Page 40 of Step Brother Bear

“Ex-boyfriend.”

“Isabella!”

Yeah, it’s not the right time to clarify, but I can’t stomach anyone thinking I’m still occupying space in my heart for that man.

“Is he okay?” I ask.

The other cop, a younger man with a clean-shaven face, steps next to the first officer. “He’s traumatized, and I’ll admit his story doesn’t make complete sense. He’s going to be fine, though, but not without some permanent facial scarring.”

Yes. Props to me. I keep this exciting thought inside.

“We think your stepbrother attacked him.”

I cross my arms. “Derek, wouldn’t do that.”

The cops eye me suspiciously. “Lewis said that Derek turned into a beast and ripped him to shreds. He called 911, barely conscious. We found him bloodied in your room with injuries that look like they came from an animal attack.”

I wonder if my presence was mentioned in his revelation. “He’s clearly confused,” I counter. The cops aren’t going to believe that Derek is a bear, but they could think he used a dog to attack him, or other means.

Mom jumps into action, pulling me into her arms again and shouting into my hair. “I told them you would have nothing to do with this and that you were spending the weekend with Chrishell because you were having such a hard time living so close to Derek.”

Clearly, Mom’s lying for me. Of course, she wouldn’t want more negative attention, but I can’t help but wonder if she knows the truth.

She lets go of me and turns to the men. “Officers, thanks so much for stopping by, but my daughter is clearly in shock. Lewis told you Derek was the only person involved in his attack. If we find him, we’ll be sure to let you all know, but if you would please just give my daughter some time to process what’s going on?” I guess that answers my question. Lewis is covering for me, or doesn’t remember my presence. I’m not certain why, but it’s likely for selfish reasons, perhaps hoping I’ll take him back. He’s an idiot.

The cops don’t move. I cross my arms over my chest and stare them down, not doing a great job of acting like the grieving girlfriend. I planned to take the blame for the attack, and I’m still working out how to do that, but it doesn’t seem possible with both Lewis and Mom lying for me. The best I can do is find a way to clear Derek’s name and get the hell out of here.

“Alright, ma’am. We’ll leave you be for now, but remember, if you know anything about where he might be, call us right away.”

“Of course, officers.” Mom walks them to the door, waving as they pull out of the driveway.

She turns to me, her mask gone. She rolls her shoulder back and bends her neck from side to side. “Don’t worry, this will all be handled.” She walks past me and into the kitchen.

“What do you mean by handled?”

She holds herself up on the marble countertop and finally looks at me. “Do you know?”

“Know what?”

“What Derek is?”

“Do you know?” I ask.

“Of course, I do. I’m his mother.”

Her statement makes me want to vomit. “You are not his mother.”

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She rolls her eyes. “Maybe not, but I’m married to his father. I’ve spent years protecting you from him.”

I scoff. “Protecting me from him? How exactly did you protect me from him?”

“Your father and I sent him away, so you would be safe.”

“So I would be safe? Or your reputation?”