Chapter 507

"You've said so many things, Byron. How am I supposed to know which one you mean?" Maeve blushed, pushing him away.

"I could be your strict, loving father. Want to try?" Byron grinned.

Maeve's face flamed. "Are you crazy? You already are a father—to two sons!" She grabbed his waist, anger sparking in her eyes.

Byron caught her wrist, his gaze intense. "This is different." He leaned closer, wanting to hear her scream.

Sensing danger, Maeve swallowed hard. "How'd your talk with Will and Theo go?"

Byron clicked his tongue, pinching her cheek. "Let's just say I suggested they befriend their classmates."

Maeve snatched up her pillow and bolted.

Byron grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"

"Will and Theo had a rough day. I'll comfort them." She looked back, innocent as could be. "You're sleeping alone tonight."

His fingers tightened. He wasn't letting go. "I need comfort, Maeve. Physically and mentally."

She was speechless. "You're serious? Because of those two brats?"

He's really good at competing with his own sons, she thought, remembering his antics in bed. She wanted to wrench free and flee, but couldn't.

She knelt, leaning over to kiss his cheek, her eyes avoiding his. "Goodnight kiss. They don't get one. Is that okay?"

Byron blinked, his grip loosening. Maeve slipped away, disappearing out the door.

A low laugh rumbled from him. Ray was right. Benefits require effort, he mused.

The family outing took place in a beautiful, relatively safe forest. Classes were spread out, teachers offering assistance only in emergencies. This wasn't a pampered excursion; most parents, unused to camping, struggled mightily with tents while their children fussed.

Not Maeve's family. Byron expertly erected their tent, Will and Theo assisting with practiced efficiency. Maeve gathered kindling for the fire. In half an hour, they were done.

While collecting branches, she heard a rustle. A bear? Terror gripped her. Then, a figure emerged from the bushes.

"Zephyr!" Relief flooded her.

"Sorry to scare you," he said, anxious. "Saw a boy in a yellow duck jacket? Yellow hat?"

Maeve pointed. "Saw him near the apples. Sent him back."

Zephyr thanked her, then paused. "School checked security, but it gets dangerous deeper in. Don't wander too far."

Maeve nodded, returning to camp. Zephyr's camp was in the opposite direction; they parted at the forest's edge. He watched until she was safe, then left.

Their tent stood out—cute bear ears adorned the top. Other tents were haphazard affairs.

"Stop it! Where am I supposed to find ears? Do I look like an ear store?" Byron demanded, his voice a little rough.

"Okay, okay! I'll cut and paste some, okay? Don't cry!"

"Look at those other children! They're helpful, not whiny!"

From nearby, a chorus of weak voices called out, "Theo, Will, how did you do that? Teach us!"

Theo saw Caleb, their tormentor, among them. The joy drained from his face. "No, I'm not free," he said flatly.

Caleb, still nursing a sore backside courtesy of his father, mumbled something and fell silent.

Will and Theo helped the other children, patiently correcting their mistakes. Each successful attempt earned them candy and snacks. Their pockets bulged. But when they finished, they left without visiting those who had initially begged for help.

The children who'd been ignored felt aggrieved. "It's Caleb's fault!"

"Will and Theo are nice, but Caleb made them angry!"

"He's mean! I don't want to play with him!"

Caleb stamped his foot. "It's just a tent! I can pay someone! Only poor people do this themselves!" His friends, however, ignored him, swarming Will and Theo.

Caleb yelled, "Hey!" but it was no use. Except for Caleb, everyone else received help from Will and Theo, who even led foraging expeditions, teaching edible plants from poisonous ones.

Caleb's position as leader was irrevocably lost.