Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 134 - 132: Get your ass here
They’re... ridiculous," she choked out between giggles. "Oh my god, they’re actually ridiculous."
Theo leaned against one of the pillars outside, arms crossed, grinning like he planned this reaction. "I know," he said lightly. "It’s embarrassing."
That only made her laugh harder.
She hit his chest without thinking.
Not hard, just that playful, helpless tap someone does when they’re laughing too much to stand straight.
He laughed softly at the impact, one eyebrow lifting. "Be gentle, kitsune," he teased. "I bruise easily."
Athena cackled. "Liar."
"True," he agreed. "But it’s a good excuse to get sympathy."
She leaned against him, still laughing so hard she could barely breathe, clutching at his forearm.
Theo wasn’t even helping, every time she calmed down, he said something more dramatic.
"Did you see Eryx’s face? He looked like someone stole his last brain cell."
Athena wheezed. "Stop...please.."
"Azrael, though..." Theo shook his head. "He was seconds away from summoning a magical water storm or whatever the hell he does when he’s jealous."
She bent over, gripping his arm tighter.
Her knees felt weak from laughter.
"Please..Theo..stop."
He didn’t. "And Rhydric? He was basically saying, ’Idiots,’ without even talking."
Athena burst out laughing again, leaning into him for support.
Theo looked down at her, eyes softening for barely a second, like he genuinely enjoyed seeing her this free and unguarded.
But then
The door in front of them slammed open.
Eryx stormed out of the house like a thundercloud with legs.
Theo’s smirk widened like he’d been waiting for that entrance.
Eryx’s eyes landed on the sight of Athena clinging to Theo’s arm, laughing breathlessly.
Something inside him snapped.
His jaw clenched so tight the muscle twitched.
He shut his eyes for a brief second as if fighting every violent impulse in his body.
"Athena."
His voice was low and possessive. "Get your ass here."
The command rolled over her. She swallowed and instinctively shifted to moved
But Theo’s head dipped down, his lips nearly brushing her ear.
His voice was velvet-smooth and quiet enough only she could hear. "Don’t listen to him."
Her heart stopped.
Theo’s breath ghosted her skin. In a warm, intimate manner
Her pulse jumped violently.
And Eryx?
He saw everything, her leaning into Theo, Theo whispering against her ear, the way her breath hitched.
Something lethal flickered across Eryx’s face.
He took one step forward. "Athena," he growled, low enough to shake the air.
"Come. Here."
Athena was suddenly caught between two gravitational forces.
A moment ago, she had been laughing so hard she thought she might actually collapse. Theo’s jokes had been stupid, ridiculous, and perfect. He had dragged her out of the gym like a thief stealing the treasure and she’d let him, giggling into his shoulder.
Now?
Now she wanted to evaporate.
Eryx stood several feet away, chest rising and falling sharply, his jaw clenched so tight the muscle ticked. He looked like he was one breath away from ripping Theodore off the planet.
Athena swallowed.
Theo, of course, looked absolutely pleased with himself.
Ridiculous. All of them were ridiculous. And somehow that ridiculousness made her want to laugh again and cry at the same time.
Why... WHY were they making her life a living nightmare?
Theo leaned down slightly, voice warm with amusement. "Don’t listen to him."
Athena stared at him like SIR... WHY ARE YOU MAKING THIS WORSE?
Eryx took one step forward, eyes blazing.
"Athena. Don’t let me come there myself."
Her heart lurched.
Theo chuckled under his breath, clearly enjoying this.
Athena’s thoughts spiraled. He was supposed to help her escape, right? Why does it now look like he’s trying to keep her hostage just to piss Eryx off?
If Athena stayed with Theo, Eryx will think she was choosing Theo again, just like last night. But if she went to Eryx, Theo would think she was choosing him over everyone else.
WHY is choosing where to stand suddenly became the most dangerous decision of her entire life?
She glanced at Theo.
He was smiling. Actually smiling teasingly, like this was all some entertaining morning drama show.
Then she looked at Eryx.
He was furious. Angry. Hurt. And something in his eyes said he thought her hesitation meant something.
Her stomach twisted painfully.
"Princess," Eryx said again, voice rougher, "don’t make me say it three times."
Athena inhaled sharply.
Then, desperately, she turned to Azrael.
"Azrael, help me," she whispered with her eyes.
But Azrael? He did the opposite of help.
He folded his arms slowly, leaned back against the pillar like the beautiful menace he was, and smirked.
It wasn’t a friendly smirk. It was a provoking smirk.
A smirk that clearly said: Choose Theo. Hurt Eryx. I want to see what he does.
Athena’s soul left her body.
WHY WAS EVERYONE A PROBLEM?
Her eyes darted to the last person she could possibly rely on...Rhydric.
He had walked out of the gym last, sweat still glistening on his arms, earphones draped around his neck. He paused near the doorway, taking in the scene with a slow, unreadable expression.
For a moment, he said nothing. Then Athena’s eyes met his. He saw the pleading look in her eyes.
His grey gaze softened slightly. A quiet, protective calm washed over his features, the opposite of the chaos the others radiated.
Rhydric exhaled, stepped closer, and spoke in his low, grounding voice:
"Athena... you don’t have to run to anyone."
Her breath caught.
He continued, his gaze was firm on her "They are fools. Let them deal with it."
Eryx’s jaw flexed. Azrael raised a brow. And Theo’s smile twitched.
Athena stared at Rhydric, stunned.
She hadn’t expected that. She hadn’t expected anyone to think about her instead of themselves.
Then Rhydric added, eyes narrowing at the others. "Stop forcing her to choose sides. It’s pathetic."
Athena’s heart pounded so loudly she worried they could all hear it.
For the first time since she stepped into this house, she felt like someone was actually on her side.
