Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 530

Chapter 530: 530-Not A Hero I Wanted

Helanie:

"Congratulations, you’re now the only Alpha of the pack," Sage said, hugging Rudy while others crowded around him with congratulations.

His parents had already left, and so had the council heads—retiring to the guest rooms, now able to enjoy the upcoming carnival with peace of mind. The culprit had been caught, and they didn’t have to witness a battle for control of the pack after all.

"I heard you beat him up pretty badly," Norman said, pulling my attention as he and the brothers returned from their conversation with Vontson about my battle with Darius.

"He was drunk," I recalled quietly.

"Still—give yourself some praise for your achievements," Kaye uttered, oddly avoiding my eyes.

"Vontson mentioned something," Maximus added. "He said Rhiz will be punished with 200 lashes every week for the murder of Lamar’s sister.?"

The room grew tense. Our eyes drifted toward Lamar, whose face had paled. I felt awful for him. Watching that video must have been traumatizing. Jenny was at his side, gently hugging him and keeping him grounded.

I wanted to do the same... but something else had been burning inside me.

Everyone had been calling Rudy a savior, a hero. But I had something to say about that.

As I began walking toward him, people around us stepped aside, making space, expecting me to thank him—maybe even call him my hero.

Even Rudy straightened his posture, a smug smirk on his lips as he extended a hand toward me.

Did he really think I was going to hug him?

I raised my hand—but not to shake his.

I slapped him.

Hard enough that the sound echoed in the air.

Gasps rang out. Whispers started rippling through the air. Everyone looked shocked.

"Helaine—what...?" Rudy asked, rubbing his cheek in disbelief. Even Sage looked displeased.

"He helped you, Helaine," she protested.

"He helped himself," I hissed back. She turned to glare at Rudy, as if demanding an explanation.

"I was just trying to help you... by getting a confession out of him," Rudy said, trying to explain, but I kept shaking my head. The brothers quickly rushed to my side.

There was no way he could fool me like he had others fooled.

"You did it because you didn’t want to risk battling him. You think I’m a fool?" I snapped. "You didn’t even tell me your big plan. You literally pushed me into a room with someone who traumatized me—again."

My voice cracked with the fury and pain I had held back.

"The right thing should have been you telling me about the whole plan and asking me if I will be ready to be alone in a room with him," I screamed at him.