Claimed And Marked By Her Stepbrother Mates novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68: 68-Knight In A Shining Armour

Helanie:

"Helanie! Wait," Lucy yelled, but I saw Norman gesture for her to stop, keeping her from coming in my direction. I have seen the sadness in her eyes for me.

"Aren’t you going to sign the admission form?" I heard Norman ask her. I didn’t want to leave, but what else could I do? I had failed the tests.

My heart ached so deeply that I knew if I stayed any longer, I would end up crying like a child. The one goal of my life had been snatched away because of my own weakness. This was all my fault.

I watched as Gavin and the others were loaded onto a bus, headed to the academy where the selected candidates would pay the entry fee, while Gavin would sign up for the backup tests. Going back into the shelter alone felt like a slap to my face—a harsh reminder from the alphas that I was on my own now, with nowhere else to go.

I sat down on my mattress, staring at the wall where Sydney and Salem used to hang so many things. Now, it was bare, a stark hint that they’d left and moved to the academy.

"I couldn’t even manage that much," I muttered to myself, covering my face with my hands. I had been holding back tears, trying not to cry like a child, but sometimes, it’s okay to let it out.

"You did your best." I looked up at the sound of Emmett’s voice. I thought he’d left with his brothers. He wore white pants and a shirt with a long, gray coat.

"I wanted to be part of the academy so badly," I groaned, hunching forward with my elbows on my knees, my face buried in my hands. Emmett looked around for a place to sit, then settled on the edge of the mattress across from mine.

"I know. I’ve never seen someone so—" he began, but I interrupted him with a scoff.

"Desperate?"

He shook his head and corrected me, "Determined."

"Thanks for being nice, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m still out," I sighed, watching him gently push his coat aside as he slipped his hand into his pocket.

He was a devilishly handsome man, and his rugged demeanor only made him stand out more.

The issue was the mate bond. I wanted to blame the mate bond even though I couldn’t feel the pull anymore, and neither could he, especially with the absence of my wolf.

"Don’t be too hard on yourself," he said, finally pulling his hand out and revealing a red card. "There might still be a way for you to get into the academy."

My heart skipped a beat, and I looked up to meet his gaze.

"But I failed the last test," I replied, wanting so desperately to believe him, but the reality was clear.

"I can?" I asked, and he nodded.

"Yes, go ahead. Use it. But—" he paused, his tone becoming more serious, "you’ll need to use it wisely. Just holding a pass doesn’t guarantee admission. You’ll have to rely on your skills."

He stood up, having helped me yet again, and I watched him walk away. After a few steps, he stopped briefly and turned back to say, "Best of luck, Helanie. I want to see you in my class soon."

A smile returned to my face, and I held the card tightly, tears of relief filling my eyes. But I had to vacate the shelter quickly; the warriors had arrived to lock it up.

That’s when my anxiety spiked. Where would I go now? I knew how dangerous the wilderness was, especially for rogues without a home or any connection to the rogue kings or the academy. Slinging my small bag over my shoulder, I carefully tucked the card away and prepared to leave.

But as soon as I stepped outside, I noticed a warrior pointing at me. I followed him hesitantly as he led me through the trees to the main road.

"Where are you taking me?" I finally asked. I recognized this warrior; he worked for Kaye.

"Young Rogue King Kaye has instructed me to take you to a hotel room and serve as your driver until you find a place of your own." He didn’t elaborate, but his words meant a lot to me.

I was in shock as I continued following him. Just when I thought I had no one, someone had been quietly looking out for me.