Page 159 of F*ckboys

"Not this." I stare at my plate, my appetite gone. I can feel the others' eyes on me, judging. Pitying.

"Why so secretive?" Link presses. "What are you hiding?"

"Leave her alone." Rayner's sharp voice cuts in. She and Wren are the only ones at the table on my side. The rest stay silent, not wanting to draw Link's anger.

Link scoffs. "This is ridiculous. She can't date that guy and expect me to be okay with it."

"You don't get a say in who Fallon sees." Wren levels Link with a stern look.

Link slams his fist on the table, rattling the dishes. "The hell I don't! Jesus, it feels like all you females are ganging up on me! And you, Cheston." He narrows his eyes at our brother.

"That's enough." My father stands, his shoulders back in a rare show of authority that he reserves for the most serious of situations. "Leave Fallon's relationship status alone. Change the subject or get out."

Shock ripples through the room. No one speaks to Link like that except his father. His face reddens, rage in his eyes. But he stays silent, accepting the reprimand. For now.

The rest of the meal passes in stiff silence. But I feel a spark of hope. Not all is lost. I still have allies in this family, including two new ones. And I'm no longer alone in the fight against Link.

I push away from the table as chairs scrape back. I need air, space, away from the tension and judgment.

Without waiting for a response, I race out of the room, ignoring the calls for me to come back. My family is suffocating me, but this whole interaction has made me realize I haven'treally given up on Aksel. And I'm beginning to think that maybe I never will. Not for them. Not for anyone.

Fenton catches up to me and grabs my arm as I step out onto the balcony, the night air bringing a refreshing reprieve from the stifling atmosphere of the dining room. "You okay?" His gaze holds concern and something more, a silent offer of support.

I nod, throat tight. "Just need some air."

He squeezes my arm and lets go. "I'm here if you want to talk."

His quiet promise nearly undoes me. I blink back tears and escape further outside.

The cool night air caresses my face, soothing my frayed nerves. In the shadows of the yard, I draw a shaky breath.

Footsteps crunch on the gravel behind me. I stiffen, preparing for another round with Link.

"It's just me." Wren comes to stand beside me, slipping an arm around my waist. "I'm worried about you."

I sigh, leaning into my newish friend. "I'll be okay. It's just Link..."

"He's out of line." Wren's arm tightens. "Don't let him get to you. You deserve to be happy. I'm here for you, Fallon. Whatever you need."

I blink against the sting in my eyes. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out. We're sisters now." Wren gives me a gentle squeeze. "Are you coming back in?"

I shake my head. "I should get home."

Wren nods. "Call me if you want to talk more."

"I will." I force a smile, grateful for the unwavering support. Not all is lost, as long as I have Wren and Rayner on my side. And maybe Fenton, if I'm reading him right. Maybe it won't be Fallon against the world anymore, at least not at these family dinners.

I drive home through the dark, heart lighter than before. The battle isn't over, but I'm no longer fighting alone. My family might be broken, but I've found the tribe that can help me pull it back together in a new form.

Chapter 88

Aksel

Ipace outside my grandmother's expansive estate, my boots crunching on the gravel. The demands of my family, of Fallon, they're suffocating me. I need to breathe. I need someone to tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do.

I knock once and let myself in. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts from the kitchen. "Grandmother?"

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