Page 16 of Unsanctioned
“Then say it and move along.” His bright green eyes sparkled with hatred. Audor knew things had gone south on their date, but he wasn’t sure he warranted all this. Maybe it was the red hair. Gingers were said to be fiery.
“I’m sorry for how things went down at Frost’s party. You didn’t deserve that. At the time, I had no idea Waylon was my mate.”
“You were aware you loved them, though.”
It wasn’t a question. Audor wouldn’t pretend Fen was wrong. “Yeah. I knew. We had split, and I tried to move on. I never meant to hurt you.”
A bitter laugh fell from Fen’s lips. “This isn’t hurt. I’m pissed. As you said, you knew how you felt. You also knew how Waylon felt.He’s a lesser being. No doubt you read his every thought. You knew how everyone felt, and yet you willingly chose to drag me into things. I don’t like being used.”
“I do. Use me, daddy,” Stone said, walking past them on patrol. The obnoxious baby voice he used had Audor pinching the spot between his eyes. Plus, he just needed a moment. As much as Audor chafed at Waylon being called lesser, he could only fight one battle at a time. He opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. All he knew was they had to work together to keep Frost safe and hard feelings could put them at risk.
A wildflower appeared between them. “Peace?” Waylon had to have been really hunting to find a flower this early into spring.
Fen’s gaze dropped to the flower pointed his way.
Audor fought like hell not to look at Waylon. His eyes itched to see his mate.You meant that flower for me.
He practically felt Waylon’s inner laughter.I totally picked it for you, but this has to end. I’ll pick you another.
Fen didn’t take the flower, but the rage left his eyes. “You picked that for your mate.”
Waylon didn’t give up trying to hand it to Fen. “It’s still for my mate. If you two can’t get along, then you can’t watch each other’s backs. I know you’re both warriors who don’t think you’d let something personal cloud your judgment in battle, but Iwon’t risk it. Let’s put this behind us. Let me make amends.” He held the flower closer.
Fen finally took it. He eyed it for a second. “As you said, I’m a warrior. I’d never allow harm to come to anyone for personal reasons. Thank you for the flower. No one has ever given me one.” On that note, he walked away, leaving Audor feeling worse than before. He had a bad feeling Fen had been happier about that date than he realized and obviously felt neglected because everyone saw him as a warrior and nothing else. Guilt ate at him. Then his gaze met Waylon’s, and everything fell away except his other half.
“Hey.”
Waylon smiled. “Hey. I woke up alone.”
Now he felt twice as guilty. “I had to come to check on things before sunrise. But I made you coffee.”
Waylon crowded his space. “You did and I appreciate it. But I want my morning kiss before work even more.”
“Hmmm. Well, we can’t have you going off to serve and protect without a kiss.”
Waylon shook his head. “We really can’t.”
Audor wrapped his arms around Waylon and shuffled closer. His lips skimmed Waylon’s. “How did you get here so fast?”
“Leif brought me.”
“Good. That means I can do this.” Audor zapped them home. Waylon was already in uniform. Audor couldn’t seduce him the way he wanted, but he could ensure Waylon thought about him all day.
“I always do that no matter what.”
Fuck. He loved having Waylon in his head. As much as he hated it, Audor swept one last kiss across Waylon’s lips. “Be careful out there.”
“Always. Get some sleep.”
“I will.” Audor knew, as much as he’d prefer to sleep when Waylon did, he needed his energy for when the sun went down. “If you need me, I’m still just one thought away.”
“Same. I love you.”
The sincerity in Waylon’s eyes made his throat swell. This was everything he had ever wanted, and he wasn’t sure if he was worthy. He would savor this blessing nonetheless.
Lucifer stared at the horizon. From the top of the mountain, he could see the whole town. He knew this was the real reason Riku chose this spot to live. This was Riku’s charge. He was their sentry, while most people didn’t even know he existed. Maybe that gave him purpose. Lucifer hated it. He wanted Riku with him. That was his place, ruling at Lucifer’s side.
Warm lips pressed against the spot between his wings. Lucifer made them disappear so Riku could hold him tighter.
