#alpha!eris

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The door opened without a noise, just as it had ever since you oiled the hinges for your Lady. She hated to be woken early, and much preferred the gentle touch of your hand to the squeak of a door.

You drew a bath quickly, dipping your fingers in to test the temperature. Once you'd deemed it perfect, you returned to the bedroom and grabbed her favorite dressing gown, made of silk in a fine, deep amber color. Gently, you laid a hand on your Lady's shoulder, bringing her to awareness within a few seconds. "Good morning, my Lady," you said with a curtsy once her blue-grey eyes were trained on you. "I've prepared a bath for you, when you are ready."

She threw back the covers and stood, her nakedness bringing a flush to your cheeks. You slid the dressing gown onto her arms and tied it in the front for her before backing away, hands held together behind your back. "I've told you, Y/N, call me Nesta."

You hesitated for a moment, your experience in the Forest House telling you not to listen, no matter how she insisted. Usually, giving in to demands meant punishment, their demands a trap to put you at their mercy. But this was the fourth time that your Lady had told you to call her by her name... "Very well, Nesta," you said, bowing your head in respect.

The last thing you wanted was for unsatisfactory behavior to make its way back to your High Lord.

Nesta smiled at you, her eyes warming as she did. "Will you wash and dry my hair today? I'm afraid I'm rather tired," she said, a yawn escaping her lips just as she finished speaking. You nodded and followed her into the bathing room, taking her dressing gown and helping her to step into the massive tub.

Helping her bathe was always a temptation in itself, your hands begging to linger over the sensitive, forbidden parts of her. But you'd held fast for six months, keeping your desires hidden as well as you could manage.

It didn't stop you from fantasizing about her and your High Lord during your heats, though.

Soon enough, Nesta's hair and body were washed and she stood from the tub. You dried her off at her behest, fighting to keep your touch proper. You dressed her in a chemise, tightened her corset, slipped stockings onto her elegant legs, and helped her into a petticoat before finally sliding her deep red gown onto her. She looked as lovely as ever, her golden brown hair shining in the braided crown that you had tied it into.

“Did you need me for anything else, my la- Nesta?” you asked, catching yourself just in time.

“That is all for now. Thank you, Y/N,” Nesta said, making her way to the door. “Do be present for dinner, dear.”

You nodded your head, marking the order in your mind for later.

For now, you needed to turn down your Lady’s room, then find her side once more, ready to do anything and everything to please her.

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Eris held his chin in his hand, thoroughly bored of his subjects’ constant fawning. Nothing was interesting, now that he had the mantle of Autumn.

Nothing except his wife, he should say.

And that pretty little handmaiden of hers, trailing after her nearly everywhere she went. Such a delicate little thing, and an omega to boot. He’d already considered asking Nesta if she wanted to bring an omega into their marital bed, but had refrained. Nesta’s jealousy knew no bounds, as did his own.

Speak of the devil, Eris thought to himself, eyes flicking between Nesta and you, unable to decide where to focus as you helped Nesta sit in the chair to his right.

The dinner dragged on, with his court prattling about this and that, most of which Eris couldn’t care less about. His amber eyes watched you against the wall, waiting eagerly for any order from Nesta.

So obedient.

The sight had him shifting slightly in his seat. His mind wandered to the possibilities; would you be the same in bed, or did you have a defiant streak with your alphas? Would you submit to them because you felt the same? How he longed to know what you looked like beneath your layers of clothing, to know every curve of your body, every change of your scent as you reached your climax.

He would need to bring up the idea to Nesta sooner rather than later. Preferably before your next heat, which he believed would be starting any day now.

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The days passed by, and with each that you weren’t in her arms, Nesta grew more impatient. There was only so long she could wait before having a taste of you, especially with your scent sweetened by your approaching heat.

Surely you must be feeling the need to nest by now, and yet you were tending to Nesta just as dutifully as always.

Nesta hoped that you would be in her bed - their bed - a perfect nest made on their mattress that you would gleefully invite her and Eris into. And yet…

You were as unreadable as ever, even when you dried Nesta off in the mornings. Occasionally, she thought that your hands lingered over her intimate areas, but your touch was brief enough that Nesta could have believed she was reading into things. But your scent never lied.

Each morning since you had been appointed as her lady’s maid, you smelled sweeter than any other time of day. Perhaps it was merely at bathing an alpha, but Nesta had a feeling that wasn’t the case. No, you were attracted to her.

All she needed to do was prove it. And have her husband approve of you.

Tonight, Nesta would approach you and find the truth in those pretty eyes of yours.

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Eris watched as Nesta’s eyes tracked your movements, taking in your form greedily. You were bustling about, readying the room for the night and drawing a bath for the both of them. Eris leaned in and whispered, “You want her too, don’t you?”

Nesta’s cheeks flushed at his words. “That means you want her as well.”

Eris nodded before saying, “We should capture her before her heat sets in.”

Nesta rolled her eyes at his phrasing. “We will seduce her. Tonight.”

“Together?”

“Together,” Nesta agreed, just as you came back into the bedroom.

“The bath is ready, my Lord,” you said with a curtsy, then began making your way to the door.

“Won’t you stay and wash me?” Nesta asked as innocently as she could. You turned around with scarlet cheeks, your hands wringing together. “I need my sweet omega’s help.”

You flushed further, opening and closing your mouth a few times before answering, “Usually you dismiss me-”

“And I’m not tonight,” Nesta said, enjoying the way your scent was sweetening. Nesta stood from her chair by the fire, approaching you cautiously. “Please? Your hands feel the best.”

Eris nearly scoffed, knowing just how much Nesta enjoyed his hands, heated with the fire in his blood and able to seek each sensitive spot that Nesta possessed. He held back, though, choosing to rise from his own chair and come to stand behind you. Your heart was racing, and at their proximity alone. He wondered just how far he could push you, how to get you to confess your attraction to them.

“I… I can help, my Lady,” you said nervously, your hands still playing with each other. “What do you need me to do?”

“Help me out of my dress first, dear,” she said gently. When you went to her back, Nesta nodded at Eris to go into the bathroom.

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Your heart was pounding as you untied the laces of Nesta’s dress, helping her step out of the fabric. Her petticoat came next, and then you were undoing the laces of her corset, the act feeling far more intimate than when you had put it on her this morning. Her stockings came off easily, and then she was only in a chemise, the swell of her breasts and rear catching your eyes more than ever.

You followed her into the bath like a duckling, helping her out of her chemise and into the tub without a word. Your eyes avoided your High Lord out of respect, definitely not seeing his length beneath the water or lingering on his toned chest.

Nesta was further into the tub than usual to be next to Eris, making it difficult for you to fulfill your task from outside of the tub. You bit back your sigh of mild frustration and willed your arms to stretch further, with no luck.

“Come here, Y/N,” Nesta said, motioning with a water slicked hand for you to get into the tub.

“I-” you started, losing your breath at the suggestion. “I cannot, my Lady,” you said with a shake of your head.

“Yes you can, just take off your dress and come inside,” Nesta said with a playful roll of her eyes.

“But- I-”

“Just come in the tub, love. You don’t want Nesta to be upset, do you?” Eris asked with a sly smile on his lips.

You bit your lip. That was the last thing that you wanted to do. But getting into the tub with your naked High Lord and Lady… that was a line that could not be uncrossed. Not for you, at least. “No…”

“Then do as she says.”

Your eyes met Nesta’s and she nodded, an encouraging smile sliding onto her face. Nervously you stood, untying the laces of your dress and slipping out of it, leaving you in your far less elegant undergarments. Your cheeks were flaming hot as you undid your loose corset and slid the petticoat off of you. You hesitated, wondering if you should remove your chemise as well, but thought better of it.

No need to embarrass yourself entirely in front of your rulers.

You slid into the tub, the heat of the water pleasant against your skin. Now you were able to reach Nesta, cloth and soap bar in hand. You set to washing her as you usually did, with the added torture of being in the tub with her. The heady scents of fire and steel and apples and leaves and alpha had your mind addled, barely able to focus on what you were doing. You hardly noticed when Nesta’s hands tugged your chemise off of you, throwing it to the ground with a wet thwop.

You did notice when she tugged you over her, your thighs straddling hers. “What are you doing?” you asked breathlessly, unable to help your arousal at the situation.

“Getting you more comfortable. You do want us, don’t you?” Nesta asked, two fingers under your chin keeping your eyes on hers.

“I-” your eyes flicked to Eris, more heat rising to your cheeks. You nodded slightly, and the two of them wore matching grins.

“Will you spend your heat with us, love?” Eris asked, a wet thumb running over your cheek gently. “You can make a pretty nest in our bed, and we’ll take care of you the way you deserve.”

You nodded without thinking, your approaching heat and Nesta between your thighs and Eris naked next to you making you lose all reason. Because if you were thinking properly, you wouldn’t agree to this, knowing that you could lose your entire way of life if either of them grew displeased or bored of you.

“Good. Now, finish washing Nesta,” Eris instructed, and your hands returned to their task.

For the first time, you let your hands linger on her breasts, her core, her rear, enjoying every moment of her to the fullest. Nesta had a pleased smile on her face as she rinsed the suds off. Her hands reached for the cloth and soap, then roamed over your body, doing the same as you had.

From her simple teasing of your nipples alone, you were nearly ready to combust, whining softly with each pinch and tug until she moved lower, cupping your sex in her hand. “Such a pretty little cunt,” Nesta praised, sending heat rushing through you. A finger parted your folds, finding the sensitive bud at the top and running over it experimentally. Your responding gasp had her giggling in delight.

“Alright, I think it’s time to get out,” Eris said, rising from the water and moving around the two of you to exit the tub. Your eyes caught on his member, going wide at the sight. You’d had one alpha before, and he had been nowhere near as well endowed as Eris was.

Nesta tugged you from the water with a grumble once you had rinsed the soap from your skin, toweling you down with care, and you returned the favor. She pulled you into the bedroom and onto the bed, lounging as she waited for Eris to be done with the servant at the door.

“He’ll return in a few minutes with all the nesting materials you could want, love,” Eris said, shedding the dressing gown he had slipped on to speak with the male.

“O- okay,” you said quietly, your head slightly clearer now that you weren’t straddling Nesta’s thighs. You’d never had much to build your nest, but you’d always made do. And now, someone else was being ordered about for your sake, making you feel uncomfortable. “Maybe I should go-”

“No,” Nesta whined, tugging you closer to her. “Stay with us. You’ll adjust in no time,” she insisted. You bit your lip and nodded, still uncertain of if you should truly be here, in their bed.

“You belong with us, sweet omega,” Eris said softly, pressing his lips to yours in reassurance. Nesta growled and followed suit, claiming your lips in a fierce kiss that left you breathless once more.

A knock sounded on the door and Eris stood, shrugging on his dressing gown once more to take the massive armful of fabric from the male at the door. He dumped them onto the bed, silks, wool, and cotton brushing your toes temptingly.

Your omega took the reins, and you began sorting through the pile eagerly. Almost every piece called to you, and soon your nest began to take shape - a large circle extending to the edges of the bed, large enough to fit three comfortably. After an hour, you settled into it, feeling bliss as an omega for the first time.

“Can we come in?” Nesta asked softly, standing at the foot of the bed as she had since you’d begun your nest’s construction.

You nodded eagerly. After all, they were the alphas who had made this possible.

They both climbed into your nest, careful to not ruin the edges that you had so carefully made. “It’s a beautiful nest, dear,” Nesta murmured in your ear as she pulled your back to her chest.

“The most beautiful nest I’ve ever seen,” Eris agreed, pressing a kiss over your exposed mating gland. You preened at the compliments, delighted that your alphas also approved of your nest.

You snuggled back into Nesta as your arms pulled Eris closer, delighting in the feeling of being squished between them. On each side a purr started up in their chests, sending you fully into your omega’s mindset.

This was perfect.

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Nesta didn’t have a mating mark.

She refused it, telling Eris she would not be branded like a cow. She remembered him asking coldy what she would have them mark the marriage with instead. When he struck down the idea that the marriage agreement from the Night Court would suffice, she asked for rings.

“It’s what humans do,” She said.

He scowled but returned a week later with glistening red bands to go on their respective ring fingers.

“How will anyone know this is a mating ring?” He muttered when he walked away, still looking at it on his hand next to all the other rings he wore.

Guilt twisted in her stomach. She wore a high neckline to hide her lack of a mark outside of the Forest house. The ruby dress she wore today for tea had one. At home it didn’t seem to matter. The Autumn Court didn’t care or were too afraid to voice their opinions.

Nesta wanted to ask so badly if Elain wanted the mark. Or if her mate had forced it on her. Did it hurt to receive it? She was told it didn’t if it was during a heat. Elain had always been regular, it was possible even now she planned her ceremony right before it.

“Nesta.” Her gaze snapped up to Elain’s. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” she blinked and took a sip of her tea.

It was not lost on her how Feyre and Elain exchanged a look. If they were communicating silently, she tried to not show she cared. They all finished their tea like nothing had happened. That afternoon, Nesta sequestered herself to her freshly cleaned nest, with a book and a pile of Eris’s shirts she hid from the maids.

“You’re unusually quiet today.” Nesta glanced up from her book. Her mate stood at the door, not entering. “Did you fight with your sisters at tea?”

“No,” she curtly replied. She deliberately did not grant him entrance. “I just thought you’d appreciate the silence.”

“You know I can feel when something bothers you,” he replied smugly. “And you’re here. You may as well tell me now.”

“You are what is bothering me. I’m trying to read.”

He hummed. “Shall I have Cassandra bring your dinner here?”

She pretended to think on it. With a sigh she flipped her page and replied. “No. I’ll be at dinner.”

He nodded and left the doorway without an argument. She closed her book with a huff. Then she pulled one of his shirts up to her face, annoyed and thankful that he let her be.

At the next breakfast tea with her sisters, Nesta was staring again. Only now Elain’s mark had healed to a faint ring, looping up past the sleeve of her dress onto her neck. Unlike last time, however, Elain didn’t dismiss her stares.

“It healed nicely, don’t you think?” Elain said, so soft in that airy tone of hers.

“Yes,” Nesta replied and without much thought asked, “Did it hurt?”

Elain furrowed her brows. “I suppose? Only for a moment when I received it. Did yours hurt?”

Nesta felt her face flush. She could feel the stare from Feyre next to her, no doubt watching her reaction intensely to see what she’d say.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to discuss.” She finally answered.

“Nesta.” It was Feyre who reached over, placing a hand on her forearm. Her blue eyes held such concern, Nesta was taken aback. “You know you can talk to us. If something is wrong.”

“Nothing is wrong,” she shrugged her shoulder to get Feyre’s arm off of her.

“Just know we are here for you Nes.”

She wanted to scoff but instead swallowed down her urge to run or to be worse. The tea went by quicker than planned and when Nesta returned home, she stomped through the halls. When she found her mate lounging in their sitting area, she decided to be blunt the moment he looked up at her.

“I want you to mark me.” She turned her head, baring her neck. “Just do it and get it over with.”

“Why?” He put his book aside and sat up fully on the couch.

“Why?” She glared. “I am obviously a disgrace of a wife- mate, whatever the terms are.” She added with fluster. “So do it. Mark me.”

Eris’s features became dark, so much that fear crept into her stomach. He stood, towering over her and his power rolling off of himself in waves of heat.

“Who said that to you?”

“No one-“

“Someone did. Tell me now.”

She felt the magic wash over her. She only felt a High Lord’s command once before and for Eris to use it- tears welled in her eyes from shame. She fought it for a moment, tilting her chin up and steeling herself.

“It was myself. I said it.” She let the tears fall, spewing truth like it was venom. “Do you not notice the high collars on my dresses I wear outside of court? To the hide my shame? To hide that I am a coward who cannot submit to her husband fully?”

There was heavy silence between them for a moment. Nesta tensed, fighting back her sniffles as she watched Eris carefully. He was good at hiding his emotions like she was. The stern look on his face only faltered when he finally spoke again.

“Do you want it? Tell me yes or no.”

She winced; another command to answer truthfully.

“No.”

“Then it’s not up for further discussion.”

His features soften to that laced with sadness. Nesta was uncertain of what to do. She felt the magic of the command leave her.

“You commanded me,” she whispered.

“Would you have spoken truthfully if I didn’t?” His voice cracked, eyes laced with silver. “I will burn those dresses. I thought you preferred them because they were close to human fashion. If you only wear them to hide a lack of a mark then they are not needed.”

“Why are you not angry?” Nesta yelled. She didn’t understand. “I will not bear your mark!”

“But you already do.” He grabbed her hand and held it up, the red ring flashing under the fae lights. “This is my mark. You accepted it and you wear it.”

“But this is-“

“Human. Yes.” His grip loosened slightly. He pulled her hand up and kissed the tips of her fingers. His voice was softer when he added. “But it is you. This is the only thing you’ve asked of me. I’m not going to take it away from you.”

Amber eyes stared back into her own. She could feel the love he sent her though their shared bond. She shoved back her tears.

“The other courts will talk.” She said softly.

“They always talk.”

“What if they think less of you?” Because I won't submit. Her mind finished where her voice could not.

Eris pulled her to him. Her knees felt weak from the scent of him.

“I do not care what the other courts or high lords think.” He gently tilted her chin up with his free hand. “You are my mate and I love you. The rings are proof enough if they wish to see a physical representation of it.”

Rarely did they utter the words to each other, so when Nesta said them, her voice cracked a little. “I love you too.”

Eris then swept her off her feet into his arms, making her yell at the sudden movement.

“I think we should retire for the night,” he smirked carrying her down the hall. “I do owe you an extensive apology for commanding you earlier.”

“That you do.” She added sternly, “And you better not ever do it again.”

“Are you threatening me, love?” He grinned and he nudged open the door with his foot.

“Would it be me if I didn’t?” She smiled.

The next time Nesta saw her sisters, she wore an off the shoulder gold dress. Her heart was pounding in her ears as she approached but she held her head high. Both Elain and Feyre’s eyes went to her neck. Then Feyre yelled out, pumping her fist in the air.

“I knew it! Nesta, you just won me so much money.”

“Excuse me?” Nesta stopped, glaring at Feyre.

“Rhys swore Eris would make you take his mark. I told him he didn’t know how stubborn you were. I told him!”

“As if Eris makes her do anything,” Elain giggled.

“I’m right here!” Nesta’s face had flushed and she turned her glare to Elain. “You both made bets on me?”

Elain shrugged. “You’ve been mated for so long, I didn’t think the mark was an issue. You were acting odd the last two months. I suspected you might be pregnant. So I lost that bet.”

Nesta scoffed, so uncomfortable with her sisters bombarding her. “I should go back home; you both are insufferable.”

“You also wear a ring,” Feyre teased. “They don’t know what that is on your hand. But we do.” She guestered between herself and Elain.

“Then why didn’t you just ask? Or say something?” Nesta snapped.

“We asked you the last time we saw you if something was bothering you!” Feyre put her hands on her hips. “You got defensive!”

Nesta couldn’t argue with her on that, she paced for a moment in a small circle. “By the mother, can we just have our tea?”

Elain let out a laugh that rang throughout the little garden they were sequestered in. Nesta sent her a glare but neither pushed it further. When they finally sat down, Elain eyed her as she poured the tea.

“So what made you finally stop wearing high collars?”

Nesta huffed. “I’m going to need a stronger drink than tea if we are going to have that discussion.”

Water vapour gathers on the rock ceiling, coalescing into condensation, running down the tip of a stalactite before dripping down the nap of his neck. He shivers. 

Something clicks in the far off distance, the noise muffled and blurred from echoes as it hums to him through the deep tunnel system. The clicking continues, coming closer, until the tip-tap of those stiletto heeled shoes comes to a stop at the far end of the cave. Even through the slight haze that has crept into Azriel’s eyes he knows the figure. 

Amber eyes cut through the darkness like searing steel fresh from a forge. “You look comfortable.”

Azriel’s spine turns ramrod straight, muscle curling taut through his warrior’s body, resplendent golden thread stitching his lungs shut. Eris’ gaze flickers approvingly, and Azriel’s lip curls with fury. “What are you doing here?” He puts as much ice into his voice as he can manage. But it belies the emotion swirling within his chest, raging inside his mind—relief at finding company, and revulsion Eris would seek him out in a moment like this.

But Eris shakes his head, strong arms folding across his narrow chest, sleek and powerful. “You know, it’s not just your problem, Azriel. It’s mine, too.” His name sends a shiver up his spine, forcing his wings to tuck in tight so as not to reveal the biological reactions. He’s vulnerable enough as it is. 

“Get out.” 

Eris looks him over, a bored look on his sharp features. Then the clicking starts again, leisurely striding toward him. 

Azriel snarls, getting to his feet, his body made heavier by the weakening hormones beginning to seep into his bloodstream. “I won’t tell you again,” Azriel mutters, wings flaring in warning as the alpha steps closer, entering his circle. 

“And what will you do, omega?” Eris asks, coming to a smooth halt less than a step away. “You’re chained up. In gorsian shackles, no less. Where are those shadows of yours?” 

“You have no right to be here.” 

“No? You’re going to reject it? We both know that would be a worse choice for you. An omega can’t survive without its—”

“Shut up.” Azriel hisses. The centres of his palms surely have indents in them by now. “I don’t need you.” 

“Yes, you do.” Eris steps closer, close enough Azriel tries to shift his head to the side so he won’t have to take the male’s scent into his lungs, so it won’t catalyse the inevitable heat that’s beginning to stir to life in his body, his pulse beginning to spike. 

“You have me now.” Eris says, and Azriel’s body turns rigid when the heirling places an owning palm atop his heart, exuding proprietary entitlement. “It’ll be worse without me.” 

“I’d rather die.” 

“And then I’ll be left without a mate. That can’t happen.” 

Gods, Azriel can feel his skin warming. There’s a tightness in his throat that shouldn’t be there, a shallowness to his breath that signals the commencement of his heat. Azriel’s pulse spikes when Eris’ hand lifts higher, stepping closer still. Close enough that he’s trapped, wings already scratching against jagged rock. Eris’ palm stops at his jaw, the nail of his thumb grazing across Azriel’s cheek. 

“I won’t tell anybody,” Eris murmurs, amber eyes like molten magma, searing into his flesh, stoking the embers of what will quickly become wildfire. “I can feel it. It’s beginning to compound.”

“You have no right.” Azriel hisses through gritted teeth, blood rushing around his ears, a familiar tingle beginning to spread through his legs. “Unhand me.” 

Amber eyes burn. 

Azriel’s blood scalds his veins, heat accumulating swiftly, catalysed by this male’s invasion. 

A muscle flickers in Eris’ jaw. And he steps away. 

Azriel’s chains rattle as he instinctively takes a step forward, chasing the touch, but forces his body to freeze. Teeth grinding, wings pulled taut at his back. 

“You want me.” Eris mutters, a lick of flame in his amber eyes. 

“I hate you.” Azriel snarls. 

“They can coexist.” 

Azriel needles the male with an icy glare, cold enough to burn. Eris watches quietly, his sharp eyes narrowed. 

“Do your brothers know about me?” Eris asks, the honed edge of his drawl making sweat bead down Azriel’s spine. Skin prickling beneath the serrated tone. “There’s nothing to tell them.” Azriel spits lowly, wings beginning to shiver. “You could die this time. You’re happy with none of them knowing why?” 

“I think it would be a mercy to pass without any of them knowing who I’d been mated to.” 

Eris’ lip curls in a barely suppressed snarl, and Azriel has to steel himself against the urge for his legs to buckle, weakness flooding through his body. Amber eyes lick over his figure once, before hot, rough palms are pushing against his chest, a compact, distinctly male body pressing to Azriel’s, a thigh between his legs. A shocked breath of air is snatched to the shadowsinger’s lungs, eyes marginally widened at the close proximity, the rampant heat bursting in his lower body in response to such a relatively minor touch. 

“Fine.” Eris bites out against his mouth, almost close enough to taste the fiery male. “Have it your way. But I’m staying right here. You aren’t the only one this will affect now you’re tied to me.” 

“Like anything you’ll experience will even compare,” Azriel hisses before he can stop himself. Long, deft fingers curl themselves in the collar of Azriel’s shirt, scrunching the fabric in the male’s large fist as Eris forcefully drags him closer, mouths less than an inch apart, able to feel hot, harsh breath ghosting across his skin. “It wouldn’t have to be a trial for you if you’d let me help. Like it or not, we’re in this together. So either you can make it hard on yourself, or we can cooperate.” Eris’ eye burn like ruby flames. “Let me help you.” 

In the time between Eris first appearing and now, Azriel’s discipline has rapidly deteriorated. His discipline quickly slipping the leash with alarming skill as Eris shifts his hip, the toned muscle of his thigh rubbing against the seam of Azriel’s leathers. The Shadowsinger grits his teeth, jaw working almost painfully. He forces his gaze elsewhere, being drawn in by the hypnotising burn of colour in his-…in Eris’ eyes. Azriel drags breath into his lungs, inhaling through his nose, humiliation rushing his abdomen at the prominence of his own arousal—how it’s already thickly permeating the air, turning it denser; smokier. 

Azriel’s scent shouldn’t be smoky. 

Hazel eyes slide open, half-glazed. “You’re enjoying this,” Azriel bites out, every syllable an effort to drag from his throat. A beat passes, and Eris holds his gaze. Now Azriel has identified that scent, what it means, the hunger seems obvious. Fury barrels through the haze of his mind, adrenaline returning enough sense to his muscles to grab at Eris’ shoulders, shoving him firmly, keeping the flat-tips of his fingers biting into the heirling’s flesh. Azriel hopes it hurts. Hopes he can squeeze and pop bones out of place. 

“You came here knowing you were going into rut?” Azriel snarls, noting how the flame blazes in Eris’ gaze at the mention of his state. “You’re a fucking piece of work, Vanserra.” But Eris retaliates, strengthening his already brutal grip on Azriel’s shirt, overpowering the weakened Spymaster as hormones begin to spike. “I came here because your heat triggered it,” Eris growls, tugging so hard at the fabric Azriel hears it begin to rip. “Have you clocked that yet, omega? We’re tied to one another. If you don’t survive this heat without me, I’ll be having to deal with something far worse.” 

“So you want me to let you fuck me just so you don’t have to deal with that?” Azriel gives a harsh, derisive laugh. “Like I’d ever make it that easy for you. If this kills me I’ll go happily knowing you never got your hands on me.” 

“And you said I was the piece of fucking work.” Eris hisses over Azriel’s mouth, lips brushing, pupils dilating with hunger. “You’re really so proud you’ll let yourself die over something like this?” 

Azriel smirks. “I might make it.” 

Eris shoves the Shadowsinger back, a hiss of fury mixed with pain releasing from his mouth as rock abrades the sensitive membrane of his wings. Shared breath mixes between them, both brandishing hot tempers while fighting against raging instincts. Fighting on two fronts. Eris swallows once, attempting to sooth the white-hot flame burning in his blood. “By Autumn Court law I have every right to you,” he breathes, fingers lessening on Azriel’s shirt but not releasing. “And by Night Court law I am free to claim you, now that a bond has made itself clear.” 

“And I’ve told you I’d rather die.” 

Eris’ nostrils flare, his jaw wound impossibly tight. 

He releases Azriel. Steps back. Puts some distance between them. No more than a few steps. Eris can’t make himself move any further. 

“I wouldn’t have spent so much effort on trying to convince you if I wasn’t going to listen to your opposition.” Eris says at last, amber eyes hot and molten. “I said I would at least stay here. I won’t do anything you don’t want.” 

“Like I’ll believe a single word from your—”

“Shut up.” Eris snarls, voice ablaze with white-hot dominance. 

Azriel’s mouth seals shut, wings tucking meekly at his back, knees nearly buckling at the command. 

Eris runs a hand through his hair. “I came here to offer help—help that would be mutually beneficial. Even you can see that.” Azriel’s lip curls but he says nothing. “Like I said before: hate and want can coexist.” 

“Well I don’t want you.” 

Eris turns on his heel, clicking sternly across the uneven rock floor and Azriel braces himself for the rough shove to his shoulders, the winding punch to the gut, a kick to the stomach. Instead a hot, rough palm slides around the nape of his neck, fingers threading pleasurably through his silky hair, his hazel eyes fluttering with a surge of dizziness. Another palm settles at his jaw, tilting his chin, angling him right. “You don’t want me?” Eris whispers. “Then one kiss should be fine. Right?” 

Azriel’s pulse spikes in his chest. Staggering heat accumulating between his legs. Just Eris’ mouth on top of his, Eris’ tongue flicking against his own, Eris’ body pressed tight against another. Just his alpha touching him exactly as he’s supposed to. Amber eyes are staring into him but Azriel’s gaze has been caught by the heirling’s lips. Rosey, elegantly narrow, parted. Inviting and taunting. Azriel manages a half nod. 

“Ask me.” 

Azriel drags resentful eyes up to the heirling’s, but the reproach dissipates when he’s met with sincerity. Eris wants Azriel to clearly say it himself. 

Azriel swallows. He won’t be able to lie to himself and pretend it was out of his control. He’s still more than aware enough to know what’s going on. He won’t be able to spin this against the male pressed so close to his body. Whose thigh had briefly been between his legs. How good that had felt. 

“Kiss me,” Azriel breathes. 

Eris’ eyes flicker, then a warm, narrow mouth is pushing to his own. Lips that taste of warm spices with a hint of brown sugar caramelising on his tongue. Chains clink at Azriel’s sides, then silky hair is threaded between his fingers, his pulse beginning to sooth its sharp, snare-drum-staccato beat. A pleasant pressure presses between his legs, Eris’ hip ghosting across the front of Azriel’s leathers, delicately inclining his weight into the Illyrian so he can feel the firm, powerful pressure against him. Azriel’s hips shift along the muscle of Eris’ thigh. A hot tongue strokes across his own, and saliva mixes swiftly after. 

Azriel doesn’t know how long they’ve been kissing when Eris pulls away, returning once to run his tongue over the curve of Azriel’s lower lip, a wet, silvery thread stretching between them. 

Is Azriel delirious or is the creamy pale skin on his alpha’s cheeks slightly coloured? 

Eris’ thumb swipes smoothly across the saliva-wet top of Azriel’s lower lip, applying a light pressure at the centre to reveal pale teeth. A tongue, guarded, behind them. 

Azriel licks his lips, hazel eyes glazed as he leans forward, fingers that had somehow found their way into Eris’ hair clutching tighter. But Eris pulls away, “I thought you didn’t want me.”

“I hate you.” Azriel murmurs, softer than a breath. Eris arches a narrow brow, “you aren’t denying it this time.” 

Heat warms Azriel’s cheeks but it’s hard to distinguish from the thrumming pulse of his heart, how hot his blood is as it courses through his body, rushing from his head. 

“Once.” The word is less than a whisper, but Eris hears it clear as day. “Just this once.” 

“Unique circumstances require unique solutions.” 

“This doesn’t mean anything, Vanserra.” 

“Of course not, omega.” 

Azriel’s lip curls in a half snarl, but Eris is much faster, broad palms spanning over the jutting bone of the Shadowsinger’s hip, tugging him tight to the heirling’s front, mouth descending gluttonously to his mate’s exposed throat. A gasp that sounds far too close to pleasure escapes Azriel’s mouth, head tipping back as teeth nip along his shoulder, a hot tongue licking across his neck, incisors grazing a spot that has a shiver running up Azriel’s spine. He’s slipping. Can feel his discipline fraying at the edges. 

Scarred palms press themselves flat to the jagged rock at his back, fingers curling as the hard ridge of nails drags across the stone in attempts to keep himself from unraveling entirely. 

Eris shifts his body, and everything clicks into place. 

Biological satisfaction satiates Azriel’s hunger, but drives him to consume more. 

Roughened palms grip a pale-skinned jaw, dragging those lips back to his with an open mouth. Azriel’s skin burns, and he twines one of his legs around Eris’, tilting his hips so the seam of his leathers is rubbing against him, and— 

A humiliating sound leaves his throat when Eris’ hips buck into his own. Broad, pale hands rise to squeeze firmly at Azriel’s waist, thumbs digging into muscle to hold him still. Amber eyes pierce into him, watching intently as Eris presses the edge of his hip carefully between Azriel’s legs. The Spymaster can feel the hot flush colouring his cheeks, the pleasure tingling in his lower abdomen…he knows this kind of sensation, what will follow too quickly after it… 

Azriel’s head tips back, rock clanging pain through his skull but he doesn’t care as Eris’ hand slips between them, palming the Shadowsinger through his leathers. And it feels good. Azriel’s arms leave the safety of the rock wall, twining themselves immovably around Eris’ shoulders, the Spymaster’s spine arcing from the stone to feel the sturdy presence of his mate as the orgasm rushes through his blood, practically turning it to steam in his veins as pure pleasure takes his life-force’s place. 

Hazel eyes manage to flicker open, met with creamy, pale skin, threads of fiery, silky hair settled at the nape of Eris’ neck, soft new hair curling from his skin. Azriel inhales, that rich, sweet and smoky scent cutting off circulation of thought—it’s too good to not taste. 

Amber eyes slide shut, a heady groan rumbling in the heirling’s chest as Azriel opens his mouth over Eris’ throat, licking up the side and nipping with his teeth. Long, deft fingers outmanoeuvre the ties keeping leathers together, pushing them away. Eris can feel how hard his omega is, the dampness of the fabric concealing him still. The heirling drags the heel of his palm down the thick length of Azriel’s cock, already leaking again and desperate for stimulation. 

“Hurry up.” Azriel pants, scarred fingers curling tight in fiery locks of hair, his hips tilting to rub against Eris’ palm, already needing a second relief. “What are you waiting—” Azriel cuts himself off with a gasp when Eris’ hand wraps itself around his cock, able to feel every finger, every knuckle… Nails dig into the heirling’s back as Eris lazily swipes his thumb over the tip, smearing precum that had nestled there. 

The Shadowsinger snarls in frustration when Eris pulls his hand away, then bites down on the aggression as pale fingers rise to a rosey mouth, elegantly narrow. “Eris, what are you…” 

Wild heat spreads through Azriel’s abdomen, pleasure and satisfaction twining together as the alpha’s tongue licks at the gleaming, creamy liquid. His cock twitches, hips pressing themselves flush to his mate’s, feeling slick beginning to drip down his thighs. In the past he’s found the sensation uncomfortable, invasive and suddenly sensitive, but now he’s in heat with his…with Eris, it doesn’t feel as awful as he remembers. Maybe even promising something good, this time around. 

Azriel’s cheeks are stained with colour as Eris pushes an open-mouthed kiss to his lips, tongue flicking and stroking, sharing the flavour as movements lose their gentle curve, steadily roughening, sharpening at their edges to demands. “Don’t you taste good?” Eris murmurs between the hot, feverish kisses, cum mixing with saliva. Azriel struggles to register the thought, and instead his scarred hands are roughly tugging clothing free from his mate’s body, buttons flying as Azriel uses a bit too much strength, tearing the fabric in his haste. 

“Impatient.” Eris murmurs, but it’s distinctly fond, lacking its authoritarian drawl. Azriel doesn’t care if he’s impatient—he’s in heat. 

“Stop dragging it out,” Azriel pants, fingers trailing down the bare expanse of the alpha’s chest, marvelling at the sight. “You said you were here to help.” 

“Shall I help you?” 

Hazel eyes flick up to meet amber. If these chains weren’t here, they threaten. 

Eris’ lips curve, as if he understands the unspoken demand to hurry up. “I think you look quite nice in them.” 

Azriel’s cock twitches at the low drawl, heat fluttering through his lower abdomen, arousal shivering with pleasure. “Stop teasing. Do something.” 

“Do something,” Eris muses, reaching to his trousers. Azriel’s tongue wets his lips. “Do something like…unchain you?” 

Sure enough, that’s a set of keys twinkling before him. 

Azriel lurches blindly at the promise of pleasure, but Eris steps back, heels clicking just out of reach. A thunderous snarl rips through the inner chamber, water droplets dislodged from stalactites far above. 

Amber eyes glance over the keys idly, twirling the coil of metal holding them together around one long index finger. Rosey lips curve in a smirk that makes the Shadowsinger’s knees nearly buckle. 

🧡🤍❤️‍🔥🤍🧡

You were currently in the orchard picking apples, already far behind your daily quota with how feverish you had felt since waking. Yet you persisted, unwilling to let your family down and not have a large enough harvest to present to the High Lord.

The orchards were where you preferred to spend your time, breathing in the soothing scent of crisp autumn air. Harvest month was your favorite time of each season, the air sweetened by grown fruit.

Today though, you could hardly smell anything, a rarity for you nose. You supposed you might be coming down with a cold, given the fever you had.

You were halfway through picking your third basket when it hit you - the mouthwatering scent of crisp leaves, apples, and a hint of smoke having your head turning to find the source without a thought.

It took a moment, but between the trees in the distance you spotted him - an auburn haired male dressed in Autumn Court finery.

You began moving on instinct, dropping the basket in your arms to the ground and starting towards the male. When you were within fifty paces of him, his head turned, fiery amber eyes meeting yours.

His scent was stronger now, an irresistible pull as you approached him without hesitation, arms circling his neck and your face resting in the crook of his neck. You took in greedy lungfuls of his scent and let out a relieved sigh, the fever in your body abating slightly.

A rustling noise behind you elicited a growl from the male's throat, sending a lick of heat straight to your core. You melted further into him, sighing when his arms lifted your legs to hook around his hips, his hands gripping your ass.

"Sweet omega, is this your first heat?" He asked sweetly as he moved to a tree, resting your back against it. When you didn't answer, merely began licking at the skin of his neck - he tasted even better than he smelled - a firm hand pulled your face from his neck, eliciting a whine from you as you licked your lips, desperate to taste more of him. "Omega, is this your first heat?" He asked again, looking you in the eye until you answered.

You nodded, though you weren't *entirely convinced you were an omega.

He was just... delicious.

"Do you need alpha's knot?"

*Alpha? The burning ache within you grew and you nodded again - if he was suggesting it, surely it was what you needed.

"Good omega," he purred, the words only fanning the flames of your arousal. With one arm, he was able to hold you to the tree, the other hand working to shimmy the skirts of your dress up to your hips, only your underwear covering your center now. Amber eyes watched your lids flutter as one long finger ran up your clothed slit, heady arousal blending perfectly into his scent.

Two careful fingers pinched your panties between them, a flame incinerating them the next moment. Autumn air hit your glistening cunt, slick slowly leaking from you already.

A groan came from the male's throat, his free hand already springing his cock from his trousers, dragging the head up and down the length of you. You moaned when he slid across your clit, your head falling against the tree trunk behind you.

"Alpha," you whined pitifully, needing *more. "*Please."

"Since my omega asked so sweetly," he said teasingly, before slowly pressing the head of his cock to your entrance, slipping inside an inch.

The stretch to accommodate him added to the burn already coursing through you, white hot pain lancing through you for a moment as he pressed in further. The pad of his thumb rubbed your clit, soothing away the hurt and turning it to heady pleasure as he continued forging his way into you.

Your head tilted forward, forehead falling against his shoulder once he was fully seated within you, feeling fuller than you'd ever thought possible.

Lips pressed to your neck softly, a sigh leaving you at the tenderness of it. "Such a sweet little omega, hidden out here. So sweet for her alpha, hmm?" The alpha asked, and you just barely managed to nod before whining at the fire coursing through you still. "Don't worry, alpha's going to make it all better."

His hips started moving slowly, each thrust more heavenly than the last. Your pleasure built quickly, aided by the teeth grazing the sensitive gland at the base of your neck, so obvious now that you've presented.

Moans and the slapping of skin filled the orchard around you, the cool air doing nothing to ease the ache within you like the drag of his cock against your inner walls was.

Pleasure overtook you when his cock angled just right, hitting a sweet spot just right. You keened loudly into the air before letting your teeth dig into his shoulder, a hiss the only warning you had before your alpha picked up his pace, thrusting into you as quickly as he was able in this position.

The base of his cock began to swell, catching on your entrance with every pull, until he pushed into you one last time, his thumb circling your clit as his hips twitched, knot inflating within you as you crested the edge again from, set of teeth biting into your neck while wave after wave of cooling pleasure washing over you.

Some time later, you came back to awareness, laid on your side with your alpha's knot still locked inside of you. Now, though, you were laying atop a soft bed, thick red woolen blanket pulled over the two of you.

"Keep sleeping, 'mega," your alpha said, the gentle command in his voice enough to have you obeying, drifting back to sleep with his scent ingrained in your nose, the feel of him etched permanently into you.