Chapter 76 76.Deal
Tabitha’s POV
The hostess leaves us with a polite smile and closes the door behind her. For a moment, I just stand there, staring at Evren and Luca, dumbfounded.
“What is this? Some kind of family meeting I wasn’t informed about?”
Reed gestures toward the chair across from him. “Just take a seat, Tabitha. You were whining about not getting lunch. Now we’re getting lunch.”
I narrow my eyes but still move to sit near the end of the table. Jace takes the seat beside me while Reed takes the seat beside Luca and Evren on the adjacent chairs.
“So,” I frown while glancing at Luca and Evren. “Why are you two here too?”
Luca shrugs lightly, his fingers playing around the mouth of his glass. “We always dine here. I’m actually surprised to see you here with them. Thought you were out for some girl time or something.”
I roll my eyes. “Maybe ask your charming brother over there who decided to haul me out without a warning.” I shoot Reed a glare.
Luca’s lips twitch in amusement. He glances between Reed and Jace. “What happened?”
Jace only shrugs. “Let’s just order some food. Tabi’s hungry.”
As if on cue, the waiter arrives with menus. I focus on that instead of the tension sitting heavy in the air. We order, mostly in silence, and when the food arrives, I dig in without a word. Hunger wins over pride for now, and I barely register the small talk passing between the brothers.
I’m nibbling on dessert when Luca finally breaks the quiet again. “So, what did happen?”
“We were going to eat here anyway. I figured we’d bring her along.” Reed leans back in his chair, his tone even but dismissive.
“Yeah right.” I let out a soft scoff. “You mean you decided for me, like usual. Didn’t even bother asking if I wanted to come.”
Reed turns his head toward me, his eyes sharp. “Would you have said yes if I asked you? You’ve been fucking avoiding us like the plague for weeks. I’m actually shocked you managed to crawl out of your room to join us for breakfast earlier.”
“Oh, aren’t you a sharp one?” I roll my eyes for the nth time while scooping a spoonful of ice cream. “And here I thought I was being too subtle since you four don’t seem to get it. I keep my distance, you still find ways to corner me. Honestly, I’m not sure if I should be irritated or impressed.”
“We’re just trying to talk to you, Tabitha. You’re the one shutting us out,” Jace counters.
“And you should’ve taken the hint.” I snap. “It means I didn’t wanna talk to any of you.”
“That’s not possible, we live in the same house. Are you planning to come up with every new excuse to avoid interacting with us for the rest of your life? We’re bound to
“We’re bound to see each other, Tabitha. You can’t just keep pretending we don’t exist whenever it suits you,” Reed retorts.
I set my spoon down, my patience thinning. “Maybe I’m doing everyone a favor. It’s not like you’re missing much when I’m not around.” I can’t help the bitterness that seeps through every word.
Reed’s gaze sharpens. “You really believe that? You think pulling away makes this easier for anyone?”
I lean back, folding my arms. “It sure makes it easier for me.”
“I thought we already made it clear that we’re connected by the mate bond, Tabitha. You can run away but you cannot fully escape it. It will always pull the five of us together, it’s an itch that can’t be satisfied. It’s something that will occupy our minds twenty-four seven until we do something to placate it. And avoiding us certainly wouldn’t do the trick.”
“Oh yeah?” I shoot back. “You looked pretty occupied with Elsie earlier. Sorry for disturbing your date, by the way.” I spit out the words like acid. “Is that it? You’re mad because we interrupted your little rendezvous?”
Reed’s expression hardens. “Are you jealous?”
“W-What? Why would I be jealous?’ My face heats instantly, anger and shame bubbling in my chest. “You can see whoever you want. I don’t care.”
“Elsie and I aren’t dating,” he says flatly.
“Not anymore. But the two of you used to, though. Right?” Damn it, I should really stop talking.
Luca watches us while sipping his iced tea, looking rather amused. I ignore him.
Reed clenches his jaw and doesn’t answer. It’s as if he is reigning in the words he truly wants to say. His grip tightens around the spoon he is holding. His silence doesn’t help with the frustration pulsing in my veins. So, I push the plate of dessert away, feeling my appetite gone.
“Whatever,” I mutter. “It’s not my business to know or care who you see. If you want to get back with her, go ahead. I don’t even know why I’m here when you could’ve brought her instead.”
Shit. Why can’t I stop myself from talking!
Reed exhales, clearly frustrated too. “We’ve been over for more than a year. I’m not patching anything up with her. You’re here because we wanted to eat lunch with you, not with Elsie.”
I let out a humorless laugh.
“I’m so tired of this game.” I shake my head as anger flares under my skin. “You keep hovering around me like persistent flies. You just won’t stop! But guess what? Yes, I’ve been avoiding you! Yes, I still want to break this stupid bond! Call me a broken record, I don’t care, but can’t you understand why I feel this way?” My voice rises with every word.
Their silence only fuels the anger rising in my chest.
“This whole situation is messed up, how many times do I have to spell it out for you? You’re my stepbrothers! Our parents are married. Do you realize how that looks? People will talk, the pack will talk. If the elders find out, they’ll force this mate bond broken!” I swallow the lump in my throat. Somehow, acknowledging how fucked up and hopeless this… thing between the five of us makes me feel dejected.
I promised myself I’d never be weak again, yet here I am—baring every vulnerable part of me to the very last people who should see it.