Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 206 - 204: Your little brother

He ran a hand through his hair, gripping it tight. "She’s... she’s relentless. She twists everything, acts like she owns people, like she’s entitled to whatever she wants. And the worst part? She thinks I owe her something because of that damn sex we had."

Theo nodded slowly, listening. "Sounds like she’s crossing every line she can."

Eryx slammed his fist lightly against the floor. "Every damn line! And she keeps coming back, like she thinks persistence is love. It’s not! She’s manipulative, she’s... selfish, and I can’t stand her."

His voice dropped to a low growl, tinged with pure hatred. "I hate her guts, Theo. I hate everything she stands for. And the fact that she thinks I’d bend to her? That I’d actually show up to her stupid party... makes my blood boil."

Theo stayed silent for a moment, letting him vent, then gave a knowing nod. "Sounds like you need to get that off your chest before you explode."

Eryx exhaled harshly, finally leaning back on his hands, the tension in his body slowly easing. "Yeah... yeah, I needed that."

Theo smirked. "Good. But don’t let her ruin your head too much. You’ve got bigger things to worry about."

Eryx exhaled slowly. "Yeah. And the only girl who has my heart is Athena. No one else."

Theo stared at him for a long moment before speaking. "Eryx... you know Athena has a mate now. She can’t just leave her mate for you."

Eryx’s jaw tightened. He looked away, then back at Theo. "But we can share her, right?"

Theo’s eyes widened. "What?"

Eryx let out a shaky laugh that sounded nothing like amusement. "I know. I sound stupid. Desperate." His voice dropped, trembling now. "But I can’t do this, Theo. I can’t lose Athena because of my jealousy. My heart can’t take that."

Theo’s expression hardened, seriousness settling in. "Athena isn’t a tool, Eryx. She’s not something to be shared like that."

Eryx swallowed hard, his fists clenching. "I know," he whispered. "I know that. But knowing doesn’t stop how I feel."

A heavy silence stretched between them.

Theo finally sighed. "Loving her doesn’t give you the right to break her world apart."

Eryx shook his head, his chest tightening, breaths coming fast. "You don’t get it, Theo," he said, his voice cracking. "You don’t know what it’s like... to watch her smile at someone else, to hear her say she loves him, to feel like my heart is being ripped out and there’s nothing I can do about it!"

His hands trembled as he buried his face in them, trying and failing to hold himself together. "I... I can’t eat, I can’t sleep... every time I think about her with him. Are they kissing? Did they hug? Did they sleep together?... it’s like someone is twisting a knife in my chest!"

A strangled sob escaped him, and he finally let it out, a raw and guttural sound that carried every ounce of longing, anger, and helplessness he had been bottling up.

"I... I can’t take it!" he shouted, collapsing back onto the floor, fists clenched against the cold wood. "I love her, Theo... I love her so much, and it’s killing me! I can’t... I can’t lose her, not like this, not ever!"

Theo stayed silent, letting him vent, his hand resting lightly on Eryx’s shoulder. Giving him space to let it out.

Eryx lay there, trembling, his tears streaming down his face, until he was exhausted. "I don’t know how to live without her..."

Theo looked away, his throat tightening, the words heavy on him. "That girl... Athena," he said quietly, "she’s dangerous. She gets into everybody’s head. It hurts me too. But... sharing her isn’t the answer."

Eryx lifted his head, his red hair damp with sweat and tears, his eyes pleading. "But... I can’t just do nothing."

Theo shook his head slowly. "I know. I get it. I feel it too. But you have to understand... it’s not about what you want. It’s about what she wants. And she doesn’t want to be shared, Eryx."

Eryx’s fists clenched, jaw tight, but deep down, he knew Theo was right.

Theo’s gaze softened, resting on his friend. "You love her. That’s obvious. But loving her means protecting her too... even if it hurts you."

He reached out and tapped Eryx lightly on the shoulder. "Hey," he said softly, his voice steady, "I know it hurts... I know it feels impossible right now. But you’re stronger than you think. Don’t lose yourself in the pain, alright?"

Eryx said nothing, he just let the words sink in.

Theo gave a small, understanding nod, then stood. "I’ll check in on you later," he added quietly, before turning and walking toward the door.

The next day came faster than necessary.

Athena was so eager to go to school, it had been two weeks, and she missed all her friends, most especially Felicia.

The moment Azrael packed the car, she quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, ready to rush out.

"Why the rush?" he asked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Aren’t you going to give me a kiss so my brain can light up for understanding in class?"

Athena was too excited to say no. She leaned in and kissed him, and he deepened it, pulling her closer by the waist.

He only let go after she was breathless. "That’s more like it."

Athena glared at him, cheeks flushed. "Thank you for making me like this."

She opened the door to step out, then turned back with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You’re not escaping me tonight. Whether you like it or not... I’m getting that little brother of yours into mouth. Even if I have to tie you up to achieve that." she said, shamelessly teasing.

Azrael eyes widened at her boldness, then burst into laughter.

"You’re dangerous," he said, eyes warm despite the mock glare. "One day, that mouth of yours is going to get you in serious trouble."

Athena grinned, utterly unapologetic. "With you? Worth it."

He reached out and caught her wrist before she could hop out completely, tugging her back just enough to steal another quick kiss. "Behave yourself today," he murmured against her lips. "I need my focus intact."