Eli gnashed his teeth. “They’re locked in the Middle Ages. There’s nothing wrong with our relationship. It doesn’t threaten anything other than their overly rigid sensibilities.”
Luke made a snort so dismissive that it sounded equine in nature. “Historically speaking, that’s not true. When two Orders unite, they have the ability to do some serious damage to the others and to the world. But there might be a compromise.”
They looked at Luke hopefully.
“What?” Eli asked.
“Abdicate. One or both of you. Give up your inheritance and the other Orders can’t complain. If there’s no conflict, there’s no conflict.”
Sorcha was impressed at his King Solomonesque approach. It made complete sense.
Amandine’s face lit up. “It’s perfect! We should have thought of that ourselves!”
Eli wasn’t so quick to agree. “Wait… What?”
Rising to her feet, Amandine took his hand. “Think about it. If we’re not the heirs, our union won’t make the others nervous. Let’s do this!”
He shook his head. “I can’t do that.”
Grimacing at Eli’s reaction, Sorcha bit her lip to keep from speaking. This wasn’t right. If he really loved her, how could he refuse such a simple request?
And it ruffled Amandine. “What do you mean, you can’t do that?” The anger in those last four words was savage.
Eli went pale. “My brother is an idiot. If he takes over…you’ve met him. He’s worthless.”
The fury in Amandine’s eyes said that Eli needed to stop talking. Fast. “He’ll be fine.”
Unfortunately, he wasn’t smart enough to shut up. “Would you be okay with your brother ruling in your stead?”
“I was until you took that tone. It doesn’t sound like you care about your brother so much as you don’t want to give up the power and money.”
“And there is that,” Eli said in an equally irritated tone. “We’re talking a fortune. Can you honestly look at me and say that you’d be good with having to work three jobs to pay for tuition?”
Rage descended on her face. “My father was right. You never loved me. You just wanted vampiric sex. Get out!”
Sorcha actually took an involuntary step toward the door. That deep, demonic command that was hard to resist.
“Mandy,” Eli pleaded.
“Don’t you even, you bastard. Out!”
When he failed to listen, Amandine threw her hands up and an invisible shove pushed Eli to the door, plastering him up against it.
“Mandy, stop!” That shrieking tone was impressive. So was the fact that he was shoved aside while the door opened itself and then he was forced outside.
The door slammed shut with a resounding finality.
“Feckless bastard!” Amandine turned toward Luke who held his hands up and took a step back.
“Might be a bastard, but I’m not a feckless one.”
That succeeded in breaking through Amandine’s tears. “Are all men worthless?”
He glanced toward Sorcha. “Yes seems to be the right answer since I’m outnumbered.”
Baring fangs at Luke, she turned toward Sorcha. “Did I do the right thing?”
“You’re asking the wrong person. I have a bad history with men. If there’s a loser, I always gravitate straight to him.” Sorcha hesitated a second, as this was really off topic. “Can I ask you something?”
