Page 113 of Monstrous Serpent

“My siblings. Like my mom made one comment. One. But the rest of them are going on and on and on.” He looks over at Hunter. “Claire’s asking why you haven’t responded.”

Hunter keeps walking.

My gaze bounces between them. “What’s she asking?”

Atlas chuckles. “They're teasing him.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re the first person he’s dated.”

I stop walking. “What?”

Atlas huffs a laugh. “Don’t look so shocked, Little J.”

“But I thought you two—”

“We’re best friends.” Hunter stares at me, jaw clenched.

“Yep. Best friends.” Atlas swallows hard, Adam’s apple bobbing as he looks away. “Since we were twelve. Nothing more to it.”

I don’t buy it.

Not with the way Hunter always finds a way to touch Atlas like he needs to know he’s there. Or how Atlas can’t go five seconds without texting Hunter if they’re not together.

And definitely not after what I just saw back in the mansion.

But it’s not really my place to say anything.

Hunter starts walking again. Ahead of us, like earlier.

I sigh and follow. Thought he got over whatever was pissing him off earlier. Guess not.

Atlas is quiet now too.

I sidle up to him, and he wraps his arm around my shoulder.

Hunter doesn’t slow down, doesn’t look back. He just crosses the street to the parking lot, puts on his helmet, and starts his bike.

Seriously, what the hell just happened?

Atlas hands me my helmet, and I put it on. He does the same, then gets on the bike and starts it.

But just as I’m about to get on Atlas’s bike, Hunter grips my upper arm. He stares at me, not saying anything. Then he pulls me closer. “I’m your boyfriend too.”

“Yeah, I know . . .”

Oh. Shit.

I lean forward, pressing the top of my helmet against his. “Yes, you’re my boyfriend too. Sorry, I didn’t say it earlier.”

He grunts. “Now, get on.”

I climb onto the back of his bike and wrap my arms around his waist. “Though, if you speed like the other dipshit, I’ll have to find someone new.”

He twists around, and his dark eyes lock with mine. “Then you signed their death warrant, Little Titan. Because there is no version of your life that doesn't include us now.”

My throat works, but nothing comes out.