“He claimed not to know me,” I added out loud, those words having hurt more than I wanted to admit. But to Melek, I’d confide anything and everything. “He accused me of selfishly wanting this bond with Ajax.” I met my prince’s multicolored gaze. “I’m doing this for you and Azazel. You know that, right?”
Melek considered me for a long moment, his palm going to my neck, then drifting down over my chest to my torso as he straddled my hips.
“I think your desire to mate Ajax is about power.” He settled over my thighs, his bare legs warm against mine. “But it’s not because you’re hungry for power or want to be the strongest fae in the realms. It’s because you want to protect everything you’ve built, and everyone you love. Your Hell Fae. The Nightmare Fae. Your mates.”
He leaned in to kiss me, his lips hot against mine.
I indulged in the sensation, let his warmth chase away some of the chill Azazel’s rejection had stirred inside me.
“Our Commander knows your soul,” Melek added in a breath. “Deep down, he knows you’re trying to control the situation in a way that satisfies everyone’s interests. That’s what makes you a good king, Ty.” He kissed me again. “It’s what makes you an amazing mate.”
His cock touched mine, the intimacy of the embrace making me groan against his mouth.
A groan that turned into a growl as he wrapped his palm around both of our shafts andsqueezed.
“Fuck, little prince,” I breathed, arching into his touch.
“Indeed,” he returned. “An inferno of pleasure will tempt our mates into playing, too. It’s what we all need.”
My eyes had fallen half closed at the onslaught of euphoria, my blood simmering with renewed need. But hearing my prince’s words had me evaluating him once more.
“What are you up to now?” I asked, too exhausted to infuse any hint of demand in my tone. I sounded more resigned than anything.
“Just making everyone feel good,” he promised, his palm clenching around us below and making my head fall back. “You have your way of protecting us, and I have mine. Now stop thinking and justfeel.”
I wasn’t sure I wanted to feel.
Because feeling made me notice the wall Azazel had created.
Feeling inspired a worry deep down that I’d made the wrong decision—something Ineverquestioned. I knew my role. My realm. Mymates.
But Azazel’s fury had been very real.
It’dburned.
And now I couldn’t feel him at all.
“Ty,” Melek whispered.
“Can you sense Camillia?” I asked, a new worry touching my chest, one that threatened to blossom into full-blown panic.
“Yes,” Melek replied, instantly calming the torrent of emotions blazing inside me.
“Is she all right?” It wasn’t the question I meant to ask, but his response would put me at ease.
Because if Camillia was okay, then Azazel would also be okay.
“You’re concerned about Cami?” Melek asked, tilting his head.
“I’m concerned about Azazel.”
“Hmm,” he hummed. “Interesting phrasing, then, my king.” He pressed a finger to my lips before I could correct him. “Yes, she’s fine. Ajax created a paradigm for them to talk privately within. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s as private as they desire.”
My brow furrowed. “Elaborate.”
“Zakkai,” he replied simply. “He’s the Source Architect. There are no secrets where he’s concerned.”
I didn’t like the sound of that at all. “What’s he learning about?” The words came out with a sigh, mostly because I didn’t have the energy to go on the defensive right now.
