Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 106

KESTER

The thought of not talking to Kasmine for two days plagued me. I could barely live a normal life. But I had to stay away from her before I'd do something we both

would regret.

1 didn't want to hurt her. So, this was for the best.

I made an Inquiry from the hospital and found out that she was truly there my curiosity had got the better part of me, but that was as far as I let my curiosity take me. I refused to ask what she went there for. I'd want her to tell me herself.

A part of me felt I wouldn't like what her reason would be. But I still wanted to know.

"Babe?" I heard a voice whisper to me while soft fingers grized my thigh, pulling me back to the reality displayed

in front of me.

It was June.

I had zoned out again. Fuck

I was there with them, but my attention was with someone else. Mine.

I lifted my gaze, and the dimly lit dining hall of the Mellors estate came back into focus, the heavy scent of roasted meat and aged wine pressing against me.

Across the long table, Alpha Mellors and Luna Shannon stared at me, their expressions painted with polite concern, while June eyed me to answer whatever question her father had just asked, which I missed because I was mentally absent from the meeting.

But I had missed it. Completely.

"You seem rather distracted, Alpha Kester," Mellors observed, his voice dry and raspy, no thanks to sickness and time. His thin lips twisted slightly while his pale eyes narrowed as he studied me.

I straightened, forcing myself to focus. I felt embarrassed.

"My apologies, Alpha Mellors," I said, clearing my throat. I have a lot on my mind."

It wasn't a lie.

the kind of excuse an Alpha should be

being seen as anything less than controlled, composed, and capable. And right now,

leaned slightly forward, the candlelight emphasizing the deep lines on his face.

was prying, but

keeping my expression

sinking into the high-backed seat. "I know the people behind Karina. And they are the same ones behind the difficulties your

news. Mellors knew

pulling out," Luna Shannon

nearly impossible to get

I said nothing

fuck, she wasn't

it laid out like this

that anger was

an Alpha. A leader. And yet, my business my empire was slipping through my fingers while I sat pretending to give a damn about a

it

moved to lunch Instead. The last thing I wanted

I know she'll make a fine Lima, while you will make a perfect Alpha King after me." His gaze met mine,

was reminding me exactly how

tightened, but I refused to let the frustration show. Anger wouldn't serve me here, and neither would pride. I had walked into this

picked up my glass, rolling the stem between my fingers before taking a

thigh tightened slightly. I felt her inhale beside me like she was holding

as ever as I nodded, keeping my voice steady.

time I took

the corner of my eye, I saw the faintest smile touch her lips as if my

If only she knew.

fingers resting lightly against the rim. He watched me with a patience that felt

to an understanding," he broke

to set a date for