

"White is your color, huh?" he began, making me shift uncomfortably in my seat and glance at him.

"Thank you," I replied with a polite smile, accepting his compliment. _{freёwebnoѵel.com}

"About the other day when I accused you--I guess my alpha rank had gone to my head," he admitted. "I didn’t realize how tough life can be for those who fall victim to higher-ranked werewolves’ bullying. I suppose I was too stuck-up, feeling privileged for never having faced the same. That made sympathizing feel... far-fetched for me."

He leaned slightly forward, one arm stretched across the table, his posture straight. His tone was soft and understanding, his words carrying a depth that surprised me.

"I do accept simple apologies, though," I joked lightly. He chuckled quietly, almost to himself.

"Are you dating anyone?" he asked suddenly. The way he closed his eyes, as if enciuraging himself to pose the question, made me gulp in utter bewilderment.

Questions like these are usually preludes to a date offer, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that--if I even wanted it with Penn, of all people.

"No! I just want to focus on my tasks and the academy for now," I replied, feeling awkward about the extra information I tacked on. I only said it so he wouldn’t ask me out, even if he was planning to.

Maybe I was overthinking, but his constant stare and awkward demeanor made it clear why he was here.

"Oh! Well, that’s a great way to achieve bigger goals," he said, nodding. Then he added, "May I know when you might open the doors to the possibility of dating someone?"

The fact that he was so charmingly persistent was, admittedly, praise-worthy.

"Why do you want to know? Do you have someone in mind you think I’d look good with?" I teased, watching him frown and scoff.

"One thing you should know about me, Helanie," he said, his posture softening as he turned toward me. Leaning closer, he whispered, "I don’t do public service. If I see something impeccable, I’d rather keep it for myself than offer it to someone else."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, covering my body in goosebumps. He straightened again, smirking as I swallowed hard.