Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 107

Chapter 107

KESTER

The long-awaited meeting had finally ended, yet my mind was nowhere near at

ease.

June had begged me to spend the night in their pack, but I refused I needed to go home. Needed to see her. Even if from a distance. Even if I didn't speak to her.

1 just needed Kasmine.

My life, which was once so neatly arranged, so ruthlessly tiny hands, was quickly spiraling out of control, and 1, the master of control, almost had no control over it.

I clenched my jaw and redialed.

The fucker finally picked up after what felt like the hundredth call.

"You could pass for a certified asshole, you know that, right?" I snapped the moment Norlan answered.

He just laughed, "Yeah... I recognize that tone. Dude's pissed."

Norlan's laugh grated on my nerves.

"Go on," he drawled. "Spit it out. What's got your panties in a twist?"

I exhaled sharply. "I picked a date."

A beat of silence followed. Then, "For what? Your funeral?"

I didn't answer. He was sharp. He'd figure it out.

Another pause, and then a low, knowing hum. "No fucking way."

"Yeah." I tilted my head back against the seat, staring at the ceiling of the car like

it could somehow save me. "The engagement is set for the 23rd."

"Damn. And here I thought you'd at least pretend to fight it for a while. That Alpha King must've had a sword to your throat." He said.

"Close enough."

He let out a low chuckle. "So, tell me.. what's the play here Gonna fake your own death before the ceremony? I know you wouldn't have agreed unless you had an angle."

I let his sarcasm roll off me. "I'm making sure I get something out of this."

"That's the spirit," he mused. "If you're gonna sell your soul, might as well charge interest."

1 ignored him. "June's been all over me about this. Since she doesn't want to give

it a rest and let me be, I'm using her. The second we're engaged, I'll make sure her father starts making moves to help me immediately. Ain't waiting for after the engagement like he fucking promised.

Norlan hummed again. "So you picked an earlier date to fast-track Daddy's contributions to the Kester Investment Fund. Clever."

"Exactly." I ran a hand through my hair, my patience thinning "I need to be done with this as soon as possible.

"And then?"

Chapter 157

"And then," I exhaled, "I break it off."

He let out a slow, appreciative laugh. "You cold hearted bastard."

"She didn't leave me a fucking choice, Norlan. I tried to push her away all these years.

"Oh, I agree," he said lightly. "It's just... damn, remind me ever to fall in love with you.

scoffed. "Like you could handle

sighed. "I like

pinching the bridge of my nose. "I need

in a quieter volc "You sure this

I didn't answer.

wasn't

continued, "let's hope June doesn't turn into a lovesick lunatic when you pull the rug out from

don't care how she

car had even

needed to

my way by the guards and maids I came across. I nodded at a

even though her favorite show was

nine. Nothing significant about the time, yet she watched it like it held some

when she didn't even notice my

me. "Oh. Kes." She stood, wrapping

warm embrace. "You're back. How was

en more c

curious.

her tone, and I

unease in her eyes. "Are you okay?" My gaze narrowed.

a smile. “He didn't. Your dad and I are fine." At least she sounded honest

"No." She

I prompted,

in and have a

never talk about it unless she wants to. So, there

of her later, I turned toward the stairs, shrugging off my suit jacket

felt unusually hot

should knock or just push the door open as carefully

I'd be able

see her just yet, but the pull was stronger than reason, Carefully, I turned the handle, easing the door open just enough to see

off. Bed untouched. Everything

sign of anyone in

fuck was

with more force than necessary, stepping

"Kasmine?"

Nothing.

any sign that she'd just stepped out for a moment. Her shoes

stood there, the more

as I spun toward the bathroom, yanking the

Empty.

"Fuck."

a hand through my hair, the first sting of real

phone from my pocket and dialed, but it went

1

into a thin line as I swiped over to the

load, I was already taking long, furious strides out of

the time I hit the stairs, I was seeing

"Mum?"

at the urgency of my tone, her

flinched

"Where's Kasmine?"

was enough to make my blood

my screen, tapping into the

head.

Chapter 107

pulsing dot blinked onto the

She was not her.

breath

She was at Velarié

my teeth ached. I barely