Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)

Chapter 229 - 227: Jealous Athena

"Don’t," he murmured against her jaw, his lips trailing down her neck, over her collarbone. "Don’t... say anything please."

Her pulse hammered in her throat, in her stomach, in her knees. Every nerve felt on fire. She bit her lip to keep from moaning as he kissed her rune again, this time a little harder, more claiming, his hands still pinning her hand above her head.

Athena felt like she was about to die and give up.

He was clouding every rational thought in her head.

Her chest heaved, her breath coming in short pants. "Azrael... please... if you don’t stop, I won’t—"

He looked up finally, swallowed hard, jaw clenched as his hands eased off. He slowly stood, moving out from between her legs, towering over her.

His chest still heaved, breaths ragged, eyes dark with need barely restrained. Without a word, he reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers.dending electronic through his body. "Come on," he murmured, his voice rough, like he was fighting every instinct in his body.

Athena’s stomach fluttered as she took his hand, letting him pull her up. Her legs shook slightly as she stood, still trembling from the intensity of what had just passed between them.

He moved his hand to her waist, pulling her closer. "Athena," he murmured leaning closer.

Athena hummed softly in response, leaning slightly into him too. "I don’t think I can hold on for too long, okay?" His voice was strained, almost pleading.

Athena nodded as she swallowed withheart pounding.

He smiled briefly, and kissed her quickly on the lips. Then he broke the kiss and grabbed her jacket, slipping it onto her shoulders with careful hands.

Athena’s eyes fell to the floor, lingering on the torn shirt he had worn just moments ago.

Azrael followed her gaze, and the heat rising in his chest turned to ash-colored embarrassment as he realized exactly what she was looking at. He scratched the back of his neck, as he looked around.

Athena laughed softly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Didn’t know you could be so... wild."

Azrael’s lips twitched. "Wild... That your way of saying I scared you?"

She shook her head, still grinning. "No... just impressed. And maybe a little terrified."

Azrael stared at her and he couldn’t help the smile that pulled at his lips.

Athena’s grin widened as she glanced at the torn shirt again. "So... what are you going to wear now?" she asked, tilting her head, curiosity mixed with mischief.

Azrael’s eyes flicked toward the shirt, then back at her, a slow, amused smirk spreading across his face. "I have... something else," he said.

He didn’t say anything an she still managed to have her stomach flutter.

Athena nodded and smiled softly. "I should go downstairs."

He nodded too, stepped closer, and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "I’ll be right behind you."

She turned and walked out before either of them could change their mind.

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

Downstairs, the living room was loud with laughter. Theo was sprawled on the rug, controller in hand, while Laila sat on the couch opposite him. A pillow flew across the room and hit Theo square in the face.

"Hey!" he protested, laughing. "That was uncalled for."

"You deserved it," Laila shot back, grinning. "You cheated."

"I did not—"

They were both laughing now, talking over each other, and Athena felt a sharp twist in her chest.

She slowed as she watched them, her jaw tightening.

She looked away as jealousy crawled up her spine. How dare she touch him like that? Who the fuck is she? And why are they this close?

Athena was about to turn around, about to retreat before the jealousy could show, when Theo looked up and spotted her.

"Hey, Athena."

The room went quiet for half a second.

She turned slowly, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Hey," she said, her gaze flicking briefly to the girl beside him before looking away again.

Theo noticed it, of course he did. He always seems noticed everything. He straightened a little, pushing the pillow off his lap. "You okay?" he asked, brows knitting slightly.

"I’m fine," Athena replied too quickly. She tucked her hands into the sleeves of her jacket as her tongue played with the corner of her lips. "Just... came down for some air."

Laila glanced between them, interest lighting her eyes immediately. "Oh," she said lightly, grinning, "you must be Athena."

Athena’s jaw tightened for half a second before she nodded. "Yeah."

"I’m Laila," she added cheerfully, tossing the controller aside and standing up. "Theo’s losing, by the way. Badly."

Theo scoffed. "I was distracted."

"Sure you were," Laila shot back, laughing.

Athena watched them, that sharp twist of jealousy stirring again, but this time, she swallowed it down.

She exhaled slowly, reminding herself where she was. Who she was here for.

She cleared her throat. "I’ll be outside, by the way."

Theo glanced up, really looked at her this time. He studied her expression, then asked gently, "Do you need my help with anything?"

Athena shook her head quickly. "No... you seem to be having a lot of fun. Go on."

She turned and walked out before he could say anything else.

Theo followed her retreating figure with his eyes and sighed under his breath.

"THIS IS YOUR END, THEODORE!" Laila screamed through her laughter.

Theo’s head snapped back toward the screen. "Fuck—" he groaned as his eyes travelled to the screen and realised it had lost.

"I won," Laila screamed, jumping to her feet. "I WONNN!"

She spun around the room like she’d just conquered a kingdom, laughing loud and proud.

"Oh please," Theo shot back. "I was distracted."

Laila stopped right in front of him, bent slightly at the waist, and grinned. "Distracted? Or just terrible?"

Theo groaned. "I hate you."

She laughed harder, mockingly copying his tone. "I was distracted," she repeated, drawing it out. "Say it again, maybe it’ll change the score."