Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 175 - 173: Inside you...

Chapter 173: Inside you....

Athena reached up, curling her fingers into his shirt, resting her forehead against his chest. "Thank you for bringing me here."

He wrapped his arms around her then, slow and careful, holding her like something precious. "Anytime, Viper."

She smiled against him, closing her eyes as the sound of the waterfall filled the room.

Athena suddenly raised her head from Azrael’s chest and asked. "Have you been here before?"

Azrael nodded once, easy and unbothered. "Yeah. I’ve been here before. With Eryx, Theo, and Rhydric."

"Oh," Athena said softly, then nodded like the word answered more than it actually did. She didn’t push, and just let it settle.

Then, like the thought couldn’t be contained anymore, she suddenly bounced backward and threw herself onto the bed. The mattress dipped under her weight with a soft whump.

Athena spread her arms and legs wide, staring up at the ceiling like she’d just seen heaven itself. "That’s it," she announced solemnly. "I’m not leaving."

Azrael arched a brow, amused already. "You just got here."

"No... no, you don’t understand," she said seriously, still starfished on the bed. "I have reached the end of my life’s journey. This is where I perish. Please tell my story."

He snorted before he could stop himself. "You’re dying dramatically fast."

"I’m dying happily," she corrected, turning her head to look at him. "This place is paradise. Mountains, sea, waterfalls, fresh air, Azrael, I can literally hear nature breathing. If anyone tries to move me, tell them it’s against my last wishes."

He shook his head, a low laugh escaping him as he walked closer. "You’re unbelievable."

She smiled, eyes bright. "You love it?"

He sat on the edge of the bed beside her. "I tolerate it."

Athena gasped in mock offense. "Liar."

She rolled onto her side, propping her head on her hand. "You brought me here on purpose, didn’t you?"

"Brought you where?"

"Somewhere I’d fall in love with and refuse to leave," she said, narrowing her eyes. "This is a trap."

Azrael glanced around the room like he was seeing it again through her reaction. "Maybe I just wanted you somewhere quiet."

"Mission failed," she said instantly. "I’m very loud about how happy I am."

He laughed again, softer this time.

Athena smiled, spreading her arms again. "So," she said casually, "you’ve been here with the guys, huh? Bet they didn’t appreciate it like I do."

"They complained the whole time," he replied. "Eryx almost fell into a stream."

She burst out laughing. "See? This is sacred ground. Only worthy people are allowed."

Azrael turned his head to look at her, an amused warmth in his eyes. "And you’re worthy?"

She spread her arms again like she was claiming the space. "Extremely."

Athena sighed, content. "I don’t think I’ve felt this... light in a long time."

Azrael didn’t answer, he just smiled, then shifted, the mattress dipping as he moved closer. Before Athena could fully process it, his hands were on either side of her shoulders and his weight settled between her spread legs, careful not to crush her, but close enough that she could feel his warmth.

Athena’s breath hitched. She swallowed, fingers curling into the sheets.

"W-what are you doing?" she asked softly, a shy smile tugging at her lips despite herself.

Azrael looked down at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered. His mouth curved slowly. "Claiming what’s mine."

Her eyes widened instantly. "L-like... now?" she blurted. "We just got here. Is your little brother that impatient?"

For a second he stared at her, then he burst out laughing, the sound low and warm as it vibrated through his chest. He dropped his forehead to hers, his shoulders shaking.

"Relax," he said, still amused. "I just wanted to kiss you. That’s all."

He lifted his head slightly, searching her face. "Unless that’s not okay."

"Oh." That was all she managed, her voice barely above a breath.

His smile softened, teasing fading into something gentler. He brushed his thumb along her cheek, slowly as if he wasn’t in a rush for anything.

"You always do that," he murmured.

"Do what?" she asked.

"Overthink." His gaze flicked to her lips and back to her eyes. "I’m not here to rush you, Athena. I just... like being close to you."

Her chest tightened at that. She reached up without thinking, fingers hooking lightly into the collar of his shirt.

"I like this place," she said quietly, trying to sound casual and failing. "And I like... this."

His expression softened even more. "Good," he said. "Because I plan on staying here for a while."

She raised a brow. "Here as in... the apartment or..."

"Here as in," he interrupted gently, leaning closer, his voice dropping, "with you..." then he added teasingly. " Inside you."

That shut her up.

He brushed his lips against her, letting the moment stretch until her toes curled and she let out a small, frustrated laugh. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"You’re doing that on purpose," she accused.

"Absolutely," he admitted without shame.

Finally, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. The taste of her lips was so satisfying. Then he pulled back, and rested his forehead against hers again.

"Welcome to Italy," he murmured.

Athena smiled, eyes fluttering closed.

"Paradise," she whispered back.

"Do you want to join me in the bath?" Azrael murmured, his breath warm against her lips.

"Why?" Athena teased softly. "You want me to join you?"

Azrael smiled, straightening as he began to unbutton his shirt, movements unhurried. "Yeah."

Athena sat up, raising a brow. "Naked or with clothes on?" she asked lightly.

Azrael’s grin turned slow and wicked. "Naked in your glory, my lady."

A shy smile curved her lips. She stood and turned her back to him, her voice lowering into something soft.

"Then... do it for me," she said. "Undo the world from my shoulders. Take your time."

Azrael’s heart skipped at the sound of her words. He stepped closer.