I laugh out loud, then leave the room before I tell him something stupid... like all he has to do is ask.
NINE
Enclave Edict #3:
Contact the enclave for conflict resolution.
CIPRIAN
Dad drags me home for an important meeting, then doesn’t say a damn word that applies to me. He could have at least had someone create a portal to make things easier on me, but of course that’s too much trouble. I drove ten hours, and for what? To nod off in the conference room? I swear he gets off on making everyone jump when he says to.
Swallowing a yawn, I thrum my fingers against my knee while he drones on.
Callum and Gideon showing up with Sheena in tow has thrown him for a loop. Yet, I can already see the dollar signs in his eyes as he calculates what her appearance is worth to the enclave. How embarrassing. I keep my mouth shut.
Sheena has her work cut out for her if she wants to be part of this family. She could always take off—I would help her if sheasked—but I hope she decides we’re worth it. With the way she’s falling for my brother and Gideon, I’m almost hopeful.
“Why do you look weird?” Callum whispers, his expression suspicious.
I roll my eyes. I think I might cease to exist if my brother didn’t expect the worst of me. He conveniently forgets that he was the one who left me behind. “Be quiet,” I drawl. “Can’t you see I’m trying to listen to Dad?”
My voice is dripping with sarcasm, but Callum’s face hardens anyway, as if he can’t even tell when I’m bullshitting anymore. Whatever. That’s his problem. I won’t spoon feed him.
I yawn again, glancing at my phone as it vibrates in my lap.
Sheena
Tell me more about the wings.
Ciprian
Gods. I was drunk. I never should have mentioned her to you.
Am I doing this wrong? The bestie thing.
How am I supposed to know? I don’t get why you want to hear about my drama anyway after what happened at dinner last night.
Your parents are a lot.
Ugh… don’t mention it. Seriously, please don’t mention it.
Callum loves you.
I snort, and Cal shoots me another narrow-eyed stare. His girlfriend has some serious blinders on if she thinks our sibling relationship is salvageable, but who am I to burst her bubble?
Ciprian
Sure he does.
Nothing will come of the wings. She’s incredibly hot but radiates trouble.
It would be messy. Like a bomb going off.
Sheena
The perfect fit.
Honestly, Ciprian, you’re describing yourself.
