Page 47 of Amber: Deja Brew

“That’s it?” I frown.

“Of course that’s not—” Amber starts, but Julian interrupts her.

"Maybe it's because she only just met you, Bear. I hope I'd get more of a reaction than just tears, Bean. We’ve known each other for six years.”

“Of course I’ll do more than cry. I couldn’t take it if anything happened to any of you.” Amber wraps her arms around my waist. “You feel so warm, Wes. Your abs are so hard. Why do I keep saying everything I’m thinking?”

“I wish you were hugging me.” Chase says. “And I’m pretty sure it’s the spell.”

“I do, too,” Julian says.

“Are you talking about the spell or the hugging?” I ask. “Not that it matters. The spell does. And I know exactly what it is. It’s a truth spell!”

“Actually, it seems more like a ‘Blurt Out Everything You’re Thinking’ Spell,” the developer says.

“I think he’s right,” Chase agrees.

“What did you do, Juli?” Amber glares at him.

“Why are you always blaming me? Just because I have wonky magic, doesn’t mean it’s my fault. Maybe if you hadn’t distracted me, this one would have worked. It was supposed to be a simple lie detector spell, that’s all.”

“I didn’t mean to distract you,” Amber says, not sounding at all upset at the accusation. “I know your spells always go wonky when you’re distracted. Mine do, too. That’s how I ended up flopping around like a mermaid this morning.”

“What did I distract you from?” Chase asks.

“From shifting into a troll.” Amber covers her mouth and gasps. “This is so embarrassing.”

“Why, little bear?” I ask, hugging her tighter.

“Because I didn’t want you to know I was shifting into a troll,” she says, which isn’t really an explanation at all. She sighs. “This hug feels so good. I wish I was hugging you all at the same time.”

“I wish I was hugging Lawrence,” the developer says. “I haven’t hugged anyone else in years, because I left home at 18.”

“I left home at 18, too,” Chase says. “I wonder if we could be friends.”

“You want to be friends with him after he sabotaged the cafe?” I growl.

“Obviously not if he's guilty,” Chase replies. “I really don’t think he’s guilty.”

“I’m not,” the developer agrees. “I didn't sabotage your cafe! I've never sabotaged anyone. I did tie my brother’s shoe laces during the annual race when we were kids, but only because I wanted to finally win something so my parents would be proud of me.”

“That’s so sad,” Chase says.

“Focus, man!” I growl at him, then turn on the werewolf. “Fine, if you didn't sabotage the cafe, what are you hiding?”

“A lot of things.”

“Like what?” I demand.

“I used to wet the bed until I turned 9." The developers eyes widen with horror. “I cried the first time I had sex." The horror grows more pronounced. "Lawrence and I are in love.”

“Is Lawrence the guy waiting outside?” Amber asks. “He looked so worried about you.”

“He’s such a beautiful man, and he has such a kind heart,” the developer says. “I wish I was hugging him right now. Being with him is the only time I feel like I belong.”

“That’s how I feel with Ambear,” I confess. “I’ve never felt like I fit in anywhere.”

“What about your clan?” Amber frowns.