Thinking about how the fandom harassed them out of finishing one of the most iconic smut fics. I hope @no-droids is doing well.

Origami Around

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if i look back, i am lost
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YOU ARE THE REASON

izzy's playlists!
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Andulka
he wasn't even looking at me and he found me

â
we're not kids anymore.
I'd rather be in outer space đ¸

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@fandoms1queen
Thinking about how the fandom harassed them out of finishing one of the most iconic smut fics. I hope @no-droids is doing well.
Ik it's been a hot minute since you've made the post, but I'm ALWAYS chasing more Iroh x reader content, I'd read the hell out of it!!
I could see something dub-con/darker from back when he was a war general, or something that starts out soft but turns out as rough nd equally as kinky with either s1 or s2 Iroh... đ I'm a sucker for age gap kink nd also just being pinned down nd overpowered... sorry this isn't more specific of a request, brain is mush thinking abt that old man,,,, </3
I could SO get behind this!
To Love A Terrorist Part Two
Chapter Two
You tap your hand anxiously as you watch the clock for your last class to be finished. Today was Tonyâs day to pick you up and he always stopped and let you get a milkshake on the way to NCIS headquarters.Â
Ever since your dad found out Ari found you after the hostage situation, heâs been very cautious with you. Against your wishes, he broke your lease agreement and made you move in with him. The pure disappointment that washed over his face when you said you took him home was enough to ward you off men for a lifetime.Â
âThatâll be all for today.â
The entire class stands in one whoosh and you make your way out of the science building. As expected, the NCIS sedan is waiting on the block. Unexpectedly, your dad stands beside it. A small skip in your step and then you slowly make your way over to him.
âI thought it was Tonyâs day?â
âHeâs busy.â
He opens the door for you and you slide into the sedan. Gibbs glances around the campus, then starts sliding around the car and getting in the driverâs seat. There goes your milkshake.
Kate waves as you exit the elevator and slowly walk to the bullpen. Gibbs walks quickly around you and disappears soon after. You make your way over to Kate and to your dadâs desk.Â
âGood to see you Y/n.â
You smile shyly at her and sit down, glancing over at Ariâs face on the screen, smile falling quickly. He still is handsome in his quit for medical school, but your stomach turns as you think of how he held your fatherâs team hostage only twenty-four hours after being with you. The guilt is incredibly overpowering.Â
Your phone vibrates in your pocket and you see Sarahâs name flash across the screen, begging for a girlâs night. You chew your lip and look around for your dad. Maybe if she were to come to his house? Thereâs no chance he would allow you to go anywhere else. Texting that youâll ask, you slide the phone back into your pocket and watch as your dad makes Kate follow him, off to another case youâre sure. Maybe youâll go find Abby or Ducky.
âYou check in every hour until eleven. I will have an escort pick you up at eleven hundred hours tomorrow morning. If you are even five minutes late I will have them break down Sarahâs door. Do you understand?â
You nod, trying to hide the excitement as your dad hands you your GPS phone. After a heart to heart with Abby, she somehow magically pulled strings with Gibbs and got him to agree to one sleepover inside Sarahâs house with surveillance at unknown times and check ins. You canât complain.
âThanks Dad.â
You hug him quickly and then barrel out of the bullpen as quickly as possible. You haven't got to see Sarah in weeks, with finals coming up and your father being down your neck. The elevator dings for the lobby and you wave at the guard as you pass through. He gives you a smile and waves back as you exit the building. D.C. is busy as per usual and you wait at one of the crosswalks. You canât wait to just gorge yourself on pizza, drink lots of wine, and gossip with Sarah. You donât appreciate something until itâs truly stripped away from you.
Something sharp sticks into your back just as the crosswalk flashes for everyone to walk and someone grabs your arm and leads you across the street. A quick glance to the right and a middle eastern man frowns down at you. Your stomach ices over.
âHeâs expecting you.â
Your dragged to the left and toward a small foreign car. He opens the back door where another man is waiting for you, gun already aimed at you.
âToss away from your tracker phone.â
âNo.â
The man beside you snarls and quickly pushes you against the car and wrangles it from your pocket, tossing it onto the ground and stomping it into a million pieces. You swallow around the fire in your neck and duck as he shoves you into the rear seat. You look back and see him sheath a knife to his side.
âSorry about this.â
The man beside you flings out his arm and hits your temple, completely knocking you into unconsciousness.
⏚⏚⏚⏚⏚
Humming is what first brings you to consciousness. Then the crack of your eyes into the setting sun and the pounding of your head. Your mouth is dry and you feel like youâve been drug through sand.Â
âI see youâre awake.â
The familiar voice makes your blood turn cold. You push yourself up on the made bed, ignoring the headache and look toward the voice. He stands beside the window, looking out toward what might be a red barn? He looks just like he did at the club and even on the video footage your father had of him.
He turns to face you and the frown on your face makes the crease between your eyebrows hurt.
âNo thanks to you.â
âI do apologize for my menâs tactics. Theyâve been dealt with accordingly.â
âJust like how you dealt with Gerald in autopsy.â
He tilts his head and gives you an award-winning smile. You regret everything about that night, especially knowing that this monster has seen you at your most vulnerable.
âI know youâve been staying with your father Y/n. This is one of the easiest ways to get Gibbs to find me so I can kill him.â
âYou would use me to get to him after all this time?â
âYouâre the reason I found out how to get into autopsy. I just needed to figure out a means to an end. Imagine my luck that I find the only daughter of the man that shot my brother in the same club as me. What even better luck that she sleeps so soundly she didnât hear me rifling through her papers and messages from her father, including all directions on how to get to NCIS.â
Your face pales and you have to look away from Ari. Youâre the reason he was able to sneak into NCIS so easily. He tuts and pushes off the wall toward you. You move just as fast, slinging yourself off the other end of the bed and running to the bedroom door. You try to yank it open, but it seems to be lockedâŚfrom the outside.Â
You turn around, leaning against the door hard and watch as Ari advances on you. He tilts his head as he stops a few feet in front of you, just observing.
âI meant everything I did that night Y/n.â
He raises a hand and you close your eyes, turning away from him. Instead of the sting of a smack, you feel his fingers gently run through a piece of your hair and put it behind your ear.
âLet me show you how much you mean to me.â
âNoâŚâ
He quickly grabs you around the waist and throws you over his shoulder, walking over the bed in just a few short steps.Â
âPut me down Ari.â
âWith pleasure.â
He tosses you down on the bed. As soon as you hit the mattress you turn over and try to crawl away. He tuts at you and grabs your ankles, dragging you back to him. He lays over your body and lays his head so he whispers directly into your ear.
âI know you enjoyed me Y/n. You could come with me you know. Once this is all over?â
âAfter you kill my father you mean?â
You try to wiggle out of his grip, but he presses into you harder. As he does so you gasp as he grinds himself into you. Against your will, your body responds and you shiver at the feel of him.
âYou like that donât you sweet girl?â
âItâs a bodily response.â
âNaturally,â he nips your earlobe and sits up, straddling your hips as he lets his hands wander down your back, massaging as he goes.
âYou have no idea what these curves do to me.â
Fabric rips and you feel your shirt relax and then Ari unlatches your bra, leaning down to kiss between your shoulder blades.Â
âKick off your shoes Y/n.â
You freeze and tilt your head to look at him through the corner of your eye.
âNo.â
âVery well then.â
Ari wrangles your arms up, even as you begin to struggle again, and with a click they are handcuffed to one of the bed posts. YOu huff in frustration and pull at them with all your weight.
âThere, there Y/n.â
Ari extracts himself from you and begins to gently take the rest of your clothing off. All while he speaks to you in another language that even in the position youâre in, makes you want to curl your toes.
Once youâre fully naked, he lifts your hips and places a pillow underneath them, pushing you back down.
âI donât think I can be gentle tonight, my dove.â
âI wouldnât expect anything else from a terrorist.â
He tuts and gently probs your entrance with his length. Without a warning, he fully sheathes himself and the moan that leaves our throat is almost animalistic. His head falls between your shoulder blades and he starts thrusting automatically.
âI think Iâll keep you.â
Tears glide down your face, but you refuse to let him hear you beg to stop. You instead, close your eyes, hate our body for responding so well, and wait for the inevitable orgasm to knock you out.
To Love A Terrorist
Jethro Gibbs' Daughter x Ari- Chapter One
The summer wind blows your summer dress around your knees and you smile as you walk arm in arm with your sorority sister. Spring Break couldnât have come soon enough and even though you werenât laying out on the beach in Panama City, your plans for clubbing in D.C. were good enough.
âAre you sure you donât want me to stay with you Y/n? I donât mind. Weâll still have plenty of time to get ready for tonight.â
You hum and lean your head against Sarahâs shoulder.
âThanks, but no thanks, My Dad is kind of a one on one kind of guy and not very social. Itâs just coffee anyways.â
You both stop in front of the tables outside of the local coffee shop downtown. Itâs one of the closest ones to NCIS headquarters. With a heavy sigh, you extract your arm from hers and look around, spotting a familiar head of gray hair.
âSee you in an hour.â
You nod and wind your way around tables until you meet your Dadâs piercing blue gaze.
âHey Dad.â
He stands and hands you a cup of coffee, a small smile on his face.
âA little late arenât we Y/n?â
You sigh through your nose, accepting the coffee, and sit down at the table just as your dad follows.
âConsidering itâs spring break youâre lucky you got me away from Georgetown at all, especially when you wanted to meet at zero nine hundred hours in the morning.â
âIt couldâve been earlier.â
You roll your eyes and take a sip of the hot caffeinated drink, vanilla and sugar flooding your senses. Jethro Gibbs may not have been a very present father after your mother and Kellyâs death, but he still can remember all the little things about you.
âLetâs get on with it then.â
**************
The club music vibrates the ground as you and Sarah stand outside waiting on the bouncers to look at your ID. Ever since nine eleven, security has increased tenfold, even at clubs in D.C. Or so your Dad told you.
Your feet already ache from the heels you chose and the wind almost makes the bright pink dress fly up as you wait. Two more people enter and only one couple stands in your way. You vibrate in excitement, stomach burning from the pregamed Fireball you shot beforehand.
âI really needed this.â
You get ready to respond, but stop as a bike races by and squeals to a stop right in front of the blockade. The driver throws out the kickstand and easily slides off the bike. His yellow helmet comes off and he cracks his neck as he walks up to the bouncer and automatically gets motioned in. You bite your lip and let your eyes wander down to his swaying hips as he disappears through the doors.
âI think I really needed this too.â
Your hips sway in rhythm to the music and your grind back against Sarah, giggling as the vodka redbull in your hand drips down your arm as someone knocks into you.Â
âIâm going to go get another drink.â
Sarah nods, but by the nauseated look on her face you think it very well could be the end of your night. You sidle over the bar and lean against it as the bartender waits on another. Your drunken haze has effectively worn off and now a slight buzz is all that is left.Â
âVodka redbull again angel?â
You turn your head to look over your right shoulder and grin as you see the biker leaning against the bar beside you.
âI think I better stick with water this time.â
He nods and waves down the bartender. Only seconds later does water slide down to you and glass of bourbon to him. He takes a sip and you turn your body so you face him.Â
âYour friend seems to have left you for the night.â
You glance around and then look down at your phone to see Sarah had got an Uber and went back to her sisterâs apartment. The plan was to go back to yours, but she was too drunk for that.
âIt appears so.â
âPerhaps I could escort you home?â
His accent sends a trill through your body and you look around. Youâve never been one of those girls to go home with a guy. But, his caramel toned skin and chocolate eyes make you melt a little at the knees.
âOnly if you know how to show a girl a good time.â
He grins and takes your hand, guiding you through the clashing bodies and back out to the now empty street. He hands you the red helmet and slides onto the parked bike.
âThatâs the only wayâŚâ
âY/n.â
He repeats your name with a purr and you shiver.Â
âAri, now put your address in here and letâs get out of here.â
You do as he directs and will yourself not to think of your dad at a time like this. He would kill you for breaking at least a dozen of his rules. But just for tonight, you refuse to acknowledge them.
*********************
Your back slams down on your bed and you gasp as Ari grins down at you. Since locking your apartment door, itâs been nothing but teeth clashing and tongues fighting for dominance. That is until he used his weight against you and threw you onto your bed.
He places a hand beside your head and gently leans down, kissing you gently.Â
âBeautiful.â
You blush and let him shimmy you out of the pink dress, revealing the thong Sarah convinced you to wear. He raises an eyebrow, a scary grin crossing his face and then he lands sharply on his knees. His finger plays with your slit and then curls around the string of the thong to move it out of his way. He leans his face forward and licks a long stripe up to eventually suckle on your clit.
You moan, throw your head back, and bring your own hands up to play with your breasts. He continues to work you over for what seems like ages, even as you orgasm twice. Only after a third does he lean back and grin as your eyes meet.
âGood enough treatment for you angel?â
You giggle and motion for him to come closer. He follows your instructions and stands, shedding his own clothes in the process. He has a few scars along his abdomen, but you stop looking as you watch him pump himself in his hand as he watches you.Â
You scoot back on the bed, throwing your thong somewhere in the room and take a deep breath for courage as you spread your legs wide for him. He grins at the invitation and soon follows you on knees until he is between your thighs.
âTell me if it becomes too much.â
You nod and he slowly begins to sheath himself, matching your groan as he enters you. Only when he is completely inside does he stop and let you both catch your breath. Youâve never felt so full in your life, or so wanted. He gently kisses your forehead and wipes hair away from your face.
With an encouraging nod, he begins a slow pace and then eventually works himself up to brutal thrusts. With your head thrown back and fingers clenching the sheets, you see stars and pray to whatever god that this night never ends.
Unfortunately, it does. The next morning, Ari is nowhere to be found.
*************************
A few weeks later you find yourself in NCIS headquarters. The front desk hands you a visitor badge and you work your lip as you wait on the elevator. Your dad really doesnât like to be surprised at work, but when his face went over the news screen, NCIS using all media to try and locate the terrorist, your heart dropped.
Youâd fucked up. Big time.Â
The door dings and you slowly step out of the elevator and walk slowly into the bull pen. The quietness is eerie and you look around for Gibbâs gray hair. Your neck swivels and you stop at the first desk. A petite woman is leaning down and reading reports as you stop in front of you. You open your mouth, but jump as a whistle sounds beside you.
âWell good morning Tony.â
You look over at the sound and see a man leaning against a desk opposite from the womanâs. You clear your throat and cross your arms to hold your elbows.Â
âLong way from Georgetown donât you think?â
âIâm looking for my dadâŚâ
Tonyâs face pales and the woman behind you chuckles.Â
âTonyâs worst nightmare.â
 She comes around her desk and holds out a hand.
âIgnore him, heâs a pig. My name is Kate. Now, who are we looking for? Perhaps one of the special agents inâŚâ
âY/n?â
You stand up straighter and look up at the stairs leading to the second floor. Gibbs walks down slowly and you hear intakes of gasps as he comes to stand in front of you.
âWhat are you doing here?â
Your lip begins to wobble and his stern face melts into one of concern.
âI messed up Daddy.â
An arm curls around your waist and he directs you to his office chair, sitting you down gently and then sitting himself down on his desk. You look around and feel your face pale as Ariâs grinning face smiles back at you. You quickly look down at your hands and let the tears fall freely.
âTell me whatâs going on Y/nâŚâ
You take a deep breath and look up at your father, preparing yourself for the absolute war that is to come. You point a finger to the computer and when your father follows the line of direction he quickly stands and leans down to look you in the face.Â
âHis nameâŚhis name is Ari.â
The team members are silent as your father leans up and lets out a long sigh. Something tells you youâre in for a long day.
need to whine âyouâre so meanâ to him only for him to coo and respond âI know.â
jokes on you, the whole reason iâm starting a play fight is because i want to wind up completely pinned beneath him, squished under the weight of his body and his bulge
âyou took your first cock so well, daddy is proud of youâ
The Time You and Nesta Get the Boys to Agree
Masterlist
Warnings: NSFW, Foursome, Swinging, oral sex, sexual intercourse, truly all the warnings
âAre you sure about this Little Shadow?â
Azrielâs arms are wrapped around you securely and you nuzzle your head into the crook of his neck as he flies you to the House of Wind. You can feel his apprehension, and excitement, inevitably through the bond.
âYes. Nesta and I have talked thoroughly about it.â
Heâs silent for a moment and then an animalistic growl sounds from his chest.
âOh really? Where were we?â
You shrug and Azriel swiftly flies to a halt and slowly lets you both glide down to the balcony.
âAround.â
He rolls his eyes, a small tilt of his lips as he squeezes your hips and then lets you go as you walk toward the doors. You open them and follow the soft chatter to the kitchen. As you both round the corner, Cassian grins at you both and Nesta leans up from taking something out of the oven.
âY/n! You got Az to comeâŚâ
She flushes at the small insinuation and you both giggle.
âThatâs the idea.â
You walk further into the kitchen to help her, with whatever she is definitely going to burn as Azriel takes a seat beside Cassian at the bar, both bat boys watching over you.
âWhat are we attempting?â
âI was trying to make cookies. The chocolate chip ones turned out great, but I keep burning the sugar cookies.â
âWe can fix that,â you roll the sleeves of your cream sweater up and Nesta grins, handing you a bowl of mixture.
âLet me get the wine!â
Hours and lots of mishaps later, you giggle as you and Nesta lead the boys upstairs. The boys drank whiskey as you both took the kitchen over and watched heatedly as you and Nesta began to dance with each other.
Nesta leads you all to a large bedroom with an even larger bed in the middle of the open room. She turns and arches a beautiful eyebrow at you.
âSo what are the rules? They can make their own, but whatever happens tonight I donât want it to affect our friendship.â
You think not for a moment.
âI think it would be nice to start with us and then switch like we talked about. I just donât want anyone touching his wings.â
âI donât want Cass to come in you or likewise.â
You nod in agreement, face flushing at the provocativeness of the situation.
Nesta must take note of your embarrassment and soon traces a fingernail down the side of your face, causing you to shiver.Â
The room aura automatically changes and you become very aware that the two behind you are watching intently from chairs in front of the fireplace.Â
âWhy donât we get comfortable?â
Heat blasts through you and the alcohol courses through you like liquid courage. You shake your head and slowly pull your sweater over your head.Â
Nesta follows soon after and you can hear the whoosh of escaped air come from behind you. You smirk, knowing what youâre doing to the two warriors and keep undressing with Nesta until you both are bare.
You take a moment to admire her, unsure if this is the last time you two will ever experiment like this.Â
Itâs not like you didnât know she was beautiful. That much was obvious. However, you didnât realize how devastatingly beautiful sheâd be naked. Not a blemish on her. Very different from your calloused hands and burnt arms from the bakery.
As if she knows, she gently takes your hand and places it on her hip.
âDonât be nervous. Itâs just us friends hereâŚâ
She cautiously leans forward, watching your face as she gently pecks your lips. You jolt, even though it was expected and blush ferociously. The males behind you groan in sync and Nesta grins devilishly.Â
âLetâs give them a show.â
She suddenly grasps a handful of your hair and crashes her lips against yours.Â
Heat overwhelms you and you find yourself pulling her hips closer to your own, desperate for any kind of friction.Â
A sudden nip at your throat as she pulls back and you gasp, allowing her to infiltrate the wet orifice.Â
You imagined it would be different with a woman, but where Azriel is hard, overwhelming muscle, Nesta is delicately soft and toned. A true feminine warrior. Nesta is ferocious, both of your hands exploring one anotherâs bodies, and only when you two are pulled apart do you stop.Â
Cassian pulls you close against his naked chest and leans down, a shiver wracking your body as he whispers in your ear.
âLook at them.â
Your eyes trail over to the bed where Azriel stalks Nesta as she falls back onto the comforter, almost looking hesitant. That look soon disappears as she sees his arousal.
Cassianâs hard body is warm against your back and you can feel his own arousal through his underwear, the only barrier between you two. His head remains beside yours and his hands go between stroking your sides and tweaking your nipples as you watch Azriel climb onto the bed. Â
âDo you like watching your mate finger Nesta while I play you? Sharing is caring after all.â
His voice is husky in your ear and you lean into his chest as his long fingers glide over your slit in rhythm to Azrielâs foreplay.
Nesta throws her head back into the pillows and moans beautifully as he adds another finger.
âHold your legs open.â
Nesta obeys and you feel your own thighs clench as you see her core fully on display. Azriel flashes a smirk over his shoulder at the small noise you make and then turns his attention back to her. Curse your mating bond, he knows exactly what you want to see.
Just as Azriel directs Nesta to climb on top of him as he lays down, Cassian thrusts his finger inside you, thumb circling your clit expertly. Your legs almost give out, but Cassian chuckles and holds you up with his other meaty forearm.
His lips nibble at your ear lobe and you moan as Nesta sinks onto Azrielâs cock.
âWatch how good my mate is at riding his cock Y/n. Tell me, how badly do you want mine?â
âCass pleaseâŚâ
Azriel growls from across the room, but your attention remains on Cassian. The way your head is tilted you can just barely see his smug features.
âWhy donât we go give them some of our attention beautiful.â
Cassian picks you up swiftly, extracting his fingers and licking them quickly. Nesta hisses as she watches your approach, rhythm never stopping as she rides Azriel, hands grabbing his chest.
Cassian plops you down on the bed and you turn your head to watch as he quickly sheds his underwear, stroking his thick cock and tilting his head mischievously as he does so. Heâs much thicker as Azriel has more length. My how both you and Nesta skimped on the details.
âKiss them.â
You lean up quickly and pull Nestaâs mouth into yours. Itâs all teeth and tongue, but the boys seem to enjoy it.
âNow him, but keep your ass in the air beautiful.â
You pull away, both of you panting and crawl up the bed to lean over Azriel, allowing your ass to be on full display. Azrielâs eyes are entirely black and he smirks as you lower your mouth to his, letting your tongue explore his mouth once more.
Your hand moves to rub his chest with Nesta, but a harsh slap to your ass makes you pull away quickly, yelping in the process.
Both Nesta and Azriel whine in approval.
âI didnât say you could touch them.â
You pull your body up so you're on your hands and knees and throw a look back at Cassian, who swallows thickly.
âThen do something about it.â
Azriel huffs from beside you and without a warning, Cassian grips your hips and thrusts into you in one go. A loud moan falls frown your mouth and you collapse onto Azrielâs outstretched hand, shivering at the inundation of pleasure.
âSay that again, I dare you.â
His thrusts are vicious, and you turn your head to watch Nesta time her own thrusts with Cassianâs. Azrielâs other hand plays with her clit and she plays with her own nipples as she throws her head back in pleasure.
A smack to your rear brings you back to your own demise and you look back at Cassian. His eyes are wild and he snarls as you give him a wicked smirk, quickly pulling you up against his chest by your shoulders and wrapping one hand around your throat, absolutely railing into you.
His rhythm keeps you on the brink of pain, but you donât think youâve ever been so turned on.Â
âThatâs right Y/n, take what I give you and watch as Nesta makes your man come.â
Nesta lets out a shrill scream and then quickly falls off of Azriel, her hands taking over. Azriel in turn throws his head back and after a few pumps from Nesta spills all over his stomach.Â
Your stomach clenches and you close your eyes, feeling your own release coming much quicker than theirs thanks to Cassianâs brutal pace.Â
âMe too darlingâŚâ
He bites your neck and makes tight circles with his other hand around your clit, sending you quickly over the edge. Your entire body tightens and you almost black out from the ecstasy you feel. Cassian growls as you tighten around him and quickly pulls out of you, turning you around and pushing you down onto the bed.
He jerks himself quickly over top of you and then ropes of come land in your opened mouth and across your chest as he hisses his completion.Â
You swallow what you can and let him fall beside you, wrapping an arm around your waist. You shiver uncontrollably and glance at the others.Â
Nesta is closest to you as Azriel holds her against his chest, both facing you two and watching you with identical impressed expressions.Â
A few moments later, Azriel hands Cassian a washcloth and he sits up, gently cleaning himself and you off. Once finished, both men stand and switch sides after kissing both Nesta and yourself gently.
As soon as Azriel crawls in behind you, you relax into his body like a puzzle. A perfect fit.
âYou did so well Little Shadow.â You purr at the affirmation and watch as Cassian seems to do the same. Nesta smiles at him, but soon interlocks her legs with your own, inevitably pulling you and Azriel closer.
Nesta rubs her nose against yours and you give each other a sleepy smile.
âBetter than expected?â
âAbsolutely.â
Giggles die down gently and you feel yourself fade into unconsciousness, surrounded by your mate and best friends.Â
i am a simple creature.
Would we rather like to see Azriel and y/n switch partners with Nessian OR just have relations with them in the room doing the same? Let me knowđ
âyou should just be glad that daddyâs doing this to you and not some scary stranger.â
The First Time She Says I Love You
Azriel x reader oneshot
When the outdoor garden is finally finished, Rhys and Feyre decide to host a party in it. They invited all of Velaris, it seems.
You stand back in the corner, beside a floating puzzle as everyone mingles. Swinging benches and floating plants surround you as you drink the spirits Rita supplied for the night.Â
The gardens overlook the Rainbow from a distance and coupled with the night sky, it seems almost otherworldly Though I guess technically everything is compared to where the Archeron sisters used to live.Â
Azriel finds you quickly as he and Cassian arrive from Windhaven. You feel him before you see him.
It wasnât easy getting used to the bond, but the main frenzy was fun enough. You watch as his shoulders loosen just slightly and a few shadows escape him and circle around you.
You giggle as they nuzzle your cheek and then shyly smile up at Azriel as he meets you and leans down to give you a small kiss. More public affection than you ever thought possible coming from the shadowsinger.
âCongratulations.â
Youâve grown used to his small vocabulary in public. It matches your own style just as well. In the privacy of your home is where conversations flow and it suits you just fine that he saves that side of him for you. You only.
âThank you.â
You let him wrap an arm around your waist and you watch together as people play with the puzzles and observe all of your hard work. In the distance you can see Elain and a timid Lucien looking over the flowers from Day Court. You knew sheâd like them.
You slightly wish she wouldnât have shown up.
As soon as the thought passes, your heart clenches and you regret it. Elain has been nothing but supportive of your bond to Azriel.
âY/nâŚâ
Azrie kisses your head and you look up at him guiltily.
âI can sense your frustration, what is it?â
âYou will think me a fool.â
He only stares at you and you sigh before glancing back over in her general direction.
âI still find myself getting jealous of her. That you both sought after each other at one point or another.â
Heâs quiet for a moment before a low chuckle shocks you and you turn in his arms to look at him. He wraps his wings around you for some privacy and leans down so his nose meets yours gently.
âMy heart belongs to you Y/n. No past relationship or desire will ever change that. My own shadows threaten to torture me at your unhappiness.â
He pulls a smile from you quickly and you kiss him slowly.
âI love you Shadowsinger.â
His hazel eyes soften and you feel the reciprocation tingle down your bond, stronger than anything ever before.
âI love you, little shadow.â
The First Time He Says I Love You
Azriel x reader oneshot
The rain pelts down as you and Azriel winnow into Windhaven. Rhys, Cassian, Feyre and Nesta were the first to arrive. You can see Devlon standing under an awning, a sour look still on his face as he observes you.Â
A few Illyrians stop their training and stare to look at you as Azriel gently leads you across the training grounds to Devlon.
He sneers at your arrival then looks at you from head to toe.
âI would ask how a bastard like you captured a dame like this, but she reeks of your mating bond shadowsinger.â
Azriel stands motionless beside you, but you can feel his silent anger through the bond. You roll your eyes at the pissing contest and point to the basket of bread.
âIâve brought loaves of bread and pastries for those that want them. Where may I place them?â
You hear a few snorts behind you and feel Azriel stiffen.
âWe donât need any of your dreamer bread in these mountains.â
You shrug your shoulders and look around at the few curious bystanders.
âVery well. If you act like a mutt then you shall eat like one too.â
You dump the basket into the wet ground and watch as the rain automatically begins pummeling it. A few murmurs sound behind you, but you ignore them and gently place a hand on Azrielâs arm.
He flicks his eyes downward, pleased, but still silent.
âIâm ready when you are Shadowsinger.â
He directs you away from Devlon and toward Rhyâs small cottage. Once out of hearing distance, he chuckles darkly.
âI see more now than ever as to why Nesta enjoys your company.â
You shrug and let him open the cottage door for you, stepping in and trying to shake the chill. As he closes the door behind him, you hear an audible gasp. The others each are sorting through pastries and breads, piling them so high they could easily cover Amren.
âY/n.â
You turn and smile at Azrielâs astonished expression.
âYou didnât really think Iâd waste my good items? I had Rhys and Feyre winnow most of these last night so we can disperse them to Emerie and the bastards like Cassian. From there I hope the women and starving men with honor will come find it. If not, thereâs food in the training ring.â
Cassianâs lips tilt at the comment, but Nesta barks at him to keep working. Azriel shakes his head and then slowly leans down, kissing your lips gently.
âYou are the most amazing creature.â
He nuzzles your nose once more and then leans into your ear.
âI love you.â
Your face darkens and you let him kiss you once more, knowing how important those words are coming from him.
The Bet
Chapter Four
Warnings: NSFW, sexual intercourse, possible dark themes, angst, mating
You make a point to drown yourself in work the next few days. The contractor contacts you as expected and a few days later you stand beside an abandoned shop in the Artisan quarter as renovations are being done. The building is going to be turned into an outdoor garden with innovative gliders and puzzles all throughout.Â
The contractor seems impressed with your ideas and even shows you how to implement some of them.Â
On the second day of work is when you first see Azriel. You feel his presence first, a slight tugging in your chest, a soft glide of something at your ankle, and finally the unexpected scent of what you can only describe as him. He smells of a cold, damp cellar, pine, and a scent of something similar to snow. The scent makes you want to whine, but you firmly kick the shadows away from your ankles and march over to the sunniest part of the construction site where you stay the entirety of the day.Â
You can feel his gaze on you, wherever he is, but refuse to even look in that direction. Eventually the intensity leaves , meaning he must have given up.Â
The day flies by and as the sun sets as you walk yourself back to the bakery, feet aching and head pounding. You stop as you turn the corner and see Azriel and Nesta waiting for you.Â
The bite of anger lashes through you and you stop closer to them, still trying to actively ignore them. Azriel steps in your path and finally you look up into his face. The sting of betrayal hits even harder as all you see is slight confusion. You turn to Nesta and you catch a glimpse of hurt that she quickly masks.
âY/nâŚâ
âItâs been a long day, if you donât mind letting me goâŚâ
You try to take a step around Azriel, but a wing shoots out to stop you. If you werenât afraid of getting killed, you would punch it. You know how sensitive they are, but you are also aware wars have been started over less.
âY/n please talk to me.â
You turn slowly then, anger fully on Nesta and she observes you assertively. You take note of the way her feet spread apart into a fighting stance and the slight movement of Azriel to Truth Teller.Â
âTalk to you? I have nothing to say to either of you anymore.â
You turn to Nesta first.
âYou let them. You let them make a bet about me. You let them joke like I was nothing more than a pawn in some stupid game KNOWING how it feels to be the black sheep.â
Her face falls and her gaze flicks to Azriel quickly. You turn to him finally, lip wobbling to your dismay.
âYou made me for an idiot. Was I a bet? A fucking bet?â
Never in a million years would you have expected to see the pain in Azrielâs eyes that you do.
âYes.â
The finality crushes your heart and you quickly rub your chest, tears falling. A sharp pang and twist later you watch as Azrielâs face pales and he takes a step back, clutching his own chest, nostrils flaring.
âYouâŚâ
âGuess you finally figured it out, didn't you Shadowsinger.â
âMate.â
âNot anymore.â
You shove past him, tears cascading down your face and climb the stairs as quickly as possible. Nesta yells after you, but you shut her out with a final thud of the door.Â
A week passes and youâve never felt more alone. Your days are spent in the Artisan quarter or brief moments with Rivi in the bakery. Most evenings are still at Ritaâs. She has finally taken a few days off and when she is there she takes the Inner Circle table for you after sensing the tension.Â
Nesta has stopped trying to catch your attention and has even stopped coming to outings at night. You rarely have seen Azriel, but you feel him constantly. He follows you in the dark and even a few of his shadows still wrap around you at night. You caught a glimpse of him a few nights ago leaning against your balcony and you slammed the curtains closed with a finality.Â
You miss them. You donât want to, but the heart wants what it wants. Your entire chest feels as if it has been ripped out and now just a hollow, raw feeling is left. Itâs a terrible feeling that leaves you miserable.
âWell that was an eventful night.â You jump as Rita jerks you from your thoughts and you smile at her.
âA bit calmer than usual though.â
She hums and helps you stack chairs.Â
âWhatâs been troubling you lass? You and Nesta get in a fight? I havenât seen you this dull since your mother passed.â
âOf a sorts.â
She stops and places her hands on her hips, waiting patiently.
âThe commander placed a bet with the shadowsinger that he could not get me to warm up to him and Nesta went along with it. What they didnât plan on was that he is my mate.â
Rita gasps and you look down at the cleanly swept floor.
âOh lass,â she tilts your chin up so you look at her round face.Â
She smiles and tucks a stray hair behind your ear.
âWhen the time is right, theyâll apologize. The Cauldron has a funny way of handling things. Now you need to head home.â
You sigh, extracting yourself from her grip and walking over to grab your coat. Could you really forgive him? Nesta you likely would with time. But him?Â
You walk from the bar and down the familiar streets lost in thought. So much that you donât realize someone is following you until they clear their throat.
You whirl around and squeak as Feyre smiles softly at you.
âHiâŚFeyre I wasnât expecting you.â
âI didnât mean to frighten you. Azriel told me what happened.WellâŚI forced it out of him after Cassian slipped up. I wanted to apologize on their behalf.â
You sigh and fall in line with her as you two walk around the quarter.
âI am a fool.â
She snorts and looks firmly at you.
âAzriel is a fool. Heâs never been one for words, but is always driven by his actions. I suspect he suspected who you were but was blinded by the friendly competition Cassian put forth. Donât think he values you any less for it.â
You stay silent, only your shoes scraping the cobblestones.
âHas anyone ever told you of my time before I found my mate?â
You look over at her and shake your head. She motions for you to sit on an upcoming bench and takes a deep breath.Â
âI was in love with the High Lord of the Spring Court. After Aramantha, he kept me in a gilded cage of sorts. Thatâs when I began to fall out of love with him. Rhys knew he was my mate, but never came forth about it. Not even when I left Tamlin and came to live in the Night Court. He kept it hidden from me and when I found out I secluded myself in a cabin for days, maybe even weeks. But when he finally came to apologize, there was nothing on this continent that could keep me from him.â
Your heart shutters and you play with your hands in your lap.
âWhat of the other High Lord?â
âI forgave him.â
âAfter everything he put you through?â
âEspecially because of that. He loved me and he protected me as best as he could, or so he thought at the time. Even those who are centuries old still make mistakes.â
You both stand and she finishes walking you to your apartment.
âIâm hoping that you will consider hearing them out, arrogant as they may be.â
You hum and return the hug she captures you in.
âIâm so glad youâve come into our lives.â
Her face warms and she disappears before your eyes as you say your goodbyes. She has given you a lot to think about.
You still think about it through your bath and even as you slowly open your curtains and open your balcony doors, letting a cool breeze in. You quickly climb under the blankets and watch the curtains blow in the breeze, sleep slowly weighing heavy on your eyelids and finally taking you. Maybe tomorrow.Â
*****************************************
He doesnât make his appearance until two nights later. You had a rare night off from Ritaâs and decided to go to bed early. A tickling sensation on your cheek is what wakes you up first. Then the pull in your chest. Your eyes slowly come into focus and you see him standing on your balcony, a bouquet of purple flowers in his hand.Â
Shadows swirl around your room and as your feet hit the floor, they seem to guide you to him excitedly.Â
The door is open, but you know heâs waiting for permission. Things are different now. He stares at you intensely and you rub your arms as you stand just inside the balcony doors.
âYou came.â
âYou let us back in.â
A shadow glides over your arm and seems to warm at your stare.
You watch as Azriel takes you in. Hair mussed with sleep, sleeping shorts lopsided and a too big shirt. What he must think.
He shyly stretches out his hand and gives you the flowers.
âThey are purple astrids from Day Court.â
You take them gingerly and smell the familiar scent. It used to smell like home, but now that scent smells scarily similar to the male in front of you.
âWould you like to come in?â
He nods and you step aside as he carefully brushed past you. He stands in the middle of your bedroom, illuminated by the full moon and street lights. You take a moment to observe him. He is devastatingly beautiful. His eyes flick to yours and you take a deep breath, walking past him, and crawling back into bed. You cross your legs and pat the spot beside you.
He gingerly sits on the edge of the bed facing you.
âIâm sorry.â
Your heart clenches and throat closes as tears well in your eyes as you will them away. You can be stronger than this.
âWould you have apologized if I wasnât your mate?â
You watch as goosebumps rise on his arms as you speak the words out loud.
âIt changed after the night in the alley. Well before I could tell Cassian the bet was off. Initially he just thought there was no way possible we would get along well enough to even go on a date.I took you to Day Court and when I saw the way Helion looked at you I knew it was more than just a bet. Youâd become this mystery in my life that I had to solve, this constant that I didn't want to let go of. When you chose to stay here I felt as if you had chosen me. The bet was the furthest thought from my mind. Regrettably, I should have told them then but I forgot with all the time I was spending or watching over you.â
You know this is a lot for him. Emotionally and verbally so you scoot close enough that your knees touch and nod at him. He slowly lets a hand graze your face and you lean into the contact.
âDo you forgive me?â
âYes.â
Like Feyre said, itâs an easy response. You couldnât stay mad at him if you tried.Â
He smiles one of the biggest smiles youâve seen yet and pecks your lips quickly.
âDo you accept our bond then?â
You quickly open the part of your heart that youâve been hiding for two nights. A string seems to burn between you two and he places his forehead against yours.
âMine.â
You smile and let him lay you down on the bed s his eyes darken.
âAlways.â The shedding of clothes is quick. Gentle kisses, soft touches, that is until you decide to gently bite his lower lip. A growl sounds through the room and you smile shyly at him as he leans back on his heels, very, very naked.Â
You both look over one another and you feel your cheeks heat as he growls again.
âGet on your hands and knees, little shadow.â
You jolt and slowly extract your legs from around him and carefully flip over, face flaming even hotter at the new angle. Azriel places a gentle kiss to the small of your back and then lets his hands glide up your spine.
âAbsolutely beautiful. There wonât be a spot of skin on you that I havenât tasted once Iâm done with you mate.âÂ
You shiver as one hand drops and begins to run up the inside of your thigh, stopping when he feels the wetness seeping.
âWho is this for?â
âOnly you.â
He growls again and finally notches the head of his cock to catch at your entrance. Your breath halts and you drop your hands down with your head resting on your arms.Â
Ever so slowly he pushes into you, chuckling at the tortured moan he pulls from you.Â
âPoor little shadow missed my cock so much she canât even speakâŚâ
You snarl at the attempt to get a rise out of you and push back, making him sink fully into you. This time, he groans and lets his forehead rest on your shoulder as he lets you adjust once more.
A few moments later you grow tired of him and begin to wiggle your hips. Until his grip tightens and he begins to thrust into you quickly.
âIs this what you want? For me to fuck you?â
You whimper, unable to make any other intelligible noise. Who knew the shadowsinger talked so much in bed?
At a brutal pace, he pushes you deeper into the bed, frame bouncing off the stone wall. Good thing you donât have neighbors. They would definitely hate you tonight.
âTell me what you need, baby.â
âM..more Az.â
He rolls you two over onto your sides, pulling your left leg over his own, never stopping as he does so. One arm wraps around your waist and the other slithers between your legs, working your clit at an agonizingly slow pace.
Your legs clench and you almost feel him in your stomach at this angle. He must sense the change as he bites your neck and then leans his head back to whisper in your ear.
âCome on your mateâs cock.â
You do just that, toes curling and back arching as you scream his name one last time. His hips shutter and two more thrusts later you feel him spill inside you with a loud groan.Â
Like last time, your hearts pound and breathing synchronizes but you easily lean back into his embrace as he nuzzles your neck.
âLet me clean you up.â
He gently pulls out and you sigh as you roll over onto your back, watching as he disappears momentarily into the bathroom.Â
He smiles at you as he comes back out, not caring at his nakedness. He gently wipes you down as your legs try to jump away from him each time he glides over you. He shushes you and then finally lays back down beside you, pulling you into his chest.
âIâm never going to hurt you again Y/n.â
You hum and kiss his chest as your eyes droop. Youâve never felt such love as you do now.
âI know Az. Stay with me?â
âAlways, little shadow.â
Taglists: @nico707
The Bet
Chapter Three
Warnings: NSFW, sexual intercourse, angst
The next few weeks go somewhat ordinary. With Rhys and Feyreâs help you hired on extra help at the bakery to prepare yourself for construction. Technically there is no need for you to stay on Ritaâs, but you downright refused to get more help than needed and wanted to let Rita off as much as possible.Â
Rivi, a water nymph you hired to help out, catches on fast you observe one busy morning. Sheâs punctual and enjoys the independence of being a cashier. This gives you more freedom to catch up on bills, set her salary, and start on blueprints to show to the Inner Circle.Â
The shop bell rings and Riviâs surprised gasp is what alerts you to something abnormal. You glance up quickly and the muffin you were discounting falls to the floor. Or at least it wouldâve if a band of shadows wouldnât have caught it a few feet up.
The shadows hand the muffin to Cassian and he grins, giving Rivi a wad of change.
Azriel stares at you and a blush paints your cheeks. He smirks at the reaction and your heart skips a beat. As soon as he steps into the room it's like the entire dissolves away until it is just you two.
Or it would if Cassian wasnât around.
âY/n!â
He throws a heavy arm over your shoulder and you flinch at the contact. Azriel takes note and then surveys the rest of your body language. You throw him a glare and shrug out of Cassianâs grip all in one go.
âWhat can I get you two? This is Rivi by the way. She will be helping me from here on out.â
Cassian greets her with introductions, but you still feel Azrielâs gaze burning into your back.
âWe actually were looking for you darling. Nesta wanted you to tag along to girls night tonight. She knows you're not working at Ritaâs tonight so she wanted to take you out on the town. Now before you can answer, just know that I am not allowed to take no for an answer.â
âButâŚâ
âShe also is coming with an outfit for you.â
You deflate, the only argument you had going down the drain. Cassian grins as he sees that he won and pumps a hand in the air.
âIâll let her know.â
He takes another bite of the muffin and turns to leave. Your eyes stray to Azrielâs and heâs watching you intently.
âAre you quite finished?â
He tilts his head and almost smirks.
âBehave tonight.â
You growl at his back as he leaves your shop. You turn back to the counter, angrily starting to sweep and hear Rivi giggle.
âWow, you guys were meant for each other.â
âWe are NOT together.â
She hums and then continues to check out a new customer as you grumble to yourself the rest of the morning.
Nesta helps you get ready late that evening with a rare smile on her face.Â
âEmerie and Gwyn were too nervous to join us, but Mor and Feyre will be there. While I donât always get along with my sister, she can let loose sometimes. Plus Mor told her she needed a break from Nyx for a bit.â
âYour nephew?â
âThe best.â
She motions for you to stand and as you do you know the dress is way too exposing. She just claps her hands together and motions for you to turn.
âYou look great. Perhaps we can set you up tonight.â
âThatâs okay,â you definitely say too quickly.
She lifts a delicate eyebrow, but leaves it alone as she goes to change herself. Sheâs the only other person besides your mother who has been in your apartment now. The outfit she chose is beautiful. A crop top that exposes your stomach, even a few of your stretch marks to your disbelief and a long skirt that has two slits to each hip on each side of your legs. A beautiful navy material that shines in the moonlight. Peak night court fashion.
She comes out soon afterwards in similar fashion, but grey and with less slits.
âWhy canât I have that skirt!â
âBecause youâre not mated and need to have fun for once.â
You roll your eyes and let her put charcoal on you two and then lead you from your house to the first of many clubs.
The bass pounds loud against the concrete and you lean against the bar watching Feyre and Mor dance drunkenly. Nests nurses a drink beside you, watching them do the same. You waver slightly and smile as Nesta motions to the dance floor.Â
âCome on, one last time.â
You swirl around the dance floor for what seems like hours. Long enough for the music to fade and all of you to lean against the buildings as Feyre and Nesta wait on their mates. The clubs are closing and you close your eyes, breathing in the crisp air.Â
Mor vomits in the alley beside you and Nesta snorts.
âLadiesâŚâ
Cassian lands gently and Nesta automatically raises her arms to cling around his neck. Even in your drunken state a twinge of jealousy runs through you. You wave at her, but before you can lead yourself back to your house you feel him.
âWhere do you think youâre going?â
You turn, stumbling against the wall, but still having enough energy to scowl at his shadowed face.
âHome.â
He watches you amused and you huff at his expression. Before either of you can say anything he scoops you up into his arms and starts walking down the street. A quick glance over his shoulder and wing shows that the others are long gone.
âCanât you just leave me alone? Youâre just teasing me at this point.â
âIf I was teasing you I wouldnât have let you come on my fingers.â
Your face flushes and you look away at the swirling buildings.
âI can take care of myself, shadowsinger."
He hums and begins climbing the well worn stairs to your apartment.
âI know, but if you donât have to then you should let others. Nesta considers you a friend now. Sheâs going to fight for you regardless. If that means I drag you from your bakery every day then so be it.â
Your door opens and he easily takes you to your bedroom, gently laying you down on your bed and taking your shoes off. Even in your drunken state you see his hands shake. He stands back up and pulls the covers over your chilled body. Before you can think, your hand grasps his wrist and he stops, looking down at you.
âDonât leave me in the darkâŚâ
âYou havenât been alone since I first saw you little shadow. Rest, Iâll be here when you wake.â
Your eyes flutter shut allowing you to drift into unconsciousness, but not before you feel the soft kiss on your forehead.
A gentle stroke down your cheek wakes you first. Then the smell of eggs hits you. You open your eyes and sit up quicklyâŚthe world tilts and vomit burns the back of your throat. With a mad dash to the bathroom, you lean over the toilet and hurl your guts out.
You feel a breeze behind you and then HIM. Your hair is moved away from your face and you swat backwards at him feebly.Â
âGo away.â
He hums and stays in that position until nothing else can come up. A shiver runs down your back and you know the shadows are stroking it. You rest your cheek on the porcelain and you feel him shift to flush the water. He gently scoops under your arms and lifts you into his own. You donât have the energy to fight him.Â
He takes you to the claw foot tub and gently lets you sit on the edge. He leans around you and you watch, stunned, as he runs the tub full of hot water and different oils. Once done he turns to you and you blush.
âIâll go get your food.â
You nod and once you know heâs for sure gone, stand stiffly and slowly shed off the clothes Nesta let you borrow.
You sink into the water and let out a small moan as your head throbs. You should have known better than to try to keep pace with Nesta, a once upon a time alcoholic. Your eyes pop open as you smell eggs. Azriel stands stiffly by the bathroom sink, hazel eyes darkening at your own.Â
The bubbles cover you entirely, but you still feel self conscious as he gently walks over, setting a board across the tub and then the plate on top of that. He squats beside you, eyes never leaving your face, and leans his chin on top of his crossed hands on the lip of the tub.
âEat.â
Your lip curls at the command, but your stomach betrays you and growls loudly. His lips twitch and you slowly let yourself eat the food he offered. As soon as the eggs hit your taste buds, your eyes close and a small moan escapes your lips. Not only are you ravenous, but this is the closest to your motherâs cooking youâve eaten since her death.Â
You open your eyes again and blink away the tears, staring at the plate.
âThank you,â you whisper.
You know he knows exactly what you mean. He hums beside you and watches as you slowly finish your plate. Only standing once you put your fork down.Â
When he leaves, you quickly finish your bath, wrap yourself in a towel, and make yourself to your bedroom to dress yourself. The headache is wearing away and you dress yourself in a loose fitting t-shirt and sweatpants, knowing you wonât leave your apartment today.Â
You let yourself out of your room and stop as you see Azrielâs towering figure in your small kitchen washing dishes. Something warms in your chest and you rub your sternum. A shadow twirls around your bare feet and he turns almost automatically when it does.Â
You stare at one another until you take a deep breath.
âThank you. You can let Nesta know Iâm fine now.â
He doesn't say anything but slowly stalks toward you. You stay frozen in your spot even as you have to tilt your head back to look at him.Â
âI didnât stay for Nesta.â
âThen whyâŚâ
He silences you as his lips gently claim yours. You know better than this. You should push him away, punch him in the chest, fight any of this. Instead, you tangle your fingers in his hair as he lifts you and puts you on the counter, encasing you in his arms fully. When he finally breaks away, you both are gasping, lips swollen, pupils blown wide.
âBecause I got a taste and youâre like a poison Iâve never experienced. Even if just for a short time, I have to know it intimately.â
He peppers kisses down the side of your neck and a small squeak spills from your throat.
âPleaseâŚâ
He pulls back and looks directly into your soul, or so it seems.
âTell me what you want, little shadow.â
You know better than to get involved with the shadowsinger, any of the Inner Circle for that matter, but this man has your gut clenching and thighs pressing together devilishly.Â
âAll of you Azriel.â
His lips tilt and easily lifts you, legs wrapping around his waist and takes you back to your bedroom, laying you down more gently than you thought possible. He stares at you and brushes a strand of hair from the side of your face and behind an ear.
âLet me take care of you little shadow.â
You nod and he slowly begins to lift your shirt. You sit up momentarily to help him and then lay back down at his gentle push. You definitely donât regret the lack of undergarments this morning.
Azriel crawls up the bed between your legs and slowly starts to kiss down your chest as he hovers over you, shadows gliding over the exposed skin behind him. You hum deep in your chest and he watches you as his hands come to the waist band of your pants.Â
You nod and he continues. Once you are fully naked, you quickly close your thighs and look away from him, cheeks heating.
âDonâtâŚâ His hand wraps around your knee and he turns your chin so you face him once more.
Once youâre watching him, he slowly leans back and sheds his shirt and pants, leaving him in underwear that does little to hide his erection.Â
Youâd heard the rumors about Illyrians and their wingspan, but this just proves it.
He slowly pushes your knees apart and you look away as he lays down on his stomach, wings tight against his back.
âLook at me.â
The demand makes you look down and your breath leaves you. You can barely see his hazel eyes above your mound and as soon as you make eye contact he licks a stripe up your lips. An ungodly moan erupts from you and you feel his upper body shutter as you do so.
He wraps his lips around your clit and sucks gently as a single finger circles your entrance and then slowly sinks in. Your hands curl in the bedspread and your eyes close against your will, back arching at the pleasure.
He continues at a languid pace, adding another finger as you whine.Â
âAzâŚâ
He growls at his nickname and you feel an orgasm creeping up. Legs shaking, head clouding you try to warn him, but as he speeds up with his thrusting fingers you know he is aware. With a silent scream, the burn fades and leaves you in a white ecstasy.Â
He leans back on his haunches and smirks as he licks his fingers. You watch, almost feeling drunk again.
He then begins to pull down his underwear. You gasp as he slowly reveals his cock. You know youâre not necessarily the most experienced in this area, but the one fae male you were with canât even compare. Not only does Azriel have a length of at least eight inches, but is thick all the way around.Â
He pumps himself a few times and looks down at you as he slides himself through your slick.
âBe sure to mark me how you want, little shadow, because once I take you you will have no one else.â
You bite your lip and he slowly begins to sink himself inside you. Your legs spread and your nails sink into his forearms as his head falls against your shoulder. Heâs trying to be gentle, which is appreciated as you stretch around him. The burning is mild, but youâve never felt so full.
âOh little shadow,â he whispers as he nibbles on the shell of your ear.
You tilt your hips up, taking him fully and you both groan in unison.
âHow do you want me?â
His hips are already pistoning in long, deep thrusts, but you know thatâs not what you both need.
âHarder Az.â
He growls, wrapping a wad of your hair in his hands and pulling your face roughly to his as he begins a brutal pace. Your moans are taken from you with each brutal thrust and he grins against your swollen lips.
His shadows slide down your body and even tweak your nipples at one point, making your toes curl.Â
Before long, the burn intensifies and you grip his shoulders.
âIâm goingâŚâ
âLet go baby.â
You tighten around him and he drops his head as you come, a few final trusts and he follows, spilling in you.
The room is silent except for your rampant breathing and galloping heartbeats. Finally, Azriel leans back and slowly extracts himself, making you whimper at the loss of contact. He sits for a moment, watching himself leak from you and then flicks his eyes back to your face.
What now? Will he leave and go back to Elain or Gywn? Will he expect you to be a booty call from here on out while heâs with someone else?
âStop thinking so hard.â
He rises slowly and takes your discarded towel from this morning, wiping himself off and then gently cleaning between your legs. He then takes your sheet and crawls beside you, adjusting his wings so when you lay on his chest, one covers you in a blanket.
âRest y/nâŚIâm not finished with you yet.â
Another wave of heat goes straight to your groin and you know youâre going to be in bed all day today.Â
*****************************************
The next few days seem suspiciously normal. Azriel didnât leave until early the next morning. He kept you in bed most of the day, only letting you leave to bathe or eat. He also let it be known that while he was aware you didnât necessarily want a relationship, there would be no one else for either of you. You wanted to argue, really you did, but the look of absolute dominance had you halting and nodding all in the same go. You could sleep together without making it complicated right? Even at the thought your gut twisted and heart sank. Youâve really set yourself up for disaster.Â
Patrons sit at the window bar stools and you smile as their low chatter fills your bakery. Itâs almost like it was when your mother was still here. The bell above the door rings and you look up to see Feyre and Nesta entering. The chatter gets louder as everyone is excited to see Feyre. Nesta makes a beeline to you as Feyre stops to talk to some of them.
âMorning.â
You smile at her and hand her a chocolate croissant, one of her known favorites. No words are exchanged, but she gives you a small smile and bites into the pastry, groaning as the flavor hits her mouth.
âDelicious as always y/n.â
âI wish you couldâve tasted my motherâs. She made mine look like rabbit droppings.â
Youâve been thinking a lot about her recently and wondering why Azrielâs eggs almost had her magic. It tasted like home. You rub your chest when a sudden ache jolts you and smile as Feyre walks up.Â
âMorning y/n. We wanted to come and tell you all the preparations are ready and the blueprints look wonderful. A contractor will be in contact with you possibly tomorrow and you may start whenever you wish.â
âActually I was here to invite you back to the library before you got busy. She just chose to tag along.â
Feyre shrugs her shoulders with a small smile and you canât help the chuckle that escapes you. You know the past between the two sisters, but you are also aware that Nesta would do anything for her and Elain. Even more so now for Nyx. For a fleeting moment, you wonder what it would be like to have a family, sistersâŚjust not being alone. Again, wishful thinking though.
âThank you both. Rivi takes over for me at two so I can come to the library sometime then. Thank you again for the opportunity Feyre. Please let me know if either of you are not pleased with something and IâŚâ
She waves you off before you can say anything else.
âNonsense. Enjoy it. All of your designs weâve loved. I may enjoy painting, but I donât have an architectural bone in my body. Thank you for your service.â
They stay for a few moments and then Feyre seems to convince Nesta to visit another shop near your bakery before heading back to the Riverhouse. With a grimace, Nesta looks away from you and follows her sister. You smile and clean the counter.
Hours later, youâve changed into a basic blue dress and walk down from your apartment. As you round the corner you stop as you see Cassian waiting. As he sees you he waves cheerily.
âReady?â
You try not to let the disappointment show. Against your better judgement you were looking forward to another Illyrian awaiting you. You nod and let him wrap a gentle hand around your waist and you bury your head in his chest. He lifts off quickly and your stomach drops at the sudden motion.
âSorry Iâm not the usual talk, dark, and scary chauffeur.â
âNo worries. Saves me the trouble of grousing with him, or talking to a stone wall on the way there.â
Cassian chuckles and dips around a few buildings as he begins climbing.Â
âInteresting since I can smell his scent all over you.â
You sigh and make sure to keep your face averted as flush rises on your cheeks.Â
âIt would be hard not to since Nesta made him escort me back to my apartment after girls night.â
He hums, but lets the conversation fade. Soon after he gently lands on the training area of the House of Wind. Youâve never seen it before, but youâre impressed with the extensiveness of it.
âHave you thought about it?â
You look around and already know your answer.
âNothing against you guys, but this really isnât for me. With the new project starting I don't think I could split my time anyways. Plus Iâd just be one more person for you guys to have to wrangle or come and get.â
He opens his mouth, but someone clears their throat just in time. You turn and see Nesta leaning against the wall.Â
âStop pestering my friends, you overgrown bat.â
You snort, that being the first time youâve ever heard her say that and step out of his grip to join her. She throws a backward wave to Cassian and begins to lead you into the mountain. You wave shyly at Cassian who rolls his eyes and cracks his neck soon after, going over to the punching dummies.Â
Nesta must have missed your company as she talks more while you're together than youâve ever heard her before. Clotho waved at you upon entry, but you both took up a place against a small alcove on the fourth floor, your previous books still waiting on you and Nesta.Â
Over the next few hours you both shared a charcuterie board, spiced wine, and have shelved and unshelved more books than imaginable. Even now, you walk up a level in search of a book on healing foods. As if the library knows, which it likely does, it seems to direct you to a small section that requires you to get a stool. Your hand wraps around a large tome and dust falls in your face as you drag it down, coughing slightly.
There isnât a title, but you flip until you see an index and then flip to the page on Prythian Healing Food.
Without a doubt, most healers will say the most potent form of healing comes through love or cooking. Healing cooks are few and far between. One born every five thousand years, they do not need any training. Whatever they bake, cook, or decorate will heal a wound, worry, or ache within an hour of digestion.Â
Many compare the feeling to finding a mate. That leads us to cooking with love. Most similarly, a mate will offer food to the other to accept the mating bond. If not achieved yet, the food eaten will resemble the feeling of healing food. It can sometimes be confusing as to which is presented as mating bonds are so rare.Â
You slam the tome closes, heart pounding. How absolutely ridiculous. Though as soon as you think about the word mate, your heart pounds and your chest aches. Is that what that pull is?
Mouth dry and hands shaking, you make your way back down a floor and try to find Nesta in the maze of shelves. You hear a shuffle of paper and follow the noise, certain youâll find Nesta at the end. You open your mouth, but quickly halt as you hear a male chuckle.
âWell Nesta I believe we owe Azriel that favor. It seems he was able to get under y/nâs skin just enough she invited him to her bed.â
Your stomach drops and you quickly throw a hand over your mouth, stopping the gasp that wants to fall.
âAz?â
He doesnât respond, but Cassian chuckles.
âKeep your secrets, shadowsinger, but I smelt you all over her this evening. Iâll pay up this once. How do you do it?â
A rustle of a change purse and Nesta sighs in the background.
âI canât believe you two really betted on y/n. Sheâs a strong, independent woman and can choose for herself who she brings to her bedâŚâ
âBut we both know her and Azriel butted heads. He just wanted to prove us wrong.â
âPerhapsâŚâ The words sting and you quickly turn and make your way as far away from them as possible. You knew better and yet here you are getting ready to cry over your own rash decisions. Your mother knew best to keep you sheltered. You should have listened.
You quickly bypass a worried Clotho and use the old entrance back to the city. Shame on you for ever thinking youâd be anything other than a baker in this city.
Taglists: @nico707
The Bet Masterlist
This is the finished masterlist for the initial story line. I will be working on oneshots (you can request some if you'd like)!
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
The First Time He Says I Love You
The First Time She Says I Love You
The Time You and Nesta Get The Boys to Agree
The Bet
Masterlist
Chapter Two
Author's Note: You guys are amazing! I'm hoping for two posts each day.
Warnings: Semi-public fingering, NSFW
The crowd at Ritaâs tonight is almost overpowering. You and Rita almost canât keep up with all the orders. The dance floor is bustling, the bar doesn't have an empty seat, and even the rooftop bar is full. All because of the Midsummer celebration. One of your favorites if youâre being honest. Itâs one of the first real ways to know Autumn is around the corner.
The Inner Circle sits in their usual booth, but besides a quick smile to Nesta you havenât been able to even acknowledge them. A male saunters up to the bar as you pour a beer for another patron and you give him a quick smile.
âHow can I help you?â
âWell arenât you a tall glass of water? Havenât seen you around here before.â
Taken aback you look around for Rita as if sheâll save you. Unfortunately she must have gone upstairs to the roof. His innuendo is laughable. Not only are you shorter than the average fae, but also have quite literally lived in Velaris your whole life.
âSorry sir, only things off the menu.â
He smirks and leans forward, running a crooked finger down a strand of brown hair that has fallen out of your ponytail.
âShame, IâŚâ
He stops, eyes going round and quickly wrenching his hand back, as if burned. His face paleing, he apologizes quickly and scoots off his stool disappearing into the crowd. You glance behind you and almost miss the shadow ducking behind your own shoulder. Glancing over, the spymaster isnât even looking at you. Heâs too invested in the conversation heâs having with the short one. A wave of anger washes over you and you quickly start another order, trying to distract yourself.Â
Rita comes back almost five minutes later and immediately stops in front of you.
âWhatâs the matter?â
âSome male was hitting on me. I had it handled, but apparently a shadow scared him off. I guess from the shadowsinger. I donât know who he thinks he is.â
Her smirk cuts you off and her eyes flick over to their table.
âAzriel often protects those that he claims.â
You grit your teeth and see that heâs quietly nursing one of the drinks that was brought over to them. Cassian and Morrigan are on the dance floor, Nesta and Feyre are chatting, and Rhys sits beside Azriel watching Feyre. Amren is nowhere to be seen.Â
âIâm not a possession.â
You toss a rag on the bar and furiously clean a spot. Rita chuckles and slowly places a hand over yours.Â
âPerhaps a break?â
You let loose a small sigh and nod. A break sounds good. You untie your apron and toss it on the rack beside the door. Before you can leave through the door though, you hear someone shout your name. Slowly turning, Cassian is waving on the dance floor. A few patrons turn to look at you and you flush a dark crimson at all the attention. You debate sneaking away, but Cassian quickly approaches you, Morrigan on his heels, face breaking into a large smile.
âY/n! You need to come meet everyone. Rita wonât mind a few extra minutes. Wait, it's just now your break. Perfect!â
He grabs your arm with more gentleness than you even thought possible from the large male. He drags you across the dance floor, Morrigan giggling behind you. As you approach you canât help but grimace as all their attention turns to you. Nestaâs face of horror likely matches yours.Â
âWhat are you doing,â she hisses as she springs from the seats and takes your arm from him.
âSo she can meet everyone.â
âHere?â
She looks back at you and grimaces.
âSorry y/n.â
Cassian and Morrigan slide into the booth, the rest making room for Nesta and you. She slides in next, likely knowing youâd prefer an easy escape route. You gingerly sit on the edge of the seat, ignoring the shadowsingerâs gaze directly across from you.Â
âEveryone this is Nestaâs new friend, y/n. Sheâs the baker here in the city.â
You cringe and lift your eyes slowly. Azriel watches you intently, but you just as quickly move off of his face and go around the circle, acutely aware of the dirty clothing youâre wearing to meet the High lord and lady.
Rhysand leans forward and smiles.
âThe bakery near the artist quarter? Your mother must have been Aurora then?â
âYes High LordâŚâ
âRhys please. She was such a joy to this city. I was sorry to hear of her passing, though Azriel tells me sheâs been gone a few months now.â
You shoot a scathing look at Azriel as he takes a sip of his drink, never taking his eyes from you. Nesta, possibly aware of the rising tension, clears her throat and begins introducing everyone.
âMy sister Feyre, Mor, and of course you know Cassian and Az.â
You nod in acknowledgement and look at the clock on the wall. Another twenty more minutes to endure.Â
The conversation flows around the table and you find your own lips lifting lightly at one of the more ridiculous stories Mor tells on Cassian. Just as you realize your time is almost up a small tendril of shadow gently brushes your wrist and you look up, meeting Azrielâs gaze.
âDid he touch you anywhere else?â
The table quietens some, but the blood pumping in your ears rises and you feel a snarl leave your body.
âThat was none of your concern. Anything about my life is none of your concern. Spy somewhere else.â
You hear Cassian snort, but ignore it. You stand quickly, but Azriel follows suit making your head tilt to look him in the face. No emotion is over his face, but his shadows billow around him.
âIt is when you dwell in Velaris.â
âNo itâs not. Iâve been here fifty-six years and no one acknowledged my existence then and a dead mother should not change that now. I donât need your sympathy or whatever perverted white knight act youâve got in your head. I just want to be left alone to make ends meet. Donât follow me home shadowsinger or youâll regret it.â
âIs that a threat spitfire?â
His voice darkens and you slowly feel the anger leave your body. This isnât just an Illyrian, this is the shadowsinger. He tortures for a living. You go into yourself and you see a flash of regret in his eyes.
âEnjoy your evening.â
You canât meet any of their gazes and quickly return to the bar to help Rita the rest of the night, keeping your head low in embarrassment.
****************************************
The bouquet of flowers mock you every day as the bakery bustles the rest of the week. Every morning a fresh set is laid on the shop doorway. Every morning you trade out the old ones for the new. If they were any other flower youâd throw them away. Thatâs what you tell yourself anyways.Â
You smile as you bag a loaf of bread for a particularly older patron and let your eyes glide over the opening door as the bell rings. You freeze as Cassian and Azriel walk in. Cassian takes a deep breath and sighs heavily, causing most of the attention to turn to them. Azriel, on the other hand, stares intensely at the flowers resting beside the cash register. You definitely shouldâve thrown them out.Â
They both have to tighten their wings in on themselves as they walk by tables and Cassian grins as he leans against the counter in front of you.
âGood to see you again y/n.â
You raise an eyebrow and look between the two.
âItâs been less than a week.â
A small smile curls Azrielâs lips and you look away quickly.Â
âYet you still havenât come back to the house. Nesta tells me youâre lacking in cardio.â
You roll your eyes, spreading your feet, and crossing your arms all in one go.
âNestaâs concern is unwarranted. Iâm quite fine with the way I am.â
Cassian frowns, getting ready to say something else, but Azriel clears his throat.Â
âWe would like to offer training with some of the priestesses. Any morning works. You can come or not. The choice is yours.âÂ
âIâll think about it.â
You turn away from them to help the next patron, still feeling Azrielâs gaze burning into you.
The rest of the week flies by and Nesta meets you Sunday evening with a small wave as you clean up the bakery. She previously sent a message asking to meet up with some of her friends for dinner by the river.Â
âWho will be there again?â
You tuck a stray piece of hair behind your ear and rub your forefinger anxiously.
âThe only new people will be Gywn who is a priestess and Elain, my sister.â
You nod and wipe the flour from your face, trying to look presentable. Youâve heard rumors that the shadowsinger was interested in her sister Elain, the gentle gardener. You canât seem to figure how that would work, but none of your business you suppose.Â
Nesta waits for you outside the shop as you lock up and you two walk quietly down toward the restaurant.
âDo you know Sevenda?â
âMy mother knew her well. They bonded over their healing food. I still often trade with her. Spices for me and pastries for her. She has a wicked sweet tooth.â
Nesta chuckles and you look at the sky as you walk. The sun is just starting to set and the orange and reds of the sky remind you of the Day Court architecture you saw in the library books.
âFeyre would paint it.â
âAs most do here in VelarisâŚI donât mean to speak ill of artistsâŚâ
Nesta waves you off as anxiety claws at your gut. You and your mouth.
âIt mustâve been hard growing up here surrounded by the same thing for decades.â
She really shouldnât take pity on you, youâve all heard her story.
âOthers have it much worse than I. At least I was born into the Court of Dreamers and not Nightmares.â
âMor turned out well enough.â
You laugh and suddenly the blonde appears outside of the restaurant, taking a seat closer to the street.
âWhat did I do?â
Introductions are made quickly and you slowly sit, willing yourself into a comfortable silence as Feyre and Mor lead the conversation. Gwyn talks excitedly to Nesta about something new Merrill found out from her research
âHow did you meet Nesta?â
You jump as Elain speaks from your right side. She smiles sweetly at you and you canât help but return a small, shy smile.
âWe actually bumped into one another while we were both out shopping. She said something snippety to me and I told her to shove it. We had lunch after that.â
Elainâs laugh is almost whimsical and you see why everyone loves her. Not a mean bone in her body. You chat on and off with her through the night, even after all of you have drunk slightly too much spiced wine.Â
You all push back from the table and break off in separate ways hours later. Nesta waves at you as you see Cassian glide down to her and the others walk back in their various directions. Azriel lands with Cassian and you donât miss the way he watches Elain return to the Riverhouse. Or the way Gywn watches him as she walks back toward the Library. Seems like a true love triangle. Best to stay out of that.
You walk by yourself one last loop through the quarter and stop close to the concert hall as music hits your ears. So many people would be lucky enough to live in a place like this. So why do you dream of more? A shadow falls over you as you think and you quickly whirl around.Â
Heâs made himself known to not scare you, but you frown as a shadow twirls around one of your ankles.
âStop following me.â
âNesta insisted.â
You roll your eyes and turn away, walking toward your home. He follows behind silently.
âDonât you have better things to do?â
âYes.â
You stop and turn on him quickly, anger blazing as you see a small smirk on his stoney face.
âThen go do them. We both know youâd rather be with some of the other females from tonight.â
His expression falls and his jaw tenses and but you turn away before you can regret the response, trying to hide the slight fear you have of him and his moods.
âYouâre the only female I want to be with right now.â
He follows you as you stop at your shop, turning to lean against the locked door.
âIâm not what you think I am. Actually I canât fathom why you're here other than Nestaâs wishes. Gwyn obviously has a thing for you. I will not be involved in a love triangle or some other shit. I just want to do my own thing andâŚâ
âLet me take you somewhere tomorrow.â
You stop and frown up at him.
âDid you not just hear what I said?â
He shrugs and the shadows swirl around him, almost whispering to your ears.
âYou want to travel. Let me take you somewhere. Then you donât have to speak to me ever again.â
âWhyâŚwhy would you do that? We literally just met this century. Also how do you know I want to travel?â
He stands tall for a moment, long enough you begin to not expect a response.
âBecause I know how it feels to be locked up. No one else has to know if thatâs what you desire. I am, in fact, quite well at sneaking around.â
Your eyes fall to his scarred hands, but he doesnât make a move to hide them this time. You look back up at him, meeting his gaze and tuck a strand of hair behind your ear.
âOkay.â
**************************************
The early morning mist swirls around you as you walk skiddishly to the Rainbow. You didnât sleep well last night, contemplating on how to turn down the shadowsinger. Youâve never traveled outside of Velaris, why start now? Just as soon as you had almost made up your mind a shadow seemed to disconnect itself from the others and gently stroked your cheek. It was then you decided one trip couldnât hurt.Â
Seeing him standing at the railing watching the water though almost has you changing directions. He must sense your approach as he looks over his shoulder and watches you stumble to a halt.
âYou came.â
âIâve always been too curious for my own good.â
You stand beside each other silently, looking at each other cautiously. He eventually holds out an arm and you know wherever heâs taking you is too far to fly. Youâll be winnowing. You stare at his black covered arm and then slowly wrap your hand around the leather. A roar of wind envelopes you and your stomach flips as youâre instantly transported.
It stops almost as soon as it starts. Bright light makes you squint and you slowly take in your surroundings. A tan cobbled path leads you around a well manicured lawn. Resting upon the lawn, that technically turns into a knoll, is one of the most magnificent parthenonâs youâve ever seen.
Your chest shutters as the breath escapes you. Surrounding the large structure are two more architectural advances youâve never seen before.
âHow didâŚâ
But the words stop as you turn to look at Azriel. The sun is just cresting over the plateaus and his shadows are slowly disappearing in the brightness. Even amongst his uncomfortableness, he stares at you, arms crossed.Â
âHow did you know?â
But of course he knows.
âItâs my job too.â
âYour job is to keep the Night Court safe, not stalk the baker.â
âMy job is to know everyone in the city intimately. Your mother kept you well hidden until her untimely death, as my occupation kept me busy during the war. Now Iâm making up for lost time.â
You want to argue, truly, but as the sun heats he begins to look increasingly more uncomfortable. Just as your heart aches a little, a voice clears behind you. You turn and see one of the most beautiful males; sun kissed skin, a white and gold toga wrapped around his muscular body, and gold sandals to match. He gives you a knowing smirk and you drop your gaze quickly.
âWhen Rhysand asked if visitors could arrive I must say this was not what I was expecting.â
He gently walks forward and grasps your hand, bringing it to his mouth and kissing it lightly.
âWelcome to Day Court. My name is Helion.â
You ask and bow quickly, wrenching your hand from his.
âThank you for the invite, High Lord.â
He chuckles and motions for you to stand.
âI see Azrielâs broodiness and lack of manners has yet to rub off on you. Come I will show you our master architect.â
You carefully take his outstretched arm as he leads you closer to the parthenon. You glance back, seeing Azriel following, expression furious as he stares at your locked arms.
Much to your distaste, the day seems to fly by. The master architect, Baen, is very kind and allows you to follow him the entire day and never seems aggravated by your constant questions and observations.Â
âI truly feel you missed your calling y/n.â
You sit on a pulley swing beside him as you both work on plastering the clay on one of the smaller structures.
âIt is very similar to frosting a cake. Besides, my home is in the Night Court, where my mother rests eternally now.â
âYou donât think she wouldâve wanted you to live more?â
You hum and finish your section, quicker than him even.
âItâs not worth my time to wonder. Sheâs gone and I remain in charge of her bakery now.â
You glance down at Azriel and he nods and begins to pulley you down to the ground. In the shade, he seems more comfortable and his shadows swirl around his feet, lower than usual.Â
You slide from the swing and give him a small smile.
âItâs almost time to leave isnât it?â
He looks at you for a moment and then tilts his chin to look directly in your eyes.
âThat is up to you. Rhys made it clear that if you wanted to switch courts he would make it happen. Helion is a veryâŚgenerous ruler. He has no problem accepting you.â
Once more, the shadowsinger takes your breath away. You would have never dreamed of ever having this option.Â
âI canât justâŚâ
He tilts his head and a shadow gently grazes your cheek as a tear falls.
âThink about what you want y/n. Youâd be well cared for, doing what you loveâŚâ
âBut NestaâŚâ
âCould come visit.â
âRitaâŚâ
âEasily could hire more help.â
âMy shopâŚâ
âRhys could find someone else. This is about you.â
âAre you trying to run me out of my home?â
A small smirk tilts the right side of his face.
âIâm giving you the option that Rhys gave me. What makes your heart happy?â
You stare at him, his hazel eyes burning into yours and you know what your decision is.Â
**************************************
You gently knock on the high lordâs study and a rumbled come in sounds from the other side. You open the door shyly and step into the two-story study. A magnificent blue rug adorns the floor and Rhysand and Feyre smile at you as you bow quickly.
âThank you for seeing me.â
You are very aware of your lackluster clothing and your flour dusted shoes.
âAzriel tells me you had a wonderful time in the Day Court.â
âYes High LordâŚâ
âRhys and Feyre please.â
You nod, already knowing thereâs no way in hell youâll call them that.
âDo you need our help moving,â Feyre asks softly.
âActuallyâŚI would like to stay.â
Both of their eyebrows raise and they look at one another. Feyre turns back to you with a small smile that makes you fidget.
âButâŚâ
You take a deep breath and steel yourself.
âI would like to redo the artisan quarter that perished after the attack and include architectural advances on the buildings that I learned from Day Court. I could refinance my bakery andâŚâ
Rhys holds up a hand and you go silent, already preparing for the refusal.Â
âIt is done. We will supply everything.â
âButâŚâ
Feyre stands and slowly places her hands on your shoulders, smiling down at you.
âYou are doing us, this city, a favor. The least we can do is provide the supplies and workers. Make a list for us and we will send someone to retrieve it so you can start as soon as you are ready.â
A few more words and agreement are spoken and you walk numbly out of the Riverhouse and back toward your own home. You can feel his presence above you from the tight pull in your chest, but you donât have the energy to acknowledge him tonight. Not after the high amount of anxiety you had and the long trip from yesterday. Now itâs time to rest and prepare.
Ritaâs is busy the next few nights so it leaves you very little time to stress over your next endeavor. Rita was ecstatic for you once telling her the news. Even now, she seems to be in better spirits than before and swings around the bar to go help the inner circle once more. You actively avoid them as Nesta is not with them tonight.
âYou should take off early, maybe hang around for a drink.â
You jump as a male speaks from your left side and you give him a small smile.
âRita would throttle me.â
He chuckles and sips on a glass of wine, very odd for the club atmosphere tonight.
âHavenât seen you around before.â
His golden hair is a clear indication he likely is not from here and his sea foam eyes just back that theory up more.
âSummer court, just traveling.â
You nod and let him tell you a few stories of his home court, capturing a few chuckles as he does so. You still tend the bar, but end up going back over to his section for the idle chatter.
âSo which one is yours.â
He looks around the bar, expectantly.
âWhat do you mean?â
âWhich male here is yours? I know I wouldnât let you out of my sight if you were mine.â
You scoff and clean a glass.
âNone.â
His grin is almost feral and you pause at his expression.
âLet me take you back to my hotel then.â
You look him up and down, heart pounding. Heâs handsome, charming, and even not from this court. What could it harm?
âSure. I get off at two. Meet me by the side door.â
He grins, throws back the rest of his wine and rises from his seat.
âItâs a date.â
You shouldâve known it was too good to be true. You stand at the side door for an hour being given up and walking yourself home, eyes burning with frustrated tears that you refuse to let fall. How could you be so stupid? Thinking a man of his caliber would be interested in you.Â
You round a corner and knock into someone. You jump and look up into Azrielâs face, mostly hidden by the shadows. He looks over your face and frowns.
âHe doesnât deserve you.â
Anger roils through you and your hand flies out, slapping him across the face. You stand just as stunned, hand pounding as Azrielâs head turns back to you, eyes glowing in the dark.
âHow dare you interfere.â
âHow dare I?â
He advances and you quickly back up until your back is against one of the brick walls, eyes closing and turning your face away from him. You feel his body heat advance and then a rough, calloused hand takes your jaw and wills you to look him in the face. Centimeters are between you two.
âHow dare you flirt with every male that you find remotely attractive. How dare you stay in this city and not expect me to keep you safe. How dare you for being so ignorantly clueless that you have no idea half the population of Ritaâs pines for you. If I didn't follow you home every night, at least three others would.â
âThen it would be my choice.â
He growls and grabs a fistful of your hair, tilting your face to mirror his lowered one.Â
âSay that again.â
The shadows swirl around you both, creating a cloak against the rest of the world. His eyes sear into yours and you know youâve lost this round, whatever it is. You finally drop your eyes in submission and he growls again, crushing his lips to yours.
You would expect him to be quiet, gentle, but he is everything but. His strong, lean body curls around yours and he quickly lifts you up, wrapping your legs around his waist.
 Teeth clash, tongues meet and groans erupt from you both. Youâve only been kissed once and this is nothing in comparison. This is lust.
You two finally break apart and he keeps his hold on your jaw as he scents you, trailing his nose down your neck and back up.
âI can smell your arousal. Let them all know youâre mine.â
You want to balk at the statement, but then one his large hand is under your shirt, playing with your waistband and you canât think of anything else.
All you can do is nod.
Your leggings are slowly infiltrated and Azriel runs a long finger up and down your slit, growling at the wetness he finds.
âYou can hate me all you want, but even your body knows what it needs.â
He sinks a finger inside your core and you mewl in pleasure, praying the shadows keep you quiet even in the abandoned alleyway. When another one joins you throw your neck back and whine as he nips at your collarbones.
âThatâs right baby, let go for me.â
A burning starts in your toes and just when you think youâre going to combust with his rhythm a wave of ecstasy flows through you and your body goes limp. After a few moments reality comes back and you watch dazed as Azriel extracts his fingers, balancing you on a meaty thigh and slowly licks them clean.
Itâs diabolical.
He gives you a grin and slowly lets you slide down from the wall, not letting you go until your shaky legs can hold up your weight. He backs away slowly, shadows following him and you stare as he flares his wings. He doesnât say anything else, but he doesnât have to. The sheer dominance in his eyes tells you youâve done it this time.