Page 63 of Clouded by Envy

Brenik stopped walking and turned to Luca. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Kids younger than me had to deal with a lot, so whatever you need, I’ll help you face it.”Another savior.No wonder Luca and Bray got along so well.

“That isn’t even relatable.”

“It kind of is. Bravery is key.”

“Are you a public speaker now?” Before the conversation got into stupid territory, Brenik pulled out the book from the waist of his pants. “Have you read this?”

Luca snatched the book from Brenik’s hand and inspected it. “I haven’t, but I can scan it over.”

“Do you think Bray and Wes are going to get upset if you don’t come straight home?” Brenik didn’t care what they thought, but he wouldn’t force the kid to come.

“Yep. At least I know Wes is going to be pissed.” Luca sighed.

“Good.” Brenik grinned because Wes seemed like a jackass.

“It shouldn’t take me too long to read over the pages. Do you not know how to read?” Luca’s eyes seemed to search Brenik’s face for an answer.

“I can read letters, but I’m not good with actual books.” Brenik was never interested in learning, and even when he tried, it was incredibly hard for him. He now wished he had listened to Ruth and tried harder.

By the time they reached the cabin, Luca had started going over vampire theories. Brenik thought he had made a mistake by bringing the kid with him because the talking never stopped.

Once inside the cabin, Luca went to sit on the couch while Brenik headed to the bedroom to grab his portrait. He brought it into the living room and set it down on the coffee table. “This is what the Stone of Desire gave me. I thought it was what I wanted, but it isn’t. Can you help me?”

22

Bray

Bray finished writing several chapters in her spiral notebook, not realizing what time it was. A truck engine pulled into the driveway, signaling Wes’s arrival.

She closed the notebook and looked at the time—it was already four o’clock. The front door opened, and Wes walked inside.

“Luca isn’t with you?” Bray asked when she noticed he was by himself.

Wes scratched the side of his head. “No. He was supposed to walk home today.”

“He hasn’t come home yet.” Bray grew nervous as she chewed on the inside of her cheek.

“Is your brother here?” Wes asked.

“No, but he didn’t give a precise time.” He had only said after Luca got out of school.

“Let me call Kyle’s house.” Wes went into the kitchen and lifted the phone receiver to dial the number.

“Kyle? Hey, it’s Wes. Is Luca there with you?” He paused as he listened. “Hewhat? Okay, thanks. No, it’s not a problem.”

Wes hung the phone up and nervously looked at Bray. “Luca left school with Brenik.”

“Why would he do that?” Bray didn’t think Brenik would harm him on purpose, but she didn’t know if he might unintentionally hurt Luca.Why wouldn’t Brenik just bring Luca to the house?

“If something happens to him, Bray, I’m going to murder him.” Wes gritted his teeth and steam practically radiated off him. Brenik was her brother, but if something happened to Luca, she would strangle him herself.

23

Brenik

“Did you find anything in there?” Brenik asked Luca. The kid was absorbed in the yellowed pages.

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