Page 101 of The Female

“I don’t see why this is such a big deal.” Aziel is the first to speak up. “I’ve gone through the trouble of finding a female all three of us will enjoy. You should be grateful.”

Shay smiles as she looks between Gray and Silas, the cocky glint in her eye infuriating. I may not have a claim on Silas, but Gray is mine.

That’s the only thought rushing through my head as I curl my fingers around his forearms. Gray’s chest vibrates against my back at the subtle claim, which I take as a good sign.

“I will not enjoy her,” Gray argues.

Aziel laughs. “You already have.”

I hope they can’t hear my racing heart as Gray falls silent. Is there any part of him that’s considering this? It’s clear Aziel isn’t going to change his mind, and I doubt they will come to any agreement tonight.

No meaningful change has ever happened at the hands of three tired, grumpy old men.

“You’re being incredibly transparent, Aziel. While I’ve come to accept that you like to lash out like a child, this is a new low. I will not be taking Shay, so you can either get rid of her or get rid of us,” Silas says, stepping in.

Aziel appears genuinely shocked for a moment, his eyes widening before narrowing. He turns his attention to Gray for confirmation, an angry snarl spreading across his lips as I feel the incubus’s head nod against mine.

“You choose the human over me?” he asks.

Silas scoffs. “In a sad attempt to distance yourself from Charlie, you are choosing Shay over us. We have not shifted our stance. You are the one moving it and expecting us to follow.”

“You overestimate my emotions toward the human. This timing is purely coincidental,” Aziel retorts, ignoring everything else Silas said.

Silas blinks but doesn’t respond.

Even I must admit his acceptance of Shay is too coincidental to ignore. I would’ve never said it myself, but it does seem like he’s doing this in a sad attempt to hide his feelings for me.

For being old as dirt, he sure does act like a petulant child. I suppose that’s the attitude that comes with being a royal and having not been told ‘no’ enough as a child.

I feel bad for the female he ends up with because it sure won’t be me after this. I may have considered it during a moment of temporary weakness, but I’m not interested in a man this insecure and scared of his emotions.

Aziel places his fingers underneath Shay’s chin and turns her face toward his. She preens underneath the gentle touch before kissing him.

I watch, disgusted.

Silas turns to look at me, but I ignore his stare as Gray scoffs and nudges me toward the door.

“Let’s go back to bed,” he whispers. “Silas will stay and watch.”

My heart drops. “Stay and watch?”

Gray hums, the noise quiet and sad.

“To make sure Aziel doesn’t do anything stupid and trigger the bond,” he clarifies. “I’m sorry Aziel kissed her in front of you. Wraths are the most vengeful of the demons, but this is unexpected even from him.”

Does he think I’m upset by this? Admittedly, I am, but I refuse to let it be shown as I laugh and wave the concern away.

“I don’t care what Aziel does,” I lie.

Gray hums and picks me up. My legs wrap around his waist as his hands move beneath my thighs to hold me in place.

“You know Silas and I won’t let anything happen to you, right?” he asks.

I nod, hoping what Silas said to Aziel about not wanting her was true. I doubt Aziel will follow through without their blessing. The man’s a dick, but I’m willing to bet he cares more for Gray and Silas than he does Shay.

“When’s he leaving again?” I ask instead.

25

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