Page 40 of Liberty

“No,” Oak growled before she could even give a reason.

She ignored his attempt at control and dominance. “You see. I forgot I was watching my neighbor’s cat.”

“How do you just . . . forget?” Oak crossed his arm, his stare enough to make even me squirm.

“Well, I mean, I didn’t forget per se. It’s just, my neighbor went out of town this morning, and last week she had asked me to watch Tabitha. I naturally agreed because, well, who could have predicted this mess? But then I forgot. Until about midway through dinner when I got a text to remind me that Tabby likes her food mixed to the perfect consistency. She’s spoiled.”

“And you didn’t mention it then?” Oak interrogated.

“I needed to work up to it.” She defended her actions. “It’s not like you’re the most agreeable, and I knew you would say no. That’s why I wanted to bring Sterling.”

“I’ll go.”

“No.”

“Why the fuck not?” he growled.

“Because frankly, and I mean this in the best way possible, Oak. I’ve had enough of you today. You’re a lot to handle. I’ve also had time with just Ellis. But you haven’t seen me spending time with Sterling at all.”

Sterling looked shocked that she even considered it. “You want to spend time with me?”

“Yes?” She questioned herself. “It just seems right. I mean, you healed me twice; the least I could do is learn your middle name.”

“But I don’t have a middle name.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Sterling’s expense. “I think you’re missing the point here, Sterling.”

“Okay, well, I haven’t learned anything about you. Not like Oak and Ellis,” she clarified.

“I don’t like this,” Oak inserted his opinion.

“I don’t really care what you like, Oak.”

“Let me come, too,” Oak tried again.

“Oak,” she said his name like a warning, and even I felt a bit reprimanded. “Sterling is coming with me, and that’s final.”

Sterling visibly swallowed, looking almost scared at the realization that he would be responsible for this human girl. “Hmm, yeah. That’s final.”