Claimed By My Stepbrother novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Camila POV

The results popped up almost instantly, and I started scrolling. Most of the articles were about, well, actual bears in the wild, and the biology of their mating habits (which, ew). But then I stumbled across something different- a forum thread discussing the concept of mates in mythology and folklore.

“In many legends, a mate is not just a partner, but a soul bond- someone chosen by fate to be their other half. It’s a connection that transcends normal relationships, often tied to shifters or supernatural beings. For these beings, finding their mate is instinctual, unavoidable, and permanent.”

I blinked at the screen, my fingers tightening around my phone. Permanent? Chosen by fate? This couldn’t be real. I mean, sure, Ethan had literally transformed into something out of a nightmare, but this “mate stuff? It sounded like a bad

romance novel.

I scrolled down, my stomach doing flips as I read more.

“Once a mate is found, the bond is nearly impossible to break. It creates a deep sense of loyalty, protectiveness, and sometimes obsession. Rejecting a mate can lead to dire consequences for both parties.”

Obsession. That word stuck out to me like a flashing neon sign. Ethan’s behavior- his protectiveness, his intensity, the way he looked at me like I was the center of his universe- it all started to make a horrifying kind of sense.

I shoved my phone back into my bag, my hands trembling slightly. This couldn’t be happening. It couldn’t.

“Camila, you okay?”

I jolted at the voice, realizing one of my classmates- Emma- was standing in front of me, holding her tray. I forced a

smile, hoping it didn’t look as shaky as I felt.

“Yeah, just thinking about… stuff.”

She gave me a curious look but didn’t press further, thankfully. I watched as she walked away, my mind racing.

I’m… fucked.

The bell signaling the end of the day couldn’t come fast enough. I grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder, weaving through the bustling halls as everyone made their way out. My feet moved on autopilot as I exited the school building, heading in the direction of Aunt Anya’s place.

But halfway there, I stopped dead in my tracks.

I couldn’t go back there. Not yet. Being alone with my thoughts would drive me insane, and Aunt Anya- with her “free spirit” attitude and revolving door of questionable boyfriends- wasn’t exactly the person to unload this insanity on.

No, I needed to talk to someone who would actually listen. Someone who wouldn’t laugh in my face or brush me off like I was losing it.

And there was only one person who fit the bill.

Tessa.

1/3

Chapter 56

The thought clicked, and before I could overthink it, I spun around and made my way to the nearest bus stop. It wasn’t far from school, just a short walk. The streets were busy with the usual post–school traffic- kids chatting, cars honking, and the occasional bark of a dog. I took a seat on the bench, my knee bouncing as I waited for the hus.

The ride to Tessa’s wasn’t long, but it felt like an eternity with everything swirling in my head. I replayed the events of the past few days like a broken record- Ethan’s transformation, his protectiveness, the word mate echoing in my mind over and over. By the time I got off the bus and walked up the familiar path to Tessa’s house, my nerves were shot.

I hesitated at the door, my hand hovering just inches from it. What if this was a mistake? What if I was being ridiculous? But then the memory of Ethan’s glowing eyes and sharp claws flashed through my mind, and I knocked before i could talk myself out of it.

It didn’t take long for the door to swing open, revealing Tessa in an oversized hoodie and pajama shorts. Her hair was pulled into a messy bun, and she looked like she had just woken up from a nap.

“Camila!” she beamed, practically yanking me inside before I could even get a word out. “What the hell are you doing here? Not that I’m complaining.”

I let out a breathless laugh as she pulled me into a hug, her usual burst of energy almost knocking me off balance. “Hey, Tess. 1, uh, just needed to talk to someone. Hope it’s a good time?”

She waved her hand dismissively, locking the door behind me. “It’s always a good time for you, dummy. C’mon, sit. You look like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

I followed her into the living room, sinking into the familiar couch while she dashed into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a bowl of popcorn and two cans of soda. She plopped down beside me, nudging the bowl toward me.

“Okay,” she started, popping a kernel into her mouth. “What’s going on?”

I opened my mouth, the words I need to tell you something crazy right on the tip of my tongue. But before I could get them out, my eyes landed on her arm.

A dark bruise peeked out from under her sleeve, its edges faded but still noticeable. My stomach twisted.

Her eyes followed my gaze, flicking down to her bruise, and she tugged her sleeve over it like it was nothing. “Oh, this? It’s nothing serious.

“It doesn’t look…”

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