shadows don't lie

Chapter Forty-One

Azriel sighed for the third time, and Inei found herself feeling much the same.

They sat in front of a large scrapbook filled to the brim with paintings and sketches of different venues and parties, all for their mating ceremony.

Inei had been shocked when Cassian appeared at their door with the book, but she had been more surprised when the general had told her that he and Rhysand had created it. Azriel had later explained that it had been a joke at some point because his brothers often teased him for being alone all the time, but now that he was actually mated, they probably thought it would be funny to use it.

“What about this one?” Azriel asked softly, leaning over to show her the picture of a long hall decorated with long ribbons of a light grey material, giving the room an elegant feeling.

They had been trying to decide on a location for the past hour, and while they had both agreed on a more close-knit ceremony, Inei still wanted some semblance of a celebration.

“I like that one, but what if we did it outdoors? It’s been getting warmer lately, and it would be nice..”

Azriel chuckled, setting the paper on an ever-growing stack of ‘maybe’ venues. She bit the inside of her cheek.

“I’m sorry, I know I’m not being the easiest.” Azriel pulled her chair over, tucking her against his chest.

“I think that if this were easy, there would be something wrong, my love. My brothers also have little taste in the finer aspect of things, so don’t feel pressured to choose anything from the book.”

She traced a finger over one of her scars mindlessly while smiling. “They aren’t that bad.”

She felt his lips against her neck, and she could feel his smirk.

“I could argue with that,” He whispered, fingers ghosting over her skin.  “I could also argue that it would be much more interesting to claim you in front of the priestesses, showing them just how much-”

She hissed at him to shut up and she turned bright red as Cassian strolled into the sitting area where she and Az sat on the couch.

“Before you two go fucking in front of the priestesses, I would maybe suggest at least deciding on a dress.” Cassian drawled, and Inei blushed wildly.

“We are not doing anything in front of the priestesses.” She snarled at the males, and Azriel smirked, his shadow whispering, “An audience would surely make things more interesting.”

She swatted his arm, standing up, intending to leave the room as her hand covered her mouth.

It wasn’t that she was mortified at the idea. No, in fact, the thought of her mate taking her with eyes watching them only made the curl of heat in her stomach burn hotter, and a low ache settled between her legs.

Fingers trailed over her hip and she stopped as Azriel wrapped his arms around her, laughter rumbling in his throat.

“You males are insufferable.” She muttered, and Cassian snorted, throwing himself on the couch across from the one that they sat on moments before.

“Has our present at least been helpful to pick out decorations and such? What about the party itself?”

Inei glanced at the general, and at the same time, both she and Az said, “Something small.”

Cassian raised his brows, looking between them both, and Inei giggled softly. She looked at her mate, and found his eyes trained on her, a dusting of pink across the bridge of his nose.