#Chapter 11

Fiona Shock rockets through me as Ethan lifts my stepmother into the air with a growl. He moves between us and drops her, sending her to the ground in a crumpled heap. “I don’t hurt women,” Ethan says, “But if I see you harming Fiona again, I may not be so polite again.” The threat sits heavy in the air, clear to everyone that he’s not lying. His clenched fists, narrow eyes, and set jaw are aimed directly at my stepmother before he shifts and glares at Jack and Jessica. Honestly, it’s nice to have someone stand up for me even if he’s slightly terrifying. With an outraged gasp, my stepmother jumps to her feet and huffs. Then, like a two-year-old throwing a tantrum, she stomps her foot and whines, “Why would someone like you defend her?” “Somone like her is better than an abusive, self-centered snake like you.” Ethan’s insult makes my stepmother gawk, her eyes nearly popping out of her head. Ethan stares her down, and without looking at me, he holds out a hand. I slip