Wes looks their way. “It means you want to watch your sister make out.”
“Gross.” Drake drops his fork midflight.
Ethan tosses his to the table. “Save that shit for later. I want some enchiladas.”
As if on cue, the family platters of every delicious cheesy thing you can imagine are brought to the table and a feast ensues fit for a celestial king. Unfortunately, I don’t eat more than two tacos. I can’t risk letting Chloe’s delicate stomach ruin things for me. Tomorrow is go time, and I need to be in optimal form.
Laken tips her head to the side. “How are things with you, Chloe?” she asks as Wesley takes little Wes from her so she can enjoy her meal. Misty and Ember are herding Charlie and Eli for her.
“I’m great. And you guys?” No sooner do I finish the sentence than I note the fact Cooper’s fingers look swollen as if someone had blown them up with water. “Cooper.” I gasp.
He makes a face as he glances to his hand. “I know. It’s acting up again. I gotta put a call in to Ezrina.” He gets up and takes off out of the room.
Laken shakes her head. “I’m scared, I won’t lie. He’s allergic to the darn serum.” She bows her head in frustration. “I just don’t get it. Ezrina says there’s probably less than one percent of people who will reject it. Why Cooper? Why can’t we ever catch a break?”
“I’m sure she’s working on something.” I shrug. “Besides, I hear there are rumors that once you’ve been tested for the markers, the government isn’t bothering to do a retest because it’s too costly.”
Laken takes a breath and shudders. “Let’s hope so.”
Wes reaches over and lands his hand over hers. “Don’t worry. Gage doesn’t have a single follower. He’s screwed. Celestra is moments from knocking him off the pedestal.”
Laken looks my way. “Speaking of which, what the hell is it going to take to make that happen?”
Rory turns our way, and I can feel her icy stare without bothering to look her in the eye.
“You don’t ask her. You ask me,” she snips at Laken, and this end of the table freezes as we look in her direction. “I’m here, Laken. Chloe can’t answer the tough questions. That’s why she isn’t in charge.”
I hate her.Chloe laughs.I can’t wait to see her writhing in pain tomorrow. I hope it hurts.
That means it will hurt me once I take over,I point out.
So be it.
Witch.
Laken takes a breath, her eyes bouncing to Logan’s momentarily.
“Skyla”—she starts—“you’re busy. It’s the night before your wedding. You have a honeymoon coming up.”
“What’s this?” She tips her ear our way. “What’s a honeymoon?”
Brielle breaks out into a riotous laugh, mostly from the booze, but I’ll admit, Rory is a laugh a minute.
“Come on, Skyla. It’s what the rest of us call a vacation with lots of booty.” Bree rolls her eyes. “But you just have to go and rub it in. Trust me, we know how lucky you are. You get to hop on the Oliver express every night.”
Mom looks to Rory. “Oh my God, Skyla. Have you forgotten to plan your honeymoon? I’ll be glad to watch the kids for you. Have you thought about a cruise?”
“A cruise?” Rory looks momentarily confused.
Drake grunts, “I think Logan’s knocked her noggin into the headboard a few too many times. You’d better go easy on her, Oliver, or she’s going to be questioning who you are next.”
Rory’s cheeks blush as she shoots an evil eye to the table.
“Nobody laughs at me,” she seethes. “I’m in charge here. You’ll give me the respect I deserve.” She turns to Logan and pulls him in by the tie. “And you will give me this cruise honeymoon. I want lots and lots of booty from you.”
She doesn’t bother to answer Laken’s genuine concern regarding the Factions. Figures. It’s all about her. Forget the people or how Celestra can get back up on the pedestal.
Both of my stepbrothers groan at the thought of me getting any booty, but Tad barks out a laugh.
