Page 112 of Wicked Games (Fallen Royals 2)

“Or what?”

Uncle David has a few telltale signs of extreme anger. But the best indication I’ve ever seen is the redness of his ears. If it were possible, the next step would be steam coming out. Right now, his whole face is mottled red.

I know why he hates the Wolfes, but it’s more satisfying to make him say it out loud.

“Or you will not get a dime from me,” he finally shouts. “You will get nothing. No help. No support.”

I cross my arms over my chest, if only to stop myself from beating him bloody. “You made a promise,” I say in a low voice. “Don’t forget about your end of the deal, Uncle.”

He charges at me.

But honestly? I’m so fucking done.

I sidestep him and back away. He’s like an angry bull, the way he eyes me.

“I’m leaving,” I announce. “No more summoning me. No more threats. Or I will march into the Asher offices and explain to the Board exactly what you’ve been doing.”

His red face turns white.

I’ve never threatened him before, but it feels good. Satisfying.

Aunt Iris gasps from the doorway, her hand raised to cover her mouth. “Caleb, honey—”

“Don’t, Aunt,” I say. “You’ve stood by and let him hurt me for too long. This is the last straw.”

Why didn’t I do this ages ago?

On some level, I knew I deserved it. I was suffering for my father’s actions—and Margo’s. I was her friend, I should’ve stopped her, I could’ve done something. How many times had I heard my family say that to me? To pin the blame on me, since Margo was sucked away to foster care?

Her mom was gone. Her dad was in prison.

The only one left in the equation was me.

I shake out my limbs, satisfied. I’ve read through the paperwork multiple times. The company put no stipulations on my inheritance except age. Uncle David, as my legal ward, got a stipend every month to cover my expenses. I assumed he passed along at least a slight portion of them onto Eli’s family. They were the ones who fed me and gave me a place to stay, after all.

We lived in peace until this year.

“You walk out that door, you don’t get to come back!” Uncle David roars behind me.

It’s a pity that family has a way of disappointing you—even when you know to expect it.

“If I never see your face again, I’ll die happy.” I salute him and walk out the door. Something crashes behind me. I keep going, liberated by my choices, until I’m hit in the back of my head.

I crumple.

Blackout.

28

Margo

Caleb has disappeared—again. I swear to God, I’m going to kill his uncle.

I get to their front porch, then freeze, unwilling to go any farther. I’m pretty sure the family hates me for reasons I can’t remember. And a little thing like memory loss wouldn’t hold up against years of anger.

Riley climbs out of the car behind me. “I don’t think anyone is here.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Why?”

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