Claimed By My Stepbrother novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Camila POV

The day started weird, and somehow it just kept getting weirder. Ethan was everywhere. I don’t mean the occasional hallway run–in or awkward glance across the room- no, I mean every single class.

First period? He waltzed in right as the bell screamed its final warning, completely unfazed. Mrs. Kline- our drill sergeant of a math teacher- was infamous for slamming the door shut at exactly 8:00, stranding latecomers in the hallway of shame. But Ethan? Somehow, he got in. No apologies, no scolding, not even a raised eyebrow from her.

He just strolled to an empty seat in the back, radiating that smug I–bend–the–rules energy, like the classroom was his personal kingdom and we were just lucky to breathe the same air.

Second period? Science. Ethan wasn’t even in my lab group, yet somehow, there he was, lounging against the counter like he had always been part of our team all along. His audacity was almost impressive. Mr. Howell, the guy who could sniff out a misplaced student faster than a bloodhound on a scent, didn’t so much as blink.

By third period, I was seriously questioning my grip on reality. Maybe I was imagining things. Maybe I had just never paid attention to how many classes we actually shared. But then came fourth period- history.

And there he was. Ethan. Sitting in the back like he’d been there all semester.

Except he hadn’t. Ethan didn’t even take history this semester.

And yet, there he was again, somehow sitting a few rows behind me like it was the most natural thing in the world.

I really tried to ignore him- I swear I did. But by the time we hit art class, whatever was left of my patience had completely disintegrated.

Ethan wasn’t in art class. He didn’t even know how the seating system worked because he hadn’t been here before. The teacher, Ms. Duvall had a very specific way of doing things: seats were assigned based on projects, and switching was practically a cardinal sin. But Ethan? He strolled in, grabbed a chair, and planted himself at the table

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Chapter 15

directly across from me like he owned the place.

And the weirdest part? No one said a thing.

No whispers. No side–eyes. Nothing.

It was like I was the only one who saw how completely insane this was.

I couldn’t take it any longer. Someone needed to know just how much of a psycho he really was. I turned to Tessa, who was deeply absorbed in sketching some impossibly intricate design that could’ve hung in a museum, “I need to tell you something.” I blurted

out.

་

She didn’t so much as look up. “I’m all ears,” she murmured, her pencil gliding

smoothly across the paper as she shaded a corner of her drawing.

“It’s about Ethan,” I said, lowering my voice. That got her attention. She stopped

drawing, her pencil hovering mid–air, and looked at me, eyes bright with curiosity.

“What about him?” she asked, her voice practically dripping with excitement.

“Shhh!” I hissed, glancing around to see if Ethan noticed. He was still sitting quietly

at the table across the room.

“What?” Tess asked, her voice a stage whisper now.

I leaned in closer. “This might sound crazy, but… I think Ethan is a furry.”

Tess blinked at me. “I’m sorry, what?”

“A furry,” I repeated, trying to keep my voice steady. “Either that, or he’s got, like, schizophrenia or something- and oh my God, I really hope it’s not that.”

Tess stared at me for a long moment, then burst out laughing so loudly that a few heads turned.

“Shut up!” I whisper–shouted, grabbing her arm. “This is serious!”

“I can’t- wait, why do you think Ethan is a furry?” she managed to get out between giggles.

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Chapter 15

“Because he fucking called me his mate and growled right in my ear!” I hissed, throwing my hands up in frustration. “He’s been everywhere today, Tess! And not just anywhere- specifically where I am. Every. Single. Class.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been with you all day, why didn’t I notice him following you around.”

“Are you kidding me?” I asked, my voice rising in disbelief. “He’s literally right there!” I pointed at the table where I had last seen him, fully prepared to prove my point.

Only… the chair was empty.

My stomach dropped.

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