Page 71 of Eternal

Jase disappears like a good little soldier, following Declan’s silent order. But even with him gone, Declan doesn’t lose any of the tension that radiates off him.

“It’s a family tradition.” My father tries to brush Ian off. “The Donovan family hunting trip.”

“With the Ivans,” Ian points out, not letting it go. “From what I’ve heard, the Evans and a few others will also be there. Sounds like a great opportunity to discuss business.”

“I—”

“Maybe even the Portland Project,” Ian cuts my father off, finally catching his attention.

My father’s eyebrows furrow. “I thought you already signed your investors for the Portland Project, so it was offthe table.”

“It was.” Ian shrugs, lifting his whiskey glass to his lips. “But in the spirit of our children’s example, I thought maybe it was time to make considerations.”

My father takes a sip of his drink, clearly skeptical but smart enough to play into it. “I agree. Why don’t you join us at Rochester Lake, and we’ll talk more?”

“We’d love to.” Ian grins.

Wonderful.

As if hunting animals isn’t bad enough, now we have the risk of them hunting each other if this goes bad.

I look up at Declan, and he doesn’t appear any happier about it than I am. His gaze is fixed on his father, and whatever they talked about seems to have irritated him. Declan and his father might never be a shining example of a loving father and son, but right now, the chill coming off them is ice-cold.

“Let’s get you another drink,” my father offers when Ian reaches the bottom of his glass.

“I’d love one.” Ian glances at Declan over his shoulder as they walk away, sending him what can only be a silent warning.

“Your dad seems awfully charitable tonight.” I raise an eyebrow.

“He’s never charitable.”

“What does he want then?”

Declan straightens his spine, snapping out of whatever had his attention when he looks at me. “It’s nothing.”

“You don’t need to lie to me.” I pull away from him, irritated that he’s trying to brush me off.

“I’m not, just drop it. Who cares anyway, it’s business.”

“For them,” I snap, realizing it came out louder than I meant for it to, and eyes are already on me. “Whatever, Declan, don’t tell me anything then. I’m used to it. Use me all you want, but God forbid I be kept in the loop about it.”

“Teal—”

“It’s fine.” I pull back when he reaches for my arm. “I’m getting some air.”

The walls are closing in, and people are staring. Their eyes fill with fake concern when they won’t actually do anything to help. They’ll watch. They’ll whisper.

They’ll use me up until I’m left with less and less.

Until I’m nothing.

Turning, I push through a group of people, accidentally knocking a champagne glass in a woman’s hand.

“Watch it,” she snaps, brushing her hand down her now wet dress.

“Sorry.”

I am. Not that it does me any good. But I’m sorry for it all—being here, trying, thinking that I’d make a point to my father and he’d actually care for once.