Chapter 81 81. Qualifying Race
Tabitha’s POV
The engines start to growl across the field. The sound hums through the metal barricades and vibrates in my chest. I take a bite of my tanghulu as I watch the racers lining up near their respective grids and staging areas. Reed and Luca nod at each other before moving toward their motorcycles.
I’m not gonna lie, they look pretty damn cool right now. A part of me is celebrating the fact that I dragged myself to watch this event after days of hesitating. After all, it’s not every day that I get to see them wearing those tight-fit racing leathers.
They both pull on their gloves, exchange a few words with the marshals, then lower their visors. Luca glances up one last time before putting on his helmet. His hazel eyes find mine and for a moment, it feels like the world slows. Then, the visor clicks into place and he disappears behind the dark tint. Evren and Jace are still hovering on the side though, like a pair of hard-core coaches who are throwing a last-minute pep talk.
Just then, two women hurry into our section of the viewing deck, slightly flushed and out of breath. Evelyn waves them over with an amused look. My forehead creases when I recognize them—Melanie and Elsie.
“Finally!” she exclaims. “You two almost missed the best part.”
“My god,” Melanie pants, fanning herself with one hand. “Is it starting already?”
Evelyn smirks. “Not yet. They’re still clearing the track and finalizing the grid placements. You just made it in time.”
Elsie exhales in relief and grins. “Good. We got a bit sidetracked outside.”
“Sidetracked, huh?” Evelyn lifts a brow.
“It’s your sister’s fault!” Melanie gives Elsie a mock stern look. “She couldn’t decide what drink to buy earlier.”
“Excuse me, it’s not my fault the soda names were all cute.” Elsie pouts and crosses her arms. “How do you even choose between Blue Bolt, Coco Rush, and Mango Pop?”
Evelyn laughs. “Ya’ll ridiculous.”
Elsie’s eyes drift to me as she sets down her tote bag. Her smile falters slightly, her expression shifting from curiosity to mild surprise. Melanie follows her gaze and lights up with recognition.
“Oh my god, Tabitha, right?” she says brightly. “We met at your mother and Alpha Emery’s wedding. Good to see you here.”
“Yeah, I remember. Nice seeing you too.” I nod and smile politely.
Evelyn grins. “Tabi’s here to support her stepbrothers.”
Melanie’s smile softens.
“That’s sweet. I guess we’re all here to support our brothers then.” Her gaze flicks toward the track where Arthur is adjusting his gloves beside his royal blue motorcycle.
“Yeah, sure.” Evelyn snorts. “I’m not even convinced my sister’s here to cheer for our brother. She might accidentally scream for Reed instead of Rhett.”
Elsie’s cheeks turn red as she slaps Evelyn’s arm. “Don’t start.”
Melanie smirks.
“Well, Elsie’s still trying to win her man back. Who knows? Maybe today or tomorrow will be her lucky day. She’s got time before the championship race.”
“Ooh, maybe he’ll give her the golden wreath again. Such a princess moment.” Evelyn grins mischievously.
Their laughter blends with the sound of roaring engines, but I can barely hear it. My throat tightens. The air feels heavier with every teasing remark they exchange. Elsie looks flustered yet giddy as they tease her about Reed. And while part of me wants to laugh along, there’s a bitter taste building in my mouth. I force a smile, pretending to listen, pretending I don’t feel that ugly ache curling behind my ribs.
Melanie adjusts her sunglasses and tosses her hair.
“Anyway, my brother’s racing too. He’s not going to go easy on anyone.”
“We’ll see about that. Rhett’s going to give everyone a run for their money.” Evelyn sticks out her tongue.
Melanie laughs. “Then I guess our brothers will just have to battle it out. The real question is—who are you cheering for, Elsie?”
“Ugh, leave me alone, girls!” Elsie covers her face in embarrassment while shaking her head.
Melanie and Elsie snicker as they continue to pester Elsie.
“Oh come on, you’ll be the loudest one cheering if Reed takes the lead, won’t you?” Melanie grins and flicks a strand of hair off Elsie’s shoulder
Elsie narrows her eyes. She rolls her eyes at her friend but there’s a hint of a smile on her lips.
“You’re no better. I bet you’d show up with a massive banner if Evren joined the race!”
Melanie’s blush blooms instantly. Her gaze flickers to the track where Evren stands beside Reed, watching as his brother adjusts the motorcycle’s throttle. The way she softly looks at him stirs something uncomfortable in me. Evelyn and Elsie giggle, nudging her shoulders.
I stay quiet. The laughter fades into a low hum as I study them—Melanie, the woman practically promised to Evren, and Elsie, Reed’s ex.
Reed told me during our parents’ engagement party that Evren had no plans to move forward with that engagement, that he was already finding a way to end it. Reed also swore he was done with Elsie too. And just days ago, Evren told me that they weren’t interested in breaking the mate bond because they wanted me. Wanted me as their mate.
Honestly, I’m still not sure if I believe that. But I’d be lying if I say I didn’t feel fuzzy hearing him say that, knowing that they want me. But things aren’t as easy as the beautiful words that they are capable of saying.
Standing here, watching the women who were supposed to be theirs… women who fit perfectly into the world they belong to—I can’t help but feel small. I feel absurd. Because maybe this is what the brothers deserve. People they can stand beside without worry. People who can love them openly without having to hide behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, I am the secret they have to protect. The bond they cannot name. The complication that shouldn’t exist.