But Melek seemed to be banking on his certainty that this would work—if Typhos just gave Cami a chance.
“There will be repercussions to terminating our agreement,” Melek added. “It’ll come at the expense of the Phoenix’s soul, as well as pieces of my own. And Ajax… he won’t survive. So your suspicions would need to be absolute before you could act, or you’d risk losing more than you’ve ever had.”
A hint of uncharacteristic fear echoed through my bond with Typhos, the king realizing the veracity of Melek’s words.
He was also likely comprehending that it was too late for him to even attempt to negotiate this deal. The pieces were already in place, the agreement having been struck between all of our souls.
There was no choice here. He either accepted and tried to make it work, or he refused and risked destroying his small circle of trust.
Because my Phoenix would pull me toward Cami and Ajax, my need to protect them already riding me hard.
And Melek wasn’t going to give up that easily. He only involved himself in affairs that meant something to him, and Cami clearly meant a great deal to him.
Typhos ran a hand over his face, his exhaustion hitting me like a tidal wave through our connection. These security issues were taking their toll, as was the growing power of the realm. It had reached capacity, making it nearly impossible for him to manage.
How had I missed that?I marveled. There’d been signs, but he’d always come out on top. He’d also accepted my Phoenix energy without blinking.
However, I’d been using Ajax more and more over the last decade, my needs mounting as time moved on. I’d assumed it was my attraction to Ajax that had caused me to need him so fiercely, and perhaps that was true on one level.
But it seemed my Phoenix had sensed Typhos being at capacity, too.
Which had led me to seek out Ajax as much as I had. Grow closer to him.Trusthim.
No wonder you chose him,I thought at my bird.You knew he was an ideal mate because of how he accepted your power.
I’d been moving in a daze these last few years, not paying attention to anything other than my own physical needs.
Cami had woken me up.
She’d changed everything.
For the better,I realized.
Az?she asked suddenly, causing my spine to straighten.
Cami? Are you all right?My Phoenix paced inside, concerned.
I’m fine. Just practicing my first lesson.She sounded pleased with herself.
My lips twitched.Good girl.
Don’t be condescending,she snapped.
I’m not. I’m happy you’re practicing,I told her solemnly.
“Azazel?” Typhos prompted, his voice drawing me back to him. “Are you all right?”
I blinked at him, my brow furrowing. “Yes, sorry, Cami was talking to me.”
That eyebrow of his cocked upward again. “About?”
“She’s practicing her telepathy.” I lifted a shoulder. “She was struggling with it earlier, her mental responses going to me and Ajax at the same time. I told her to focus her mental channels.”
“I see.” He blew out a breath and palmed the back of his neck. “This…” He trailed off, his head shaking slowly. “You’ve left me with no real choice here.” His attention went to Melek. “You did this on purpose.”
“I can’t take all the credit, my love,” Melek murmured. “Az and Ajax played their parts.”
“Yes, and I have no doubt in my mind who set those pieces in motion,” the king replied.
