Page 65 of Outnumbered

“Can’t we have a girls’ night?” I asked.

Leona laughed and shook her head. “Welcome to the trials and tribulations we warned you about.”

I sighed and stepped away from Jolie. “I’m not riding in that car with him. I’ll see you at home.” I teleported to my bedroom and flopped onto my bed.

Chapter

Nineteen

Two days’ later, all four continued to sulk and ignore me. Caleb’s fathers tried to talk to them, but the four ignored all of their advice.

Jolie had me help her with the planning of an upcoming event, a birthday party for Dan, that was going to be huge and extravagant and require formal attire. It was distraction enough for the day, but in the evening, I lay in my room alone, feeling cold and lonely.

That third night, I had had enough. Stomping down the hallway, I pounded my fist on Caleb’s door.

He opened it and folded his arms across his chest and leaned against his doorjamb.

“You’re a jerk!” I shouted at him. “You’ve isolated me for three fucking nights! I can’t stand it any longer.” My chest heaved and my hands clenched into fists at my side as I stared at him.

His eyes widened and he dropped his arms. “Em –”

“You told me to tell you when I need something, well I need you to pull your head out of your ass and stop treating me like I did something wrong. I’ve learned a spell that will save us. A spell that I won’t use lightly. I did something good. Something your parents have praised me for, but what have you done? You’ve shut me out, ignored me, and left me alone for three nights. Do you realize how embarrassing it is for me to come here to admit that I need a fucking hug? That I feel like my skin is crawling with ants because none of you has so much as held my hand or kissed my cheek? What if we got attacked tonight? What if the mage my dad ordered to murder me did it tonight? Would you feel fine knowing how you’ve treated me? I just want a fucking hug.” Tears spilled down my cheeks and I wiped them away roughly.

He pulled me into a hug and I sobbed against his chest at the instant relief it gave me. “I’m sorry. I’m a fucking idiot. I’m sorry, Ember.”

Doors opened and then all four of them were touching me and hugging me between them.

The floodgates opened and I sobbed between them.

They all apologized, but I was still mad and hurt.

“We’re idiots,” Triston whispered. “We know you didn’t do anything wrong. Learning spells for safety are not wrong.”

“We’re just worried, that’s all,” Branson added. “You always use your magic up and this type of spell is very draining.”

“We’re sorry, Ember. We shouldn’t have isolated you,” Riddick said and kissed the top of my head.

“Come on, let’s go downstairs and watch a movie together and cuddle on the couch, okay?” Caleb suggested.

Nodding, I let them lead me down to the living room.

Jolie watched us go by and her eyes narrowed. “Why are you crying?”

“It’s okay, Mom,” Caleb said.

“Oh, did you finally pull your heads out of your asses?” she asked and put her hands on her hips.

“Yes,” Riddick answered.

“No, Ember yanked them out for us,” Triston replied and winked at me.

She scoffed. “Figures. You four are even more stubborn than my mates, which is quite a freakin’ feat. Triston, come help me finish making snacks so you can take them with you.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a nod, kissed my cheek, and followed her to the kitchen.

We sat on the couch and Caleb ran his fingers through my hair. “I’m proud of you, Ember.”

“Why?” I asked. “I just screamed at you all.”

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