Page 37 of Secrets and S'mores
“I’d like some space. I thought I’d get some answers, but you can’t, and it just confirms they’re keeping something from me.” Her tone is even, but it feels like the quiet before a storm.
My hold loosens and she pulls away. “Please don’t push me away,” I plead.
“It’s been an emotional day,” she says. “I think I need some actual rest. Can you close the door on your way out?”
“Ember,” I say, wanting nothing more than to touch her. Her eyebrows shoot up, and I know she’s made her decision. “Talk to Jasper or Hazel.” It’s the only thing I can say to help.
“I will.” Her arms cross, and she watches me with a focused calm that scares me more than her anger ever has. Each step away from her feels like needles stabbing my skin, but I make it to the door and give her one last pleading look. Her gaze is distant, lost in thought.
Hating everything about the situation, I close the door, turn my back to it, and sink to the ground. Myforehead rests on my forearm across my knees. She’s hurting behind this door, so I sit outside and wait until she’s ready to let me back in.
9 Who Did This To You?
Ember
Dinner sounds unappealing, so I continue to lay in my borrowed bed and brood. Tears burn in my eyes but never fall. I want to fight, hurt someone, but not him.
Somehow in the last few days, Onyx became someone important to me. Someone I would protect, even refuse to hurt if we were on opposite sides of a conflict. He’s more than a friend. The feel of his hands on my body sends goosebumps over my arms.
Even as disappointed as I am that he couldn’t tell me what they said in the meeting I was excluded from, I can’t be angry with him.
Tomorrow, I will confront my brother. But right now, there’s someone else I can question. With a grimace, I pull out my phone to text my mother.
Ember: What the hell? Why did you leave me here?
Sienna: I decided it was best you spend more time with your brothers.
Ember: And you couldn’t be bothered to talk to me?
Sienna: I’m busy and you need to be respectful. I am your Alpha.
Ember: And I’m your Heir, but you aren’t treating me like your second.
Sienna: I will be sending you instructions tonight. I want you to gather some information while youare there. Be ready.
I leave her text on read. Maybe she means asking questions, but I have a feeling she means spying. That’s not going to happen. My position here is already precarious, but if I’m caught stealing information, they would imprison me truly.
Emotional drain melts into exhaustion, and I doze. A knock on my door wakes me.
“Go away, Onyx,” I rasp, clearing sleep from my voice.
“I’ve got dinner for you, honey,” Clove says.
Popping up, I rub a hand across my face and say, “Oh, thanks. Come in.” The door handle starts to turn but stops.
“Mom, let me,” Onyx mutters.
“Not a chance. Sit back down, or better yet, go clean yourself up,” Clove scolds. Onyx’s grumbles fade and once it’s quiet, Clove opens the door fully.
“Thanks,” I say, accepting the plate. An oversized croissant overflows with chicken salad studded with grapes. Another novelty for me. Taking a bite, I savor the creamy sauce and the bright crunch of celery.
“When did you have time to make croissants?” I ask between bites, smiling weakly at Onyx’s mother.
Clove waves her hand. “Puff pastry is such a pain. I usually make huge batches and then freeze them. It’s easier to make in the winter when the butter doesn’t want to melt.”
I nod, taking another bite. My stomach gurgles in appreciation.
“I appreciate you teaching me how to bake.” The words get caught in my throat, but I force them out. “I’m going to miss you.”
