♡♡♡

The air clung to your skin in the crowded room, mind becoming increasingly fuzzy as you continued sipping the sweet drink in your hand, allowing the alcohol in your veins to guide your movements.

Your hips swayed as laughter and shouting filled the space, your friends surrounding you. Bodies moved in tandem, timed to the music as everyone rode out their high. You felt a sort of release fill you, body and mind together letting go of every ounce of worry until you were simply existing among everyone else.

A body connected with you, a musky scent surrounding you as you ground your hips against the male you knew was standing at your back. His hands brushed agaisnt your hips as you slowly turned to face him. His features were a stark contrast as shadows grew on his face under the low lights. Unsure of his identity, you leaned into him, knowing you would be perfectly fine so long as you were near your friends and needing the escape. Closing your eyes, you turned back around as your hands ventured up his arms until they wound into his hair, your backside brushing into his thighs as you continued to move against him.

You wanted to sit on this newfound cloud of pure bliss and unawareness, but as the night grew, you found it escaping you.

Time was fleeting in the small space, and as you found your way back to your senses, you decided it would be best if you refrained from filling your glass any further as you took initiative to watch over the few friends you had attended with.

You were unsure of the exact hour, knowing that whatever the time may be, it was well past when you were to return home.

Sighing, you prayed to any god who would listen that you might be spared from your brother's ridicule when you finally did arive home, wishing on every star that he might might've gotten caught up in something else enough to forget. But as soon as the thought passed through your mind, as if beckoning the High Lord himself, you felt it.

The shift in the air as a few heads turned towards the entrance of the small building. Biting the inside of your cheek, you turned to your friend, eyeing her drunken form, "Would you mind stopping after that one?" You waved to her drink, "It appears that I'll be making an early exit tonight and you prefer that someone here is sober."

She nodded wordlessly, downing the last of it before making a show of dropping the cup to the floor and kicking it away before giving you a thumbs up.

Laughing, you thanked her and turned on your heel, making a beeline for the door as you hoped to avoid being publicly reprimanded for your absence.

The cool night air was crisp as the refreshing breeze cleansed you of the hot, stuffy party space. The quiet darkness of the Night Court was a different kind of peace, one that seemed to match the rhythm of your heart and the very fiber of your being - and one that was short lived as multiple pairs of footsteps brushed along the pavement behind you.

"Little late, isn't it, y/n?"

Your brother's voice filled your ears as you rolled your eyes, crossing your arms and spinning around to face the trio, "I was about to leave."

Rhys stood, front and center, his face stern as he took in your no-nonsense expression while his eyes scanned you. On his left, a few steps back, Cassian's smirk slowly covered his face, his reaction telling you that your brother wasn't too mad as the male beside him was already amused.

"Sure you were."

You could hear the humor in Cass's words, body loosening in response as you brother shook his head.

A small chill ran up your spine even as you relaxed. You knew the cause was standing mere feet away as the feeling of his eyes had your cheeks heating.

Azriel was your least favorite of your brother's friends, even preferring Amren's cold demeanor over him. At least with her, you knew how she felt. With Azriel, you could never tell. There were moments with him where you could've sworn he cared about you for reasons other than Rhys, where you thought he might actually like you. But then there were moments like this one, the more common of the two, where you knew he was staring daggers at you - utterly cold and unreadable.

It made you uncomfortable almost as much as it turned you on. But that was a whole different problem you didn't feel like addressing tonight.

He might've been your least favorite for his personality, but he was certainly your favorite to look at. The firm, hard muscle stacked and covering his entire body was mouthwatering. Your eyes were drawn to him when he simply moved, his hulking form demanding your attention. Training with him was damn near impossible, and something you'd had to stop all together for fear of him scenting your arousal. Watching his muscles flex, glistening under the sunlight, was torture in the best way. The thought alone had your core heating.

Blinking away the thoughts, you focused back to your brother and Cassian. Bright purple eyes met yours as you stared at the sole reason Azriel would never look at you in another light.

"Well then, sister, if that truly is the case, then you wouldn't mind returning home."

You smiled at him, sweetly nodding as you ensured your mental shields were strong, knowing the second they left, you were free to return to the party at large.

"With Azriel."

Your eyes widened, his words like a slap to the face as you finally looked at Az, finding his face stone cold and unmoving. His face remained the same, striking yet deadly. He looked pissed, and you weren't too keen on being accompanied home by him.

"Sorry?!" Your brother's responding smirk had Cassian laughing and you fuming, "I think I can find my way home on my own, but thanks."

His deep voice reverberated through your chest, "Are you sure about that, y/n? You seemed to struggle making it home on time in the first place, no?"

Azriel's voice was jarring, the low sound bouncing around in your head, heart fluttering in response to the sound.

Your scowl only deepened, "I was just about to leave."

The two of you locked eyes, staring each other down as the world itself seemed to zero in on him. Rhys and Cassian's voices were muffled as you found yourself almost hypnotized by his dark eyes.

Azriel took a few steps forward, the two of you nearly chest to chest as he ducked his head closer to yours, "Sure."

Something was off with the male, his demeanor unlike the other times you were around him. He seemed tense, body appearing on-edge and overly angered by your existence, and something in your gut told you it was your fault. He was mad at you, and you hadn't a clue why.

His hands wrapped around your waist as he shifted your weight, holding you to his chest. It was only then that you realized your brother and Cassian were no longer standing with you, the two males having disappeared during your staring contest to return to their prior activities.

You lacked wings of your own, so you allowed your hands to wrap around the males neck, holding yourself impossibly close to him as he shot into the sky - both of you ignoring your ability to winnow as his hands gripped you tightly.

His musky scent flooded your senses as you blinked away the thoughts threatening to overflow your mind. You knew it was wrong, thinking about him the way you were - the way you had been for years. The sooner you got away from him, the better, but until then you needed to control yourself.

The cool night air did nothing to help the warmth eminenting from your body, caused by your proximity to the male before you. You did your best to keep your eyes on anything but him, choosing to watch the flurry of colors below you as the two of you rushed home.

The flight felt like an eternity, dragging on painfully as your mind became increasingly more conscious of the male holding you.

As you landed atop the House of Wind, you found yourself rushing to get away from him. Away from the feelings flooding your senses and threatening to break the mask of indifference you kept up around him.

You'd made it to the living room, planning to head to the kitchen for a snack before making your way back to your room, aware you could have anything you wanted by simply asking the House, but needing to do something with your hands.

You'd made it no further than the couch before a hand gripped your wrist, spinning you around and pushing you onto the cushion.

You blinked in surprise as Azriel took a seat in a neighboring chair, eyes locked on you.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Your eyes widened, unsure as to why his demeanor had changed, finding a deep upset in his eyes.

"What?"

You were completely dumbfounded as he spoke, "Y/n, we came home to an empty house with no note from you, and proceeded to spend over an hour looking for you," his hands locked together in a vice that had his knuckles turning white, anger beginning to simmer within him, "only to find you partying in some house."

The defensiveness in your voice became apparent, "Why are you acting like this? It was one party. One. Nothing happened, its not the end of the world."

Azriel let out a deep sigh, "It was irresponsible, so very irresponsible. What if something had happened?"

You quickly felt your skin heat, your own anger beginning to rise, "And what do you suppose would've happened, Azriel? Not a damn thing and you know it. You're talking to me like I'm a child and haven't a clue about anything. Well I do, and I'm telling you that everything was fine until the three of you showed up," you paused as Azriel's jaw flexed, "I don't get you. You act like you can't stand me one minute, and then the next, you're yelling at me about nonsense. Why do you care so much anyway?"

The chair scraped against the floor, sharp as Azriel stood faster than you could think, the loud crash causing you to shoot upright. His breath was audible as your body froze under his intense stare, chest rising and falling rapidly. His gaze faltered slightly as his eyes dipped to the low cut of your dress, the look sending your mind reeling.

His words echoed in the empty room, "Why do I care? Why do I care?"

The male moved closer to you, each step he took sending your pulse skyrocketing, "I care, y/n, when you're grinding up against another male's cock."

You couldn't stop the shock that took over you face. His words slammed into you like a bullet.

He cared.

He cared.

The thought was foreign to you as a deep hunger filled his watchful eye. His chest was now flush with yours as his gaze only seemed to darked further by the second. The sound of your breaths filled the room as the fireplace crackled softly behind you.

His voice broke the silence, tone undreadable, "Have you been drinking?"

Your body froze, the scent of arousal coating your inner thighs flooding your senses. Despite the activities of the earlier evening, you had long since sobered.

Swallowing around the lump in your throat, you answered, "No, why?"

Your question was shaky as Azriel lowered his head, mouth becoming level with your ear, "Good. Then you'll have nothing to blame for loving what im about to do to you."

The second the words left his mouth, his tounge darted out, flicking against the shell of your ear in a way that had your back arching slightly. Your eyes fluttered shut as his hands gripped your waist, wrapping around to rest atop the dip in your back as his assault continued down your neck.

He nipped at the soft skin, slowly working his way down to your chest. Your thoughts had escaped you as his voice penitrated your utter shock, "Y/n, I can't stop myself."

You felt your head move side to side as your eyes found him looking up at you, "Then don't."

The male paused, hesitating for a mere second before he continued to work his way to your chest, each lick of his tounge becoming increasingly hungry. Slowly, Azriel backed your bodies up until the backs of your legs brushed against the couch. In one swift motion, you found yourself seated, completely at his mercy as his hands moved across your skin.

His body hovered above yours, one foot planted on the ground while his knee rested on the couch as he held himself above you.

His head raised to yours as he abandoned your neck and dove into your mouth. You let him in without a second thought, reveling in his taste - a taste you'd been hungry for for years. Azriel's body brushed against yours as he explored your mouth, hands moving in tandem as they worked to loosen the straps of your dress until the fabric left your chest exposed.

Pulling back, the males eyes fell to your breasts, his mouth meeting the delecate skin as he left soft kisses.

Your body was humming with need as his mouth closed around your nipple while heat flooded you. Mindlessly, your hand felt along his leathers, grappling for the strings of his pants as you worked to loosen them.

The feeling of him on your body was pure ecstasy as he his hand began sliding up your leg. You sucked in a breath as his teeth grazed your hardened bud, hand finally slipping into his leathers as you felt around. Almost instantly, his cock met your fingertips and you watched Azriel's body stiffen. His size was alarming, mouth beginning to water as your grip tightened around him.

His own hand venturing north on your leg was had his head snapping up.

"There better be a damn good reason you don't have panties on."

A blush covered your cheeks as you shrugged, moving your hand along his member, "I'd say it was a pretty good choice right about now."

"Don't play games, y/n."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

You cut off any further questioning as your free hand pulled his face to you, mouth meeting his for another hungry kiss.

His fingertips prodded at your entrance as your legs fell open for him. You had half a mind to be embarrassed about just how wet you already were for him, but those thoughts were abandoned as quick as they were found as his first finger slid into you.

Azriel backed up, allowing your hand to fall to his chest as he watched your mouth pop open in an "o". Slowly pumping his hand, he added another finger pulling small moans from your mouth as he continued to work your pussy.

The hand in his pants reflected every deep thrust he gave you until you were nearing the edge.

"Do you want it, princess?"

Your eyes rolled back, "Yes, oh gods, yes Az."

His fingertips curled as his voice dropped. "Fuck."

He quickened his pace until you were tumbling over the edge, unable to stop the sounds escaping you until you were nothing but a pile of limbs.

His breath brushed over your neck as he kissed you, soft praise falling from his lips.

His name fell from your lips like a plea as your body begged for more. The darkness in his eyes had only grown as he scooped you into his arms, adjusting your legs around his hips as your mouths connected.

His steps were rushed as he carried you to his own bedroom in the house, stairs creaking under your combined weight as your heart pounded harder in your chest.

You could feel a blush rising to your cheeks the closer you got as reality set in: Azriel, of whom you thought held a strong disregard for you, had just had you moaning his name on your couch.

The thought felt unreal, some faraway dream of an idea you never dared to voice.

Your mind drifted briefly to your brother, of what he alongside your family might have to say regarding your choice. Your worry, however, was cut short as you entered a dark room seconds before being gently laid on the bed. The room around you was one you had only ever seen in passing, never having entered the Shadowmasters space. You wished more than anything to look around and discover for yourself what the male before you did when he wasn't helping your brother and brooding.

But for now, you would need to focus on the events currently about to unfold as Azriel's mouth pressed against yours, tounges welcoming each other before the kisses turned rough, demanding, and an utter fight for dominance.

"Please, Az..."

Your pleading had the male groaning as he reluctantly pulled away from your lips just long enough to remove his shirt and loosen his pants the rest of the way. The now bare male before you was an otherworldly sight that left you speechless.

His clean, stoney muscle followed down his chest where it created a direct path to his member, of which, was now sprung as it stood proudly at full mast. Your hand hadn't prepared you enough for the sight before you.

Lost in your own admiration, you hadn't notice his own movements that were working to remove you from the last shreds of clothing still adorning your body.

Azriel fell atop you, his warm chest pressing against your own, heating your body further as his lips connected with yours once more. He pulled away as the moonlight washed over the muscles flexing as he held himself above you.

His eyes darted across your face before he leaned down again, licking and kissing at your jaw before slowing venturing down your neck. Your hand reached low, grabbing his thick cock and guiding towards your body. His tip brushed along your pussy, the feeling sending sparks flying up your spine as you pulsed with need.

His groan fanned across your skin, his hips nudging towards your center in response. Azriel pulled back once more, his face hanging inches from your own, brows strained with need.

He exhaled softly, eyes meeting yours as he spoke, "Y/n, we shouldn't. We can't."

Your eyes widened, breath catching in your throat as his words hit you full force, "No... please."

Your voice cracked with need as you watched him swallow hard, his member prodding against your entrance despite his words, "I need you to tell me to stop, y/n."

You shook your head, hands wrapping around the back of his neck and pulling him closer, "I can't tell you to stop, Az. I don't want you to."

As the final words fell from your lips, you pulled him to you completely as your mouths collided. Azriel's rigid form relaxed almost instantly as his body molded to yours, cock pushing into you fully.

The burn was sweet as you gasped, holding your breath and waiting for the pain to subside before nodding at the male to continue.

Slowly, Azriel sat up, gripping your legs at his hips as he began to move. His movements were languid and tantalizing as the moonlight highlighted the deep grooves on his stomach.

The sight was mouthwatering, the feeling of him deep inside you far better than anything you'd ever fantasized about as his pace picked up.

His thrusts became harder as he burrowed himself deeper. Your back arched off the bed, your moans filling the room as his own groans became music to your ears.

Azriel twisted your body slightly, somehow managing to find an even deeper spot within you, changing his pace as he pressed into your sweet spot, sending chills up your spine as your pleasure built.

His fingers tightened on your legs, digging into your skin. You could tell the male was holding back, refraining from being rough with you in the moment. You couldn't help the way your mind wandered to all the possibilities as your cheeks heated.

You could feel yourself slipping as your fists grasped at the sheets of his bed, pulling as your body reacted aimlessly to his touch.

You met his gaze, finding a small smile covering his face, his eyes filled with something you hadn't seen before. Your hand instinctively moved towards him, wrapping around his forearms, nails digging into his skin as you raced towards climax.

Azriel bent down, mouth meeting yours as your tounges danced against each other. His movements became more urgent, body more rigid as he too grew closer.

In an instant, warmth spred across your body, tingles shooting up your spine as your back arched from the bed. You pulled away from his mouth, your own falling open as you moaned. Your body shuddered, eyes widening at the sounds coming from the male atop you as he took found his release. His hips bucked, body shaking, breath heavy as he finished inside you.

In an instant, the world seemed to fall silent with only the sounds of your breathing remaining. Azriel met your gaze, his face unreadable before he rose, disappearing into the bathroom.

Something small shuddered in your chest as you became uneasy at the thought of what might come next. Before you could explore too much into the doubt that had begun to seep in, Azriel returned, wet cloth in hand.

Gently, as if you were a china doll one wrong touch away from shattering into a million pieces, he began to clean you, leaving small kisses across your body as he went.

With each movement, you seemed to warm, melting into the sheets. As the male turned and moved back into the bathroom, you found your eyes becoming heavy. You wanted nothing more than to recreate the events that had just unfolded in at least six different positions, but your body seemed to feel otherwise.

Azriel returned back to you, face still unreadable and seemingly without words. He picked you up with great care, cradling you to his still bare body as he pulled back the sheets. Without releasing you from his arms, the male placed you on the bed before laying down beside you, covering both of your forms.

His scent washed over you as you pushed your nose towards his pillow, shamelessly drawing in a deep breath. You could feel Azriel's chest move behind you as he let out a breathy laugh, his arm tightening around you and keeping you close.

You were at a loss for words, worried that any sound too loud from either one of you would shatter the perfect world you now found yourself in. You allowed your eyes to close, soaking up the warmth of the male behind you.

Tomorrow could wait alongside any repercussions from tonight's events. For now, you wanted nothing more than to stay with Azriel.

==================================

"Good. Then you'll have nothing to blame for loving what im about to do to you."

The second the words left his mouth, his tounge darted out, flicking against the shell of your ear in a way that had your back arching slightly. Your eyes fluttered shut as his hands gripped your waist, wrapping around to rest atop the dip in your back as his assault continued down your neck.

He nipped at the soft skin, slowly working his way down to your chest. Your thoughts had escaped you as his voice penitrated your utter shock, "Y/n, I can't stop myself."

You felt your head move side to side as your eyes found him looking up at you, "Then don't."

The male paused, hesitating for a mere second before he continued to work his way to your chest, each lick of his tongue becoming increasingly hungry. Slowly, Azriel backed your bodies up until the backs of your legs brushed against the couch. In one swift motion, you found yourself seated, completely at his mercy as his hands moved across your skin.

His body hovered above yours, one foot planted on the ground while his knee rested on the couch as he held himself above you.

Your nails clicked against the cool stone of your seat as your gaze brushed over the crowd currently bustling around you. Music filled the grand room, occupying many as your father held a meeting in the adjoining room. A blanket of magic covered the doors, allowing no noise to flow out of the unsealed cracks.

You were bored, waiting rather impatiently for your father and the other court members to emerge along with the High Lord and his pets.

Just the thought of their smug faces alone left a sour taste in your mouth. You hated the way they could just waltz into any room - at any time - and demand every ounce of attention.

None of them deserved it.

While they sat, all pampered and cared for in the Night Court, the rest of you were forced to lurk below.

The Court of Nightmares was many things, but kind was not one of them.

You'd grown up in the underbelly of the Court, watching the way your father ruthlessly climbed to the top, allowing no one to stand in his way until he stood alongside Keir and the rest of the Court officials.

You loathed every last one of them, hating the way they treated you and your mother alongside every other female. It was utterly disgusting and churned your stomach as you felt an assortment of eyes roving over your body from where you sat.

The ounce of mercy and kindness your father had was the only thing that had saved you from any kind of agreement being made regarding your hand, and as much as you would be forever grateful for it, you couldn't erase everything he'd done - and everything he would do to keep you near.

Your father's hatred for the High Lord and his mate rivaled Keirs, and as such, you were never to leave the Court of Nightmares.

And so, you had decided to make the most out of the power you held as the daughter of a high ranking offical. You were about as close to royalty as you could be seeing as you were both unwed and female. But after Keir's own daughter had disappointed and disgraced their whole family, he'd taken an interest to you and made sure to assist in your upbringing as your family drew closer to his.

And so you sat, head held high as your gaze moved harshly over the crowd, counting down the seconds until you would be able to leave - mind fantasizing about your bed as you imagined the feeling of the soft sheets against your bare skin.

You were abruptly pulled from your thoughts as the jarring sound of doors opening dragged yours, and a most everyone else's, eyes to the meeting room.

Now standing alongside Keir and your father was the High Lord and his court.

Your jaw ticked as the sight, watching as they slowly made their way to your corner of the room, passing your chair and yourself as they made their way to the thrones that had been specifically pulled out for the High Lord and his mate. You didn't miss the sneer thrown your way by a certain general - the look being missed by everyone but the two of you.

Something about General Cassian had your blood boiling. The rest of his family annoyed you, but Cassian was different. Maybe it was his obvious lack of power, or maybe it was the way he so easily climbed to the top simply for knowing the right person.

Or maybe it was the slant of his dark eyes covered by perfectly arched brows. Maybe it was the way the delecate membrane of his wings pulled tighter to his large form every time he was forced into conversation wih you. Maybe it was the way his muscles moved under the light, his leathers shifting in a way that left you wondering just how much carved muscle lay beneath - how it might feel pressed against you. Maybe it was the soft brown hair that always seemed perfectly kept, perfect in a way that made you want to run your hands through it - the two of you panting for breath. Or maybe it was the deep vibration in his voice that left your brain reeling at the thought of your name rolling off his tounge, the way it might sound rough and breathless as he slammed his -

"Y/n."

You blinked away the thoughts, utterly disgusted with yourself as you focused on the scene before you.

Everyone in the room had risen to their feet, bowing their heads as a sign of respect for their High Lord and his court - a court that now stood before your unmoving form.

Clenching your jaw and swallowing your pride, you rose to your feet, offering the High Lord a sickeningly sweet smile as you bowed your head, skirts shuffling beneath you as your father nodded his approval.

The High Lords court fell back after a few moments, the room resuming it's prior stance as you too slowly straightened.

Your eyes locked with Cassain's, noticing the smug smile now resting on his face. Your fists clenched, chest rising and falling in your low-cut dress as you fantasized about slamming the cocky bastards head into the nearest wall.

Family now moving back, Cassian moved to follow suit, but not before you noticed the movement of his eyes as the dipped to your partially exposed chest, his body stiffening slightly before he caught himself, turning away from you.

Your body instantly heated as you shamefully turned your head, regretting the dust of pink you knew was evident on your face as you made your way to the far corner to fetch yourself a drink.

Gowns moved around you as you drained the nearest glass, the dry champagne doing nothing to help you as you stood in the corner, mind still flashing back to his glance as you began to wonder if you'd imagined it.

Bringing another glass to your lips, you did your best to drown out your thoughts with the golden liquid until your head became light and the room too hot.

You had no idea how long you spent in the corner, only knowing you needed out. Out of the room, out of the party, and away from him. Just the thought of him had a bitter taste filling your mouth as you spun around, weaving in and out of people until you made it to the door.

Tumbling into the hallway, you began walking aimlessly, not paying any mind to where you were going as the bland halls stretched on and on.

The hair on the back of your neck rose, steps faltering as a second pair of footsteps joined in behind you. A familiar scent wafted around you, one that sent a rage coursing through your veins.

His hand locked around your arm, bringing you to a hault, "Where are you going?"

You stumbled back into him, huffing in frustration, "Why are you following me?"

His brows furrowed, repeating the words harder this time, more demanding, "Where are you going?"

"What's it to you?"

You feined bordem, as his frustration became palpable.

"Just answer my question and stop being a brat, y/n."

"Excuse me? Last time I checked, pet, you're supposed to be following your master around instead of me, so get lost."

You watched as his gaze changed, something seeming to snap within him as he pushed you, the two of you falling into a small opening.

His body fell hard against yours, your back slamming against the cool stone. The small alcove left just enough room for the two of you, small rays of light spilling into the corner as your forms stayed hidden in the shadows.

His breath fanned across your face, eyes darting down to your chest that was now rising and falling frantically. Anger stirred beneath your skin as his scent enveloped you, sending a shiver up your spine.

His brows clenched as he dropped his face closer to your own, his lips brushing against your ear.

His voice was gravely and low, his breaths becoming slightly labored as he spoke, "You are a brat, y/n. Nothing more than a spoiled brat, and I think it's time that someone taught you a lesson."

His words had your thighs tightening as heat pooled in your lower belly. Cassian hesitated for only a second, just enough time for you to voice an objection, before his mouth found yours.

You hadn't a clue why you didn't tell him no, push him off of you and escape his grasp, but as his tongue pushed past the seal of your lips, you no longer cared.

His taste was utterly intoxicating as your body settled beneath him, your own tongue reaching for his as you became lost in him. The warmth between your legs spread as you clenched your thighs together, your hand reaching to tangle in his hair. His own hand fell from the wall, gripping your hip and pulling and holding you steady against the wall.

His mouth pulled away from yours causing your body to surge up, lips meshing together seconds before his hands locked around your wrists, raising your arms above your head and pinning you.

His eyes were dark as he looked down at you, lips slightly swollen from your kiss. His hesitation lasted mere seconds before the male was biting at your neck, licking his way down to your collar bone. Gently, Cassian pushed the material of your dress to the side, leaving a mark that you hoped would remain on your body for the rest of the night just out of sight.

Shifting your wrists, Cassian pinned you with one hand, the other exposing your breast. His growl was low, the sound settling in your core as he lunged. His mouth locked on your skin, licking and nipping as your head fell against the cool wall, eyes fluttering shut as his teeth grazed your nipple - a soft moan escaping you.

He released you with a soft pop before diving back in for more, nipping at your skin and leaving marks in his wake.

His body pulled back all too soon, face becoming level with yours as he dipped back to your mouth. Your body surrendered to him, hungry for more.

The scowl on your face caught Cassian's eye as he pulled back, your huff of annoyance forcing the males lips to form a smirk. His face hardened again, hand releasing you as he gripped your hips, roughly turning you to face the wall.

The cool stone brushed against your exposed ripples as you threw your hands up to catch yourself. Cassian pressed his body against yours, his buldge pressing into your lower back as his hands grappled with your skirts.

His breath washed over your exposed neck as he leaned into you, "You think you can get everything you want, princess? You've never had to work for a damn thing - everyone round here always scrambling to please you - and now? Now, I'm going to use you for myself. I'm going to do exactly what every sick male in that room was thinking."

You sucked in a breath, hating the truth in his words. Your brows tightened - he was the same. Demanding everything from everyone, and yet, never giving anything in return. He was no better.

His voice silenced your thoughts, "But, y/n, you're going to like it." He paused, tounge darting up to lick a stripe up your neck he knew would have your core clenching, "You can say that you hate me, that you despise everything I am, but deep down, we both know that's bullshit. You want me - even if you don't want to."

You swallowed around your frustration, body screaming for his touch, even as your words denied it, "I do hate you. You are nothing. You mean nothing. You never have, and you never will. You are a bastard child that the High Lord pitted."

From the corner of your eye, you could see his jaw clenching, tightening as he lifted the last of your skirts, fingers ripping your panties from your body in anger. The tattered cloth fell to the floor, the distraction pulling your attention away from his hands until his fingers were probing at your core.

His hiss echoed off the walls as he found you soaked, calloused finger grazing your clit before dipping into you. You sucked in a sharp breath, body melting around him as he pumped into you.

The gentle burn was intoxicating, body begging for more. Your pleasure was halted, however, as his fingers slid from your core. You had no time to object before his hand landed on your ass, the sting widening your eyes as he let out a growl.

"Brat."

Your eyes narrowed as his hand fell over your skin again, the sound filling your ears as he rubbed the tender skin before rearing back.

The sound of your skin was the only thing in the room, each strike sending another wave of pleasure to your core until you were ready to beg for his touch.

With one last smack, Cassian pulled his hand away. You could feel his eyes on your ass, presumably taking in the collage of angry red marks that littered your skin.

You rubbed your thighs together, reveling in the slight friction, making a point to move your ass slightly more.

His breath fanned across your neck, the feeling prompting you to angle your head towards his, allowing the male to press his lips against yours as his hand dove between your legs.

His breathing faltered, your own halting as he plunged into you, his fingers fucking you roughly. Your moans poured into his mouth, hardened nipples rubbing against the cool stone with each thrust until the feeling was too much, your body cresting as your moans grew in volume.

Cassian kissed you harder, trying to quiet you as your body began to shake. He continued to work you, letting you ride out the high before pulling back.

Roughly, he turned you around to face him, your skirts falling back to the floor, knees weak with pleasure.

His lips were swollen, a small speck of blood pooling on his lip. A small pang of guilt hit you as you realized you must've done it. The feeling was slowly replaced with a sick joy - not because you had hurt him, but because you had marked him.

His voice was strained, "Such a fucking slut, y/n. I hope everyone in that room heard the way you moan like a whore for me."

Your brows furrowed in anger, ready to argue when you were cut off, a devilish smile creeping onto his face, "And we aren't even done yet."

Your eyes widened, unable to say anything before you were in his arms, legs resting around his hips as his hands gripped your thighs. Your back was flush with the wall as Cassian shifted you to one arm, his other hand freeing his pants and allowing his member to spring up.

Your eyes darted down, finding his tip red and already beading with precum. Pride filled you, knowing you had done that to him.

His member pressed against your opening as anticipation built while your heart slammed against your ribs, the bones threatening to break. The scent of your arousals mixed, filling the small space and setting you on a new high.

Cassian gave you no warning before he slammed into you, forcing your body to make room for him. The burn was sharp but sweet as your muscles strained against him. His breath was hard between your bodies as he watched you take him until he was seated fully, allowing you a few moments to adjust to his size. His eyes met yours for a moment, the firey hatred still blazing within as he dove in, mouth capturing yours.

You gasped for breath as he began moving, pumping himself into you. His hand reached up, bracing the two of you as he supported your weight with his other arm. The sight before you was ungodly as another wave of arousal flooded your core, your muscles tightening around him as he continued his ruthless assault on your body, pulling away to watch you squirm beneath him.

There was nothing sweet, kind, or caring about his actions, but even so, you couldn't help the way your body grew hotter, tipping closer to the edge despite it.

You knew your time was limited, unsure of when your families would come looking for you both, and as your eyes met with his, you knew he was beginning to realize this as well.

Cassian's pace picked up, his hips thrusting into you harder as his mouth moved to your neck as he sucked your delicate skin as your pleasure increased.

The sound of panting filled the room as the base of his cock brushed against your clit at the perfect angle. Every sensation, every way in which the two of you were wrong, pushed you further and further.

Cassian's pace falted as his body began to shake beneath you, his breath coming out in short bursts as he neared the edge. You let your head fall back, eyes closing as you came with a moan. Your body shook, continuing to take Cassian as you rode out your high. The male followed close behind, his wings tightening to his body as ropes of his warmth coating your inner walls until the two of you fell into each other, breaths shaking as Cassian worked to keep you both upright.

The fog in your mind began to clear as you opened your eyes, staring at the male before you.

You wanted to be disgusted, wanted to regret what had just happened, but as you dug for that feeling, you found the hatred you could muster was weak, it's spark having long since dimmed.

Gently, Cassian lowered you to the ground. He gave you a quick look, something flashing in his gaze that you hadn't seen before as he pulled his pants back into place, adjusting the laces before turning.

His eyes caught on you, mouth tightening, "This shouldn't have happened."

The male turned, leaving you in the small space. You stared after him, utterly dumbfounded. It was unclear to you what you'd expected from him. He was a selfish ass, and you'd now given him something you could never take back. The firey hatred you had thought you'd lost returned almost instantly, but this time, with it was a slight pain of sadness.

You shoved the feeling into the darkest part of your mind as you made quick work of cleaning yourself before adjusting your dress. Swiping at your under eyes, you swatted your hair into place with your hands before exiting the corner.

The hall was bare, dark and empty, the sound of your heels clicking against the stone the only sound as you made your way back to the thrown room where the party was still in full swing.

Not a single person turned to look at you as you slipped back into the room, thoughts drowning in the music as you mindlessly made your way back to your seat.

You'd just begun to let your mind wander, hoping to distract yourself with your own thoughts for the remainder of the night when you felt it.

Time slowed around you as your heart began to pound against your chest a firey feeling erupting within you. A golden rope appeared, dust floating around it as it swam around your mind before lunging. Your heart hurt as it lashed out, connecting with a hard body as a familiar scent surrounded you, feelings of utter shock and confusion flooded you - feelings of which were not your own.

The room around you spun as time came back. Your hand felt around on your chest, fingers searching for an unseen tie, as the music once again flooded your ears.

A few small screams sprang up from the corner of the room, gasps following as the sound of shattering glass echoed throughout the room, the feeling of his eyes on you beginning to burn.

Mates.

==================================

Your head was spinning as you opened the door, body slumped from the day as you let the bag at your shoulder slip off, ignoring its answering thud as it landed on the floor.

The day had been rough, seemingly never-ending as the sun had taken its sweet time dipping below the horizon. Your day had been spent in the Library, alongside the priestesses as you scrounged around for anything that might help you locate the Mortal Queens.

Your efforts, however, had been fruitless.

And now, not only was your body aching and your mind reeling, but a slight panic had set in. Time was a funny thing: both dragging and slipping through your fingers as easily as water as your families search for answers seemed to be going nowhere.

Rhysand turned the corner, a small handful of papers in his hand capturing his full attention as a cup of still steaming tea was clenched in his other.

His shirt was untucked, and the sleeves rolled up. His hair was slightly messed - a sign of his own efforts from the day.

He seemed to feel your eyes as his head turned in your direction. The bond between you warmed slightly in greeting as his own stress echoed yours.

Your body became heavy as tears welled in your eyes. You were a failure. You still hadn't found anything, and time was running out.

Your stress and worry crested as tears began streaming down your face full force. The action caught your mate off guard as his face changed - flashing confusion followed by worry - before he dropped the papers and cup on the nearest surface and rushed to your side, his hands resting on your arms as he leaned down.

"Y/n darling, what's wrong?"

Your lip quivered as you shook your head, burying your forehead in the crook of his neck.

"...I'm sorry."

Your words had his arms wrapping around you, feeling the guilt and disappointment spilling from your side of the bond as he gingerly lifted you off of the ground.

Cradling your form, Rhys took the two of you to your bedroom, bringing you into the bathroom. Setting you down, he began to slowly peel away the fabric wrapped around you as the smell of roses wafted around you, the house having already answered his call for a hot bath. You met his eyes, unable to formulate words to properly explain how you were feeling - how tired and drained you were. The male only smiled at you in return, nodding his understanding.

Turning, he guided you into the tub, rolling up his pants before seating himself at your back. His hand reached for the soaps, gently pouring the liquid into his hands before massaging them into your hair. Your head lulled to the side as your tears slowly began to lessen until the tracks on your cheeks were the only things remaining.

Rhysand sat with you, saying nothing as he massaged your skin until your breathing, too, had calmed. His hands fell away from your body as he slowly rose, his hand lifting your head to face his before leaning down and gingerly kissing your lips. Pulling away, he kissed your forehead before turning back, making his way to your bedroom, shutting the door, and allowing you time to yourself.

It wasn't until the sun had fully set, leaving the few lit candles to provide the only light that you rose from the tub. Wrapping a towel around your body, you slowly padded to the door, emerging from the bathroom.

Your feet haulted as you took in the sight before you. Rhys sat on the bed, book in hand, casually waiting for you to find him. On the bed sat a tray, steaming water and an array of your favorite snacks and teas accompanying it. A few candles cast a warm glow across the room as the fireplace roared. His T-shirt sat on the bed, ready for you to slip it on for maximum comfort.

Your hips swayed gently, following the soft rhythm spilling out from the small shelled box sitting atop your kitchen table. The trinket had become one of your most prized possessions, your mate having brought it home after a trip to Summer Court.

The spices of your stew currently atop your stove filled the air, your stomach whining in answer as you stired the pot. As hungry as you were, you refused to eat without your mate, deciding to light a few candles as you waited patiently for his return. You knew his meeting would run late, thus prompting you to ready everything for when he came home to you.

The glow from the flame illuminated the room while the pink sky outside your kitchen window bathed the room in an array of soft oranges and pinks.

Taking a deep breath in, your heart skipped a beat at the sound of the front door opening. A small smile spread across your face as you felt his presence grow behind you until his hands found your hips, his body slowly swaying behind you.

The music box switched, playing a new song as you let your head fall back on Lucien's shoulder, eyes beginning to shut. Everything about this moment was perfection, a small pleasure you never wanted to forget. His tender love was a quality that had stood out, becoming something you treasured more than anything.

As the sounds grew, his hands shifted, slowly rotating your body until you were facing him. Your hands ventured up, finding their resting place on his shoulders as you looked up at him.

His smile sent your heart racing as he gently swayed in time with the music, backing up to slowly spin you before him, allowing his longing eyes to take in your full form. The bond between you tugged as he pulled you back to him, the overwhelming love and relief blooming from his side washing over you as he did so.

Your heart sighed in response as your head fell against his shoulder. Your eyes fell shut as you breathed in his scent, soaking up this tender moment.