Page 59 of Seeking Shadows

“Yes.”

Tristan clears his throat uncomfortably.

“I can remain standing, if you prefer.”

“No one asked your opinion, Tristan,” Zane snaps, not even looking at him.

I snort.

“Wow, that’s rude. Tristan, you’re welcome to sit with me whenever you want.”

“No, he’s not.”

“Yes, he is!”

“Mia.”

“Zane.”

Tristan runs a hand over his face, as if he’s had enough of this conversation.

“Can I leave now?”

“No. Now you're part of the conversation. Zane’s jealous. We need to sort this out.”

“I’m not jealous.”

I smile and lean toward Zane.

“Yes, you are.”

He clenches his jaw, but I just laugh and nudge his arm.

“That’s rude, picking on Tristan. I bet you don’t even know what he likes to eat.”

“And you know?”

“No, but I’ll find out. Tristan, what’s your favorite food?”

“…Meat.”

I turn to Zane with a victorious smile.

“See? I already know more about him than you do.”

Zane rubs his face with his hand and lets out a heavy sigh.

“You’re a provocative brat.”

“It’s not my fault you’re horrible at making friends. Be nicer, Zane.”

“Stop being friendly with random people.”

“No.”

“What if they hurt you?”

“Then I’ll just kill them,” I say matter-of-factly. “I’m not going to change myself because of evil men. Let them cease to exist.”

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