Chapter 35 Family Expect

Chapter 35: Family Expectations

Chapter 35: Family Expectations

(Elena’s POV)

“Who is this?” Nathan Sterling’s gaze fell on David sitting across from me.

I smiled warmly. “This is my younger brother, David,”

Nathan extended his hand for a handshake. “My name is Nathan. I’m your sister’s friend.”

David shook his hand awkwardly. He looked ufortable being treated with such respect for the first time.

“I owe Elena a meal from our previous encounter,” Nathan said casually.

I had almost forgotten about it. “Oh, that’s really not necessary.”

“I insist,” Nathan replied with a gentle smile. “Are you free this weekend? When you’re not busy with your healing duties at the institute?”

I considered my schedule. “Saturday evening should work.”

“Perfect. I’ll make reservations somewhere nice.”

After Nathan left, David watched him go with curious eyes.

“He likes you,” David said bluntly.

I shook my head. “We’ve known each other since our healing academy days. If Nathan was interested, he

would have made his intentions clear already.”

David grinned mischievously. “Everyone always said we don’t look like siblings. I didn’t inherit half of your

beauty.”

I paused, studying David’s face. He resembled our mother Patricia with her sharp features and dark eyes.

I didn’t resemble either parent particrly. The thought briefly crossed my mind about my true parentage, but

I quickly dismissed it.

I must have inherited traits from distant rtives in our pack lineage. It wasn’t umon in werewolf

families.

After sending David back to the ckthorne Family Grounds, I returned to Moonhaven Estate around 9:30 olliPM. /li/ol

I was startled to find Marcus sitting on the sofa in the Great Hall. He looked up from his tablet as I entered.

“You’ve been returning to our shared territoryter than before,” Marcus remarked casually.

I bristled at his observation. “Alpha Marcus probably doesn’t concern himself with such trivial matters about

his mate’s schedule.”

Marcus stopped me as I headed toward the stairs. “What time is tomorrow night’s gatherin~b?/bb” /b

I turned back, surprised. “You’re actuallying?”

“I said I would consider it,” he replied evenly.

Chapter 35: Family Expect.

“Seven PM,” I confirmed.

I retreated to the Master Suite, my mind spinning with confusion. Marcus spent the night in the Shadow Wing Guest Suite.

For once, I slept peacefully without the tension of his presence nearby.

The next morning, Catherine Hayes prepared breakfast. Surprisingly, Marcus and I ate together without our usual arguments or cold silence.

I felt uneasy. It had been so long since we’d shared a meal without conflict.

Marcus wiped his mouth with his napkin. “Proceed to the gathering this evening without waiting for me. Pack business might dy my arrival.”

He left for the ckwood Consortium headquarters, leaving me deep in thought about this unexpected civility.

At the Northern Territory Central Healing Institute, I approached Director Henry Baker’s office.

“I need an afternoon off to prepare for my brother’s birthday gathering,” I requested.

“Of course, Elena. Take all the time you need,” he granted readily.

I sent a message to Sophia through the institute’smunication system, notifying her of the schedule change for our shared patients.

I didn’t particrly care whether she approved or not.

Meanwhile, Richard ckthorne learned that Alpha Marcus would attend his son’s birthday celebration. He excitedly called all our pack rtives.

He was eager to showcase our family’s connection to the powerful Shadow Moon Pack.

Patricia worried about inviting too many rtives from our modest pack. “Richard, we agreed to keep their mate bond private.”

Richard dismissed her concerns. “Elena is Marcus’s legally recognized mate, regardless of any other she–wolves seeking his attention.”

He added firmly, “Severing Elena’s mate bond with Marcus would devastate David’s future prospects within the territory’s pack hierarchy.”

I overheard their conversation from the entrance of the ckthorne Family Grounds. Finally, I understood my parents‘ true motivations for maintaining my troubled mating bond.

When David came downstairs, he greeted me warmly. The elder ckthornes noticed my presence.

Patricia awkwardly tried to cover up their previous discussion. “Elena! You’re early.”

Richard asked anxiously, “Where is Alpha Marcus? Our rtives will arrive soon.”

David shrugged. “It doesn’t matter whether my brother–inw attends or not.”

Richard’s face darkened with anger. He valued the advantages of our connection to the S How Moon Pack.

(Sophia’s POV)

I took Oliver to lunch with Marcus as a bted gesture. We hadn’t been able to apany him when Oliver

Chapter 35 Family Expect

was hospitalized.

“Can I have grilled venison?” Oliver asked hopefully.

Marcus nodded indulgently. “Of course.”

I smiled. “You’re spoiling Oliver too much.”

Marcus’s golden eyes softened as he watched Oliver’s excitement. “It’s fine as long as the young pup is

happy.”

While eating, Oliver identally knocked over his ss of moonlight wine. The silvery liquid spilled across

Marcus’s dark pants.

“Oliver!” I scolded, then quickly softened my tone. I couldn’t reveal itoo /imuch of my maniptive nature in front of Marcus.

Oliver’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry, Alpha Marcus! Please don’t reject me!” Marcus checked Oliver carefully for any ss fragments. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“I’m okay,” Oliver whispered.

Marcus excused himself to the washroom to clean the wine stain. “I’ll be right back.”

I warned Oliver quietly, “Be more careful. You won’t see Marcus again if you continúe being clumsy.”

At that moment, Marcus’s phone illuminated with an iing message.

E

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