Page 48 of Amber: Deja Brew

“They think I’m odd. The only one who didn't was Mom, and now she's dead.” I try to hold the rest of my thoughts, but they keep on spilling out. “My brothers took my dad on a week-long fishing trip and they forgot me.”

“What do you mean they forgot you?” Amber leans into my side.

“We were supposed to leave last Friday, but when I showed up with all my gear, they were already gone.”

“Why didn’t you say something, Wes? I would have understood. My Mom and sister haven’t spoken to me in years. I know what being excluded by family feels like.”

“And I know what it’s like not to fit in,” Julian adds. “I didn’t fit in at the academy until I met Amber.”

“I never fit in anywhere,” Chase adds. “Not back home before I got exiled, and not here in the city. I’m not even sure I fit in with you.”

“That’s how I’ve always felt unless I’m with Lawrence.” The developer sighs. “But every time he holds me in his arms, I feel like I’m home.”

“That’s so sweet,” Amber gushes. “And of course you fit in with us, Chase. Like there was ever any doubt!”

“I’ve been doubting it,” Chase admits. “A lot.”

“You fit in,” I tell him resolutely. “We’ll never exclude you. I didn’t know you felt this way. I wish I’d told you how I felt, too, but I didn’t want to burden you. And I especially didn’t want to burden Ambear. It’s my job to protect you, little bear.”

“Your job isn’t to protect me, it’s to tell me everything.” Amber snaps. “We’re family now, Wes.”

“We are,” I agree, and her words are like a bucket of honey warming my heart. “I may not eat honey, but that doesn’t mean I don’t associate it with everything warm and gooey.”

“Why are you suddenly bringing up honey?” Chase asks. “It’s not like I suddenly brought up my carrot.”

“I want your carrot,” Amber says. “I want all your carrots. Cocks.” She covers her mouth on a gasp as the word slips out. “This is so embarrassing.”

“I’m going to make sure embarrassment is the last thing on your mind when I make you come,” I tell her, and Amber’s nipples tighten visibly under the tank top she changed into. My cock springs to life in response, and I say, “I want to take you home and get you naked.”

“Shouldn’t we find out who’s sabotaging the cafe first?” Julian asks. “Wait, what am I saying? I’d rather fuck Amber until she screams!”