Page 144 of Her Males

It’s late, and she’s usually winding down for bed around this time.

Sleepy Charlie is one of my favorite versions of her—Aziel’s too—and I smirk as I realize he’s just now learning how quickly it turns into Angry Charlie.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” he says, shaking his head.

He turns to his computer and reads over something, the man seemingly not feeling the least bit guilty about making Charlie upset. I applaud him for it, remembering how quick I was to chase after her and apologize.

Silas was a little better than me, usually searching for a compromise, but Aziel is unwavering. He dotes on her, but he has no issue making her angry.

I listen to her storm upstairs, her bare feet loud against the wooden steps.

“Have you gotten a response from the shifters yet?” I ask, leaning against the doorframe.

“Yes.”

I roll my eyes when Aziel offers no further explanation. Why does he always need to be so damn elusive?

“And what did they say?” I pry, annoyance seeping into my tone.

“They want the final say on regulations, and they want to decide on the punishments for those who disobey.” Aziel rubs his temples with a low sigh. “They also want to take the lead in hiring and managing the social workers.”

Aziel’s not used to giving up power, and the shifters are asking for a lot. They’ve already reached out four times this week to demand changes on decisions Aziel’s made.

Charlie has no issues giving in to the shifter demands. I don’t like her lack of faith in us, but I know it’s justified. It’s not like we’ve proven to be the most reliable regarding females.

“And you saidyes?” I ask, taking a seat on Aziel’s couch.

His jaw clenches. “Charlie saidyesbefore discussing it with me.” He glares at the door she disappeared through.

Ah. So that’s why they’re fighting.

I like the initiative Charlie’s taking on this, and I can’t help but chuckle at how it’s so clearly upsetting Aziel. I’m sure many things she does drive him insane, the woman headstrong.

I continue to watch Aziel work, the silence between us growing as he frowns and types away at his computer. He hasn’t fed me since returning, and I’m debating trying with him when he lifts his head and locks eyes with me.

“Will you check on her?” he asks.

I frown, unsure if that’s a good idea.

“You’re good at calming her down,” he continues. “Better than I am.”

I flush, happy with the compliment. I am the best at calming Charlie, the female quick to anger but even quicker to be settled with a few soft touches and kind words.

“I suppose,” I say.

Aziel doesn’t react, but I feel our bond tighten as I stand and leave. He wants us to forgive her more than he lets on, and I don’t know how to feel about that. Every part of me wants to forgive Charlie, to squeeze her in my arms and claim her as mine, but something in me resists.

It’d be easier to push her away if she weren’t bonded to Aziel. Knowing she’ll be in my life for the indefinite future makes keeping my distance feel pointless, especially when she’s dead-set on having us back.

My thoughts continue to race as I make my way to Aziel’s bedroom. I don’t smell her, and I move from his bedroom to his lounge area before scratching the back of my head and heading down my wing.

Maybe she wants to be in her old bedroom? All of her knickknacks are still in there.

“Charlie?” I call out.

Her bond with Aziel allows him to keep tabs on her location and emotions, so I know she’s still in our home. He’d be breaking down walls the second she left the manor.

I don’t find her in her bedroom, or mine, and I clench my jaw as I make my way to Silas’s. Where the fuck did she disappear to?

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