Page 108 of Eternal

Her eyebrows pinch, and I can’t tell whether she’s relieved or hurt by my statement.

I’m not the best with comforting words, and I can’t be her brother. Not really.

If someone hurts her, I’ll protect her because she’s my blood, and Kole cares about her, but that’s the extent of what we are.

I stare out at the lake as a duck lands in the water, sending ripples across the full length. They’re so small they almost get swallowed with what little daylight breaks.

“Thanks, Declan,” Violet says, pulling my attention back to her. “I never got to say that after what happened. But thank you for being there.”

I’m not used to people thanking me when I don’t do good deeds, so it catches me off guard. “Anytime.”

“So you and Teal, huh?” Violet laces her fingers together in front of her.

“What about us?”

“You were kind of an asshole to her for the last year and a half, so it’s just strange seeing you guys likethis. That’s all.”

“I was an asshole longer than that.” I smirk, missing Teal’s sassy little tongue a little at the reminder and considering how I can piss her off later to get a hit of it.

“Oh.” Her eyes widen like she doesn’t know how to process my admission. “But now you guys are fine?”

“You’d have to ask her.”

“I’m just making sure this isn’t just you fucking with her—”

“It’s not.”

She eyes me skeptically.

“Where’s that sisterly trust?” I grin, and she rolls her eyes.

“So now we’re siblings when it suits you?”

“That works for me.”

Violet shakes her head. “Of course it does.”

The front door cracks open, and once again, that tightening in my chest hugs my lungs. A pressure that deflates when Kole slips out of the house.

“You were supposed to wait for me.” He narrows his eyes when he sees her standing against the railing.

“I did.” Violet looks around. “I’m right here.”

He walks over, grabs her hand, and pulls her against him.

I didn’t understand Kole’s constant need to have his hands on Violet until Teal stormed through my defenses. Now, there’s this burning emptiness that eats me alive when she’s not nearby. It aches, and I don’t know how to fill the gaps.

“I’m going to go check on Teal.” I climb out of my chair, not waiting for Kole to acknowledge me as I walk back into the cabin.

Kole couldn’t care less about me when Violet is around anyway, and that’s for the best. I didn’t come here to bond with my friend or figure out my relationship with my sister. I’m here to remind everyone that Teal is mine, and there’s no changing that.

Not even Tealene Donovan can save herself from me now.

Walking into the cabin, I get a hint of the cinnamon potpourri that tries to mask the cabin’s mildew scent. I follow the trail up to our room and crack the door to find Teal still sleeping. It’s been six hours, which is thirty minutes more than she usually stays asleep. I hope whatever she’s dreaming about is peaceful and calming.

I’ve never wanted good things for anyone before her.

Sinking onto the bed, I brush her hair from her cheek and watch her, pulling out my phone to take a picture.