Page 6 of The Call of Crimson
“I think you’ll find it does, Prince,” Ayden sneers right back.
Prince.
It hadn’t even registered that Ayden’s revelation about their familial relation meant that Aurelius is a prince.
I kneel, inspecting Elijah’s face for injuries. He’ll have a gnarly black eye—and his nose is definitely broken.
Grasping my hand, he smiles softly. “I’m fine, B. I’ve had worse—from you, if we’re being honest.” He winks.
“Breyla, darling,” Ayden drawls. “Do you care to explain what’s going on here?”
“Not particularly, darling,” I reply mockingly.
“Humor me.”
“Just know Aurelius got exactly what he deserved.”
“He punched me first,” Aurelius snarls, throwing his hands in the air.
“I said what I said,” I snap.
Ayden lets out an exasperated sigh, rubbing his temples.
Unable to let it lie, Elijah adds, “I woke up to Breyla pinned beneath Aurelius as he whispered something about tasting whatwas his. The shadows around his neck made it pretty clear she was distressed.”
Ayden’s nostrils flare.
“You’re not helping, Eli,” I sigh.
He shrugs and pushes himself off the floor.
“Elijah, thank you for elaborating,” Ayden says, voice tight. “Please return to your own chambers. I can take it from here.”
His eyes dart to mine, but he doesn’t move. “I’ll leave when Breyla dismisses me.”
“I’m fine, Elijah. You can leave. Thank you for staying with me.”
With a nod and kiss to my temple, he leaves me with Aurelius and Ayden.
The two males face each other, and for the first time, Ireallysee them. The resemblance is undeniable. Same strong jaw line, same height, same dark eyes and hair—though Aurelius’ features are just a touch darker. Even their scents carry that same blend of spice and earth.
How had I not noticed it before?
“Aurelius,” Ayden says coldly, “let me be clear—Breyla isnotyours. She ismyfiancée.And I believe she’s made her feelings about you perfectly clear.”
Possessive fury sparks in Aurelius’ gaze. “Fiancée, or not, she will never be yours. She may be displeased with me now, but it will forever be my name on her lips.”
I glare at him, willing my eyes to burn him where he stands. “Well, right now the only thing my lips are saying is fuck off.”
Reluctantly, Aurelius turns and walks out—but not without pausing in the doorway a moment too long.
I turn my glare to Ayden. “That means you, too, asshole.”
In true Ayden fashion, he ignores me and asks, “Care to tell me why Elijah was sleeping in your bed?” His tone is curious but not angry
“How many times must I explain this?” I groan. “Elijah is like a brother to me. Our bond runs deep, but it’s never been romantic.”
“And do you often share a bed with him?”
