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“What are those clothes?” she asks, eyes narrowing when they reach my face again, a warning hiding behind them. The only difference now is that I’m ready to face her.

I don’t talk back, I don’t say anything. I’m surrounded by predators. I won’t make the mistake of being prey again.

They glance at each other before mother tilts her head at me.

“Your mother asked you a question, girl,” Heath hisses low.

There’s a scuff behind me and then a squeak of leather.

Did they expect hugs? Apology gifts?

Mother takes a step forward, gently shaking her head at Heath before facing me again. “We’ve organised a welcome home gathering for you. Nothing big, just a few important people you’ve already met.” She gestures her head towards the exit. “Shall we?”

“I’ll take her home,” Kain rumbles like it’s final, stepping beside me.

“No,” I interject before anyone can say anything else.

“Yes,” comes Kain’s fast reply.

Mother folds her arms across her chest as a gush of wind blows past us.

“Absolutely not.” Heath’s stern voice rises, stepping in closer to us, his eyes tapering as he leans towards Kain. “I will not have you bringing shame upon this family again.”

Kain’s hand snakes around my waist and I pull away from him. “It’ll be a good bonding experience, old man,” he starts, his voice blanketed in arrogance. Heath clenches his fist at the nickname. “I’d love to get to know my new stepsister more.” He flashes me his teeth, that burning stalk no longer keeping him company. He gives me a knowing look which makes my eyebrows twitch in suspicion.

Mother grabs Heath’s arm, pulling him backwards. She rubs her hands up and down his arms in, what I can only assume is an attempt to calm his flustered self. They can’t risk their shiny reputations in front of the town.

They regard us for seconds that feel too long, almost succeeding in making me crawl back into myself again.

“Either that or I follow her in my car and risk her running away.” Kain shrugs.

People pass us, murmuring their thanks to Mother and Heath. When they’re gone, Heath breaks out of Mother’s hold and ambles towards Kain. “She’s coming with us. You’re to stay as far away from her as humanly possible,” he threatens lowly.

Kain brushes past me, shoving me behind him as he does, towering over Heath. “You want me to make a scene in the middle of town? Because I will.”

Curious eyes watch their interaction and Heath notices. His body goes rigid and I know why—he doesn’t want anyone to think his family is less than perfect. His eyes narrow and his jaw clenches.

“Very well.” Heath backs away, nodding. I tilt so I can see them again and not just Kain’s back.

“I expect you to bring her straight home.” Mother gives Kain a stern look before focusing on me again. “Remember what happens when you sin. I hope you learnt from your time at St Anton’s, Jordan.”

“I just want to get to know my stepsister more.” I can hear the smirk in Kain’s voice, and that brings fuming heat back into my chest.

Kain’s heavy arm slings around my shoulders, and I snatch my body away from him.

“You already know her too well,” Heath hisses as he steps closer. Pressing a finger into Kain’s chest, he adds, “Keep your hands to yourself, otherwise I won’t hesitate to drag you to my office. I don’t care what force I have to use.”

Kain’s fists furl but he doesn’t say anything else.

Heath and Mother retreat, footsteps quick. Kain spins and I come face to face with my own, personal Judas.

“Absolutely not,” I protest, backing away from him.

I’m not stupid to believe he’s doing this for any other reason than his own, personal gain.

“Jordie—”

“No.” I can feel myself starting to panic now. Neither option of getting back to the castle are preferable, but this one is probably the worst. The whites of Kain’s eyes are bloodshot, making the glassy hazel stand out even in the night. “You don’t deserve to call me that anymore.”