Shadows Whisper | | Azriel

54

Azriel carried Astryn to the bed when they finished, though he wasn't sure just how long they'd even be done for. He hadn't even been desperate like this. He was already ready to go again but he knew she needed some more time.

"I'm going to get you a bath ready," he told her, smoothing her hair back before he kissed her forehead. "Do you need anything else?"

She seemed to think before a pout settled on her face, "I forgot my pancakes at the table."

He couldn't help but smile.

"I'll get you more pancakes, darling," he told her, "would you like some orange juice too?"

"Yes please," she answered with a nod.

"I'll be right back," he said, kissing her forehead again before finding his pants and pulling them on.

Cassian grinned widely when he saw Azriel.

"Did you enjoy those pancakes Astryn shared with you?" he taunted, his words predictably met with a glare. "I can't tell if I'm pissing you or Rhys off more."

"Me," Azriel replied dryly, glare still on his face.

"Debatable," Cassian hummed with a grin, "but Rhys wants to talk to you. You know, when you have a moment between—"

"I will rip your tongue out if you finish that sentence," Azriel threatened, and Cassian chose to keep his mouth shut. "Where's Rhys?"

"His study," Cassian answered, refraining from any more jokes.

Azriel made his way there, not thinking about the fact that he was only half dressed and still reeked of sex. He just wanted to see what Rhys wanted and then go back to Astryn. He knocked, and Rhys called for him to come in. Rhys started speaking but cut himself off when the scent hit him and his face twisted up in distaste.

"Cassian said you wanted to speak with me," Azriel said, his voice tense. He couldn't think much about anything other than going back to Astryn. He wasn't thinking any thoughts that were appropriate to have around her brother.

"I have a suggestion," Rhys began, clearing his throat and shifting awkwardly, "I don't know how long this...frenzy is going to last, and I know it's not easy to have her around other males—especially not when Cassian is the way he is. I was thinking you two could go to the cabin until this is over."

"You want us to leave?" Azriel asked, visibly shocked.

"No," he rushed out, clearing his throat, "no, I just...I'm sure it would be more comfortable if you got through this time away from...here."

"I know this situation is uncomfortable for you," Azriel said, finding it entirely impossible to meet Rhys's eyes. Rhys couldn't quite look him in the eyes either. "If you want us to be away until this is over, I'll see if she's comfortable staying somewhere else."

"I'm not—I have no issue with the two of you," Rhys assured him, "I would just prefer it if the entire house didn't...smell like the two of you."

Azriel, much to both of their shock, went just a bit red in the face.

"I'll give her some time to rest and then we'll head out. We don't need the cabin. I have somewhere of my own," Azriel muttered, eyes darting around the room.

"When did you get your own place?" Rhys asked, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"I've had it for years," Azriel dismissed before coughing awkwardly. "I'm...I'm going to get back to Astryn now."

Rhys nodded, and neither of them said anything else after that. Azriel closed the door behind himself and went off to get Astryn her pancakes and orange juice.