Page 107 of Eternal

“You’re mad at him for keeping me a secret, aren’t you?”

Mad.

Such a sweet and innocent word to describe such a fucked-up situation. It makes me wonder if Violet got all the good in the Pierce bloodline, and that’s why the rest of us are so fucking evil.

“It’s more complicated than that,” I tell her.

“Because of Sigma House?”

I nod.

Violet’s blue eyes look off at a distance. “Does your mom know about me?”

“Yeah. She does.”

“That explains last night.”

“What happened last night?”

Violet shrugs one shoulder. “She kept watching me when everyone was eating. Everywhere I went, it felt like she had her eyes on me. I guess I don’t blame her. I’d hate me too.”

“She doesn’t hate you.” I lean forward, resting my elbows on my thighs. “I don’t even think she hates my dad for it.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I confronted them about it right before this trip.” I tap my thumb on the armrest. “She didn’t so much as flinch when I mentioned you. She knew all along.”

“I can’t imagine.”

“Love isn’t the driving factor in my parents’ relationship.”

She bites her lower lip. “Still, it’s hard to process. I couldn’t be in a relationship like that.”

“It’s a good thing Kole’s obsessed with you then.”

Her cheeks turn bright red, and she’s staring at me like she’s trying to figure out how much I know.

Too much, considering this girl’s my sister.

“Are you and your mom close?” I change the subject, and Violet’s expression washes with relief.

“Very. My mom’s always been there for me. Even when I think she couldn’t really understand me, she supported me through it.”

“That’s good.”

Violet fascinates me because we’re an experiment of nature versus nurture. We have the same blood running through our veins, but we were raised in opposite environments.

“I was lucky to have her support growing up,” Violet agrees.

“Must have been. She sounds like the opposite of dear old Dad.”

“I’m sorry”—Violet frowns—“you grew up with him.”

“I didn’t know any different. And now that I do, I get why you aren’t jumping at the chance to join the family.”

“I don’t blame you, Declan. I hope you know that. You’re Kole’s best friend, so I don’t want it to be awkward. It’s just—”

“Violet.” I lean back in my chair. “We’re good, okay? Just because you’re my sister doesn’t mean we have to suddenly pretend we’re close. I’m here if you need me, but otherwise, it just is what it is.”