Elena's POV

Jake's face lit up at Jessica's words, like a kicked dog suddenly offered a bone. "Really? That would be amazing, Jessica," he said eagerly. "Thank you."

I almost laughed. Five minutes ago, he'd been trembling in fear. Now he was wagging his tail for her advice.

But the little performance didn't last.

"Stop your dreaming, Jake. " Noah said flatly. "Jessica, stay out of family matters."

Jessica pursed her lips and bit down hard on her pink Stanley straw.

"And you, boy," Noah's gaze cut to Jake, cold and sharp, "Go home. Now."

Jake's mouth opened, then closed again. Even he wasn't stupid enough to challenge that tone....