All Chapters of Marked by My Fiancé's Brother: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

~ Maya ~ After the meeting with Leuter's team, I sit in my office, my thoughts drifting far from the corporate building. "The project is developing astoundingly. The Alpha will be very pleased to see such splendid results when he's back," Leuter's assistant told me during the meeting. His compliment was satisfying, but a little too effusive. And apologies from two proud women — Luna Alana and Karina — on the same day, so sincere and sweet, as though they'd turned from enemies into my greatest admirers overnight. It was all too smooth, and it didn't sit right with me. "Once bitten, twice shy. Maya, you just can't believe life is finally taking a good turn," Kitty says. "You're not used to being loved, to being appreciated." "I was, once. My father and Derek doted on me. Lola had my back — and look how that ended. So please, don't blame me for being cautious," I reply, staring at a single spot on the wall. "Our

~ Maya ~"I'm assembling a squad. No one is to know a word about why we're leaving. As far as anyone's concerned, we're simply going for field training with the vampire prince's team. Not a word to Brian, to Derek, not even to the former Luna and Alpha," Harvey instructs in a cold voice, then adds, looking at Nico, "Watch them all closely while we're gone."A cold shiver runs down my spine. He suspects even his own family. Not even Brian — his Beta, his right hand for years — is trusted with this. If Harvey is willing to leave his most loyal man in the dark, then he truly believes the rot could be anyone.Nico's chest heaves, and for the first time I hear my usually composed brother push back against an Alpha's command. "Alpha, I'm coming with you. I can't let my mate—"Harvey raises a hand, stopping him. "Gamma Nico, as your Alpha I've given you a clear assignment. Our elite guards and the vampire prince's crew are more than enough to keep your m

~ Maya ~I refuse to accept that something could happen to Harvey, so the moment he leaves, I try to keep myself busy. Nico goes off to carry out his assignment, and I stay in his quarters to wait.When he was named Gamma, Nico was given quarters in the Alpha's manor, but he still lived at the Abraham family house, only coming here when he needed a quick rest. Nico only moved here once he found Gladys, though, it was too risky to bring her near our little Stacey — and it was better for Gladys to grow familiar with the pack she'll be living with.I dial Elder Kit's number."My apologies, Elder, for calling at such a late hour.""No worries, Maya. As I've told you before, child, I'm always here to help you," he says, and his calm voice — pleasant, yet laced with quiet authority — settles me."The Alpha suspects I'm developing some kind of power, and he wants to bring me before the Elders for answers."The Elder's voice sta

~ Harvey ~When I enter the dining room, Gina is already there, and the only free seat is beside her, so I have to take it. I'm already in a foul mood — so many problems to solve, and I'd at least wanted to start with one: speaking to Maya this morning, hoping she'd cooled off. But she left for work the moment combat training ended."Good morning, babe. Did you sleep well?" Gina coos sweetly, and I just nod, eyes fixed on my plate."I slept wonderfully. Who wouldn't, feeling so safe in her future home, in her beloved's quarters?" she giggles, glancing around. And for the first time, Karina and my mother don't launch into their usual chorus about how wonderful it will be when Gina joins the family. Gina stiffens, caught off guard by the change in their attitude, but recovers quickly."Where's Maya? Late for breakfast again?"My grip tightens on my fork. Again? She sat at this table exactly once and never came back."Maya prefers h

~ Maya ~I don't want to, but my eyes keep drifting to my phone on their own. Still not a single message from Nico or my mom.The screen lights up, and I grab the phone like it's the greatest treasure."Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Love you, Lola. P.S. Sorry I can't make it tonight — I'm away on a business trip with my boss for a week."I almost laugh. The message is copied and pasted straight from the internet. Funny, how she calls Derek "her boss," avoiding his name as if she's nothing but an employee — when it's obvious by now that she's much more. The only thing that puzzles me is tonight. What's happening tonight?After a knock at the door, the receptionist, Clara, appears holding an enormous bouquet of red roses and an elegant gift bag."The courier just delivered these. I envy you, Maya — your husband spoils you rotten," she giggles, handing me the flowers and the gift, and I