Page 89 of The Female

“The den won’t interfere with Gray and Charlie’s relationship if Aziel claims Valentine,” Asmod clarifies. “She’s set to inherit my throne, as I’m sure you’re aware. This is a good trade. We all know Gray was a mistake, and the Wraths will be able to overlook his involuntary bond to Aziel. Most don’t even recognize it, considering it’s been over a hundred years and the two have not fully mated.”

I don’t have to look at Gray to know he’s hurt by his father’s words, the man cruel and vindictive as he so openly talks about how easy it would be for Aziel to cast him aside.

Asmod continues. “We all know how bad it looks for Aziel to be claiming the human as his, and I’m not foolish enough to believe he truly wants her. He’s doing this for you, Gray, and I’m giving you both an out.”

I sink in my seat and turn to Silas, nervous to hear his response. Having to pretend I’m Aziel’s isn’t as bad as I initially thought, especially considering the man has been in the pits almost the entire time I’ve been here. I also don’t trust Asmod enough to believe he’d ever truly leave Gray and me alone.

His dislike for his son is concerning.

Silas glances at me and sighs. “No, Asmod, I believe this situation only looks bad foryou. We’ve heard the rumors. Your people are angry you’re not securing an alliance with your son. Gray is bonded to the king of Wrath, yet he holds no allegiance toward you or your people,” Silas says. “They want their next ruler to be bonded to Aziel, and they don’t care which child of yours it happens to be with. You’re the one who’s desperate for it to be Valentine, but Aziel has already chosen Gray.”

Asmod and Valentine frown, both looking equally angry at Silas’s rejection.

“Aziel doesn’t even like the human,” Asmod argues. “You’re not fooling me. Valentine will make both of you happy.”

Silas snorts. “Aziel is happy with the current arrangement. Gray and Charlie are his, and he has no interest in changing that.”

“And what about you? You stand by Aziel’s side, yet you’re unable to convince him to take a female you find comfort in,” Asmod snaps, his eyes cutting to me. “We both know Valentine will happily serve you better than the human ever could.”

Silas shrugs, remaining silent.

I tell myself not to be offended as a hot spike of jealousy flares within me. I know Silas isn’t interested in me, but I didn’t realize he was so opposed to humans that he can’t even argue the point on my behalf.

I’ve got the same holes she does.

Gray grabs my hand as I glare at Silas, his grip tight as he leans in and presses his face into my neck. I remain still as his lips make contact with the sensitive skin there, his actions done to bring me comfort.

Valentine shifts her attention to Gray and me, her frown deepening. It’s hard to tell if she’s genuinely as angry as she appears or if that’s her natural expression, but I doubt I’ll find out today.

“Don’t be stupid, Silas,” she says, her voice smooth. “I’m better suited to rule by yours and Aziel’s sides than my brother and the human. Gray will get to keep her, and the shame of bonding with them will no longer burden Aziel. This is a good deal.”

Silas sucks on his teeth, his hesitance making my palms sweat. Is he considering her offer?

“Plus, we both know how well-acquainted I am with your desires. If you’d like a refresher, I’m more than willing,” she continues, capturing Gray’s attention.

He pulls his face from my neck and scowls at her.

“I can give Silas what he needs better than you can,” he says.

Silas looks uncomfortable as he leans back in his chair and pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Silas doesn’t like men,” Valentine retorts.

“Silas doesn’t care,” Gray shouts, his voice growing louder with each word. “The gender doesn’t matter as long as he’s being held down and called ‘a good boy.’”

What? It takes everything in me not to splutter as I turn toward Silas and try to catch his reaction. He hardly has one, and he lets out another sigh as Gray stands from his chair.

“You’re a greedy whore!” Gray hisses.

“Enough!” Silas groans, putting a halt to the bickering. “Gray and Charlie are staying. We aren’t interested in making any changes to our arrangement.”

I let out a sigh of relief. That’s good to hear.

Asmod scowls as Gray sits back down with a wide grin. He slides his hand around mine as he hums and resumes eating. I’m still reeling over the information about Silas, but now’s not the time to appear too shocked and confused.

Valentine and Asmod exchange glances. It’s tense and awkward, and I silently shove another forkful of food into my mouth as I wait to see what happens next. My life has become a telenovela.

“I’ll be back to speak to Aziel,” Asmod says. “I should’ve known better than to try to do business with afate.”

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