Loyalty Or Honour (Book 3)

Chapter One

Dedicated to @randomsweetstuff for making the awesome cover shown above!

Vote ~ Comment ~ Enjoy!

They all rise to their feet the moment they see him. The obvious leader who rises slower that the rest of them, taking his time, smiles slightly. He tilts his dark head and flicks his eyes across his companions. There are four of them in total, not including him. All show various signs of disapproval and annoyance. Orion's eyes spark, he is going to enjoy this. Knowing this, he crosses his arms and watches, leaving the intruder to deal with all the reactions to his presence. Zandar is the first to move forward, eyes hard and mouth set in a harsh, straight line. He subconsciously draws his shoulders back making himself appear broader. He studies the intruder.

"You truly think it is wise to bring him along?" He addresses his gruff question back to Orion. The intruder's eyes flick to Orion, face blank of any emotion. Orion simply nods. Zandar then turns away and takes his seat again on a fallen log by a temporary fire. He begins to sharpen his knife with a rough stone. The warning is clear.

Ross coughs in disbelief. "That is all the assurance you need? Am I the only one using my brain? We do not know him and from what I do know I do not trust him. He has been working against us the whole time we have been here. I believe Orion is fooled by the face that is so like his own. Surely you can all see this." Ross declares, his thick dark brown brows drawing together. Orion shoots him a glare. Ross shrugs his shoulders and glances back at the two who have yet spoken their piece. "Tell him that he is allowing his family attachments to mess with his decisions."

The twins, one young man and one woman share a loaded look between themselves. The male, Jasper, decides to speak. His tone is much more measured and calm compared to Ross's. "He is the boss. I may not agree with bringing the freakish lookalike along," he pauses here to throw a look over at Orion, "however I do respect Orion and following him thus far has worked out. You could always leave Ross." Ross narrows his light brown eyes at him.

"We would soon get over your absence if you are concerned for us." The female twin comments with a wicked grin, turquoise eyes twinkling. Ross rolls his eyes and sighs loudly.

Orion's lips twitch upwards at her teasing words, noticing how quickly they dispersed the tension building. "So what will it be Ross, will you remain or must we part ways?" He asks, already knowing how Ross will reply.

"I am still adamant that you are making the wrong choice and thus I must remain to make sure he does not overstep the mark." Ross replies, scowling at the intruder. This intruder scoffs and all attention moves to him. He has had enough of their clear anger that he is present and he no longer wishes to remain silent.

"You think you can stop me from overstepping a mark?" His eyes flick from Ross's feet up to his eyes where he meets them square on. Ross blinks at the complete lack of colour in the man's pupils, there is only liquid black. "You could try but I promise you that you will not succeed. So you may leave now if you wish." He then turns his attention to Orion. "You seem to have forgotten to tell your friends here exactly who I am. I did not come to be a secret among you. I have never been a secret my whole life and I do not intend to become one now." He then turns to Jasper. "Freakish lookalike, are you really that blind? Care to give a guess as to what would explain such an occurrence?"

"Boy." Orion lowly warns. "Care to show a little respect?"

"Orion, who is he?" The woman speaks up before anyone else can. "We have been patient. You told us that someone was going to be joining our little group. We accepted the lack of explanation but then we see him turn up, a Usani who looks strangely much like you. I believe now would be a good time to tell us who he is to you."