Page 333 of Halfblood Deceived

Zeydan huffed, placing a gentle kiss on the edge of her jaw. “I thought I’d lose you, Aella.” His rich voice was scratchy in her ear. “I thought I’d failed you.” He rubbed his nose against her pulse point.

A jolt of pure sensation traveled down Aella’s sternum and curled in her belly. “You’ve never failed me, Zeydan.”

He pulled back just enough to see her face, licking his lips nervously. “I failed you a week ago when I was so cruel to you.”

She shook her head. “It’s forgiven.”

His lips curled up in a half smile. “Just like that? What happened to “Zeydan is a prick and we won’t forgive him until he grovels,” eh?”

Aella felt her cheeks heat. “The group chat’s name was not my idea!”

Zeydan chuckled. “I know. You’re kinder than that lot of busybodies. But perhaps you’re being too kind right now.”

Aella sighed. “All I wanted while I was in that cursed place was another chance to be in your arms. That put some things in perspective and all but made me forget I was angry at you.”

“And now that you’re safe?” he asked.

She bit her lip. “I’m not sure how to put it into words.”

He placed her gently on the floor and took her hand, leading her toward the massive room’s sitting area. “I’ve heard cocoa helps clear the mind.”

Aella smiled and let him escort her to a comfortable, but elegant sofa. There were two armchairs too, and a chaise large enough to accommodate her from head to toe. On a low wooden table, rested a tray with a pot full of glorious-smelling cocoa and mugs. Zeydan poured for them both.

The fireplace was not lit. But considering the chill entering through the open French doors, it would be necessary to start a fire to sleep comfortably.

Zeydan handed Aella a mug of cocoa.

She inhaled, mouth-watering. “It has sheep blood.”

“Yes,” he confirmed. “Take slow sips, alright? Mari thinks your digestive system can tolerate about the same food as mine can, but it’s best to take it slow.”

Aella nodded, taking a dainty sip. The pure explosion of flavor on her tongue felt like fireworks, but she resisted the temptation to chug it all down. The warm liquid went down her esophagus, to her empty stomach, and settled gently without pain or rumbly noises. She beamed.

Zeydan returned her smile and clinked their cups together.

Aella chuckled and drank some more.

They stayed in comfortable silence for a few minutes, sitting so close together that their shoulders and thighs brushed.

When they finished their cocoas, Aella angled her body to half-face him. He imitated her at once. Goddess, his eyes, his cheekbones, his everything. He was painfully gorgeous. This is not helping me think. She mentally shook herself.

“I forgive you, but… I know it’s impossible not to make any mistakes in a relationship. But I want you to try not to do that again.”

Zeydan nodded. “And I know it’s impossible to promise to never do it again. But I swear I will do my best to control my temper and hold my tongue. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I know you don’t,” Aella assured him. “I don’t want to hurt you, either.”

“And I am deeply sorry,” he told her. “I should have never said that.”

Aella bit her lip. “You were right, though.” He opened his mouth to argue, but Aella shook her head. “You shouldn’t have been so blunt, but you were right. I’ve been lying to myself about this… abyss I still have inside me. And I need to fix it somehow. I can’t keep trying to ignore it.”

“You have me,” Zeydan assured her. “You have all of us. We won’t let the pain consume you if you let us help you.”

Aella sighed. “I know.”

He leaned over to kiss her cheek with hot lips. “Thank you for forgiving my stupid arse.”

She exhaled a soft laugh. “You’re welcome.” Nagging questions exploded in her mind and she couldn’t ignore them any longer. “How long have I been asleep? Is Aiko doing alright? Where is Isaiah? Is he… safe?”

---