Just like all of the Lost Boys are perfect.
I open my mouth to make a joke, then pause.
Talk to them, Sera had said.
As if it’s the easiest thing in the world to do that.
“Can I…” I suck in a breath, my heart pounding in my chest. I really should do this now instead of later. Instead of waiting until I’m in too deep and they take my reactions for granted. “Can I ask you something?”
Cyril tilts his head to the side, confusion clear on his features. “Of course, you can,” he says, hands in his pockets as he rocks back on his heels. “What’s up, Wendy Darling? If you don’t want to go with Ezra–”
“I have a hard time handling…stuff. Not murder-stuff. That’s no big deal. But being…left.” I hate the way I say it. I hate the way it makes my heart twist in my chest. “After my parents died, I guess you could say I’m dealing with some abandonment issues. I’m sure the others have told you, but.” I reach out to show him the long scars along my wrist, drawing a finger up the long one. “I’m not going to guilt you into being nice to me or coddling me or my feelings. But I need to knownowwhat to expect. In a serious way. Not funny jokes or whatever.”
“Okay,” Cyril responds, sounding puzzled. “What is it you’re asking me, exactly?”
“I need to know if, or when, the Lost Boys are going to get bored with me. How long it’ll take you to find another Wendy, another girl, or whatever.” I try to speak casually. I try not to repeat the words that were said to me by the mysterious man on the phone.
“Oh.” The leader of the Lost boys leans forward on the counter, letting out a long sigh, and my heart races. It looks like he’s about to give me terrible news. Like he’s going to make my worst fears about this come to life.
“Well, I hate to tell you, my Wendy Darling.” He looks up at me with a smile I’m not expecting. “But my boys and I are attached. Don’t ask me why we’ve all gravitated to you like this. I don’t really get it either. I just like to dream about all the things I want to do to you.” He considers things, then adds. “Plus, you’re not bad to talk to when you aren’t trying to have the last word. I understand why you’re worried about that. But I don’t think youneedto be. I can’t guarantee anything, obviously. But if I ever thought there was a chance of my boys wanting to find a new Wendy or whatever you think is going to happen, I’d tell you.”
The amount of relief that pours through me surprises me. “You would?”
“Yeah, Wendy. I really would.” He rewards me with a grin and reaches out to cup my jaw. “So don’t think you’re getting out of this or away fromus. You’re owned by the Lost Boys, and that’s really not going to change.