The Whispers of Shadows - A&A One Shots

aurora's birthday - pt. 3

*I couldn't help myself. Enjoy <3

The shadows were tempting, as was the burning stare of her mate. Aurora stood from her seat, a small grin rising onto her lips as she took her first step toward Azriel. Immediately, she was intercepted.

"I don't believe I've gotten to say happy birthday," Cassian spoke as he pulled Aurora into a soul-crushing hug. She squeaked against his hard chest, air forced from her lungs.

"Thank you," she gasped out when his arms left her. She stepped back, meeting his eyes. He was just standing there, a strange smile on his lips. "Is there more?"

"Ah, yes. In the estate, I have a gift for you," he explained, throwing an arm over her shoulder. Aurora took the chance to glance to Azriel before Cassian blocked her view. He was still standing against the shrubs, jaw clenched and shadows apparent. Begrudgingly, Aurora allowed Cassian to drag her into the estate.

It wasn't until they entered the sitting room that she realized she had been set up. Cassian let go of her shoulders and shut the sitting room doors. Nyx was perched atop the empty hearth, swirling a wine glass.

"What is this?"

"Aurora, dear, you were making eyes at the male that has done terrible things today. We thought it would be best to take you from that situation and lock you up with us until whatever the fuck Azriel is on passes," Cassian spoke, plopping down on the couch and patting the cushion beside him.

Aurora swayed in place, eyeing the two males. She crossed her arms, willing herself to still. The alcohol was still flooding her veins. "I thought you loved your brother, Cass."

"Hmm, I do but you've become family, too. I am so tired of watching Azriel drag you around. It has been over forty years since you mated, and still he holds Elain and Gwyn over your head. Elain may be with Mor now, but she's still in love with Azriel. She told Nesta that two years ago."

Aurora swallowed, feeling the ache from earlier return. It's just the bond. She forced her eyes away from them, looking off to the window that stretched along the wall. How would she know if their love was true? She had never experienced a gentle male in her life before half a century ago.

"Aurora," Nyx cooed, rising from his place at the hearth. Her eyes snapped to his, body stiffening. What were they planning? Her eyes tracked him across the room, chin lifting when he stood directly in front of her. His sapphire eyes trailed over her face, the midnight black strands of hair falling over his forehead. She felt a pang of something in her stomach, forcing her eyes to drop to the center of his chest.

"What would you two know about our relationship?" She asked in no more than a whisper. "Nyx, you were nothing but a babe when we first bonded." His stare hardened when she met his eyes again.

"I am not a child, Aurora. I see it all. I've seen how you pine after him when he's already your mate, I see how he looks at Gwyn and Elain. Damn it, he still makes eyes at Mor. He can't give you everything, Aurora."

A rush of air left her nose as she rolled her eyes, looking back to the window. A gasp left her when a hand gripped her chin and forced her to meet his eyes again. "You have yet to live, Aurora. Mate or not, Azriel will never stop accepting attention from those females. He basks in it. He loves when you get furious that Gwyn or Elain look at him too long, he wants a fight over him."

Aurora tore her face from Nyx's grip and shoved away from him. Her eyes landed on Cassian, still lounging. "And you? What are your thoughts?"

Cass shrugged. "I love my brother, Aurora, I do. I have watched over centuries while Rhys and I had romances that lasted over time, but he accepted nothing more than a quick fuck. I've watched as he tore himself apart panting after Elain or Gwyn, and watched the way he changed after Rhys and I got our mates. He's always wanted someone, and I think he still does."