Mated To My Obsessive Stepbrother

Chapter 322

KESTER.

I felt alive. After having that moment of vulnerability with Kasmine yesterday, a new kind of hope sprang to life in me.

I felt like something inside me had cracked open, and light was finally starting to pour in.

I knew there was garbage in me... years of it, stacked like rotting furniture in a haunted house. But admitting it was never a thing. I never admitted any of it to anyone, not even to the so-called doctors at rehab or my therapist. But it only took Kasmine a second to get it all out of me.

As long as Kasmine stayed beside me, I'd do whatever it took. Therapy. Self- work. The whole fucking climb uphill.

I'd stop hurting people if that's what it took to see her smile again.

I'd chain my anger, muzzle it, watch every single word I said, just to make sure I don't get her worried.

Hell, a slit my own wrists and bleed out into a canvas if she ever said she loved red and wanted to see a shade no one had ever

seen before.

That's how far I'd go. That's how much she'd already changed me.

I was already going through a long list of the best trauma therapists in the country.

I was eager to start. If I do my best, I should be

ready to have a proper family with her - a wedding, a new home, welcoming our baby, and a lot of other things.

"Kester?" Her sweet, sugary voice called out softly, fresh from the bathroom, still damp with steam and the scent of lavender. She stood there with a towel wrapped around her like some sacred vision her hair dripping down her shoulders.

I looked up instantly, giving her my full attention.

"Yes, baby."

She hesitated for half a second. But it was enough to set my nerves on edge.

"I'm going to see Mum today," she said. “She asked for me the other day, but... you didn't let me leave."

Something inside me clenched.

Not again..

best to keep the

I called softly, "I don't think that's a good idea, baby." I tried to smile,

heart suddenly began to race. I'd be a fool

this was. This was a door opening just wide enough for someone

finally softening, understanding me, and loving me

I couldn't lose that.

1/3

Chapter 322

trying to control her. No. This wasn't

was me protecting what was finally starting to believe I was worthy of. This was me protecting myself and my family. I won't let anyone take them away from me. I wouldn't survive

have to see Mum. She must be worried. I haven't been able reach her since the last time we spoke, three days

couldn't bring myself to tell her I was the reason she hadn't heard from anyone. I had made sure no one would be able to reach

contacts, and used every trick I knew to

her social media accounts? They were also logged in, on

made sure to delete some chats and messages that I felt might disrupt our peace and quiet, even

new leaf. But she'd go nuts if she ever found out. So, I'd keep it

sighed, working a small smile onto my lips. "Your mum is fine, baby. If something was wrong, we would've heard from the pack already.

and restricting me... You said all that two nights ago, remember?"

my jaw, trying to stay calm and

even realize I was fisting the bed sheet

digging into my palm.

She stepped closer.

she called gently, "Look

eyes locked

in the bed as she knelt in front

my eyes

not leaving you," she said. "You hear me? I'm not going anywhere promised

e.'m not

giving up

throat tightened, my breath catching

in and kissed

come back," she whispered against my lips. "I always come back

slowly and cupped her cheek, pressing my forehead to

at the pack." I lied hoping she'd let

also have a thing or two

"Kester... no,"