Page 88 of Monstrous Serpent

After grabbing the glass of water and drinking it all, I set it back down. “When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow.” He picks at the edge of a sugar packet. “Got work. And Natalie would lose it if this turned into a trip without her.”

I blink once, letting go of the glass. “Natalie?”

“My girlfriend.” His gaze drops back to the mug between his hands. “Wish I were in a place where I could offer more than that. Maybe one day. She deserves it.”

I drag my thumb along the edge of the table, jaw clenching.

As if our father left either of us capable of being what someone deserves.

The waitress returns and sets two plates down. “Western omelet and scrambled eggs with bacon. Can I get you boys anything else?”

“More water when you get a chance.” I pull my plate closer.

“Of course.” She turns to my brother. “Anything else for you?”

“No, thank you, ma’am.”

After she leaves, Garrett cuts into the omelet and takes a bite. “What about you? Dating anyone?”

“No.” I shove a piece of bacon into my mouth.

Garrett wipes his mouth and sets his fork down. “Don’t let how we grew up—”

“Don’t need your advice.”

Garrett shakes his head and takes a sip of coffee as I shovel eggs into my mouth.

No need to talk about relationships. I don’t do them. And I don’t plan for the future either. Right here, right now, that’s my concern. Except, I fucked up touching Atlas the other night. I couldn’t pull my hand back. Couldn’t stop myself from reaching. Lost my damn mind, and control over my body too, thrusting into Jenkins like a goddamn animal. Didn’t check to make sure he was okay after. I should have.

I exhale a long breath through my nose, stabbing at the hash browns.

Then again, he'd try to make good on that promise if I had hurt him. My mouth ticks up on one side.

Garrett chuckles. “So there is someone, eh?”

I look up, eyes narrowing when I spot the shit-eating grin plastered on his face. “None of your business.”

“Mhm.”

I put my fork down, not bothering to look up when the waitress refills my glass of water. “Why now?”

“Hmm?”

“Why did you come looking for me now?”

Garrett finishes chewing, then wipes his mouth. “Wanted to get myself right first. Took time. Went through a few therapists at the community clinics until I found one I connected with. Took meds for a bit too. Found a job and saved some money. I didn’t want to show up looking like I was asking for a handout either.”

He was worried about showing up when he was broke?

“It wasn't easy, Hunt.”

“No shit.”

Therapy didn’t work when the Trembleys sent me. It didn’t stop the nightmares, didn’t stop me from needing to have eyes on Atlas all the time, so I could keep him safe. Didn’t stop the darkness scratching under my skin.

I grab my glass of water and take a swig.