Chapter 50. Half-heartedly 

XAVIER ASHERIUS'S POV

A feeling of darkness welled up within me as Peony obediently positioned herself on the couch, directly facing Xander and his Luna. I was aware that Peony was in a lot of discomfort because she had to deal with the people who had taken everything from her.

"Can't we get some privacy here?" Xander asked, raising an eyebrow.

Zedd, Chadwick, and the Deltas looked at me for orders. I nodded.

"If you'll excuse us," Zedd said, then stepped to the door along with the others. Even Gloria, who had come into the living room with Peony,

I noticed Peony's hand trembling as she squeezed the hem of her dress. I would do anything in the world to bring her into my arms, but after what happened recently and how I avoided her...

"Brother, isn't it exhausting to just stand there? Get seated with us."

"Don't order me around."

I growled at him, not moving an inch from my position in front of the window. At least the morning breeze that blew through the crack in the window eased the