Page 11 of Fractured Constellations
I shrug, not needing words to say that I don’t fucking know. How could I sitting over here next to Chase?
Instead, I think about my own reaction last night to Bradley’s teasing. Partly, I don’t want our friends to acknowledge her, to make her feel even more alone than she so clearly is, but I can’t deny that I saw red at the thought of him checking her out, checking her ass out. I’m not even sure when he could have done that, she was in her room the whole time, though maybe he looked her up on social media or some shit. She doesn’t have much of a profile, just a few pictures that indeed show just how fucking stunning she is.
If she were anyone else, I know my brothers and I would be more than up for playing with her, regardless of what Chase said earlier in the den or the fact she’s our sister by marriage. He was lying through his teeth. She’s gorgeous, delicate, and not fake like most of the girls who throw themselves at us. There’s an ethereal quality about Luna, just like her name, and I can only imagine if we’d allow ourselves, we’d be drawn in like moths to a flame.
But given who she is to us, plus the fact that she’s clearly a money grabbing whore like her mother, any possible attraction has been soured.
Which begs the question why my brothers both look after her long after she’d fled the room. Hell, I keep glancing at the doorway to see if she’ll return. It’s how I spot Jerry heading up the stairs with what looks like dessert.
And my chest warms at the kindness of the old man, even if it’s misplaced.
He’s been a father to us, even before Mom died six years ago. Cancer took her away from us, ironic in a way because that’s what Banks Industries specializes in: innovative cancer treatments. Yet nothing could cure her, and we watched her waste away before our fucking eyes.
My hand clenches around my spoon at the thought that I should have done more, even though my rational brain knows, at fourteen, there was no way I could have done anything.
“Lorelei and I will be going away for the weekend,” my father declares, loudly enough to break me from my spiraling thoughts. “We should be back early next week.”
I give him a nod as the others murmur affirmatives.
“Would you boys be able to keep an eye on Luna? Maybe invite her out with your friends? She’s so shy,” Lorelei asks, batting her fake lashes at us, and I clench my jaw.
She’s a pretty woman, it’s clear to see where Luna gets her looks from, but there is a fakeness about her, which isn’t helped by the botox and false lashes she now has.
“Sure,” Chase replies with a charming smile that is also fake as fuck.
“Thank you, Chase. I’m sure if anyone can draw her out, it’s you boys.” She’s completely oblivious to Chase’s false smile and Thorn’s fake laughter. I guess my silence isn’t unusual since I rarely say anything unless I need to. Don’t see the point in wasting words.
“In fact, our good friend is having a party in two days time, so we can take her along,” Thorn adds, and Lorelei beams at him.
“See? I knew you’d be able to help.” She reaches over and squeezes his hand, missing his grimace as she turns back to my father.
Thorn catches my eye and I raise a brow. He just gives me a grin, one that tells me he has a plan of sorts that he’ll let me know about later once we’re alone. It won’t be anything toodrastic, we’re not complete bastards, but Luna needs to learn her place, and we will be the ones to show it to her.
CHAPTER SIX
“CARRY ME HOME” BY SØD VEN
LUNA
The next couple of days, I hid in my room, especially after Mom came and told me she and Richard were going away for a few days, but not to worry, the boys will take care of me. Yeah fucking right.
I’m taking my evening meds—anti-nausea, immune boosters, and low-dose steroids—when there’s a knock at my door. Quickly swallowing the last of my pills and setting the bottles back on my dresser, I take a deep inhale and walk over to the door, unlocking it and cracking it open a little.
My heart gives a jolt when I find all three of my stepbrothers on the other side, looking handsome in clothes that are clearly meant for going out. I’m refusing to admit it’s because they look so good.
“We’re heading to the Fosters’ party. You should come,” Thorn suggests, and I snap my wide gaze to him, my browspractically in my hair. It sounded more like an order than a request.
“Me? Come with you to a party?” I question, more than surprised by the invitation. I thought they hated me, so why are they inviting me out with them?
“Richard mentioned you haven’t been socializing. It’s...concerning,” Chase adds, and I flick my gaze to him, my brows lowering as I try to puzzle out why the sudden change of heart.
“I’m not sure…” I start, having planned to stay home and ride out the fatigue and nausea that these meds will no doubt bring as they do every night.
“You wouldn’t want to be ungrateful now, would you, pretty stepsis? After all, we’ve taken you in and secured you an invitation to an elite party,” Thorn says, and I chew my lip, my refusal dying on my tongue because he’s right. Blade just stares at me, his scrutinizing gaze making me squirm like usual.
Maybe this is an olive branch, and regardless of past behavior, I should make an effort.
And maybe it’ll be nice to spend some time with other people around my age.
