Page 101 of Wicked Heirs

“Yeah, it’s not gonna just be verbal attacks soon, firecracker.” He looked at Xavier. “Maybe we should make it anObsidianoffensive.”

“That has to be Alena’s choice.”

“She shouldn’t have to fight this battle. It was caused by us.”

The scent of cloves filled my senses a moment before Orpheus appeared directly in front of us.

He looked his usual alluring self, his stark white and black hair styled perfectly high on top and spiking out to the sides a little, a silver silk shirt pulling taut across his hard, muscular compact body, a pair of black leather pants dialing the sexy up several notches.

“She shouldn’t have to deal with this, no,” he rumbled.

“Ore!” Talon cried, throwing his arms around him. “You’ve been off the grid.”

“I’ve been on campus, in my same classes, in my same chambers.”

“But you haven’t been around us at all.”

As Talon eased off, Orpheus stroked his cheek. “My apologies, baby bird. I know you don’t like it when I’m not with you. I was just taking stock.” His gaze flicked to me, intensity flaring. “And giving space to certain someones.” He threw an accusing look at Xavier for good measure. “As requested by those certain someones.”

Xavier glared back at him. “What I said was—”

Orpheus held up his hand, his commanding presence out in full force. “I apologize.” He looked between us. “To the both of you.” His gaze flicked to Talon. “And you, my good boy, for pulling you into it.”

Talon frowned, looking a whole lot confused.

“You… what?” Xavier uttered, as stunned as I was.

Orpheus rolled his eyes at our reactions. “That’s correct. I said that I’m sorry for what transpired. As rare as it is, I wasdriven by emotion.” His eyes burned into mine. “By jealousy.” He shoved a hand through his thick hair. “It’s not an emotion I’m familiar with, so I responded poorly. I apologize to you all.”

“We’re good, brother,” Talon told him immediately.

“Apology accepted,” I spoke.

“All right,” Xavier said, holding out his hand to Orpheus. “It’s appreciated that you could do this.”

They shook, then Orpheus stroked his hair. “Missed you.”

“Missed you too.”

“Come on then, let’s eat together. They have that special rhubarb jam today. And a crumble made of the same, Ore! Your favorite!”

“Rhubarb?” I asked Orpheus, curious.

He shook his head. “Crumbles.”

“Crumbles, huh? What about pies?”

He made a gagging sound.

“No pies,” Xavier said, chuckling.

“Got it,” I said, a giggle escaping me.

The three of them stilled and stared at me in wonder.

“Most mesmerizing sound ever,” Orpheus commented.

I waved my had dismissively at them all. “Stop it.”

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