Page 71 of Hunt the Dusk
“A new wing is being opened at the School of Creation,” Bella explained, her brown eyes lighting up with excitement. “There’ll be a recital put on by the students. The triplets are taking part.”
“Since when are they enrolled there?” Ordell looked to Dash. “I thought you were home educating.”
“I was, but work has been intense. Bella and I decided it would be best for the triplets to enroll.”
Ordell’s whole body tensed up, and the children must have noticed too because they exchanged wary glances.
“Ordell…” Bella stood. “We can talk about this on your way out.”
It was a clearfuck off now, and for a moment, I thought Ordell was going to tell her to shove it, but he reined in his anger and stood slowly, fixing a smile on his face for the children.
“Be good.” He ruffled their hair, then followed Bella from the room.
Dash’s shoulders slumped. “Say goodbye to Orina, children.”
I got hugs from all three.
Dash led me to the door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, children. In the meantime, you can start helping Maggie clean up.”
Maggie, the maid, came hurrying in as if on cue, and the children gravitated toward her with offers of help as we slipped from the room.
“They’re good kids.”
“Yes,” Dash said. “They are. I raised them to be.”
The possessiveness in his tone wasn’t lost on me. “Ordell isn’t trying to take them away from you, you know that, right?”
He let out a rough laugh and turned to face me. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I would ask that you mind your own business. Respectfully.”
“Ouch.”
He exhaled. “I’m sorry, I…I know you’re trying to help, but this is something that Bella, Ordell, and I must navigate alone.”
I had to respect that, but I needed to say one more thing. “I know you want to protect those children, but they won’t be children forever, and there will come a time when they’ll realize who Ordell truly is and also reflect on how much time he was permitted to spend with them.”
Dash looked away. “I’ll consider my duty done if I can keep them safe until that time arrives.” He strode off, and I followed.
The sound of Ordell and Bella arguing reached us before we stepped into the entranceway.
“This is bullshit,” Ordell said.
“No. It makes sense for us,” Bella replied.
“There are other schools.”
“None as prestigious and secure as the School of Creation.”
“Where children are raised in preparation to be vampires,” Ordell pointed out.
“They aren’t going to be living there, and there are many other high-born children in attendance.”
Dash clipped toward them. “Enough. The decision is made. It’s not up for debate.”
A low, menacing growl spilled from Ordell’s lips.
Bella moved closer to Dash with a shocked whimper.
“What the fuck was that?” Dash asked.
