The Illyrian Warrior

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Azriel wasn't sure what to do with himself. He had stood on that bridge for five minutes before moving. At first he wanted to chase after Davina, the mating bond suddenly roaring to life, but it was late and he had already annoyed her enough. Instead he had launched into the sky and planned to return to the House of Wind. When he got within hearing distance of the house he had changed his mind, Cassian and Nesta were at it again and he knew he would be getting no sleep tonight. Instead he b-lined for the training ring which was far enough away from the house that he could train without hearing Cassian.

And that led to his current predicament. He had worked himself to death and then fell asleep on one of the training ring benches. Cassian was currently nudging him with his foot. Rhys was leaning over him, a stupid smirk on his face.

"I didn't realise we housed the homeless", Rhysand said humour lacing his every word.

Azriel groaned and swatted Cassian's foot away.

"I feel asleep after training", Azriel grumbled as he sat up and stretched his very sore back.

"I can tell. You stink", Cassian said wafting the air for emphasis.

Azriel glared at him before rolling his shoulders.

"What even prompted you to lay on a bench?" Rhys asked crossing his arms.

"I was tired", Azriel said simply.

"Were there no beds in my three houses?" Rhysand asked raising a brow, "perhaps I should buy another".

Azriel huffed, "there were no houses where mates weren't fucking each other".

Cassian barked a laugh and slapped Azriel on the back, "you couldn't gone to Rita's and found your own satisfaction".

Azriel involuntarily bristled at the thought. Mate, his shadows sung, we have a mate. Cassian didn't notice Azriel's suddenly stiff posture but Rhysand did.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Nothing", Azriel said standing up and moving away from his companions.

"Are you sure?" Rhys asked.

"Yes", but Azriel knew Rhys could see the way his shadows stormed around him.

Azriel also knew that Rhys wouldn't push him, at least not while Cassian was here.

"I'll have a shower then be back to train with you", he said somewhat reluctantly.

"No need", Rhys said waving a hand, "I'm sure you'd prefer to catch up on your sleep in a comfier bed".

Azriel nodded his thanks before disappearing into the shadows. Gods he needed some sleep, he still couldn't comprehend what had happened with Davina. Working out usually helps clear his mind but not this time. This time, he couldn't stop thinking, his heart felt like it was beating faster than usual, as if it had found a new purpose. And he had a name for it now, he had a name for the feeling he always got around Davina, the way he'd stutter and fumble, or the way he was drawn to her. Mate, he had a mate. He had always wanted a mate, but now he had one he was unsure what to do with the information. Sealing the mating seemed out of the picture, at least at the moment, but he needed to be around Davina, he needed to talk to her even if she was yelling at him. He hated that he felt so co-dependent on her, no wonder she resented him for almost kissing Elain.

After a long, hot shower, Azriel tried to fall asleep on his bed. Sleep did not come. He was constantly rolling over, his mind wouldn't shut up, he couldn't get comfortable. How long had Davina known they were mates? Since they met? Or was it later on?