The Heir of Night

49

The night was growing less and less stressful throughout the hours. Theia, still sat in Nyx's lap, laughed along with the conversation. Her shoulders relaxed, her mouth climbing into an easy smile. It was so much easier to enjoy the happiness that this family gave out rather than hide away and cling to the only ones she was used to. Maybe it was the two glasses of wine, or the constant pressing of Nyx's lips to her shoulder and cheek.

"Cass, you haven't won in years," Mor drawled, pulling a sleepy-eyed Emerie into her side. Cassian dropped a hand onto the table, unsteadily leaning to Mor.

"Oh, really? Bring out the shots then, I'll beat you this time," he slurred. Nesta rolled her eyes, tugging her mate back against the booth seat.

"Cass, I guarantee you'd fall over if you stood right now. I'm cutting you off for the night, no drinking games," she cooed, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. Cassian leveled a glare at a laughing Mor and crossed his arms with a grumble. Azriel chuckled at his brother, running a hand over his brows and through his hair.

"I agree, I think I'm done for the night. Nes, you need help getting him home?" The Shadowsinger asked, nudging Theia's knee with his thigh. She knew what is meant and tapped Nyx's hand that rested on her thigh. He took the hint and began to slide from the booth, dragging her with him.

The sensation of his hands tugging at her was the icing on top of what he'd been doing the entire night. His hips had been pressing against her, hands roaming, lips hot and lingering. Theia nearly felt guilty with Azriel being beside them. He had to endure the filthy words Nyx muttered in her ear and the sounds of her breath hitching every time his hands went too far. She wasn't sure he had noticed it at first, but as he climbed from the booth, he gave her an irritated look and a raised brow.

"That would be great, Az. Thank you," Nesta sighed, tugging Cassian's arm as Mor shoved his other side. As soon as the massive male's body left the booth, Azriel was at his side, tugging his arm over his shoulders. Nearly everyone was stumbling to the door, save for Theia and Nyx. She'd kept herself at a low buzz, knowing there was something in store for her when they returned home; Theia wanted to remember all of it.

Nyx nudged her back, encouraging her to say goodbye as they all gathered on the street. Nesta immediately pulled Theia into a hug.

"Be safe, and remember that everything is your choice. Your life, your body, your love." Nesta's wine scented breath fanned across Theia's cheek, the weight of her words making her nearly jolt back. Instead, Theia squeezed her arm and stepped back with a tight-lipped smile. Nesta gave her one final look before running over to Mor, giving her a quick hug and a kiss to Emerie's cheek.

The two of them winnowed away before Theia could say her goodbyes. With a small frown, she turned to see Azriel leaned down to Nyx's ear, a wicked grin on his lips as he whispered. Nyx listened intently for a long moment before a laugh ripped out of him and he shoved Azriel away. Theia gave him a confused look as he walked up to her, his face still spread into a grin.

"What was that about?" She asked as he pulled her into his side and pressed a kiss to her hair. Nyx chuckled against her, shaking his head.

"You don't want to know," he murmured. Theia huffed as he began to lead her down the street. Nyx just laughed at her, but didn't elaborate. Theia sighed and laid her head against his shoulder as they walked, unable to stop the calm smile that climbed to her lips when he tugged her closer.

Happiness had been just out of reach for so long, it was nearly overwhelming to feel her cheeks rise so much in one day. A smile had been foreign for too long, and now Nyx drew it from her with every move. Trusting his lead, Theia let her eyes fall closed as she soaked in the warmth and scent of him. She adored the pine and spice smell, the heat radiating from him like he had been born with fire in his veins.