Tasting 108

108–Silas‘ Turn.

Nora:

“Are you saying someone’s playing games against Nora?” Lord Atwood inquired of Ryker upon his

return home.

Actually, he hadn’t intended to do anything about it, but I couldn’t let him stay in the woods. I told his

father there was a chance Ryker had. saved me that day.

Thankfully, Lord Atwood took my words and concerns seriously. As for the brothers, they were

happily onboard with the possibility.

I hadn’t seen them be so close to each other unless it involved Ryker. It seemed everyone liked him

for some reason, but he wasn’t very friendly with them either.

“I suppose so. I’m looking into the matter,” Ryker said, shooting me a disapproving look for bringing

him back and giving him a chance.

I knew he didn’t want anyone prying into his investigation, but screw it, he shouldn’t be in the

woods.

“Hmm! Can I trust you with this mission?” Lord Atwood asked, and for some reason, I felt like even

he knew not to irk or question Ryker about

his cases.

“You can,” Ryker gave short responses, trying not to look at me.

“Then welcome back home, and we’re utterly sorry you had to face such harsh punishment when

you were innocent,” the broken smile on the old man’s face said it all; he adored Ryker.

1085ilos Tum

But the way Ryker coldly hugged him back made me frown at him. The brothers stepped forward to

welcome him with warm hugs, and Ryker was the same with all of them, almost like wanting the

happy

moments to end soon.

“So that calls for a party tonight,” Silas exclaimed happily. I didn’t like him one bit, and he hated me

back.

“Just because you have a party doesn’t mean we are free too,” Nash commented, rolling his eyes at

him.

“I mean, it’s great that Silas is managing time for himself,” Cain stepped up with an opinion. “He’s

always busy with work and barely enjoys his life,” he continued.

I wanted to ask so badly what kind of party Silas was headed to. Not because I was intrigued to join

him, but because I wanted to know if anyone would even tolerate this dude for more than a few

minutes.

“That’s also true. Which makes me wonder if his little sister would like to join him?” Lord Atwood not

only shocked Silas but shook my world

too.

I stared at him and then at the brothers, who made it obvious with their expressions that they didn’t

like the idea very much.

“I have so much homework to do,” I giggled, trying to make it less obvious that I didn’t want to join

that jerk anywhere.

“And what is she going to do at my party?” Silas quickly jumped in, as if I wasn’t already dismissing

the suggestion.

“What other friends of yours do,” Lord Atwood said sternly. I hated the fact that he wanted us to

bond.

“Dad–” Silas grunted, while the others watched their father with

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105–Silas Tum

disapproving looks.

“I don’t really like those kinds of parties anyway. I’m more of an upbeat person and I like to hang

around people I know.” I thought I was helping the jerk out, but for some weird reason, his ego got

hurt when he heard me call his party boring.

“Do you even know anything about the party?” Silas hissed, making me watch his face in disbelief.

“I’m on your side, Silas. Remember, we both don’t want to go anywhere together?” I said under my

gritted teeth, making sure his father didn’t. hear it.

“Oh really? Who told you I need your help?” Silas said loudly, and I gasped before pouting angrily.

“So, what’s the plan?” Lord Atwood asked with excitement.

1. up.

The way I glared at Silas, I bet the others understood I was getting riled I watched Ryker shake his

head at me, and then Cain wagged his finger as a ‘no,‘ before Nash narrowed his eyes at me to

dissuade me. I never thought they had begun to know me so well.

“Actually, now that I think about it, I would really like to try this party out,” the minute I said that,

Ryker clenched his jaw and pressed his lips tightly, as if disappointed in me. Nash slapped his

forehead, whereas Cain rolled his eyes. But the better expression was from Silas. He had his jaw

meet the floor when his father got happy at my

decision.

“But you have homework,” Silas argued.

“What homework? Are you forgetting something, stepbrother? Our school isn’t even open

anymore,” I pointed innocently, knowing it irked

100–Silas Tum

him.

“She’s right. And in that way, she’ll get to spend some time with her brother and bond well with you,”

Lord Atwood said, and I nodded my head vigorously, attempting to smile as if that was why I made

that decision. But in reality, I just wanted to get back at Silas for annoying

1. me.

“Fine!” Silas finally shut his mouth and nodded to himself. In that moment, I felt like I had really

made a mistake this time. But what’s done was done. I couldn’t step back, or else he would think I

was afraid

of him.

“Silas,” before Silas could go to his bedroom to get ready, Nash called after him, and Silas slowed

down in his steps.

“You will take care of her!” That didn’t seem like advice but rather a warning.

“Sure, I will,” that little devilish smirk from Silas made me gulp. He. marched upstairs while I was left

behind with the brothers. After Lord Atwood left too, the brothers turned to me with their hands on

their waists.

“Do you like getting into a mess?” Nash asked.

“He angered me,” I fired back, stomping my foot.

“So let me get this straight—if anyone angers you and says you cannot kiss them, will you just go

for it?” Cain asked, his eyes narrowed at my face.

“Of course not,” I uttered, but Ryker had something else to say.

“Of course, no, she wouldn’t want someone to die,” his harsh attempt to shoot a warning got my

skin covered in goosebumps.

gaze and