Have you ever asked someone what love is? - Azriel x OC

Part 17

I slipped around the back, catching Cassian's eye as I made it upstairs.

I borrowed one of Az's jumpers and put on some shorts, using a wet cloth to clean any visible blood off me before going back downstairs.

Cas was on the floor, getting assaulted by shadows as he screamed with laughter, shrieking as everyone chuckled along with him fondly. Az's grin had a smile appearing on my face and I studied the scene softly. This found family we had been adopted into. These people who were better to me than anyone every had been. My lover. Gods Az was a whole other world of love.

Something soft stirred in me as I stared at them, like a light flickering on and I could feel this...this pull, this connection in my chest, seeing the golden string in my mind glowing to life.

Mate.

The word struck me like a blow and my eyes widened, stumbling back slightly.

Mate Mate Mate

Rhy's head shot up, staring at me as I stared at Az, Feyre doing the same seconds later.

Not a word.

I shot them both a look and Feyre tucked her head into Rhy's shoulder to hide her excitement.

Az's shadows curled around me, as if they knew too. Pulling me into the room and I took a seat next to Cassian, next to where Az was sat on the floor with Cas.

"Al, Azzie's being naughty" Cas pouted, and I smiled as his baby blue eyes peered at me.

"Is he now? What's he doing, hm?"

"he's tickling me!" he shouted accusingly in his cute little voice, and I hummed in acknowledgement as Az threw his hands up in defence.

"I can't tickle you, my hands are here" he played innocent as his shadows began their assault again, Cas protesting through his laughter, and I couldn't help the chuckles that escaped me.

"the shadows!" he cried through his laughter "stop them"

"Don't worry lovey, I'll save you" One of the shadows curled around my finger and I whispered to it, eyes flicking to Az and they moved from Cas to Az, his wings flaring in surprise as he was knocked backwards, beginning to laugh.

"traitors" he cried, and Cas giggled, jumping on the Shadowsinger who caught him. The bond ached in my chest; I could get used to this new feeling. The smile spilt across my face, and I waved away the few shadows that tried to make me join the party. I was still tender.

"Food's ready" Cassian interrupted, springing off the sofa to the kitchen. "Cas's eat first!"

Cas gasped, running away from Az towards the kitchen.

I watched him sit up with a chuckle, gaze meeting mine.

"what's that look for?" he asked, pressing his lips to my knee and I brushed the hair out of his face.

"I just love you. So much" he smiled one of those rare smiles, his eyes sparkling as he leant his head against my leg.

"I love you too"

Feyre cooed at us in the background and Az rolled his eyes.

"like I didn't have to deal with you two for the last three years" he stood up, taking me into the kitchen where Cassian had sat Cas on the side, filling his plate with anything he approved.

"Don't give him loads, he'll only waste it. we're not far off bedtime" I warned, and they both complained at me, but I just tucked myself into Az's side, his wing coming around to rest against my back.