Essence of Quinn Parts 3 & 4 (MxM)

Flames of Fate

“I’ll save one of these for us,” Air said, holding up the bottle for Quinn to see. “We can drink it later. After you’ve repaid your favour. Prime family privileges.”

Quinn smirked, and Air drank him in. His thoughts strayed back to a couple of hours ago, when he’d dropped to his knees in the stationary storeroom. When he'd hoped to give his mate even just a few moments of relief from the headaches that had plagued him for the past few days.

Air felt his eyes glow with the promise of later. When the party was over, and it would be just the two of them again. It gave him butterflies in his stomach. He couldn’t fucking wait. How was it even possible that he was still so completely feral for Quinn, after all these years?

Satan only knew.

A slender arm linked with his, and Grammie Ayla slotted herself into his side.

“You’re drooling, Azzy,” she whispered playfully. "It's unbecoming."

Air glanced down into her purple gaze, and a pang of grief constricted his heart. Guilt, too. There he was, ogling his mate, when his Grammie was right here next to him, ailing.

His cheeks heated. Now was not the time to be thinking about their post-party bedroom antics. Not at all.

Ayla gave him a knowing smile, and Air returned it. He’d believed his Grammie was invincible. She’d always been there for him and his siblings, especially when they were kits. When their parents had been preoccupied with other, more important, things, Grammie Ayla and their grandsire, Typhon, had been a welcome constant in their lives.

But now? It was time to face the truth. The force of nature that he’d had the privilege to share his life with was destined for the Veil any day now, and it absolutely broke his heart.

Ayla reached up and stroked delicate fingers along Air’s jaw.

“None of that now, Azzy,” she said. “Don’t you dare grieve me before I’m even gone. I’m still here, and I intend to make the most of this party. Go out with a bang.”

Air blinked, searching for the strength Ayla had cultivated in him throughout his life. He could be strong for her. Could make sure her final days were the best they could be. He owed her that much, at least.

He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

“Well then,” Air said, pulling her closer. “Let the festivities begin.”

He gestured to the bag Woe carried. The bag filled with contraband alcohol that they’d definitely be pre-gaming at the lair as they got ready for the party.

Ayla grinned at him, and Air linked his arm with hers as they made their way out of the chapel.

The rest of the pack and Secondo went about their duties, leaving Air, Ayla, Woe, Amaya... And Calista.

Her and Amaya walked ahead of them, and Air glared daggers at Calista’s back. How could she do this to them? She’d basically been cheating on him and Quinn.

With Alpha.

Air shuddered, unease settling in his gut. Amaya glanced back, a shadow crossing her expression.

Oops.

He should probably try to shield his emotions a little better around her. He offered her a smile and a shrug, and thankfully she turned back to Calista.

A few hours. That was all. Air could surely manage to play nice for a few more hours? He should probably avoid Cali. As much as was possible amongst the small group of them who’d be at the lair.