Page 72 of Hunt the Dusk
Ordell cut off the sound, his eyes flaring in panic, and it hit me…They didn’t know. They didn’t fucking know what he truly was.
I stepped between them, drawing their attention to me. “We should be going. Thank you for your hospitality.”
I took Ordell’s hand, noting how warm and clammy it was, how tense. Would he resist if I drew him away?
He wrapped his fingers around mine, signaling his acquiescence, and we left.
Ordell didn’t speak until we were back on the road. “Thank you.”
“What for?”
“For stepping in there and diverting their attention to you. They don’t know about my condition. But I guess you figured that much out.”
“I did. I assume you haven’t told them because you don’t want them to freak out and think the kids might also be…like you. Am I right?”
“Correct. I’m cursed. They’re not. Bella and Dash don’t need to know. It’s not relevant to the children.” He took a left at the intersection onto the main road. “I’m more concerned with them studying at the School of Creation. That place gives me the creeps.”
“Do you want me to scope it out?”
He glanced my way. “How?”
“I’m going to the opening of the new wing with Kaster next weekend. I can do a little snooping if you like.”
“You don’t have to—” He shook his head. “You know what? Fuck it. Yes, please. Scope it out.”
I grinned up at him. “But you’ve got to buy me ice cream.”
I expected a chuckle, a lightening of the mood, but his gaze fell to the dashboard clock. “Not today, Orina. But definitely another time.”
Ah, the full moon. “No worries. Let’s get back to the stables.”
Tonight Hemlock and I would be staying at the chapter house, as far away from Ordell’s beast as possible.
“What did you tell Ezekiel about why you’ll be staying at the chapter house tonight?” Ordell asked.
“Nothing. He hasn’t surfaced from his quarters all week.” Yes, I was put out by that. We’d gone through some pretty epic stuff, and then he’d just cloistered himself away and ignored me for a whole fucking week. “If he wants me, then I’m sure he’ll find me.”
I’d been telling myself the same thing all week, and so far, he hadn’t come looking.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
Chapter 24
“Pass the bread, please.” Merry wiggled her fingers in Edwin’s direction, and he handed her the breadbasket.
“This is delicious, ” Holly said around a mouthful of chicken. “What did you season it with?”
Haiden tapped the side of his nose. “Secret recipe.”
Padma picked at her food. She’d been unusually quiet tonight. Hemlock nursed a cup of coffee, silver coin flashing along his knuckles, his meal only half touched. If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say he was worried about his brother back at the castle.
I tried to catch his eye, to communicate silently that I was sure Ordell would be okay, but his gaze remained fixed on the pile of coasters that sat in the center of the table.
“You okay, mate?” Edwin asked him.
Hemlock blinked sharply, snapping out of his thoughts. “I have some work to do.” He drained his coffee and pushed back his seat. “I’ll see you later.” He left the kitchen, and Holly’s brows went up.
“Okay, so who exactly is tall, dark, and brooding?” she asked.
