Page 146 of Amethyst and Iron
As I climbed onto the bed, I caught sight of Lazriel whispering something to Cassius.
In the next moment, Cassius was nodding, then darting behind him, using his massively broad body to shield him as he stripped down to his boxers. He was trying not to tempt me or worsen the strain of it. He fingered his wolf claw pendant as he emerged from behind Cassius, he winked at me.
“Thanks, big boy,” Lazriel told him, planting a kiss on his cheek that had Cassius beaming at him.
“Long night,” Sylas groaned as he sat down heavily on the bed and smiled out at me.
Lazriel was right, he looked absolutely exhausted.
“Yeah, I’m wiped too.”
“Yeah?” he asked, sounding surprised and relieved, struggling not to show how much he actually needed to rest.
At least this was just him processing, not keeping major secrets and taking dangerous unilateral action. And I really believed he could get better with that, and that he’d give us the whole deal tomorrow like he’d promised and loop us in.
Not because it was easy for him, but because it was clear to me that he wanted this with us. He was deeply invested in our relationship and it meant everything to him. He’d try for us, I knew it.
“Definitely,” I said, resting my head down on the super comfy pillow display that Cassius had made, just as Sylas eased in and settled onto his back.
Cassius climbed in beside me.
And then Lazriel did a half somersault over him and settled between me and Sylas, then threw his leg over the covers so he could touch Cassius’ thighs through the covers with his feet.
I laughed and tickled his ribs, which given how ticklish he was, had him thrashing.
“If you continue, it’ll really work him up,” Sylas warned. As I ceased my tickling, he reached out and stroked Lazriel’s hair, gliding his fingers through the block of green strands amongst the rest of his dark hair. “Shh. Settle, babe.”
“You also, Velra,” Cassius said, curling around me and stroking my hair softly.
I couldn’t believe I needed to besettled, but being together, all four of us, after so long was clearly getting to me. I was so excited for it.
So relieved.
So happy.
Lazriel and I exchanged an amused look.
And then I nuzzled against his cheek and he breathed me in, resting his hand over my stomach possessively. Sylas closed in, essentially spooning him on the other side, while also hooking my leg in the process, wanting me close. And then Cassius covered me from behind, continuing to softly stroke my hair as he also reached out and grasped Lazriel’s hand, holding it firmly.
I absorbed it all, every moment of them wrapped all over me.
Being immersed in them again.
It was so lovely and perfect that it relaxed me in moments, soothed me so deeply.
And it wasn’t long before sleep took me.
21
~Cassius~
I awoke slowly to the freeing sensation of my wings unfurled.
Even more wonderful was that Velra was wrapped tightly in my right wing, her warmth and softness infusing me.
I had startled awake last night when I’d felt a pang of pain and torment from her through the Soul Brand to find her shuddering in her sleep. She’d been suffering from nightmares, as had been the case on and off since she’d been staying here. Last night had been more intense than any of those occurrences, and I was certain it was due to her confrontation with Sorin.
Lazriel had woken in response to it as well.
