Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 185 - 184: Mr big DICK

Alaric laughed softly, but there was no humor in it.

"Yeah. And yet she’s the only one who can save our mother. Funny how fate likes to play games."

Armand ran a hand through his hair, pacing once before stopping. "We can’t move blindly. Her father’s territory is fortified, and his allies..."

"...are ruthless," Alaric finished. "I know."

Then his mouth curved into a dangerous smile. "Good. Makes it more interesting."

Armand shot him a look. "This isn’t a game."

"I know," Alaric said, more serious now. "That’s why we must win."

Another silence fell between them, heavier than before. "What if she refuses?" Armand asked.

"What if she doesn’t want anything to do with us... or the Queen?"

Alaric was thoughtful for a while. "Then we still take her by force, nonetheless. And protect her anyway."

Armand studied him. "Even if it costs us everything?"

Alaric met his gaze without hesitation.

"Especially then."

Armand exhaled slowly, decision settling deep in his bones. "Then we find her. Quietly. Before Derek comes back with an army."

Alaric nodded. "And before anyone else realizes what she is."

=======================

Azrael carried Athena through the doorway in a bridal hold, her arms looped loosely around his neck as laughter spilled freely between them.

"I still can’t believe you just did that," Athena laughed, shaking her head. "You know I can walk, right?"

Azrael grinned down at her, eyes bright. "I know. But where’s the fun in that?"

He adjusted his hold slightly. "Besides, you look good in my arms. Thought I’d enjoy it while I can."

She snorted softly. "Enjoy it while you can? Excuse you, are you planning to drop me?"

"Never," he said immediately, mock offended. "I’m a responsible carrier. Five-star service."

Athena laughed harder, burying her face briefly in his chest.

As they stepped into the kitchen, Azrael slowed, his laughter softening into something warmer. He turned toward the counter and gently set her down on it, his hands firm and careful at her waist.

"There," he murmured. "Much safer."

Athena tilted her head, legs swinging slightly as she looked up at him. "You carried me all the way here just to put me on the counter?"

"Absolutely," he said without shame. "It was all part of the plan."

"Oh?" she teased. "And what plan is that?"

Instead of answering, Azrael leaned in and kissed her on the lips slowly. Athena melted into it, her hands instinctively finding his shoulders and deepen the kiss. They kissed like they had all the time in the world.

He pulled pulled back, just a little, his forehead resting against hers. "I missed this," he admitted quietly.

Athena smiled, brushing her thumb along his jaw. "We’ve been together all evening."

"Doesn’t matter," he said. "I still miss you."

Her expression softened, eyes warm. "I miss you too."

He chuckled. "But I miss you more, darling... and you know it."

She sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately... yes."

Azrael laughed, hands resting at her hips as he stood between her knees. "Good. Because I plan on missing you for a very long time... even if you’re here with me."

Athena leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Then I guess I’ll just have to keep up with you."

His smile at her gesture. Helplessly, his gaze tracing her eyes, lingering on her lips, drifting down to the delicate curve of her neck, then lower, to the soft swell of her cleavage before snapping back to her face. A few loose strands of white.hair had escaped her messy bun, framing her cheeks, making her look undone in the most dangerous way.

Athena caught the way he was eating her whole with his eyes.

Her cheeks warmed instantly. "What?" she asked with a breathless laugh, pretending she didn’t already know.

His chest rose sharply. His heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. "I want you, Athena," he said, the words rough on his tongue like they were being dragged out of him. "So badly it aches."

Heat curled deep in her belly as she swallowed. "Then what’s stopping you?" she asked softly.

Azrael groaned and ran a frustrated hand through his blue hair, pacing a single step away before

stopping himself. "I’m scared."

That wiped the teasing right off her face.

"Scared?" she echoed gently. "Why are you scared?"

He couldn’t meet her eyes. His gaze dropped to her bare thighs, his jaw tight like he was fighting himself.

Athena reached for him without hesitation, cupping his face and lifting it until he had no choice but to look at her.

"Talk to me," she whispered. "What’s wrong?"

His voice came quieter this time. "It’s complicated. It’s not that I don’t want you, I do. And it hurts to be this close to you and still hold back. But I don’t want to hurt you."

Her brows furrowed. "You’re not going to hurt me."

"That’s exactly what scares me," he admitted. "You get to me so badly that I stop thinking straight. I lose control."

She took his hand, threading her fingers through his. "Then we can try. Slowly."

Azrael shook his head, frustration and fear tangled in his expression. "You don’t understand. I’m a werewolf, Athena. You’re human. And you’re my mate, something that’s never happened before. I don’t know how much you can take without me crossing a line. You don’t have our strength. You’re fragile." His voice softened painfully. "I don’t want to break you."

For a heartbeat, she just stared at him. Then a slow smile spread across her lips.

"Oh," she said lightly. "So you’re just that good in bed and scared you’ll crush me? Is that it, Mr. Big Dick"

Azrael froze. Absolutely stunned that she would ever say such a thing bluntly.

Then he burst out laughing, the sound loud and genuine, his tension cracking all at once. "That is not what I meant!" he said, pointing at her in disbelief. "And what the hell is that nickname?"

Athena laughed too, her eyes sparkling. "Hey, I’m just translating.."

He stepped back into her space, still smiling but softer now. "You’re really shameless."

She grinned. "And you’re overthinking it."

Maybe," he admitted. His thumb brushed gently over her knuckles. "But it’s only because I care too much."

Her teasing softened. "That’s not a bad thing, Azrael."

He looked at her like she was everything.

"Yeah," he murmured. "That’s the problem."