The Phantom's Vice (The Dark Triad Series Book 2) by Mindy Paige

Author:Mindy Paige [Paige, Mindy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

GHOST

The Code: Rule #6

No information gained in the field shall be shared unless explicitly ordered by the Sanctum.

I scowl as the microwave beeps, the scent of greasy freezer-burned taquitos wafting to my nose and making me slightly nauseous. Orion skips toward the microwave, wiggling his brows as he sets the steaming plate in front of Brett. She squeals, clapping her hands together excitedly before shoving one in her mouth.

“Ah! Hot!” She curses, waving a hand at her open mouth to give her some relief. My fist tightens at my side, and I consider how crazy it would look if I took a bat to the microwave.

It hurt Brett. My Brett. It will pay.

Orion chuckles, popping two rolls into his mouth while smirking at Brett. “Weak shit, Brett. You gotta build up your mouth strength.”

“Mouth strength?” she asks, her mouth popping with indignation. “That’s not even a thing!”

“If it wasn’t a thing, then how come I can do this?” Orion grabs three more taquitos and swallows them down without so much as flinching.

Brett shakes her head, her shoulder shaking with a giggle. “You’re a monster.”

“Yup, that’s the word on the street.” Orion winks, grabbing a taquito and throwing it to Rupert, who’s waiting diligently at his feet. The little black cat sitting in his lap lets out an angry mew, and Orion sighs before breaking off a small piece to give to him.

“I still can’t believe he lets you pet him,” Brett murmurs, resting her chin in her hands as she stares lovingly at her cat.

“That’s Snow White for you,” I say, chuckling at the murderous glare Orion sends my way. “Strays love him. I’m always coming home to some roadkill-wannabe being nursed back to health. It’s endearing, really.”

“I do not!” Orion grumbles, crossing his arms.

“Oh, yeah? Want to tell Brett about the crow sitting in your room?”

“That’s different! He can’t fly anymore. He needs me.”

I sigh, leaning back in my chair with a glance at Brett. “You see what I have to deal with?”

She giggles, reaching over and giving Rupert some scratches behind his ears. “I think it’s sweet. Everyone needs help sometimes, right? Does the crow have a name?”

At this, Orion brightens. “Yes! His name is Bacchus. He’s literally so cool. Sometimes, he’ll find me coins and shit from outside, and⁠—”

“And Orion is not supposed to have an animal.” I interrupt, crossing my arms. “It’s too dangerous.”

“You have Rupert! Why can’t I have a pet?” Orion grumbles, crossing his own arms to mimic Ghost.

“Because. It’s for the animals' safety.”

Orion’s eyes glaze over, and he pounds his fist on the table, sending his glass falling to the side, spilling water across the table and floor. “I won’t hurt him, I promise!”

I groan, shaking my head slowly. “Orion⁠—”

“No. Fuck you!” he yells, shoving away from the table and standing. “You don’t know! Bacchus is the only one who makes me feel better about what I… what I…”

I see the rage clouding his eyes, and I know I need to stop this now.

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