Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 153 - 151: MATE BOND WITH AZRAEL

A sharp knock cut through the tension in the Phantom’s Den.

Rhydric’s jaw tightened. Irrigation visible in his voice. "Who is it?"

The door opened slowly, and Ian stepped inside.

His expression was neutral as he spoke. "I was asked to inform Theodore," Ian said, eyes flicking briefly to Athena before returning to Theo, "and Athena... that your presence is needed at the principal’s office."

Silence enveloped them immediately.

Rhydric straightened slightly. "Why?"

Ian shrugged, palms lifting a fraction. "No idea. But if I had to guess..." His gaze slid toward Theodore. "...probably because Theo punched Mr. Meadow. And because he... encouraged Athena to do the same."

All heads snapped to Theodore.

Theo lifted his chin unapologetically, eyes icy. "What?" His lips curled. "That bastard deserved it. And I’ll make sure he gets more for laying his filthy hands on her."

"What?"

"What?"

"What?" Eryx, Azrael, and Rhydric spoke at the same time.

Athena flinched. She expected that reaction from Eryx, she knew how fiercely possessive he was. Maybe even from Azrael. But Rhydric?

She wasn’t prepared for the way his expression darkened. The calm mask he always wore cracked just enough to reveal something vicious underneath, something that looked like it wanted blood.

"How dare he," Eryx snarled.

He moved suddenly, dropping to one knee in front of Athena. His hand moved up to hold her shoulders.

"Where did he hit you?" His voice shook with barely restrained violence. "Tell me exactly where, and I swear he won’t live to see tomorrow."

Athena stared at him, stunned by the raw sincerity in his eyes.

"You don’t have to worry," she whispered. "It doesn’t hurt anymore."

Eryx’s grip tightened. "Athena," he said dangerously, "where. did. he. hit. you?"

"It’s not a big deal," she rushed. "It was just three slaps. And I can take care of myself."

"Three... what?" Rhydric snapped.

He stood abruptly, chair scraping harshly against the floor, and stormed toward the door.

Ian barely had time to move before Rhydric shoved past him.

If Ian wasn’t a strong guy, he would have fallen.

Azrael dragged a hand through his hair, breath uneven, sweat breaking along his temples. His glass trembled hard, but then he threw it across the room. The glass shattered into million pieces.

Athena flinched. Why was he over reacting?

Theo’s jaw clenched even tighter, despite already punching him.

Ian looked between them, then at Athena in disbelief. All of them, and only her? His eyes widened slightly. They’re all in love with the same girl? Do they even realise the consequences of their action?

He shook his head, muttering under his breath as he backed out, shutting the door behind him "Fuck this."

Athena didn’t know what to do.... Every word she spoke seemed to make things worse.

"Please..." she said softly. "Can you all calm down? I’m fine. Really. It doesn’t hurt anymore."

But their reactions didn’t soften one bit. Instead, she felt a sudden coldness on her skin, that send shiver up her skin. Then like a surprise, she felt a sudden heat too. Then both at the same time.

Her skin prickled. Goosebumps raced along her arms. Her chest tightened, heart pounding fast.

She hugged herself instinctively. "I..." Her voice wavered. "Can both of you stop?"

They all turned to her. "Theo," she whispered, teeth chattering slightly, "you’re freezing the hell out of me."

Theo stiffened.

"And Eryx..." She swallowed. "You’re burning me. It’s unbearable... stop."

Theo shut his eyes. Without a word, he turned and walked out.

Eryx closed his eyes too, forcing his breathing to slow. "I’m sorry," he murmured. "I need... I need a minute."

He also left shutting the door behind him. Leaving only Athena and Azrael.

Azrael had turned his back to her, hands gripping his hair, his shoulders shaking as if he were fighting something inside himself.

Athena looked at him in concern, he looked different, like something was wrong with him. And she was starting to get scared, because his shoulders were shaking too hard.

This can’t be the anger of Mr meadow hitting her. Could it?

Just when she was about to go to him, something slammed into her chest. A very sharp, overwhelming feeling that she couldn’t put her hands on. She squeezed her eyes shut as the sensation rippled through her entire body.

Her blood sang as her heart began to race harder. And then she heard it.

MATE.

Athena’s eyes flew open. They locked onto Azrael’s electric-blue eyes, he seemed to have heard the same.

Without hesitation, he moved fast. In seconds, he crossed the distance between them, hands gripping her arms as if afraid she’d disappear. Then crash his lips unto hers.

Athena gasped into the kiss, and he swallowed the sound. The kiss hit her like lightning, like every hidden affection found its way back.

Athena froze for the briefest second, then her body answered him without question. Her fingers slid into his hair, pulling him closer like the space between them was unbearable, like separation was pain.

Azrael’s hold tightened, one hand spreading over her back, pressing her flush against him as if he needed to feel her to know she was real. His kiss deepened, like he was memorizing the taste of her, carving her into himself.

Athena’s breath stuttered against his lips.

He tasted like wine and water. It was sharp and intoxicating, and it made her dizzy. Her body leaned into him instinctively, surrendering to the pull, to the certainty that this, he was home.

When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead on hers. Both of them breathing hard.

"Azrael..." Her voice trembled, soft and undone.

He shut his eyes for a moment, like he was barely holding himself together.

"I didn’t choose this," he said opening his eyes. "But I would burn everything before I deny you."

Azrael kissed her again before she could even react.

His mouth moved against hers with slow, devastating intent at first, before the hunger surged again and the kiss turned reckless. His lips slanted over hers, fitting perfectly, like they had been shaped for this exact moment. Athena’s breath shattered between them as his mouth claimed hers completely, stealing every thought from her mind.