Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 129 - 127: Everyone’s scent is all over you...
Eryx’s gaze darkened, bold and playful all at once. "What I want," he said simply, a smirk pulling at his lips. "But don’t worry... you’d like it. You’d enjoy every second of it."
Athena’s breath caught. She couldn’t help the small shiver that ran down her spine. She didn’t want to imagine what he would really do to her. She was curious and nervous all at once.
"You really are something else," he murmured, almost to himself, tracing light circles on her waist with his thumb. "I could spend hours just... watching you. Listening to you. Feeling you."
Athena shifted slightly, teasing him with her own boldness now. Under her butt, she could feel something poking her there, but didn’t comment on it. "Is that so? You might get bored, Eryx. I’m not that easy to entertain."
Eryx laughed, low and genuine, shaking his head. "Oh, I highly doubt that," he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. "You’re genuinely unpredictable... and I love it."
Athena let out a soft laugh, unable to stop herself, her nervousness melting into a strange warmth. Eryx found it amusing, leaning back slightly, eyes gleaming. "God... you’re ridiculous," he said softly, smirking. "Ridiculously... perfect."
Athena felt her chest tighten.
After a while of silence..."I think... we should go back inside," Athena said softly. Looking straight at him.
Eryx’s playful smirk faded instantly, replaced by a dark, brooding glare. "We could stay out here," he muttered, tone low and dangerous.
Athena’s lips curled into a small, teasing smile. "You can’t keep me outside forever, you know."
"I could," he said simply, his voice like ice, and yet there was that familiar heat in his gaze.
Athena chuckled, shaking her head, and carefully stepped off his leg, planting herself on her feet. She thought she had him cornered... until he surprised her again.
"There’s no way my little princess is walking," he said, scooping her effortlessly into his arms.
Athena gasped, heart skipping a beat. "Eryx! You can’t keep carrying me like this!"
"I can," he said, voice low and teasing, almost smug. "And I will."
The weight of him, the warmth of his body, the steady rhythm of his chest pressed against hers, it made her knees weak, but she didn’t fight him.
Inside, the others remained where they had been. None had moved an inch.
Eryx ignored all of them, letting his gaze lock onto Athena as if the rest of the room didn’t exist.
Athena quickly averted her eyes from everyone, especially Rhydric’s. She didn’t want to meet his stare.
Eryx set her down on the couch gently. He sat beside her, his arm resting just a little too close, enough to let her feel the tension he carried.
Azrael’s voice cut through the quiet, calm but teasing. "You done being dramatic yet?"
Eryx’s gaze snapped to him, sharp and protective. "Not until she says I am," he replied, voice low and dangerous.
Athena inwardly groaned. Not again. She pressed a hand to her forehead, trying to calm her racing heart. Why does it have to be like this every single time? Why do they always have to fight over her?
She leaned back into the couch, her eyes downcast.
The tension between the boys thickened, and Athena desperately wished she could disappear into the couch. That was when Theodore finally spoke. "If you’re feeling sleepy," Theo said, eyes on her. "I can escort you."
Relief washed over her. She nodded quickly and rose to her feet. "Good night," she murmured to all of them without meeting anyone’s eyes.
Theo stood and followed her out, his calm presence easing the pressure that had been suffocating her.
Upstairs, once they stepped into his room, Theodore closed the door behind them with a soft click. The tension of the house stayed outside, leaving only the quiet between the two of them.
Athena turned to him, voice gentle. "Thank you... for everything."
Theo gave a single nod, stepping closer but not too close. "You messed up my jacket."
Her eyebrow arched. "What? How?"
He studied her for a moment, his eyes sweeping over her slowly as he said. "You smell of Eryx... me... and yourself."
Athena blinked at him, heat rushing up her neck.
"What... what is that even supposed to mean?" she asked, trying to laugh it off but the sound came out breathy, uneven.
Theo didn’t move any closer, but the air between them tightened. "It means," he said quietly, "you’ve had a very... chaotic night. And everyone’s scent is all over you."
Athena’s lips parted. "That’s not my fault," she muttered, crossing her arms but the gesture only made her look smaller, flustered. "Eryx is the one who kept... carrying me everywhere like I’m some kind of doll."
Theo nodded his head. "And you let him," he said simply.
Athena’s breath stalled. "That’s not fair," she whispered, her fingers clutching the hem of his jacket she was still wearing. "I came here because I was scared. I didn’t want to be alone. I wasn’t... thinking about any of that."
Theo’s eyes softened, only barely, but enough for her to notice.
"I know," he said. "If you hadn’t trusted me, you wouldn’t be here at all."
That made her chest tighten. She looked down, her voice smaller. "You’re the only one I... feel safe with tonight."
For a moment Theodore said nothing. Then he exhaled quietly, turning away before too much slipped through his expression.
"Get some rest," he murmured, and walked into the walk-in closet.
Athena watched his tall figure disappear behind the door, the room suddenly feeling warmer, heavier with everything unsaid. She inhaled shakily and made her way to the bed, slipping under the blanket. Her body finally loosened in the soft mattress, exhaustion sinking into her bones.
Minutes passed.
The closet door finally opened.
Theodore stepped out, bare-chested, wearing only dark pants, a towel in hand as he dried his damp hair. Drops of water slid down his collarbone, disappearing into the defined lines of his torso.
