Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 170 - 168: Best time

She paused, then glanced back at him. "But if you tease me in public like this—"

"I’ll deserve whatever punishment you choose?" he offered.

Her lips twitched despite herself. "Exactly."

He smiled, wide and warm. "See? Perfect teamwork."

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Azrael slung the last of the bags over his shoulder and walked toward the car, where Athena was already waiting. Morning sunlight caught in her hair, and for a second he just stood there, looking at her like she was something unreal.

A slow grin spread across his face. "You look dashing, Viper."

Athena straightened instantly, striking a mock-regal pose.

"Dashing?" she repeated. "Coming from you, that must mean I look dangerously powerful. Like I might conquer a small kingdom before breakfast."

He laughed, low and warm, shaking his head as he walked past her toward the boot. "Oh, you already conquered something," he said easily. "Me."

She snorted. "Please. Look at you." She waved a hand at him from head to toe. "All tall, broody, and unfairly handsome. You look like trouble wrapped in muscles."

Azrael paused mid-step, glancing back at her with a raised brow. "Trouble?"

"The expensive kind," she added sweetly. "The kind that ruins lives and steals hearts."

He laughed again, properly this time, then popped the boot and slid their bags inside. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

"It absolutely is," she said, leaning back against the car, arms folded as she watched him. "So," she drawled, "are you finally going to tell me where we’re going?"

He shut the boot and turned to her with that infuriatingly calm smile. Then he walked past her, deliberately slow, and opened the passenger door like a gentleman. "You’ll know when we get there."

Athena groaned dramatically. "Azraael," she whined, dragging his name out as she stepped closer. "Come on. Just a hint. One tiny hint."

"Nope." he walked away, refusing to hold her gaze.

She followed him, undeterred. "Sweetheart?"

He didn’t even look back. "No."

"Love?"

He chuckled. "Still no."

"My dangerously handsome Alpha?"

He stopped walking and turned, giving her a look. "Athena."

She clasped her hands together, batting her lashes shamelessly. "Baby?"

His lips twitched. "You’re not getting it out of me."

She pouted, lips pushed out so far it was almost comical. "Wow. So cruel."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "That pout is not going to work on me."

She tilted her head. "Husband."

Azrael froze. Slowly, he closed his eyes, inhaled, then let out a laugh that sounded half amused, half tortured. "God, don’t tempt me, Athena."

Her face broke into a triumphant grin. "So it almost worked."

"Almost," he admitted, stepping back and gesturing toward the open door. "Get in before I carry you in myself."

She laughed, sliding into the passenger seat. "You’re no fun when you’re secretive."

"Oh, I’m plenty fun," he said, shutting the door before walking around the car. "You’re just impatient."

She leaned her head out slightly before he open his own door. "I prefer the word enthusiastic."

Azrael started the engine, glancing at her with a soft smile. "Fasten your seatbelt, enthusiastic one."

Athena did, still smiling, her curiosity buzzing. "Fine," she said, settling back. "I’ll wait."

He pulled out of the driveway, eyes forward, smile lingering. "Good," he said quietly. "Because I think you’re going to like this."

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Eryx drove into the black building just as dusk settled over the city. The place looked exactly like its owner. Every corner of the house screamed Rhydric.

The engine went silent. And Eryx got out of the car.

After he got to his own house last night. Philip was sent by Laila to help him drop his phone. He had forgotten he even had one, until it was returned back to him. He doesn’t even remember where he kept it.

When he checked the phone, he saw missed call from Rhydric, so he decided to come to his house.

He snorted softly. That bastard was probably worried sick and still pretending he didn’t care.

The moment he entered the main room, he spotted Theodore.

Theo sat on one of the couches, his sleeves rolled up, fingers tapping absently against his knee.

He looked up once, his eyes flicking to Eryx before sliding away as if Eryx didn’t exist.

Eryx arched a brow. "Wow," he drawled. "What’s with the nonchalant face, Theo? I disappear for a bit and suddenly I’m invisible?"

Theo didn’t even look at him this time. "How about you tell us where the hell you’ve been," he said coolly, "then maybe I’ll consider acknowledging your existence."

Eryx chuckled and dropped onto a chair like he owned the place. "I didn’t know you loved me that much."

Theo finally turned to glare at him. "Not even a little bit."

Then he jerked his chin toward the bar.

Rhydric stood there, shirtless, his broad back tense as he poured himself a drink. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

He didn’t spare Eryx a single glance, even though it was obvious he’d heard his voice.

"He’s the one head over heels for you," Theo added flatly. "Not me."

Rhydric turned and Eryx’s gaze followed, that’s was when he saw a tattoo.

The Ink stretched over Rhydric’s chest, right above his heart. A girl. Wet hair clinging to her face and neck, her white shirt plastered to her body, her cleavage spilling out in a provocative manner.

Rhydric didn’t have that tattoo before. That tattoo looks undeniably familiar, bit Eryx couldn’t pin point where he saw that image.

"Nice tattoo you’ve got there," he said casually.

Rhydric didn’t even react. He set the bottle down, grabbed his glass. "Where did you keep your phone?" he asked.

Eryx smirked.N"Busy dealing with the nightmare of a father I have."

Theo stiffened slightly.

"And last night?" Eryx continued, stretching his arms. "Last night, I was having the best time of my life."

That got a reaction from both of them.

Theo frowned, brows pulling together. "Best time?" he repeated slowly.

Rhydric lifted a single eyebrow, his grip tightening around the glass.

Eryx nodded, "With Athena."