Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 552

Chapter 552: 552-Last Night In His Arms.

Helanie:

As the clock struck 12, I began to move around in my bed even more. I had requested everyone not to make a fuss about my birthday. I didn’t want to celebrate this day—at least not until I had defeated Darius. And the chances of that seemed pretty low.

I had made the mistake of checking social media. Some of Darius’s die-hard fans were praising how beastly he had performed in training this week.

There was also a statement from Darius that had trended for a few days:

Darius: I am aware of the gravity of my friends taking the blame. Of them admitting to the heinous crime they committed. However, I stand firm in my innocence. I was not involved. And winning this battle is now an even bigger mission for me, since I have to continue speaking out about my innocence. I am not guilty. I didn’t commit a crime. I sympathize with the victim and I am ready to give her a good life. That is why I have chosen not to kill her. I will fight until my last breath, but I will not kill her. I will marry her to give her a good life, since it is not easy for rape victims to live a normal life. Helanie is traumatized and angry—she wants to punish all men. I am sure I can change her mind and show her that not all men are animals.

"Asshole," I hissed under my breath, recalling his statement. It boiled my blood to see young girls supporting him. Even some young alphas believed him, since he had made me seem like a man-hater.

"Helanie, why aren’t you asleep already?" Norman almost scared me into screaming. I was so deep in thought that his voice startled me.

As always, he was sitting on the couch, staring at the ceiling. He must have realized I was tossing and turning.

"I can’t sleep," I groaned.

He got up and walked over to my side of the bed. I sat up so he could sit down too. In a white shirt and shorts, he looked like he had just stepped out of heaven.

’He does seem—spicy–’

Before Cora could turn this moment into something awkward, I shut her down by speaking to Norman.

"I don’t know what to do. I’m just so restless," I rubbed my face with my hands. "You know, I first joined the academy for this very battle. But then I began to wonder if they’d just admit to their crime and I wouldn’t need to fight anyone. However, the last one, ugh!" I slapped my forehead a little too hard, so Norman held my hand and gave me a look not to do that again.

Somehow, I’d been so scared and restless that him holding my hand felt like an open invitation. Without a second thought, I scooted closer and rested my face on his chest.

"Hug me," I groaned when he sat there stiffly.

"Are you sure?" There was hesitation in his voice.

"Norman!" I raised my face and grunted at him. "Don’t take it as something sexual. I just want comfort. If you can’t give it to me, I can go ask my mates." I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I was just so scared for tomorrow.

All eyes would be on me. And if I lost, Darius would come out victorious—and would marry me.

Ugh!

That was the agreement, and I had foolishly accepted it because I was too cocky at the moment.

However, when Norman quickly wrapped his arms around me to stop me from going after my mates, it changed my mind.