Page 85 of Ward Willing
“Better get cracking then, old man,” Miles teases. “You’re forty now. No more time to waste.”
I swat his shoulder as we get to the ground floor, and I set the CD’s down and take Bea from him so he can help Stella with the food.
When I walk into the kitchen, I notice Zoe in one of the corners whispering animatedly with Layla.
Orion is sipping his water bottle, watching them. Watchingher.
With black clothes, fangs, and a cape.
“Hey, Dracula,” I say, adjusting my grip on Bea as I grab a box of Cheerios from the counter.
“Where’s your costume?” he asks, brows furrowed as I put Bea into her high chair and dole out a small pile of cheerios.
I point to my jacket. “This is my costume.” I look at him, but he’s already looking away. “You okay?”
Orion is quiet for a minute, but then he straightens up. “Yeah. Fine. Why?”
I look over at Layla—a tall redhead. She’s a ballet dancer in the Los Angeles Ballet, and though I don’t know her well, she’s always been quiet and shy with me, an introverted book nerd, Zoe tells me. She and Zoe are really close, though—which I’ve always been grateful for. She’s wearing a long, black dress, white makeup, and has fangs like Orion.
“You’re pining,” I murmur, my voice low.
Orion turns and scowls at me. “I am not.”
I hold my hands up. “Forgive me for overstepping. It’s something I’ve noticed as a big brother.”
Orion turns back to look at Layla. “Like I said, I’m fine.”
His body language and demeanor tell me he’s anything but fine. However, I don’t want to push his buttons. Before either of us can say anything, Malakai walks into the kitchen.
I bark a laugh. “You’re kidding.”
Bea grins and coos, her mouth full of cheerios as she reaches for her Uncle Kai. He’s dressed in all red—dark red pants, red blazer, and white button-down. It’s all pulled together with demon horns on his head.
He shrugs and sighs. “I figured it was an easy joke,” he says, laying a bag on the counter. “I brought some alcohol.”
I walk over and pat his shoulder before flicking one of the horns with two fingers. “A bit too on the nose.”
He frowns and looks at me. “You’re one to talk,Professor,” he grumbles.
He then proceeds to pick up his drink, which appears to be straight vodka, and takes a sip.
Interesting choice for the headmaster and head pastor of a Catholic private school.
Miles saunters over to us. “So, who’s this person Layla brought with her?” he asks me quietly, looking around.
“Stop being such a scandalmonger,” I mutter.
“I’m sorry, awhat?” he asks, chuckling.
“He’s over there,” I say, pointing to the only non-Ravage man in the kitchen. He’s tall and slim, wearing a plaid button-down and black jeans. Notably, theonlyone not in costume. He and Layla are now talking with Zoe in one corner of the kitchen.
“Are we talking about Layla’s date?” Malakai asks, scooting closer to us so Orion doesn’t hear. “I heard he’s one of the ballet dancers in her company,” he adds.
“You’re both incorrigible gossips,” I mutter.
“I need to put Bea to sleep,” Miles says, lifting her up and out of her high chair. He gently wipes her face off and walks over to Stella, whispering something in her ear.
I see Stella blush before he walks away, and my eyes automatically search for Zoe.
