Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17: 17-Red Jacket Holders

Helanie:

"Take your bag and leave," my mother said, shoving it into my hands before folding her arms across her chest.

The storm had just subsided after two days, and though the rain hadn’t completely stopped, my mother was already telling me to go. I didn’t even get to share a meal with them after eating like a savage at dinner the other night.

At least, that’s what Charlotte had said—that’s why I wasn’t allowed to join them.

"Go!" my mother repeated, refusing to look at me. She had woken me up early, demanding I leave.

It was freezing, and I had nothing but the old pink sweater I was wearing. I didn’t have socks or gloves either, and my slender fingers were already numb from the cold. The light drizzle of rain would soon soak me if I didn’t find shelter.

"Fine!" After staring at her for a moment, I turned around to leave.

"And tell your father I’m so happy with the best mate ever," she called out bitterly, her words biting even though I had my back to her. I kept walking, gripping the small bag in my hands. She really thought I would go back home. I couldn’t blame her, though—I hadn’t told her anything because she hadn’t asked.

Once I was a little further from the mansion, I realized I’d have to climb the mountain, then descend again to even get away from their territory. They had secured a large stretch of land, including the mountains where the academy stood and the area behind it where the mansion was located. It was a massive piece of land. So, when they said I needed to leave, they meant I had to get far away from their territory.

I hadn’t seen the brothers for the past two days. They had been busy dealing with the storm and its aftermath. So many trees had been uprooted, and the beautiful rose gardens had been destroyed. I wondered what this storm was about—why it had only hit this particular area. I didn’t remember anyone in the pack preparing for such a deadly storm.

When I reached the base of the mountain, I let out a deep sigh. Am I really leaving? Where would I even go?

I sat down on the damp ground, looking around as I watched birds fly freely overhead.

"How did they survive the storm without shelter?" I wondered aloud. They were so small, yet they had such courage and strength to survive alone.

Inspired by them, I rose to my feet, newfound determination surging through me. I began the climb up the mountain.

Once I reached the top, I scanned the surroundings, checking to see if anyone was around. The academy’s front garden had people working to clean up the damage caused by the storm. I guessed the academy had been closed but was reopening today.

I noticed a young man in a red uniform, wearing glasses, walking toward the academy. He carried a shoulder bag and some papers in his hands.

As he made his way to the garbage truck, he snatched the wet and torn notices from the trees, adding them to the papers already in his hands. I assumed he was clearing away the damaged notices. He was tall and slender, but his posture was perfectly upright.