Page 135 of Her Males

“Do you want that, Charlie?” Aziel repeats.

I clench my jaw, hating the way his actions turn me on. “Yes.”

Aziel grins and squeezes our bond one last time before the world disappears.

He grinds his teeth as the mountain solidifies around us, but he otherwise shows no reaction. The shifters are heavy, and I know they take a lot of energy to transport. Kato hardly seems thankful as he pats Aziel on the shoulder and heads inside the mouth of the cave.

I move to follow, but a hand wrapping around my arm stops me.

My pulse races as Aziel leans over me from behind, his breath tickling my ear.

“That’s the last bit of leniency you’re getting from me. Next time, I’m bending you over and making him watch you beg for my cock,” he warns.

Aziel holds a lot of anger toward Kato and Emily, and I don’t blame him. I’d feel similar if I were in his position. I just wish I knew how to fix it. We have to work together if we want to help the females, and it will be for the best if we find a way to coexist.

Aziel presses a kiss to my temple before he grabs my hand and leads me inside. The cave’s just as intimidating as it was the first time I was here, and I force myself not to show any fear. My eyesight is better now, and I shiver at the sheer number of spiders lining the wall. Absolutely terrifying.

Aziel squeezes my hand as we reach the opening of the meeting room, and I spot Kato and Chev the second we step inside. They nod in my direction as the other shifter leaders stand and greet me. Some even wear smiles.

“Thank you all for coming,” I say, clearing my throat when my voice comes out shaky.

I need to sound confident. Taking my papers from Aziel, I plaster a smile on my face as I bring them to the center of the table. The shifters move immediately, taking their seats and grabbing a sheet.

“I want to discuss your alliance with Mammon,” I continue, moving to sit.

Aziel pulls me onto his lap before my butt makes contact with the wooden chair. He wraps his arms around my stomach and rests his hands on my lap, and I debate insisting on sitting in my own chair before accepting my fate with a low sigh.

I’ve seen the shifters do this with their female mates many times, and that knowledge is the only thing that keeps me from feeling completely humiliated. This is normal for them, and nobody even seems to notice that I’m sitting on Aziel’s lap.

Kato clears his throat and turns to a man I haven’t met before. Behind his long, messy, black hair are startlingly bright green eyes, but they’re full of poorly concealed anger. I’m surprised by the outward hostility, and I hold my ground and stare right back.

Aziel tightens his fists on my lap, but he doesn’t intervene.

Progress.

“Leave,” Kato orders the man.

The man’s frown deepens as he turns to Kato.

“I have every right to be here,” he argues.

Nobody speaks up to defend him, and after a few moments, Kato repeats the order. The man still doesn’t move, but he hurries to his feet when Chev stands. I watch silently, not understanding what’s going on.

Chev ushers the man out before posting up by the door, probably to ensure the man doesn’t try to sneak back in. I’m not surprised Chev’s acting as the muscle. His mixture of shifter and demon blood makes him an absolute unit.

“That was Vont. My brother and Mammon’s mate,” Kato explains, gesturing for me to continue.

I glance nervously at the doorway. What’s to stop him from running to Mammon and telling her we’re here?

“He knows to keep his mouth shut. Please continue,” Kato says, shooting me a not-so-subtle thumbs-up.

At least somebody’s on my side.

“We know you’ve aligned yourselves with Mammon, but I believe we’re in a better spot to help the females.” I pause and look around, letting that information sink in. “She doesn’t truly have the females’ best interest in mind, and her trying to sell me to the ogres is proof of that.”

The shifters readjust at the mention of Mammon’s plan to sell me. They’ve all been informed, and I know they aren’t pleased.

“The Wraths have implemented several successful rehabilitation f-facilities, and we’d l-love for you to look at them before moving any further with Mammon.” I trip over a few words, stammering slightly with nerves, but my voice is smooth and even for the most part.

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