Page 62 of Cursed Heirs

More than that, he was embracing it.

“We’re glad to hear it,” I told him. “Fucking relieved beyond belief too, X.Shit.”

He walked to me and wrapped his arms around me. “I’m sorry, brother. Really sorry I got so low.”

Ore reached out with one hand and then we were immersed in a brotherly hug.

“It’s okay,” I said. “You’re back now.”

“You can hold on now, yes?” Orpheus asked.

We eased apart and X nodded firmly. “I can. I promise.”

“Good,” Ore said, resting his head back against the pillows again. “Fucking good.”

X smiled and climbed onto the other side of the bed, settling beside Ore. He stroked his fingers carefully over his throat, where his bite mark had been—one of them. “How are you feeling?”

“On the mend.”

“I can’t believe you let me take it there. To not use your magic to defend yourself and take my punishment all the way, I can’t imagine what strength that took.”

“I made you a promise.” His lips quirked. “Had to keep it, didn’t I?”

X chuckled.

“Well, you certainly proved that you’re a man of your word,” I said.

It had a choked laugh escaping Ore. “I am that, for sure, baby bird.”

Xavier drew back a little, then opened his palm and a spark of his blue fire erupted.

“Whoa,” I gasped. “How the shit?”

“My blood. A lot of it,” Ore partially explained.

“You weren’t surprised that I’d be able to do this,” X told him.

“I also wasn’t sure it would actually work. At least not this soon after what Constantine did, and took from you.”

“How… how is this possible?”

“You’re a magically born being. It’s in your blood, coded into your DNA. Constantine might have takenyourmagic but nothing and no one can take away your ability to wield. You absorbed properties of it from my blood. Royal Dark Fae blood is very potent. It won’t work with all magic-wielders.” He grimaced. “And it will fade as my blood leaves your system.” He lifted a shoulder. “Of course, I can always top you off.”

“No. I don’t want to do that to you again. That was a one-off like you said. Knowing it can be done, feeling that again… it’s enough for me.” He smiled widely. “And experiencing that complete loss of control… you were right… it made a difference. It’s changed everything.”

“I’m glad,” Orpheus said, taking X’s hand and giving it a squeeze.

“How long do you think it’ll be until you’re back to your full strength?” I asked Ore, hating seeing him in this state.

“Full strength? A couple of days. Able to shower and walk around alone? Halfway through the day tomorrow.”

“Thank fuck.”

“Already tired of doting on me, Tal?”

“Never. I just don’t like seeing you this way.”

“Right there with you on that. Weakness isn’t exactly my thing.”

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