Page 224 of Whispers of Wisteria
I pressed my legs together. “I’m not used to this.”
“Used to what?” he asked.
“This,” I said, pushing my hands against my knees. “Be—being surrounded by so many people. Not feeling like I’m alone.”
Even Finn—best friend that he was—always felt distant in some unreachable way.
“That’s because you’re not alone, Bee.” Brayden squeezed my hands. “And you won’t ever be again.”
My breath caught.
Bee?
He’d given me a nickname—and it was so much better than that one Bryce had chosen, even though it was only a variation of the same word.
“You’re my little sister no matter what,” he continued.
My shoulders slumped. “I k-know that—”
“No, you don’t,” he interrupted. “You might think you do, but you’re not even close.” He let go of my hands, sat close, and wrapped his arm around me.
I’d frozen, panicked, the first time he’d touched me like this. But this time I wasn’t afraid at all.
He was just… Brayden. My big brother.
“And it’s not just me. You’ve no idea how insane everyone’s been acting,” Brayden said. “Both sides are dying to meet you.”
A warmth began to rise in my chest.
This was it. The main reason why I was here.
I wanted to know more.
“I asked Bryce why you’re atWhisperwindinstead of… wherever the Dubois people live. He told me our grandfather would try to kill me,” I admitted, forcing out a nervous laugh.
“Don’t listen to him.” Brayden rolled his eyes. “He’s just dumb. The Dubois live inRavenswatch.”
“Are you not allowed there?” I asked.
“We can live wherever we want. It’s quieter atWhisperwind. Plus, Bryce and Dad don’t get along with our grandfather,” Brayden replied, unconcerned. “But they’re not bad. Technically, we’ve got a setup in Ravenswatch,too.”
“Oh,” I replied. “Why don’t they get along?” Bryce had been rather passionate about hating him.
Brayden’s expression turned gentle and he squeezed my shoulder. “Dad and Grandfather never agreed on things. We lived atWhisperwindfull-time before you were born because they were always fighting. But then, after you’d disappeared, Dad wanted the Dubois to make a scene. But Grandfather said it was too risky. If an enemy knew you existed and found you first…” His words trailed off, and his hold tightened.
But then he blinked out of it. “Dad looked on his own while Grandfather searched his way. Though they did work together sometimes. Bryce is just following Dad.”
I swallowed, my mouth dry.
“Anyway.” Brayden grinned and squeezed my shoulders. “Yes, both sides want to know you. Zane’s super excited to hang out. You might not be able to see it on his face, he’s kind of a stick in the mud, but I can tell.”
“It’s not like I’m going to see him much,” I muttered. “But I’ll do what I can.”
“What’s there to do?” Brayden raised his eyebrow.
I breathed in, bracing myself, and ignored Brayden’s question.
“How did you choose your major?”
