Page 82 of Revenge is a Witch

Derek suddenly groans, pushing his plate away and pinching the bridge of his nose. “Okay, enough.” He sounds exasperated but not angry. “Mom, Dad, listen. Both Sebastian and I are fated to Zaria. She accepted both of us, and as weird as that should be, it’s not. We’re good with it. So, please, for the love of all things holy, stop asking her about her dating life.” The room falls into a momentary stunned silence. Karen’s eyes widen, her mouth dropping open slightly, and even Richard looks like he’s trying toprocess what Derek just said. I’m bracing for... I don’t even know what, when Karen’s expression shifts into something resembling a smug smirk.

Turning to her husband, she nudges him with her elbow. “Told you,” she says triumphantly. “You owe me a foot rub.”

Richard blinks in confusion. “Wait, what?”

“Icalledit,” Karen explains, still smirking. “I knew something was going to happen between Zaria and Derek, but I never imagined she’d also end up with Sebastian. And honestly?” She pauses, her eyes flicking between the two boys before landing back on me. “For Derek to have someone he can trust like this, and for Zaria to have someone who clearly adores her... It warms my heart.” I’m a nervous wreck inside, trying to keep my hands from shaking, but hearing her so... okay with it makes me relax a little. Before I can say anything, Karen leans forward again, this time lowering her voice slightly. “And don’t worry, sweetheart. We won’t tell your parents until you’re ready. You’ll be the one to explain this to them.”

I smile nervously. “Thanks, Mrs. Lowell.”

But the moment is interrupted by Phoebe, who’s been quietly swinging her legs under the table, clearly confused by all the adult talk. “Wait… Zaria hastwoboyfriends?”

Her big eyes dart between me, Derek, and Sebastian, trying to make sense of it. The entire table falls silent, and none of us are willing to explain this to a five-year-old.

Karen just laughs, reaching over to ruffle Phoebe’s hair. “Eat your dinner, sweetheart.”

Phoebe pouts but doesn’t ask any more questions—thankfully. I exchange a glance with Derek and Sebastian, and the three of us silently agree: navigating this dynamic with five-year-olds is a whole new challenge.

The Challenge

After dinner, the three of us head back to my dorm, the cool night air wrapping around us as we walk side by side. Derek's arm brushes against mine as Sebastian walks on my other side, hands stuffed into his pockets. It feels normal, easy—like this is how things were always supposed to be.

I glance at Sebastian and smirk. “So... Phoebe, huh? Looked like she’s got a little crush on you.”

Sebastian groans, rolling his eyes. “That tiny creaturetried to bite me. That’s not a crush, that’s an act of war.”

Derek snickers, clearly enjoying the whole thing. “Give her a break, man. She was just trying to make you feel more comfortable. You know, like part of the family.”

Sebastian gives him a deadpan look. “Part of the family by gnawing on my arm like I’m a chew toy?”

I can’t help but laugh. “To be fair, I think she was just testing the waters. Maybe seeing if vampires taste like, I don’t know, marshmallows or something?”

Sebastian snorts, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, she’s lucky I didn’t bite back. I don’t think Derek’s parents would’ve been thrilled if I chomped down on their kid.”

“Aw, don’t worry,” Derek says with a playful grin. “I’m sure you would’ve been her favorite vampire chew toy.”

I nudge Derek with my elbow. “Hey, now. No bullying the guy who’s had to deal with your sister’s... uh, enthusiastic welcome.”

“Enthusiastic?” Sebastian arches an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “That’s one way to put it. I think I still have tiny teeth marks on my arm.”

Derek laughs. “She just wanted to see if you were made of stronger stuff. You passed. Barely.”

“Barely?” I chime in, grinning. “Seb here has survived Kyla’s nonsense and a literalchewingfrom Phoebe. I think he’s passed with flying colors.”

Sebastian gives me a sideways glance, that cocky smile returning. “Oh, so now I’m a survivor, huh?”

I shrug, doing my best to keep my face serious. “You are. You survived dinner withDerek’sfamily, too. Pretty sure that’s a rite of passage.”

Derek raises an eyebrow at me. “Hey, my family’s not that bad. Besides, they adore you.”

Sebastian chuckles, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, and somehow, I ended up getting chewed on while you got free rein of the family vineyard.”

I bite my lip to keep from laughing too loudly. “What can I say? Phoebe has her favorites. Maybe if you bring her a stuffed animal or something next time, she won’t try to nibble on you.”

“Noted,” Sebastian mutters, rubbing his arm as if the phantom bite still aches. “Maybe I’ll bring a chew toy forherinstead.”

Derek smirks. “Honestly, she’d love it. Might even leave you alone for five minutes.”

As we reach the dorm entrance, I turn to face them both. “Well, thanks for walking me back. I guess we all survived the night—barely.”

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