Lahat ng Kabanata ng MARKED BY MY STEPBROTHER : Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

Sophie’s POVThe holding cell that I had been put in was cold and sterile, with silver threads sewn into the walls that made my skin crawl. I sat on the edge of a narrow bed, arms wrapped around my knees, trying to ignore the constant ache between my legs and the emptiness in my chest where the mating bond felt. They had taken Lucas.The memory of Victor’s smug face as he carried my son away replayed in my mind over and over and over like a nightmare that just didn't want to go away. I hadn’t even been allowed to say a proper goodbye.A soft click sounded as the door opened. Seraphina stepped inside, looking elegant and composed in a long black dress. She looked so much like the photos of my mother that it made my stomach turn.“How are you feeling, daughter?” she asked, her voice deceptively gentle.“Where’s my son?” I demanded, standing up despite the weakness I was feeling in my legs.Seraphina smiled. “Safe. He is being well cared for. Stronger than we expected. He already shows

Sophie’s POVThe safe house was a small cabin buried deep in the northern woods, far from Silverpine Ridge. We arrived just as the sun rose, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges. I hadn’t slept. Every mile away from Damon felt like another piece of my heart being torn out.The rebel elder, whose name I learned was Marcus Kane, helped me inside. Three other wolves, two women and one young man, were already waiting with supplies: baby formula, clothes, medical kits, and weapons. You name it. Seemed like they already knew i was coming.“You’re safe here for now,” Marcus said, his voice sounded like someone who was user to grumbling but he seemed kind anyway. “Victor’s forces are in confusion after the fighting. So I guess we just bought ourselves some time.”I sat on the worn couch, Lucas nestled against my chest. He was feeding hungrily, his tiny hand fisting my shirt. The golden glow around him had dimmed, but I could still feel the power that was sleeping inside him.“What happ

Sophie’s POVThe second safe house was located deeper in the mountains. It was an old hunting lodge hidden behind thick pines and a rushing river. We arrived just before noon, exhausted and bloodied, but still alive.Marcus and the others set up perimeter watches while I helped Damon inside. He was limping badly, silver burns still raw on his wrists and torso. Lucas had finally fallen into a deep sleep in my arms after the close escape.“Lay him down first,” Damon said hoarsely, nodding toward a makeshift nursery corner the resistance had prepared.I gently placed Lucas in the crib, brushing a finger over his soft cheek. He looked so peaceful, completely ignorant of the war raging around him. I just wanted to love him and protect him. Surely, that wasn't too much to ask.When I turned around, Damon was watching us with so much intensity that made my heart skip a beat. He crossed the room slowly and pulled me into his arms, burying his face in my neck.“I thought I’d lost you both,” h

Sophie’s POVThe cabin smelled of smoke, blood, and pine. One hell of a combination that I had gotten used to of late. We had won the battle, but anyone could see the cost of it everywhere, broken windows, bullet holes in the walls, and injured wolves being tended to in the main room.I sat on the edge of the bed in the back room, feeding Lucas while Damon paced slowly in front of me. His upper half was wrapped in fresh bandages, but he moved like a man who refused to show any sign of weakness. And for that I really admired him. There were men who acted like they weren't strong, or couldn't be, whether when it was necessary or when it wasn't. Damon was both strong when it was necessary and when it wasn't.“You should be resting,” I said softly, in manner of advising him. “I will rest when Victor is dead,” he replied. He stopped pacing and knelt in front of me, one large hand gently cupping the back of Lucas’s head as our son nursed. The tenderness in such a powerful man made my hear

Sophie’s POV Seraphina’s final blast of golden energy slammed into my shield like a bullet train. I screamed, pouring every ounce of power I had into protecting Lucas. The force pushed me backward across the temple floor, my feet sliding on ancient stone. Pain exploded through my body as the shield cracked. “Sophie!” Damon shouted my name. He was suddenly there, throwing himself in front of us. The remaining energy hit him hard in the chest, reopening wounds and sending him crashing into a broken pillar. Seraphina laughed weakly, blood trickling from her mouth. “You can’t win. The power is mine by right.” I felt Lucas’s tiny body trembling against me. His power came alive again, that beautiful mix of gold and red, and this time I didn’t hold it back. I channeled it through myself, focusing everything on Seraphina. “No,” I said, voice steady despite the exhaustion. “It was never yours.” I released the energy. A brilliant golden-red wave burst from me and Lucas, and he