Norman:
"Emt, just et her once." My strides were long as I chased after my brother through the open corridor leading to his sanctuary.
He had returned from the academy while I had just co back from the office after enduring a two-hour eting. Mom had been blowing up my phone, pleading with to convince Emt to et her.
"At least et Demi and Davon," I said. The mont their nas left my lips, my brother stopped and turned to face . The wind blew his coat and hair, making him look even more intense.
"Why? I don’t like kids, and I don’t like hanging around them. They’re loud and ask too many damn questions," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. Every ti their nas ca up, Emt’s attitude soured.
I couldn’t understand why, but he always looked uncomfortable when they were ntioned.
"Emt, they’re our siblings," I said, stepping closer to him. I hoped that if he looked in the eye, he’d realize how much his behavior was hurting everyone. His attitude toward them was completely unjustified.
"And?" he shrugged.
"They’re innocent. Why are you taking your anger out on them?" I couldn’t grasp why Emt was upset with Mom. She was a victim in all of this.
The last I rembered, when our parents were divorcing, he had begged Mom to stay. Dad had even allowed her to live in the guesthouse, but she chose to leave instead.
"I’m way past all that stuff. As for Demi and Davon, I don’t know what to say to them. They’re kids, and I have no idea how to deal with kids," he said, sliding his hands into his pants’ pockets, his expression utterly nonchalant.
"Okay, I’ll be straightforward with you. Demi and Davon have been showing so behavioral changes. They’re becoming aggressive, especially for kids their age, and Mom wants you to tutor them."
The mont I finished speaking, his jaw clenched visibly.
"Does she think that’s what I do at the academy? Tutor kids? They don’t even need a tutor; they need a babysitter. Is that what she expects to beco for them?" His tone turned sharper, prompting to reach out and place a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes! Babysit them, spend ti with them, and get to know their personalities. Also, start teaching them about our history and the werewolf powers we possess. Just et them once, and you’ll understand what I an," I said, noticing a faint frown forming on his forehead. For a mont, it looked like he was finally considering my words.
"But I won’t force you," I continued. "I’ll leave the decision in your hands. Just let know what to tell Mom."
I patted his shoulder and pressed my lips into a thin line before walking away.
I thought about heading back to my room to prepare so files for the latest deals when I saw Jessica sitting in the living room with Charlotte.
We had a fight in the parking lot of the hotel, and after that, I had ignored her entirely. So seeing her here was a surprise.
"Jessica!" I sighed exhaustedly.
She imdiately stood up to greet with a slight bow of her head.
"Co," I said, shooting a harsh glare at Charlotte while calling Jessica to follow . I had told Charlotte countless tis to stay away from my guests. She was nosy, and if I ever caught her snooping around in my business, she’d have to face severe consequences.
Jessica followed to my bedroom, and the mont she stepped inside, she turned to start talking.
"I couldn’t stay away from you, so I ca here to squash our differences," she said hesitantly, as if she had rehearsed this conversation in her mind a hundred tis.
I slamd the door shut and folded my arms across my chest, silently hoping that, for once, she would back down.
"Jessica, I can’t keep doing this. You’re only hurting yourself with this forced engagent," I said, deciding to be honest. I had given us a chance because she wanted to believe I’d eventually fall for her. But so far, nothing of the sort has happened.
"Norman! Just one last chance. We need to make it work. We’re ant to be together," she said, clasping her hands together as she begged. I looked away, unwilling to et her pleading eyes.
"Why do you want to ruin your life with soone like ? You deserve soone who thinks about you, soone who helps ease your doubts and makes you feel secure. You know, after our argunt, I didn’t even think about reaching out to you. That alone should tell you sothing. You don’t deserve this," I said, tired of the façade we both upheld. In public, we pretended to be happy because she refused to let go.
"Okay, I get it. Just one last chance," she whispered, holding up her pinky as if it would seal the deal.
"I don’t think this is healthy for you, Jessica. I want you to move on and find a better mate," I said, shaking my head at her persistent demands.
When I finally raised my gaze, I saw her looking at with teary eyes, her heartbreak evident.
"I am not returning the ring to you. I will not--I love you more than anyone in the world. I am ready to compromise. You don’t have to love ; just let love you," she insisted in a broken voice, her pleading tone shaking my resolve.
She was, after all, my friend, and that’s why I needed to put an end to this.
"That’s not fair--" I began, but she shook her head, cutting off.
"I’m fine with it. You’re not even interested in soone else, so just stay with . I won’t bother you," she said, sniffing as she tried to hold back her tears, though so still slipped free.
I knew she’d say this, and I also knew how it would end. She’d be hurt, just like the last ti.
"You had your man follow , Jessica. You know how much I hate people snooping around in my business. And then you say you won’t care if I don’t love you back. But you do care enough to hire soone, make them follow , and then show up at the parking lot of the hotel?" I paused, my voice firm. "I’m sorry, Jessica. But I’m not doing this anymore."
Her sharp gasp made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
Why?
Why was she even in love with soone like ? I was incapable of loving anyone.
The only reason I kept going was to keep my brothers safe. That was my life’s only goal--and it would never change.
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