#sjmsstuff writes

“Can you eat it?”

Elain startled, she had been examining the embroidery on the carpet.

“Pardon?”

Always so polite, Elain.

“The plant, is it edible?”

“Oh,” she blinked. Why was she surprised? It wasn’t a hard question? “No, no it’s not edible.”

“Right” Perhaps it had healing properties. He didn’t really want to ask. It had taken her too long to answer the first question. Maybe Gwyn would know.

He’d ask her when she got back. She had been gone for too long.

“Where’s Gwyn?”

Elain once again startled. She shouldn’t really be surprised by the person next to her talking.

“Um, I’m not sure she’s been gone only a few minutes. I could perhaps find her if you want.”

A shadow curled near his ear. Apparently he should not ask Nice Elain to chase down his Gwyn.

“No. I can find her myself thank you” he began to get up.

Elain looked alarmed, “No. no stay in bed-“

But Az was already standing. Blinking. He was tall. The room looked different from up here. Odd.

Just then Cass entered. He was tall as well. His eyebrows shot up. Maybe they wanted to be taller. He should ask.

“Do your eyebrows prefer being high?”

Elain’s narrowed and scrunched together. Hers probably preferred to be shorter.

“Do you prefer being high Az?” Cassian’s response was dry.

The answer was obvious. “Yes, I like being tall.”

Cass grinned, “Get back into bed brother, you’re going to pull your stitches then Madja will have to come back.”

“Where’s Gwyn.”

Cassian glanced towards Elain, who again was staring at the carpet. It wasn’t that nice. She could have it if she liked. She gave back his necklace so technically he owed her a present. He was about to offer her the ugly rug when Cassian responded.

“Gwyn’s in the library. She’s been woefully neglecting her duties and had to catch up.”

Az tensed, “When will she be back?”

Cass looked rueful, “Why brother?”

“Cant make Rhys’s mistake”

“Okay. I don’t know what that means but get back into bed, you should be sobered up in an hour or two.”

***

It made sense. Really it did.

She ran to him that night she awoke with memories clawing at her throat.

She somehow knew how to comfort him back to sleep, using her old lullaby when he was wrenched from sleep and found himself in a foreign darkness.

Her visceral reaction to his injuries.

The way her body seemed to come alive around him. How made her ache and then satisfied that ache so well.

She had reached Merril’s work room.

She cracked open the door silently, left the books on the priestess’ desk and tried to sneak away.

She had to talk to Az.

Just as Gwyn turned to leave, a pale wrist sneaked out around the chair and grabbed the edge of her robes.

“Gwyn? Where do you think you’re going?, next item on your list is to organise this shelf.”

Said shelf stretched the length of the entire wall, up to the ceiling. Half the books were backwards, the other half in piles on the floor. It would take at least an hour.

Gwyn opened her mouth to argue.

“Be careful Gwyneth, I will not hesitate to report you and ensure no other scholar will even look in your direction.”

She closed her mouth. Az wasn’t going anywhere. He’d be there when she needed him. ***

It was almost two hours, when Gwyn finally escaped the veritable prison that was Merril’s office. She sprinted up the stairs almost flattening Elain who was just leaving Azriel’s room.

“Oof”

“Elain. You’re still here,” Gwyn ran a hand over her robes and straightened her necklace, “Is Az still in there?”

“Yes, but he’s asleep. The rest of the herbs wore off about half an hour ago, Madja gave him a once over, and he fell asleep shortly after.”

“Okay, thank you. I’ll just check up on him and then find Nes”

Elain glanced down at the necklace. Gwyn straightened her back.

“That’s pretty.” Her tone was cold.

“Azriel gave it to me,” If Elain’s tone was frosty, Gwyn’s was glacial.

The side of Elains mouth turned up slightly. Gwyn wanted to smack that look right off her face, “looks familiar.”

What did that mean?

“Goodbye Elain” ***

Gwyn entered the familiar bedroom to find her mate sat up in bed, hazel eyes more clear than they’d been in days. He inhaled sharply when he laid eyes on her. His shadows, which had taken to swirling idly around him in recent days, snapped to attention.

“You’re here”

“You’re awake”

“I am. Fully healed according to Madja.”

“That’s good”

“I’m glad you think so”

“Gwyn?”

“Az?”

“I need to tell you something.”

“Okay”

“And I refuse to make the same mistake Rhys did. That mistake left him lying in the mud and searching the land for Feyre. I don’t want that.”

Gwyn nodded solemnly.

“And I’ve tried to tell you but we keep getting interrupted and I don’t know how you’ll take this, but it’s only fair you know-“

Good Gods, Azriel the silent shadowsinger was babbling.

“I’m sorry that it’s me but-“

Gwyn crossed the room in quick strides. Grabbing his chiselled jaw between her small hands, she kissed him. Deep and hard.

His hands came up to grip her waist, pulling her fully against him.

Gwyn leaned back, dragging his lip between her teeth. This close she could taste the sweet herbs on his breath.

“Don’t ever apologise for being mine.”

He pounced. An arm around her middle flipped her onto her back. His lips at her ear parted around a ragged breath.

Gwyn tugged her hands through his hair, tousling the onyx locks. His lithe fingers found the lacing at the back of her dress, and he paused.

She was pinned beneath his hips, the thin cloth of his sleeping pants doing nothing to hide how hard he was beneath them, yet still he pulled back.

“You want this?” His voice was jagged and deliciously deep.

Gwyn arched her spine, tracking the way his eyes fell to her chest, “I want it all. Everything Az. You’re my mate.”

Her robes were ripped open in a second, in tatters on the floor the next. His chest was bare against her. The swirls of tattoos stark against the tanned skinned and defined muscles.

A groan clawed it’s way out as he kissed down her neck. Az mouthed at her breast and groaned when he saw how she gripped the other herself.

He caught her nipple between his teeth and kissed away the sting as she rolled her hips.

Slowly he loosened the ties of her undergarments, careful not to touch her skin.

He tugged them down, baring her fully to the night.

The cool air felt so good against her damp opening, but nowhere near as good as Az’s lips as they kissed down her stomach.

Shadows wrapped around her waist, pinning her writhing form to the bed. She knew, at the slightest hesitation they would dissipate, but for now their powerful presence was heady.

Az kissed either side of her thigh, drawing nearer but never quite hitting where she wanted, before dancing back up to her stomach.

He was teasing.

Not fair.

Only thing to do is be not fair back.

She lifted one of her legs slightly to brush gently against the large wing hanging over them.

The effect was instantaneous. Groaning, hands gripped in the sheets, Az glared up at her.

She did it again and watched as his eyes rolled back.

“Stop,” Az’s words were barely audible through a growl, “Gwyn stop right now or I’m going to come before I’m able to properly taste you.”

Gwyn smiled and rolled her hips, “then you should probably taste me.”

He dove back between her legs, no hesitation this time just pure animalistic savagery that he unleashed on her clit. His tongue did things to cause her screams echoing around the room.

A shadow, more solid than the rest brushed softly at her entrance.

Nearing the edge, she thrust against his mouth. His low swears got lost somewhere in the wetness between her legs. That shadow pressed into her entrance, almost in. She gasped, her hands in his hair.

The shadows tying her down loosened their hold. Taking this opportunity Gwyn dragged Azriel away from his work. He growled and looked ready to pin her down again until she kissed him fully. ***

Gods, Azriel would never get enough of her taste. She was sweet and soft and light and he never wanted to leave his home between her legs. Her hair was a halo on the sheets around her, the colour high in her cheeks could rival the sunrise over the mountains. She was perfect. She was his.

“Az,” his name on her lips caused his already swollen cock to jump. He kissed her deeply, drove that hard shadow just to her slick entrance again. She pulled away gasping . “Az I want your hands”

He stilled, “What?”

Her breasts rose in uneven breaths, “I know how you feel about them, I know you’re afraid to touch me. But I don’t want shadows, I don’t want brushes I want to feel you gripping me.”

But his hands were scarred, they’d hurt her, marre her and that was unthinkable.

She must have seen the hesitation in his eyes, because slowly she took his hand from its clenched position in the sheets and brought it to her mouth.

Softly, lips like the wings of a butterfly, she kissed his palm, around the heel of his hand.

She kissed every scar, every bump on his ruined hand.

And when she got to the tip of his middle finger she parted her lips.

Slowly, holding his gaze, she took that finger into her mouth.

Every thought emptied from Az’s brain.

She took it all the way down. Az was transfixed.

Lightly, she flicked her tongue across the pad of his finger.

Of it’s own accord his other hand gripped her naked waist. She rolled her hips.

Then eyes still on him, moaned softly.

Az ripped his hand away from her. She had the gall to look disappointed, but that only lasted a second before her eyes almost crossed with pleasure.

Az took that wet finger and placed it directly on her clit.

Gwyn arched. Az stroaked, bending to kiss back down her stomach till he tasted her again.

Gwyn didn’t realise, by giving Az permission to touch her, he was never letting go.

She wasn’t scared of his hands, not of his past. That knowledge went straight to his balls. She didn’t just tolerate his scars, she wanted them all over her.

Gods, Azriel never believed he would find someone as perfect as her.

Slowly he inserted a finger into her entrance. Pausing to make sure she was okay, then chuckling softly at her mewls of protest.

She was hot and warm and gloriously tight.

A male could loose his mind in heat like this. Az fully intended to do so.

But first, he was going to make his mate come.

In and out, gently pulling those pretty cries from those gorgeous lips. Fuck those lips looked good around his finger. They’d look so much better wrapped around his-

Gwyn’s cries we’re reaching new heights drawing Az’s attention back to female writhing beneath him.

Almost instinctively he could feel the moment she tightened.

When she got to the peak and was just about to fall.

One flick and she was glorious.

Back arched, hips rolling, thighs quivering around his head.

Gwyn was never going to stop coming. It would be cruel to deprive the world of such melodic heaven.

He’d ensure she never stopped. ***

Gwyn couldn’t breathe. The pleasure was too intense. And looking down to see Az between her legs. Fingers still pumping inside her almost sent her over the edge again.

Fuck he was hot.

Dark hair tousled, lips red and glistening, hazel eyes filled with a determination.

She pulled him back up her body, kissing him deeply, tasting herself on his lips.

“Az” she was breathless, hips still jerking in time with his fingers, the feeling was too intense, “I can’t…”

Thought we’re chased out of her head by an impending orgasm.

This time her eyes stayed fixed on Az’s. She could see the savage pleasure he garnered from her release.

Gwyn kept her gaze fixed on him while she reached down and gripped the large shape tenting his pants.

Az’s eyes glowed with pure pleasure and his hips jerked forward.

Fuck.

He was huge.

And she needed him.

Now.

Pushing down the waistband of his pants, she reached around his girth and gripped him fully in her hand.

He kicked off his pants, swearing softly at the friction his movements caused.

“Gwyn?” His voice was low.

“Yes?” His fingers coasted over her necklace, the only thing either of them was wearing.

“Please I-“ his voice caught as she tightened her grip. “Please I need you to say it”

She smirked, and thrust her hand, watching in delight as his whole body bowed, “hear me say what Az?”

His eyes were bright with lust and edged with desire, “Don’t play with me, not now.”

The fingers that had stilled inside her came back to life, curving to hit that spot, just there-

“Fuck me Az. Please, fuck me.”

His smirk was sexy and breathtaking. This close she could see the delicate flecks of green in those hazel eyes.

His expression turned reverent, his fingers coasting her cheek, “Any moment, just say the word and we stop okay?”

Gwyn nodded, breathless.

“Sweetheart, you’re going to need to say it out loud.”

“Yes, Az I understand. Now please,” she shifted her hips, running her wetness across his length. “Get inside me.”

The hand that had been stroking her cheek tangled into her hair, while the other reached down between their bodies to guide him in.

His swear was low and dirty. Her breath was sharp in her chest.

Slowly and so sweetly he eased himself into her. His forehead creased in concentration as he filled and filled and filled her.

Fuck he was giant. Not even fully in and she was panting.

He glanced up at her, “You alright?”

Fuck his voice is low. “Yes, you’re just er.. large.”

He grinned, “but you’re okay?”

She shifted her hips, taking more of him into her, “yes. Keep moving”

One last roll of his hips and he was in to the hilt.

Good gods the feeling was intense. Azriel apparently felt the same way.

He was groaning low, then he was staring into her eyes and then-

Gwyn gasped and Az was moving. Slowly so slowly pulling out an inch then gliding back into hot, wet heat.

Pressure was already building at the base of her spine. So tentatively Gwyn rolled her hips. Azriel’s eyes rolled back at her motion so she did again.

“Gwyn… I-“ his eyes were unfocused and heady, looking into her soul, “I don’t know if I’ll last… you’re… fuck you’re tight and… wet”

His voice was guttural. Low and gravelly and the hottest thing.

Nope the hottest thing is when his teeth dug into his bottom lip to try stop the moan that still slipped out.

Oh gods this was good. Rolling her hips to take more of him in, Gwyn’s gasp was met with a bruising kiss. Pressure kept building.

Everything was sharper and she was so close and Az was groaning and kissing her and her legs were shaking around his hips and her eyes were closing and-

Az reached down and flicked her clit.

Gwyn screamed. The sensations were too much. Incoherent cries that said something like “Az” and “please” and “gods yes”.

His tongue was in her mouth and he was shuddering, hazel eyes cloudy and unfocused.

As the sensations abated, Gwyn was filled with a sense of giddiness. No wonder Cassian and Nes were doing this 24/7. She smiled up at Az. His hand cupped her cheek and his face full of wonder.

His voice cracked and he said, “I love you.”

Gwyn reached up and kissed him. It started sweet but then he slipped in his tongue and suddenly he was hardening inside her and she was say “I love you back” and Az was groaning and his hands were on her breasts and Gwyn was coming and everything was just so intense.

Three times. They had sex three times before Gwyn let Az out of bed to get her water. She could feel him in her chest. That same connection she’d had since she met him. The one that drew him to her when her home was attacked. How she knew where to find him when the dreams became too much. How she could sense when he fell.

Azriel’s body really was fully recovered. Gods he was just rippling muscle and lean power. Still naked her looked over his shoulder at her from where he was pouring a glass of water.

The glass was abandoned and he was inside her again and they were rolling. Two body’s in tandem, flush against eachother, dripping in ecstasy and coated in pure pleasure.

When they finally peeled apart, Gwyn was drenched in sweat. She glanced across the mattress to where Az lay grinning at her.

“What?” She should have felt self conscious but Az never made her feel anything but comfortable… and horny… and sexy… and-

“When did you know?” His question shocked her out of her strange line of thought.

“I think maybe I always knew. We always fit together, but I realised when I read a dumb description in a book. Words described the indescribable and it all just clicked.” Her voice was the soft glow of a warm lantern on a dark night. “When did you know?”

“That night I fell asleep with you in my arms.” He stretched out like a lazy cat and Gwyn resisted the urge to jump him, “You were soft and bright and when I woke in the darkness I wasn’t alone. And now I have you I don’t think I’ll ever be alone again.”

Gwyn reached out and stroked his cheek, he pressed into her palm. Tugging her close, he rolled her and they fell asleep like that. Her back against his front, his wing curled around them both. Two bodies tangled, two souls entwined.

A/N: do you guys hate me because it’s been 2 months? Is anyone still even paying attention to this fic? Honestly I have very little excuses for you except like life and shit. This fic is so dear to me and I keep working on it and then leaving it and then coming back and it’s taking so long and honestly just count urselves lucky you’re getting it now and not in another month x

Tag list: @perseusannabeth @bookstantrash @champanheandluxxury @sayosdreams @booksloverforlife @imsointobooks @princessofmerchants @princessofmerchants-reads @azrielsshadowsdanceforgwyn @illyrian-valkyrie @lovelywordsandwine @thron3ofbooks @velaaaris @gwynkyrie @lovelywordsandwine @acourtofmidnightsnacks @simpforfictionalmenandwomen @bittermuire @mirubyai @velvetrays @tealnymph24 @dealingdifferentdevils @siyeoncruella a @spookylightkidranch h @cantkeepmyeyesoffofyou-x @claukiki @maja2801 @madie2200 @zaffydee @allisonmb2017 @a-court-of-tears-and-feels @ayshasn @sv0430 @icarusave @gwynrielsupremacy @positivewitch @trashforazriel @thewilderheart t @hlizr50 @katiebellf @vikingmagic33

Gwyn didn’t really know why it mattered. Why that thought had occupied her head all day. Causing Merril to shout at her thrice before sending her away, crowing about lazy nymphs and distracted girls.

Gwyn was going upstairs to keep him company. That was it.

On this cold night, everyone should have someone to talk to. Azriel always seemed occupied and maybe he just needed someone to sit and talk to.

Just sit.

Just talk.

To be completely honest with herself she wasn’t sure if she could handle anything else. But something about Azriel made her want to try.

Something that probably had to do with the softness of his shadows, that juxtaposed the sharpness of his cheekbones so wonderfully.

Something about the way his voice soothed her while simultaneously causing her heart to ricochet in her chest.

Something about the way his shadows whispered to him, made her want to whisper things too. The way they wrapped around his shoulders made her want to wrap around-

Woah. Maybe she had been reading too many of Emerie’s novels.

All they were doing was talking.

It was that promise that spurred her up the final few steps and into the hall of the House.

Should she call out?

Would that be weird?

Should she turn around and pray to the mother that she hadn’t been heard and maybe-

A door opened a floor above and a second later footsteps echoed through the hall, and he appeared, bringing a soothing darkness with him.

“Gwyn” Azriel said, not surprised by her appearance in the stormy night. Perhaps those shadows told him.

They curled around his shoulders now, reaching towards her, like they wanted to play. She wanted to play with them. She wanted to play with him.

Woah- definitely too many novels

Azriel looked at her and she realised she hadn’t responded.

“Azriel. Hi. I- eh” Mother why was she so awkward? “I was just wondering if you wanted company”

He did look surprised at that. Gwyn felt a sort of pride, she’d bet not many things surprised him anymore.

He hadn’t responded though.

Oh no why hadn’t he responded?

He probably didn’t want her there. She’d just walked in. Why did she just do that?

“I can go if-“

“No!” He started. “No please” he motioned to the door he had just come through, inviting her upstairs.

A thrill ran through her as she started to climb. Glancing back down at him, she saw him look away quickly and realised- he had been staring at her ass.

Heat flooded through her, but she quickly stifled it as they reached the top of the stairs and he overtook her to open the door to a sitting room.

Part of Gwyn was disappointed it wasn’t his bedroom. But that would be insane, yes they’d known each other for months but it would be insane for him to just-

Gwyn sat in one of the chairs in front of the fire and Az sank into the other.

He was always so graceful, it was almost unfair.

The silence crowded in and Gwyn beat it back with a stick.

“How’s the whole spying thing going?”

Az snorted, “the spying thing?”

“Ya, the whole I’m a shadowsinger, spymaster thing”

“You mean my job?”

“Is that not what I said?”

Azriel look amused, “I wouldn’t be a very good spymaster if I told you, now would I?”

Gwyn paused, “That actually makes sense.”

Undeterred she forged onwards “So if you can’t tell me about your job, tell me about yourself”

Az flexed his hands and crossed his arms, then immediately uncrossed them, “What do you want to know?”

“What’s your favourite colour?”

“My favourite colour?”

“Yes, Azriel, what is your favourite colour?”

A shiver seemed to run through him when she said his name, but that might have been her imagination.

“Blue”

“Really?”

“Is that not a sufficient answer for you, Ms. Berdara?”

“Its perfectly boring, is what it is”

Azriel let out a low chuckle, “So what’s yours?”

“Every colour, of course, if I chose a favourite the others would get jealous”

“You sound like Feyre,” he laughed “She decided she couldn’t chose one either, but Rhys insisted she pick violet for his eyes”

Gwyn smiled, “They seem really happy together”

Az sobered up at that, “They saved each other, in every single way. And now they have Nyx it’s ... I will forever be grateful to Feyre for bringing my brother back. Back home to us, but also back to life.”

Even the storm seemed to pause at the agony in his voice.

“Was Under The Mountain as awful as they say?”

“Worse.” He clenched his hands again, “My shadows could penetrate some of Amarantha’s wards. I saw and felt some of the horrors. Not enough to form a plan, not enough to help, but enough to know Rhys wouldn’t have recovered if not for Feyre. And I’m sure Feyre wouldn’t have healed if she was left in the Spring court.”

Gwyn’s heart broke at the pain in his words, “The others, they don’t know you saw, do they?”

“No, and I can never tell them, Rhys would be upset I disobeyed him, by sending the shadows. Cass and Mor would be hurt I didn’t tell them at the time. but it’s also not my place to say anything. Rhys and Feyre have only told us some of the horrors they endured, and I won’t let them know I’m aware of others. Not until they’re willing to speak about it themselves.”

Once again he seemed surprised, this time at himself for revealing that much.

But Gwyn realised he was completely solemn, he wouldn’t say a word until they were ready. Yet he trusted her enough to know she wouldn’t say a word either.

She reached out her hand and gently touched his knee. He looked up and met her gaze. Cauldron, he was beautiful.

How many secrets weighed down those broad shoulders? How many horrible thoughts swirled behind those hazel eyes?

“It’s getting late,” his voice seemed lower than usual, rougher. “You should probably get some sleep, we’re training again tomorrow”

Gwyn removed her hand and rose. Az also got to his feet, walking her out.

As she descended the stairs back to the library, a shadow wrapped around her arm before quickly darting away.

She glanced back at him but he had turned and disappeared down the hall.

Tagging: @bookstantrash @perseusannabeth @champanheandluxxury

Chapter 2

It was astonishing the difference between who she was when she first arrived and the female who stood before her now. Happiness radiated from Nesta when it used to disapate in her presence. Her slender frame was no longer thin and skinny but toned and full. Her eyes looked less weary and the bags had disappeared.

The two friends chatted as Nesta completed her duties for Clotho and Gwyn scampered through the jobs Merril had given her.

Thankfully the cranky priestess was cloistered in her office for the evening, meaning Gwyn could talk without needing to look over her shoulder every few minutes, like a guilty man waiting to be apprehended.

Merril was still researching the idea of multiple worlds layering on top of each other. To be completely honest Gwyn had no idea what she was on about half the time but nodding and scurrying hadn’t failed her yet.

She left Nesta hours later to return to the dreaded office with an assortment of copied and highlighted texts that Merril had requested, each organised and double checked to avoid any scenes.

Though Gwyn had thoroughly enjoyed the first clash of her friend and her superior, she was not especially eager for a rematch. Clotho may be upset if one of the cleverest priestesses could no longer write.

Or breathe.

Merril was sitting with her back to the door when Gwyn entered, so she quietly deposited the books on a small table. Merril waved her off without looking up and Gwyn took that to mean she was dismissed.

Dinner was a dismal affair. She was close with a few of the other girls but shared nothing like the connection she, Nesta, and Emerie lived for. Probably because she hadn’t killed and nearly died for her fellow priestesses.

They were missing out.

Gwyn returned to her dormitory that night, resolutely not thinking about hazel eyes, soft mouths or slender, scarred fingers.

Instead she drifted off to sleep, humming a quiet melody.

<~>

Hands grabbed her waist, her heart. Someone was screaming, it sounded like her sister but she wasn’t sure.

She wasn’t even sure how she could hear anything over the pounding heartbeat in her ears.

How could Gwyn have a heartbeat when she was dead? Maybe she wasn’t dead yet, maybe she was just dying. It would be over soon.

Men laughed around her. Bile crept up her throat.

Her skirts were around her waist.

Cold wood bit into the back of her bare thighs.

Her thighs were forced open. There was a speck of soot on the ceiling.

Someone should probably clean that off.

She thrashed but it was no use when her wrists were locked. They felt trapped in stone.

Stone that smelled of death and stone that dug it’s nails into her wrists, biting like the teeth of a hound.

His sweat dripped down onto her face. It felt too similar to blood. The children’s blood, Catrin’s blood.

He robbed that special occasion from her. She wanted it to be important, it was supposed to be important, that moment in a woman’s life and it was stolen.

He was finished.

More lined up.

She stopped thrashing. She couldn’t move.

Broken.

Another unbuckled his belt.

A slash of red, then glowing blue siphons and-

<~>

Gwyn woke with a gasp.

She was out of bed and tugging on a dressing gown before she could even think about what she was doing.

Out of the dormitories and up into the library. It was quiet, fae lights burned low and sleep hung heavy in the silence.

It was probably hours away from dawn.

Up the stairs and there, a door. She swung it open and Nesta stood before her.

“Gwyn? What are you-“ Nesta looked concerned, Gwyn probably looked a state.

Cassian stood behind his mate, blade in hand, scanning the hall.

Nesta reached for her but she jerked out of reach, she needed-

“Gwyn?”

A smooth, deep voice. She almost collapsed in relief.

Instead she turned towards the warrior standing at the foot of the stairs.

Gwyn fell against his chest before she realised she had moved. Strong hand wrapped around her, then quickly withdrew. Soft shadows encased her instead. Singing soft words of comfort and they soothed her.

Azriels chest rumbled as he spoke to Nesta and Cassian. Then he attempted to guide her up the stairs but she clung to him.

He was the only solid thing in the raging sea and she wasn’t going to let go of her lifeline.

Instead Azriels strong arms wrapped around her legs and waist and she was softly carried into a room that smelled like home. ***

Gwyn woke hours later as dawn filtered through large windows that covered one wall. She was curled in an armchair, a softly moving pillow rising and falling beneath her head.

A pillow that smelled a lot like Azriel.

She shifted slightly in his lap to look up at his sleeping face. Dark eyelashes that shadowed high cheekbones, fluttered slightly. Gwyn shifted some more, readying to get up, but strong arms wrapped around her, tucking her in close, burying his head in her hair.

She sat there, comfortable in Azriels arms for minutes or hours until the sun rose fully, bringing with it the realisation of where she was, and what had brought her to this comforting embrace.

Embarrassment shifted her weight again, waking Azriel fully. His arms loosened, hazel eyes filling with concern, no doubt from the memories of the night before.

Gwyn rose fully, “Thank- Thank you for that,” she gestured vaguely to the chair they had been tucked in on, “But it really wasn’t necessary for you to sleep with me in your arms, your neck probably hurts and you would’ve been more comfortable in your own bed, not that I’d want to be in your bed,” Gods what was she saying? “It’s just that you probably would’ve been-“

“Gwyn.” Az still lay prone in the armchair, wearing loose bottoms and a thin sleeping shirt. Gods he was pretty in the early sunlight.

“Ye- Yes?”

“It’s alright,” He smiled softly, “I’ve slept in worse conditions and you didn’t really want me to let you go.”

Mother, could she get any more red?

“And, well,” he coughed slightly, “it didn’t really seem proper to bring you to my bed.”

Yep, she definitely could get more red.

“Oh, well, em, thank- thank you, again” she was making it worse.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

No. Yes? No, she wasn’t ready to relive that experience before breakfast. She had only told two people what happened. Nesta and Emerie. Azriel knew because he was there but she wasn’t ready to talk about it.

“No, I’m fine.”

His expression was unreadable, but he rose, “Come, let’s eat breakfast. Cass and Nesta might join us, if they can separate for long enough.” ***

Nesta and her mate were indeed sitting next to each other at the table when Gwyn entered.

Nesta smiled kindly at her and Cassian winked in greeting before returning to the conversation with his mate. Gwyn took in the easy nature with which they chatted, Nesta occasionally leaning back to laugh at something Cassian said, the way Cassian’s eyes seemed to flare with pride every time.

She glanced over at Azriel who sat across the table from her and realised he had been watching her.

She resisted the temptation to look down, instead keeping his gaze and smiling back when he smirked at her.

Gwyn realised belatedly that Nesta had said something to her.

“What?”

Her friend’s eyes flickered between Gwyn and Azriel, “I said ‘you and I need to get Emerie and go to Velaris’. Rhys kindly agreed to winnow us and he’ll be here in about an hour.”

Gwyn’s brows furrowed, “Why are we going to Velaris?”

Gwyn had been to the city of starlight only a few times, but enjoyed each excursion immensely.

Nesta smirked, “We’re going dress shopping for Starfall.”

Chapter 4

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Eight moves, eight perfect strokes. Her grip tightened on the hilt as she swung a final time, bringing that blade back to centre. The vision of Nesta gripping another thing flashed across his mind.

Cassian could tell the instant she scented his desire. The fire lit in her eyes, not the silver flames, but the burning embers of desire that taunted his very soul to come out and play.

Without meaning to Cassian drifted closer. Those embers flared as he took the sword from her hands, and some ancient part of him buckled in relief as that emptiness fled her gaze. As that gaze dropped to his pants and her own desire filled the air.

He nearly choked on the scent and would have found bliss in that death. In her death.

Their gazes locked as Cassian leaned down, brushing his lips against hers.

She melted.

Urgency overtook Cassian as he realised she was pliant in his hands. He needed her underneath him, around him, all over him. He needed it like a flame needs oxygen, like a bird needs to fly.

He deepened the kiss as Nesta’s hands slid into his hair.

Gripping tight, a spark of pain.

That was all Cassian needed to deepen the kiss, pushing her, so she lay back on the soft earth of the shore.

Her fingers grappled with his leathers. He felt her desperation as she struggled to touch his skin and he understood that need to be close. That need to feel her against every part of him, to know they are with each other and will never leave each other again.

The thought had him ripping her clothes from her as she finally managed to tug his leathers from his arms. He kissed her neck and the fabric slid over his sensitive wings. His cock jumped in his pants. Nesta ground her hips against him and he almost bowed to the touch. He could feel her heat through the layer of leather that separated them.

Cassian kissed under her jaw, down her neck till he reached the spot where it met her shoulder. He scraped his teeth, nipping slightly and felt Nesta’s nipples pebble against his own bare chest.

He groaned, nipped harder and Nesta arched beneath him, fingers grappling with the stays at his pants that now strained against him. Those damn fingers.

Nesta palmed him through his pants and he thrust into her hand, she moaned, the sound vibrating through him, straight to where her damn fingers tightened around the shape of him.

He stroked a finger down her navel, almost to where he could feel her heat radiating, then back upwards, to those gorgeous breasts.

That’s when Nesta grabbed his hand with hers and cupped herself, pressing down on his hand.

Cassian almost came immediately.

It was only the promise of sinking into that heat that allowed him to fight off the wall of release that neared as Nesta removed his pants and he kicked them away.

Completely bare before her she reached down to stroke him just as he sunk two fingers into her liquid heat.

She was soaked.

“Fuck Nes,” Cassian choked out, curling those fingers. “Do you know what it does to me? What this does to me?”

He motioned to wear he had removed his fingers from her, rubbing them together as if savouring the feeling of her arousal.

“Only for you,” she gasped out, as he sank those fingers back into her. “I’m only ever wet for you.”

Cassian groaned and reclaimed her mouth, then. Driving deep, tongue moving in strokes, laying claim to her mouth, ensuring she could never kiss another again. She would never want to, this man had ruined all other boys for her.

He groaned again as his cock lined up with her entrance, slipping in the liquid gathered there. He gripped himself and pulled back. Nesta arched up again, trying to find his lips but he pulled back further.

“I want to watch you,” his voice was a hoarse, almost a groan, “I want to look into your eyes as I fill you.”

And then he was entering her, slowly until about halfway, then he seemed to loose control and slam into her. His grip on her hips was bruising and she lived off the pain, knowing it made her feel alive.

He made her feel alive.

Hazel eyes stayed locked with blue-grey as Cassian began thrusting in earnest.

Nesta wrapped her legs around his waist as he moved deeper and harder and faster. Release built quickly in her and she might have been groaning or screaming or something in between because it was all too intense. Cassian marvelled at her, loosing himself, unable to feel anything but how tight and slick and perfect she felt around him, squeezing him with those inner muscles.

That’s when he felt it.

A gentle stroke against the inner membrane of his right wing that almost had him loosing it right there. He stilled trying his hardest not to explode inside of her.

She tightened around him, wriggling trying to get him to move, and he hissed. It was too intense what this female did to him.

Nesta stroked him again, harder this time and he gave in. Slamming in to the hilt, hard enough that they might have cracked the bedrock beneath them, but neither noticed. Nesta dangled from on the precipice of pure pleasure as Cassian plowed into her. He reached down and flicked that bundle of nerves at the apex of her thighs and she toppled over the edge.

Legs shaking, mind reeling in the midst of her orgasm she reached out and dragged a nail down the inside ridge and his wing and he exploded. Roaring he rucked into her, panting her name and he spurted, desperate to release as far inside her as possible.

His deep thrusts hit that exquisite spot inside Nesta and she screamed, pleasure tearing through her again as Cassian still moved in her, thick and hot and heavy.

She craved his steady weight atop her. The shadow of his wings blocking the cruel world from view as they twitched with the final spurts of his pleasure.

Cassian was reeling. Left in pure paradise, deep inside Nesta. Where she gripped him so delicately but with all the force he hadn’t trained into her. The force that she was born with. The strength that allowed her to steal from the very cauldron. The strength he knew would see her through this dark journey.

He would be with her every step of the way he realised, as he slid out of her. He looked down at her prone body, that still trembled with the aftershocks of his actions. He would never leave her side again, he couldn’t. Not when she was so perfect and so blind to her own worth.

With her eyes closed she looked peaceful, resting. So Cassian tucked her into his side, chin resting on her head, mind at ease.

“Cassian I-“

He kissed the top of her head, “I know, Nesta, I know”

Minutes or hours later Nesta moved out from under his arm. He almost growled at the loss of her heat.

Cassian noted with some male pride that her legs shook as she rose. She reached over him and every thought eddied from his mind as she gripped his sword.

She stood, back straight, naked in the moonlight.

She found first position with her legs spread, their release glistening down her thighs, her hands firm on his blade.

He hardened again immediately.

And as she started moving going through positions Cassian was helpless. He reached down gripping himself as he watched her.

She swept into first position.

Pump.

A block came next, executed perfectly and he shuddered, gripping himself tighter.

His wings rustled behind him as he sat up, better to observe her.

She swept into the next position, moonlight glinting off his seed as it dripped down her thighs. He bucked his hips.

Nesta moved into the fourth thrust, gutting an invisible enemy and Cassian panted.

Fifth position jabbed at an enemy.

Pump

Sixth dragged a foe to the ground and Cassian stopped breathing at the intensity in her eyes.

He knew she was aware of him but her focus remained on the blade in her hand.

She adjusted her grip for the seventh position and he groaned, fucking his own hand faster.

Nesta moved into the final position of the star and Cassian reached his other hand to grip his balls.

As Nesta moved back to centre and finally looked at Cassian, he launched at her, needing to be inside her again.

He plunged in and roared at the pure pleasure resonating from every cell in his body. She writhed beneath him and he pinned her hips to the ground. He was so close, chasing that final release and he could feel Nesta, tightening, racing right beside him.

He was determined to get her there.

“Do you understand Nes,” she fluttered around him and he gritted his teeth, “Do you understand what it does to me, seeing you wielding my blade, covered in my release?”

He twisted his hips, ensuring he stroked that bundle of nerves with each thrust. She was screaming and he had never heard a more beautiful sound.

“Can you comprehend just how much you fucking turn me on?”

She gasped, the breathy moan sweeter than honey.

“Come, Nesta”

She did, and she was glorious. Arching off the ground, channel tightening so much he had to fight to get through.

His balls tightened and he climaxed to his name on her lips. Her cries were the only reason he even remembered his name as he shuddered within her.

Mother knows he couldn’t remember anything else, didn’t care about anything but her, his Valkyrie, his Nesta.

She let out a long breath, and clapped a hand to her mouth to stifle the giggle that seemed to be forcing its way out.

Her first kiss and it was Azriel.

The shadowsinger, the big bad Illyrian spymaster.

It was the powerful male who cut people down without hesitation. The one who others whispered about.

The one who had held her so softly in the morning light. The one who had taken her hand so hesitantly as they walked through the halls...

The one she had to see for training tomorrow morning.

Nesta and Cassian would probably be missing, presumably still in bed. Emerie would be absent too if her friends smudged lipstick was anything to go by.

It was funny, Gwyn didn’t remember Emerie wearing lipstick earlier in the night, but when she came back after disappearing for two hours, Gwyn had politely pointed out the smudged crimson on her lips. A crimson that suited a ruffled blonde who entered the hall minutes later.

Gwyn couldn’t blame Mor, Emerie had looked fabulous in an orange gown tonight, wings gleaming, and hair braided with her Valkyrie ribbon. The blonde didn’t stand a chance.

Neither did Emerie apparently, as she disappeared with the Morrigan minutes before Gwyn herself had left the gathering.

Nesta too had been striking in a midnight gown. She had gotten ready in her own rooms. And if the the smug male air around Cassian was anything to go by, she had had to get ready a second time as well.

Gwyn was truly happy for her friends. Even if her only comforts were smutty novels, thoughts of scarred hands and her own fingers.

Alone with Azriel tomorrow. Maybe he’d pretend nothing happened. Maybe she should pretend nothing happened.

It was only earlier tonight she had been furious with him for ignoring her. It was embarrassment that truly fueled her anger, but the point remained that he had ignored her for three days.

It was Nesta’s idea to dance with another male tonight. Jurian was the first to offer, but when she looked up from her dance with the human, Azriel was simply in conversation with Rhysand.

So she drank and danced on. Only when he had slipped into a quiet hallway did she decide to follow him.

He was leaning against the wall when she rounded the corner. He had immediately uncrossed his arms, tucking his hands behind his back, under those magnificent wings.

Then she had taken his hidden hand and they had walked until her doorway. Then she had kissed him and everything seemed to fit into place.

Fit so perfectly that Gwyn had to flee before she decided to discover how other things would fit.

***

Morning dawned cold and grey. Gwyn slid into her leathers, ignoring the headache pounding through her temples. The other priestesses were attending an early morning mass, their own celebration of Starfall. Which meant it was only Azriel who stood in the early morning light.

The shadows clambered over his shoulders to reach out to her. She waved at one and could have sworn it waved back.

Azriel was fumbling with the handle of a sword, he quickly turned his back to her and Gwyn walked over to begin her stretches.

She began her own drills as Azriel ran through his. It had been about an hour and neither had said a word.

It was getting too awkward.

“Would you like to spar?” Her question cut through the chilly air like a sharp blade through paper.

Azriel started where he stood slicing at an invisible foe. “Of course.”

He replaced his sword on the rack and Gwyn quickly cast her own blade aside.

She had been suggesting sparring with steel but Azriel clearly wanted hand to hand combat.

They entered the small circle on the ground from opposite sides. A few feet away from him but she could’ve sworn she heard his heartbeat.

A blush was high across his cheekbones, probably from exertion, and it deepened as their eyes met.

Gwyn moved first, a feint, then a strike low to the abdomen. Azriel saw the move coming and his wings flared as he stepped out to dodge. Another strike but it glanced off his chest.

It was Gwyn’s turn to duck as a swing came next, then she was in close, fists ready to strike and the world tilted.

Gwyn slammed into the hard earth and rolled. She swept Azriels feet from under him, then swung herself over his hips.

Face to face, him pinned beneath her, hands bracketed in scarred hands. He didn’t even fight, just stared up at her. Breathing each other in. Feeling every inch of where they touched.

“Well done.” Azriel’s voice was oddly rough.

Gwyn unfroze and jumped up reaching out a hand to help him up. This had the fortunate side affect of placing them face to face while both vertical

Or rather face to chest as he was significantly taller than her.

Gwyn was being an idiot. He hadn’t said a word about the incident last night and she was still furious at him for… something. Her memory seemed to be impaired by his proximity.

Taking initiative, Gwyn stepped backwards, turned swiftly and snatched back up her blade from where she had left it. This occupied her hands so they would not find their way into his hair.

“With steel this time?” Gwyn’s voice sounded strained to her own ears, but Azriel seemed not to notice as he strode to retrieve his own weapon.

He fumbled slightly with the hilt again. If anything Gwyn would suppose he seemed nervous.

That was extremely unlikely. They’d sparred hundreds of times and he’d been to wars and back. Perhaps his shadows had whispered some dangerous information to him that he was still in shock over.

He seemed to gather himself, then marched resolutely over to her. She readied her stance but he didn’t even raise his sword.

Azriel merely stood in front of her and opened his mouth.

Then closed it again.

Then opened it again.

This time he managed words. “I understand that you were tipsy last night, and that you may not even remember, but we kissed. You kissed me. By your door. Of your room.”

Gods was he embarrassed?

“I just thought,” He hurried on, “I’d let you know that should you want me to completely forget that happened, I will forget. Well maybe not forget but I swear I will never mention it again, and should-“

“Azriel,” Gwyn gripped his arm, “I was aware of my actions last night. I apologise if I put you in an uncomfortable situation-“

“No!” Azriel exclaimed, “No, not at all, I wasn’t uncomfortable, I just didn’t want to put you in an awkward position.”

He was blushing and that somehow emboldened her. Perhaps it was the hangover and leftover lowered inhibitions.

“Azriel, you can put me in any position you would like.”

His head snapped up, eyes darkening.

He stepped closer.

They were almost nose to nose.

“You, Gwyneth Berdara, are dangerous.”

She smiled softly.

His gaze dipped to her mouth.

His hand reached towards her cheek.

It drew back.

A noise behind her on the stairs.

Azriel’s eyes flicked over her shoulder and he stepped away.

“Azriel, Gwyn. I hope we’re not interrupting anything.”

Gwyn spun to see Nesta and Emerie climbing up the stairs.

“We can come back… if you…”

“No,” Azriel’s voice was low as he pushed past her, “I’m leaving now anyway” He turned back at the top of the stairs, “Goodbye Gwyn” Gwyn was close to punching her friends.

All malice washed away however, when Azriel had disappeared into the darkness of the house and the other Valkyries descended into fits of giggles.

Nesta was the first to surface, “Gwyn! What the fuck were you two doing up here?”

“Sparring,” came the indignant response. “Just training and drills!”

“Oh I’m sure,” drawled Emerie, “That’s why I can smell the arousal hanging thicker than cream in this air.”

Nesta snorted, “Must have been some very interesting drills.”

A/N: ooooo it’s heating up. Someone guide the two of them, they’re helpless.

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Chapter 6

She had been wearing his necklace though. Cauldron, how could he even call it his necklace, she didn’t know it was from him. Azriel wasn’t even entirely sure why he had given it to her but seeing it in his pile of solstice presents… that led to thoughts of Elain and after the fiasco at solstice he’d tried his best to forget about her.

Too often however, his mind meandered back to thoughts of her face, her mouth. Usually those thoughts came barging into his head late at night, when company fell asleep and his shadows disapated. Recently however those thoughts had changed.

Since solstice that mousy brown hair had taken on hues of red. Turquoise eyes closed in the throes of pleasure and a slimmer body writhed beneath him.

He was so unbelievably fucked. Or maybe the issue was that he wasn’t getting fucked.

He should Rhys’s advice and find company at a pleasure house. He must really hate himself, to lust firstly after Mor, who had shown no interest in him in 200 years. Then Elain, who was mated, and now Gwyneth, with her history she probably wouldn’t want a male to look at her for too long.

Which made him some massive creep to think of her like that. Azriel really did try not to. But when she appeared unannounced, like last night, he couldn’t help but think…

No, he wouldn’t go down that road. Not until he was fully sure she wanted it.

Azriel had beeen so surprised when a shadow curled around his ear in the stormy night and whispered of a nymph girl climbing the stairs. He was out of his seat and down the steps faster than he could consider any potential consequences.

And there she had been, standing in the hallway, looking like she might want to turn right around and march back down, but a shadow flicked against his ear, singing softly and he spoke her name.

He wanted to reach out to her, his shadows took that as a cue and tried to reach out themselves before he pulled them back. Something about her was affecting them, drawing them in. Or maybe she was affecting him like that.

That was a dangerous thought.

She had stood silent, lithe frame backlit by the torches behind her and said,

“Would you like some company?”

Her voice was a melody. His shadows purred in answer.

The worlds axis must have shifted, he could probably look outside to find the stormy sky had turned as blue as her eyes he was taking too long to answer and she was looking at him oddly, perhaps noting the shadows flying around his shoulders.

They were so excitable in her presence, he couldn’t control them and that was extremely concerning. Az doesn’t like what he can’t control.

All worry was chased from his mind as he climbed the stairs and another topic was thrust into his brain.

Gwyn from the back was almost as glorious as she was from the front.

Gods what he wouldn’t do to grip those hips and grind that perfect little ass on his-

No.

He stopped himself, looking away before his control could be tested further. She said it herself, she was here for conversation and Mother damn him he would talk to her casually.

Gwyn was not going to be a repeat of Mor or Elain. He was not going to lust after another female that wanted nothing to do with him, and pine away until his demise.

Gwyn was going to mean more than that. He would keep her at arms length, so that he may keep her as a friend.

And he was making a fool of himself. She asked his favourite colour and the only colour left in the world was that of her eyes.

And he laughed, for the first time in weeks, stress melting from his weary bones after just minutes with this fabulous creature.

And he told her things he had never told anyone, that was dangerous.

He was a spymaster, mother damn him. A spymaster wasn’t much good if he told a female all his secrets after a few pretty smiles.

But gods, her smiles were pretty. He wondered how pretty her mouth would-

No. None of that.

He needed her out of here so he could collect pieces of his sanity before he spilled any other important secrets.

As she walked back towards the library however, he almost called her back. An unruly shadow seemed to take that as an opportunity to reach for her, but Az whipped it back.

Dangerous indeed.

And yet, that night he slept without dreams. He couldn’t remember the last time that happened. Well truthfully, he could, it was a time when his hands were unscarred.

Cassian was back the next morning. Ever his cheerful self since the mating ceremony almost a month ago. He had been unbearable for a week afterwards. Azriel had had to vacate the house of wind and call a halt to lessons as Cass had almost taken his head off and Nesta had growled at Emerie the first time she tried to enter the house.

Not to mention the scents and sounds emanating from different rooms. Azriel was happy for his brother, truly. Even if it did make him green with envy and blue with melancholy.

The following week, the happy couple were back training but Cass was so distracted Az managed to beat him into the dirt on no less than three occasions. Azriel waited another week before moving back into the House, still half considering Rhys’s offer to fumegate it.

He had kept occupied by tracking Koschei, or rather attempting to track him. The King had proven hard to pin down, a source of growing frustration to Azriel. He despised having to bring bad news to his High Lord, and now that Rhys had Nyx to worry about he hated it even more.

But Rhys maintained that they had faced threats before and triumphed but the failure still weighed heavy on Az that morning in the training ring.

He tried his hardest not to look at Gwyn. He couldn’t help it sometimes, her hair caught the light when she twirled under Emerie’s punch.

It looked like a flame come to life in the early morning sunlight and he challenged any living male not to loose breath.

It was with a warriors assessment that he allowed his gaze to rove over her slight body. He was admiring her form and positioning, definitely not imagining her in different positions. That would be both unsavoury and unprofessional. Which is why he hated himself for doing it.

Gwyn hardly noticed him, barely glancing in his direction and he had the strangest urge to pick a fight with Cassian in attempt to garner her attention.

That wasn’t good.

The warrior in question was flirting with his mate while she squatted, arching her back in a way that was unnecessary and counterproductive but Cassian didn’t call her up on it, he seemed too busy enjoying the show. Nesta however corrected herself and continued on while his lovesick brother pretended he hadn’t been leering at his mate.

Gwyn too had spotted the encounter laughed, a tinkling sound that lightened something dark in Azriels chest. She looked around to see if anyone else had caught what she had, and that’s when it happened. Her eyes met his and the world shifted again. He couldn’t help the smile that blossomed in the wake off her own. One thought consumed him as he turned back to his own priestesses and guided them through the next set. He was so unbelievably fucked.

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Chapter 3

Cassian was naturally quite controlling and demanding in bed. And Nesta adored it, cauldron, she thrives off it, but she was also well aware of the effect she had on him.

She could see it in the final throes of pleasure when that mask cracked and pure desperation broke through as he seemed to forget everything but pleasure.

She lived for those moments when the general came out to play. Now she wanted to see the General beg.

Her plan was simple, since they were mated almost a year ago, they slept in the same bed and fucked at least once a day.

Nesta intended to keep him at arms length for several days and see how it affected him, it would be hard to pull off, both pragmatically and a test to her own will. But she knew the pay off would be worth it.

Nesta picked her days wisely. This week she was teaching a new group of priestesses and leading them in Valkyrie exercises. She knew how worked up Cassian got when she was barking commands at the women.

However, she successfully evaded her mate by eating dinner with Gwyn in the library and pretending to be asleep when he entered their room later in the evening.

The next morning she ensured he was awake and watching her as she dressed. Making a show of braiding her hair, knowing how much he enjoyed pulling it, and gliding on her leathers, knowing how much he enjoyed tearing them off her.

He looked inclined to do as much but she kept her scent hidden, kissed him lightly before dancing out of the room.

Cassian was on edge all morning at training, but Nesta pretended not to notice.

Cass was called away to a meeting with Rhys that evening and returned late into the night, to find his mate again asleep in bed. Except this time the sheets were covered in the scent of her pleasure. Nesta had ensured he would be well aware of what she had been doing while he was gone. He groaned at the thought of her.

Creamy thighs spread wide as she got herself off to the thought of them together. She probably bit that plump bottom lip of hers to keep those sweet moans quiet. She probably failed and groaned aloud as she finished. Then promptly fell asleep apparently.

Cassian had never despised his brother so much.

The next morning Nesta left before Cassian could even stir, not trusting herself to be near him when he was half asleep and likely to drag her back to bed.

She could barely look at him all during training and fled to meet her sister at the river house with out even changing out of her leathers. She wouldn’t put it past Cassian to swoop out of the sky and have his wicked way with her. Though she would undoubtedly immensely enjoy it, it would be detrimental to her plan.

Feyre, noting her distraction, had questioned her but Nesta changed the subject quickly. She had grown close with Feyre over the past year but this wasn’t exactly a conversation she wanted to have with her sister.

The high lady invited her to dinner and Nesta accepted gratefully. Knowing Cassian was in the House, probably eating dinner alone made her heart ache but she would make it up to him. Tonight was his final night of torment and she would make it all worth it.

But first she needed her sister’s help.

“Feyre, can you do me favour, no questions asked?”

The high lady looked mildly concerned, “You didn’t kill Mor did you?”

“No,” Nesta chuckled. “I need you to get Cass out of the house for the next few hours”

“Why?” Feyre asked.

Nesta stayed silent but her reddened cheeks gave it all away.

“Oh cauldron it’s a sex thing, isn’t it? Never mind, don’t answer that. Yes I’ll tell him I need help with … I’ll think of something ”

Nesta was saved further embarrassment by Rhys who had arrived to escort her back to the House.

Cassian was indeed gone when Nesta arrived home and not knowing how long she had, she quickly bathed, brushed out her hair and dressed in a short red nightgown that had previously brought Cassian to his knees.

She had just settled herself in, pretending to be asleep when she felt his presence coming down the hall. Every part of her yearned to leap up and greet him at the door, preferably on all fours, but she remained where she was.

Cass entered the room and stopped short at the sight of his mate in bed, hair fanning around her and wearing a nightgown the same shade as his siphons.

Nesta knew he was too much of a gentleman to wake her up but through their bond she could tell he needed release. He stripped off his leathers and water ran from the bathing room.

Minutes later, the bed shifted next to her and her mate planted a kiss on her head, then stopped short.

She had positioned the blankets perfectly so that from this angle he had a view straight to the swell of her breasts. He groaned and Nesta felt the force of a pure warrior focused on her.

It took all of Nesta’s willpower not to move as he reached down and gripped himself. It was not uncommon for them to pleasure themselves if one woke up, however usually the other woke soon after and joined them.

It took all of Nesta’s control not to leap around and ride him into the mattress but she kept her scent hidden and thought of all the ways she would rip those groans from him.

Nesta knew he wouldn’t be sated, not by his own hand. It may have provided a temporary release but Cauldron, he would be desperate for her.

His moans were fire to her blood as he finished into his hand and stepped into the bathing room to clean up.

Nesta loosed a breath, stilling again as he came back into the room, lay down next to her and tucked her into his side. She fell asleep to thought of him driving deep into her over and over.

Nesta dressed in her tightest leathers the next morning and may shouted at her troops more than strictly necessary, but Cassian was so distracted Az dragged him to the ground twice.

When they finished for the morning Cassian took her by the arm and dragged her into the house. The scent of his arousal was intoxicating.

The second they got inside the House he had her pinned against the wall, tongue down her throat, that long, hard length pressed against her.

She almost lost it then but she was so close, just a few more minutes and this would all be worth it. She lightly shoved him back but he didn’t move just continued to grind himself against her. Their leathers sliding easily and not providing nearly enough friction.

Nesta shucked off her top, knowing he would want to see her. He leaned back to drink his fill of her breasts and she took her chance.

Nesta threw her leathers to the ground and as he leant down to mouth her tits, she ducked.

Nesta went under his arm and sprinted down the hall, laughing as she heard him tearing after her. She leapt onto the bed and turned just in time to see his frame filling the doorway, wings splayed wide, eyes wholly black.

She was going to devour him.

He tore off his jacket as he approached her, then reached for her leggings. She took her opportunity. Faster than he could react, she flipped him over, pinning him to the bed, their bare chests against each other.

Nesta grabbed his hand, tying it to the middle of the bedframe with a loose piece of fabric they kept for this exact purpose. Though usually it was Nesta tied up and aching.

She left his other hand loose, knowing he’d have need of it.

“Minx” his eyes flashed, “what are you up to, my sweet thing?”

She kissed his chest them slid his leathers off his legs, leaving him wholly naked, “something you’re going to despise and ultimately adore.”

Tanned skin, dark wings spread and glowing eyes, he looked like a dream made flesh.

A filthy dream filled with hot mouths and grasping hands.

That would come later.

For now she stepped off the bed and turned her back to him. Bending over she stripped off her leggings.

She was already soaked and from the low groan behind her, Cassian was aware of that fact.

He was gripping himself when she turned back to him. Boldly pumping, his eyes fixed on her glistening apex.

She crawled towards him and leaned up to whisper softly in his ear, “Stop now sweetheart, or you won’t touch me for another week”

It seemed to take all of Cassian’s 400 years of strength to move his hand away from his throbbing cock but he reached for Nesta instead.

She let him smooth his hand down her face to her chest and cup her breast.

He flicked her nipple and leaned forward to take it in his teeth and it was Nesta’s turn to gather her willpower.

“Not allowed touch me either, darling” she said sweetly, moving away.

Cassian’s hand tangled with the bed sheets, muscled forearm straining as she spread her legs.

Cassian gritted his teeth, transfixed as Nesta trailed a hand down her torso.

That hand blazed a path lower till it reached where she was aching most.

She dipped two fingers into herself, gathering the wetness there and swirling it around.

Cassians hand strained against its binding, cloth biting into his wrist.

“You look so good spread out like that,” she moans, fingers plunging in over and over, deeper and deeper. “I can’t help but do this every time I think about you with your cock out.”

She wasn’t sure he was breathing.

“I need to do this every time you’re near but I can’t have you in me.”

Her legs jerked, she was nearing the edge but she needed something else.

“Touch yourself” she moaned out. “pleasure yourself to the sight of me.”

He almost sagged in relief. He gripped his reddened length in one hand roughly.

Cauldron, he was hot.

She was so close and he knew it too.

“Nesta,”he growled in warning.

She was aware of how much he needed to be the reason she came, but she also didn’t care. Seeing him hard and needy like that, tugging harshly at his thick cock.

She arched suddenly and came, hard.

As she came down she saw him still gripping himself.

That wouldn’t do.

“Stop.”

By some miracle he did.

His eyes were furious as she crawled towards him, so in appeasement and congratulations, she let him suck her wet fingers.

His eyes closed and his groan ignited something deep within her.

Nesta moved, straddling him and let a drop of her release fall onto his straining cock.

Cassian’s eyes shot open and his free hand grabbed her hip attempting to pull her onto him but she dodged out of the way.

“You know the rules,” she purred, “no touching without permission. Now sit up, I need full access to your wings.”

A shudder ran through the warrior but he did as he was told.

Good boy.

Said wings rustled as he spread them out fully across the bed.

Nesta had become well acquainted with these wings over the past few months and therefore knew which tendon, vein and scars to stroke to bring Cassian to that edge.

Naturally she went straight for them.

Cassian bit back a curse, low and viscous, as Nesta stroked a finger down the inside of one tendon.

Cassian’s hips jerked involuntarily as she leaned up and sucked slightly on the base of a talon.

She let her fingers glide across the membrane and watched a roll of precum escape the tip of his cock.

Nesta couldn’t help herself. Leaning over his shoulder she caught the droplet with her finger and brought it to her mouth. Cassian’s eyes followed her with a warriors focus

“Fuck you taste good”

He looked on the edge of cumming.

Good.

She trailed her teeth lightly across the top of his left wing and an unholy groan left his mouth.

“Nes please-“ his voice broke off as her tongue flicked lightly. “Nesta please- Mother spare me- Fuck Nesta”

His hands was twisted so hard in the blanket she thought the bed clothes might rip.

He was a mess. Hair askew, mouth open, eyes closed, cock hard like some hedonistic god.

She reached up and with a flick of her wrist undid the knot, at the same time she whispered “touch me Cass”

He was on her in a second, plunging into her the next.

There was no small touches, no teasing strokes just pure, unmitigated power.

He slammed into her, driving deep each time he thrust home.

She couldn’t help but tighten at the warrior slamming into her and he groaned his approval as wetness flooded through her.

Obscene noises filled the room as his balls slapped against her.

She moaned.

He followed the sound down to her mouth.

A bruising kiss, then harsh words spoken against her mouth.

“You keep me on edge for days”

Thrust.

“Hard every time you walk past me and unable to do anything about it”

White hot pleasure racing through her.

“Not able to concentrate on anything except the memory of this”

Coiling bliss.

“The memory of you so fucking tight around me. Fuck Nesta I can hardly think, hardly breathe when you’re near me and I’m not inside you, and you don’t let me take you for nearly an entire week?”

She didn’t have words to respond, couldn’t form coherent thoughts in her mind.

“Fuck Nes, you’re so-“ he groaned, hips stuttering and she knew he was close.

She wrapped her legs fully around him and grabbed the top of his right wing.

He slammed into her, desperate for release and unleashed himself inside of her.

At the first shot of warmth she unraveled. Tension raced up her legs and she arched into Cass as he continued thrusting and emptying into her.

Wrapped around each other, as intertwined and inseparable as their souls.

He shuddered finally stilling, head against her neck.

She looped shaking arms around his shoulders, body still trembling from just how hard she came.

“Nesta?” He croaked out, somewhere below her left ear.

“Yes, my darling?”

“That was the hottest thing ever, but please never make me wait that long again”

She laughed, “careful Cass, I’ll make you wait even longer.”

He hardened again within her and round two began.

Please let me know if you want to be tagged in all my writing or the Nessian stuff