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“I’m in a fine mood. I just literally could give two shits about what that noise was.”

“But what if someone’s hurt?” Enzo asked, clasping his hands to his lips in a panic, mocking Jace.

“Stop.” Jace moaned. “Just because I have a natural concern for others doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass.”

I chuckled because Jace was right. Even though he was the gentler one of the group, he was still an intimidating size for most people. He stood tall, at over six foot three with a muscular build- nothing on me, and not as wide as Enzo, but strong none the less. Enzo bounced around in front of Jace and then took off.

“Where are you going?” Calix asked.

“I’m going to find some rabbit for your stew tonight, brother!” Enzo bellowed, somewhere off in the distance.

“It’s dark out. You won’t be able to see anything!” Jace yelled after him.

“You care too much.” I said, pushing a twig out of my way.

“Ouch Gage!” Gideon said as the twig swung back and smacked him in the face. “You could’ve warned me.”

“Watch out Gideon.” I said deadpan.

“Very funny. What’s got you in such a sour mood?”

“He’s always in a bad mood.” Enzo said, bouncing back in.

“I hoped you had gotten lost.” I said, pushing another branch out of the way.

“Damn it Gage.” Gideon moaned again.

“Maybe don’t walk behind me.” I rolled my eyes.

Gideon grumbled about something and moved to the front of the line by Calix and Jace.

“You don’t mean that. You would miss me.” Enzo chimed.

“Would I?”

“Yes.” Enzo said, trying to rub my nose, but I batted his hand away before he ran off again.

“Boundless energy, that one.” Barrett said, walking up beside me.

I looked over at him. Barrett was probably the only one who got me. If there was a leader in our group, it was him. He was no non-sense like me, which was nice in a house of buffoons like Enzo and caretakers like Jace.

“You did good work today.”

“I always do good work Barrett… it’s why you keep me around.”

“Well, that and your charm.” He chuckled.

Another scream sounded, echoing in the trees around us.

“What is that?” Jace asked from up ahead.

“Go find out and take Enzo with you.” I suggested.

Enzo jumped backwards, so he was now walking beside me. “Gage, you big softy.”

“Seriously, shut the fuck up!”

“You know it’s true.”