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“Not cool man.” Enzo said, huffing as he stood up.

“I was just testing the laws of physics.”

“Whatever.” Enzo slammed the chair down on all fours and sat down.

I laughed as I helped bring the food over to the table.

We all enjoyed a delicious pot roast and vegetables, but it was obvious the dynamic was off with Gage not here… or maybe it was just me. I couldn’t help but glance at his empty chair and feel a pang of guilt.

Had that wolf not been there, he wouldn’t have had to show himself. Was he embarrassed to be around me? Ashamed?

I had to get him to believe I didn’t see him any differently, but that was kind of hard to do when he wasn’t around for me to talk to.

I realized I was squeezing my fork a little hard when Barrett cleared his throat and lightly nudged my leg under the table. He nodded towards the fork when I looked at him. I dropped my hands below the table and straightened the small bend.

“So Scarlet, tell us where you ran off too.” Enzo chimed, shoving a bite of food in his mouth.

I glanced at Barrett, who smiled. “Perhaps we can have that discussion after dinner.” His words were slow and quiet, but his tone was final.

Enzo puckered his lips and mumbled something under his breath.

Barrett looked at Jace. “Were you able to get those healing herbs from the witch doctor yesterday?”

Jace nodded. “We’re well stocked.”

“Perfect. Never know when we’ll need it.” I felt like he was talking to me when he spoke.

After dinner, I helped clean off the table and washed the dishes. The more time passed, the more nervous I felt.

Barrett walked through the kitchen, giving my shoulder a light squeeze.

Shit.

Was that a sign? Was it time?

I took in a deep breath, but didn’t move.

“Group.” Barrett announced, gathering everyone’s attention. “We need to have a family talk.”

“Mannn.” Enzo whined. “I didn’t do anything. I swear!”

Barrett chuckled for a second, surprised by Enzo’s guilty conscious. “No, we need to have a conversation and vote.” He nodded in my direction and everyone looked at me.

I wiped my hands on my pants, both nervously and to dry them off, then stood by the table to look at everyone.

I took in a deep breath. My stomach was full of knots and my hands were trembling.

“What’s going on Scarlet?” Enzo asked, confused.

“First off… that’s not my name.”

“I knew it! I told you,” Enzo said lightly back, gripping Calix’s shoulder. “She didn’t look like a Scarlet.”

“It’s Snow… Snow White.”

Gideon’s lips parted as he cut his eyes to Barrett.

Enzo’s chair came crashing back down as he mumbled, “Oh shit. I didn’t expect that.”