37. Chapter Thirty-Seven
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
MORTE
W e lie under the covers of Azazel’s bed, five bodies pressed close together for comfort. The metal shingles creak slightly against the wind outside, and I focus on Wilder’s steady breathing next to me, his arm draped protectively over my waist, his fingers lightly stroking my skin. It’s a false sense of security—one I desperately cling to as I wait for midnight to arrive.
Caius lies on my other side, his tail coiled gently around my ankle, his body taut beneath the blankets. He can feel my anxiety—my tension—buzzing through the bond. Emeric and Aggonid lie on the other side of Caius, their presence a solid warmth against the ache that seeps into my heart at being here, amongst Az’s things, without him.
The room falls into an eerie silence, and I glance at the heavy metal windows that separate us from whatever monstrosities emerge at midnight. The silence doesn’t last long—it never does. A distant, guttural howl echoes from outside, followed by another, closer this time. Wilder’s grip tightens around my fingers, and I can sense his unease. I give his hand a gentle squeeze, trying to offer whatever reassurance I can.
“What. The. Fuck.” Wilder whispers against my ear .
Caius chuckles. “The fun is just getting started,” he sing-songs.
The howls grow louder, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of something—no, many somethings—scratching at the walls outside. I close my eyes, focusing on my breathing, the steady rhythm of it, trying to block out the noise. But it’s impossible. The scratching turns to clawing, desperate and vicious. Metal screeches as something—some creature—drags its talons down the door, and Wilder lets out a shaky breath.
Aggonid shifts on the other side of Caius, his shadows unfurling slightly beneath the covers, curling protectively around my waist. “The midnight terrors,” he says, his tone flat, devoid of emotion. “They can’t get in. The metal doors are reinforced. They’ll leave at first light.”
Wilder doesn’t seem comforted by that. I turn my head to look at him, catching the fear that radiates in his eyes, his desperation to ensure my safety in a realm where there is little of it. His normally tanned face is pale, his lips pressed tightly together. I squeeze his hand again, and offer him a small smile—one I hope conveys more confidence than I actually feel.
“We’re safe in here,” I whisper. “They can’t get in. We’ll be fine.”
“I’m the scariest thing in these woods. We’re fine.” Aggonid sighs.
My merfae swallows hard, and his eyes dart back to the window, his muscles tense beneath the blankets. The scratching continues, a constant, maddening sound that seems to reverberate through the room. I close my eyes again, trying to block it out, focusing instead on the warmth of my mates beside me, the steady pressure of Caius’s tail around my ankle, the weight of Wilder’s hand in mine.
A loud thud echoes from outside, followed by a low growl that sends a shiver down my spine. Emeric shifts behind Aggonid, his eyes narrowing as he stares at the window. His muscles bunch beneath the covers, his fingers twitching slightly. He’s ready to fight—ready to protect. I know that if those windows or doors were to open, he’d throw himself at whatever monstrosity lay beyond them without hesitation.
The growling grows louder, more aggressive, and I feel Caius turn over beside me. His tail tightens around my ankle, his body curling around mine to help ease the edge of my anxiety. Aggonid’s shadows shift, creeping out from beneath the blankets, pooling on the floor, ready to defend. But the door holds, the metal groaning under the pressure but refusing to budge.
I turn my head, pressing my face into Wilder’s chest, inhaling his scent, letting it ground me. His fingers stroke my hair, his touch gentle, soothing. He presses his lips to the top of my head.
“We’re okay,” I whisper. I know it to be true, but it’s still scary as shit. “We’re safe. I promise.”
He closes his eyes, his breath shuddering out of him. His forehead presses against mine, and I can feel the tension leaving his body, his muscles relaxing, if only slightly.
“We can make it storm. It’ll drown out the noise if you need a distraction,” Aggonid offers.
“I can think of better ways to distract us.” Caius sits up, glancing down at me. His runes pulse faintly in the darkness, and a hint of mischief glimmers in his eyes. His tail uncurls from my ankle, sliding up my leg.
“Wait.”
Caius pauses, looking like he’s been kicked.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“For?”
I glance around at my mates. “I meant nothing I said when I was about to mate with King Valtorious.” Sitting up, I turn to face them all. “I had to make you believe it or the deal was null and void.”
Caius shakes his head. “I’m sorry for not realizing what Aggie had put you through.”
I reach out to grab his hand, pulling it into my lap. “It’s okay.”
“We’re all sorry.” Wilder clears his throat. “Each of us did things that hurt you, and we want to make it up to you.”
Something twists inside me. “Thank you, but?—”
Wilder leans over, depositing something cool and familiar into my hand. My breath catches as I lift it, the pale light shining off the smooth, dark glass surrounding the shell. My shell. The one I thought I’d lost forever.
“You found it,” I whisper, my fingers brushing along its delicate curves. Emotions swell, my throat tightening, and I glance up at him. His eyes soften, the usual quiet mischief replaced with something deeper, more profound. After I died in the prison and found myself in the underworld, I thought I’d never see it again.
“It was in my cell when I woke,” he whispers.
I trace the heart-shaped glass, the memory of his first gift to me flashing through my mind. “You told me this was a vow,” I murmur. “But you never told me what it meant.”
Wilder’s expression shifts, a hint of hesitation before his jaw sets, his hand reaching out to cradle mine. “It was a vow to you, Little Bird. A promise.” He swallows, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “When I gave it to you, I didn’t know yet what you were to me. Just that you mattered. That I’d hold a place for you in my heart, no matter what. Merfae give these to those they wish were their anchors.”
“I’m confused.” Caius reaches out to hold the little shell before glancing up to look at Wilder.
“She is my anchor now, but I didn’t know it then. This was my vow to her that I’d have no other, even if she weren’t my anchor.”
Tears burn behind my eyes, a thousand questions bubble to the surface, but I stay silent, waiting as he continues.
“And when I learned,” his eyes lower to the bracelet, “when I finally understood that you were my anchor, it wasn’t about the bond alone. You held my heart whether I’d ever see you again.” He draws a slow breath. “Even if you couldn’t be with me then, I’d remain celibate. Because the vow I made wasn’t just to you—it was to myself. To love you, even when I couldn’t be there.”
The enormity of his words sinks in, the meaning squeezing my heart. The bracelet, the vow—it wasn’t just a gift or a keepsake. It was him, giving all of himself, with no expectations. I tighten my hold on the bracelet, my eyes locked with his. He’d given me this the first day we met, after I’d given him one of my feathers .
“Wilder…” I trail off, the words tangling on my tongue, but his lips quirk into a gentle smile, stopping me.
“You don’t need to say anything,” he says softly, his touch lingering. “Just know that my promise doesn’t change, no matter what.”
I slide the bracelet onto my wrist, the old, familiar weight a comfort. “I love you,” I whisper. My attention lands on each one of them. “So much.”
A chorus of, “I love you, too’s” reaches my ears when a howl sounds just outside the confines of Az’s home.
A shudder runs through me, and immediately, Caius’s tail snakes its way back to my leg as he ushers me back down onto the bed.
“Where were we?” He grins down at me.
I’ll take this diversion.
“What did you have in mind?” The scratching and growling outside seems to fade into the background as I lean into him.
His lips brush my ear. "I think we could all use a distraction right now. Something to take our minds off what's out there."
I smirk. “You’re not afraid of what’s out there.”
“I’m terrified,” he whispers against my lips. “Let me show you how scared I am.”
Smiling against his mouth, I feel some of the tension leave my body as I focus on his touch. His tail slides higher up my thigh, sending goosebumps across my skin.
“Is this okay?” he asks softly, pulling back to meet my eyes.
I grin, my hands coming up to tangle in his dark blue hair. “Yes,” I breathe.
He captures my lips again, the kiss deeper this time, more insistent.
I feel Wilder behind me, and open-mouthed kisses brush the back of my neck. His hands slide under my shirt, palm warm against my skin as it travels up my side .
Caius breaks the kiss, looking over my shoulder at Wilder. “This okay with you?”
“More than okay.” His breath is hot against me. “You two were there for her when I couldn’t be, and you helped bring us back together, giving us a chance to finally be together again.”
Caius smirks, his tail curling around my thigh as he shifts to straddle me, pinning me to my back, his nearly blue skin pale in the poor light. His hands slide under my shirt, pushing it up and over my head before tossing it aside. His runes pulse a more sensual rhythm now as he leans down, pressing open-mouthed kisses along my collarbone. I arch into his touch, a soft gasp escaping my lips.
Wilder nips at my earlobe as his hands explore my sides. “You going to ride us all?” he murmurs.
I arch into their touch. “Yes,” I breathe. “Please.”
Caius's tail slides higher, teasing along my inner thigh. His lips find mine again, swallowing my gasp as his fingers trace the waistband of my underwear. Wilder's hand cups my breast, thumb brushing over my nipple, sending sparks of pleasure through me.
I reach out, my fingers finding Aggonid in the darkness. He takes my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm before guiding it to his chest. I can feel his heart racing beneath my touch, his skin burning hot.
The sound of ripping fabric fills the air as Caius tears my underwear away. My protest dies on my lips when his tail slides between my legs, teasing my folds.
I moan against Wilder’s mouth, my hips rocking against Caius’s touch. My merfae’s hand slides lower, fingers dipping between my legs to circle my clit. The dual sensations make me gasp, arching off the bed. He chuckles softly, his touch teasing and light.
“That’s it,” Caius calls up to me. “Let us take care of you.”
I nod, unable to form words as pleasure builds within me. I feel, rather than see, Emeric shift closer on the other side of the bed. His hand finds mine, intertwining our fingers as he presses a kiss to my knuckles.
Some whispers exchange, but I’m too lust-ridden to hear.
Caius's tail slides inside me, the ridges providing delicious friction as he begins to move it in and out. Wilder's fingers pick up speed on my clit, circling faster as my hips buck against their touch.
Just before I’m about to break, Caius and Wilder ease back and my orgasm dies.
My eyes fly open in protest but find a shirtless Emeric kneeling between my thighs now, all his dark skin on display for me.
“Em,” I whisper, pulling him into me.
Emeric's lips meet mine in a passionate kiss as he settles between my thighs. His hands caress my sides, sliding up to cup my breasts as he deepens the kiss. I moan into his mouth, arching into his touch.
Wilder shifts beside me, his lips trailing down my neck as his hand finds my breast, teasing and pinching my nipple. Caius moves to the other side, his tail wrapping around my thigh as he kisses along my collarbone.
Aggonid's shadows curl around us all, a comforting, sensual darkness that heightens every sensation. His hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining as Emeric lines himself up with my entrance.
“Two fucking cocks?” Wilder curses, and Emeric lets out a husky chuckle.
I grin over at my merfae. “They vibrate.”
“Fucking hell,” Wilder swears.
Just as I’m about to ask, they begin to pulsate, the buzz reaching my ears.
“You sure you want this?” Em asks.
I arch my hips up in response, and he smirks down at me.
“Use your words,” he warns.
“If you don’t fuck me right now, I’ll happily fuck one of them.” I reach out, pulling Aggonid’s head to mine, my lips finding his. Surprise lights his features, but he doesn’t hesitate as he indulges me, his tongue tangling with mine.
I startle when the vibration settles at the apex of my thighs, and I let out a deep groan.
Ripping my face away, I pant, staring down the length of my body at where Emeric teases me with one of his cocks.
I gasp as he slowly pushes inside me, the vibrations from his cock sending waves of pleasure through my body. He pauses when he's fully seated, giving me time to adjust to his size.
His lower cock sits in me, while his upper cock slides against my folds, dual vibrations undoing me.
“Fuck,” I moan, my head falling back against the pillow. “That feels incredible.”
"Okay?" he murmurs, his hand caressing my cheek.
Desire stalks me, and I can only manage a whisper: “More.”
He smirks, pulling out slowly before thrusting back in. The vibrations intensify as he sets a steady rhythm, each thrust sending sparks of pleasure through my body.
Wilder and Caius continue their ministrations, kissing and caressing every inch of exposed skin they can reach.
Aggonid's shadows wrap around us all, heightening every sensation. His lips find mine again in a searing kiss as Emeric picks up the pace. The room fills with the sounds of our pleasure, drowning out the nightmarish noises from outside.
"More," I gasp, my hips rising to meet Emeric's thrusts. "Please, I need more."
Understanding flashes in Emeric's eyes. He shifts slightly, and I feel the pressure of his second cock at my entrance alongside the first. My breath catches as he slowly pushes in, his second cock stretching me further as he slowly pushes inside alongside the first. The twin sensations are almost overwhelming—the vibrations, the fullness, the exquisite pressure. I cry out, my back arching off the bed as he sheaths himself fully inside me.
“Fuck, Little Fire,” Emeric breathes. “You take me so well.”
“You’re going to split me in half!”
He chuckles. “You can take me. Healing properties, remember?” Em pulls back, dribbling his saliva at where we’re joined. Instantly, the ache is soothed.
My hands grip his biceps, nails digging into his skin. "Move," I finally manage to gasp. "Please, Em. I need you to move."
He smirks, pulling out slowly before thrusting back in. The vibrations intensify as he sets a steady rhythm, each thrust sending waves of intensity through my body. I'm lost in a haze of pleasure, overwhelmed by the sensations of Emeric's cocks filling me completely.
Wilder's mouth finds my breast, his tongue swirling around my nipple as Caius kisses along my neck. Their touch is electric, heightening every sensation. Aggonid's shadows pulse around us, amplifying the pleasure to almost unbearable levels.
"Fuck, you feel amazing," Em groans, his pace increasing. "So tight, so perfect."
I can barely form coherent thoughts, let alone words. My body moves instinctively, meeting Emeric's thrusts as I chase my release. The coil of tension in my core winds tighter and tighter with each thrust, each caress, each kiss.
"That's it, Little Fire," Emeric encourages, his voice husky with desire. "Let go. Come for us."
His words push me over the edge. I cry out, my back arching as waves of intense pleasure pummel me. My inner walls clench around Emeric's cocks, pulsing rhythmically as my orgasm crests. The sensation seems to go on forever, amplified by the vibrations and the continued thrusting of his hips.
I’m coherent enough to find my other mate’s eyes, and they watch on with hooded stares.
“You going to finally mate him, Sweet Birdie?” Caius coos, his runes rippling, as though excited.
My lips part, a question hanging unspoken as I glance toward Aggonid and Wilder. Their steady, heated gazes lock with mine. Aggie’s molten eyes, like lava, smolder with an intensity that says more than words ever could. Yes , they say. Wilder gives me a brief dip of his head, the corner of his mouth twitching in what might be approval or quiet amusement.
There's no hesitation, no resistance, only heated approval.
I draw in a sharp breath, my pulse quickening as I turn back to Em. His eyes soften, and a radiant, almost boyish grin breaks across his face—a joy so raw and pure it steals my breath. Relief pours off him in waves, his arms tightening around me as though he’s afraid to let go, his forehead dropping to mine. “They said yes,” he murmurs, the wonder in his tone healing the little piece inside me that longs to be loved in return. “Gods, they said yes.”
“Bite me,” I beg.
“I’ve waited a long time to hear that,” Emeric growls, his movements becoming more erratic.
His fangs sink into my neck, and the quick pinch of pain is chased by a rush of euphoric pleasure that blooms in my chest, something sweet and so right surging through my body as our mating bond snaps into place, like a thousand suns exploding in my veins. It soothes a small part of the ache that resides there, allowing my phoenix to bask in the heat rather than be left in the cold. The weight of his body on top of mine keeps me grounded, his muscles flexing and moving with each thrust.
I feel his venom coursing through my veins, intensifying every sensation. I hear my own ragged breaths and Em's low, guttural moans as he drinks from me. The sound of our bodies moving together in perfect rhythm fills the air, along with the pulsing beat of our mating bond.
Wilder, Aggonid, and Caius follow suit, their fangs piercing the soft flesh of my breasts and inner thigh. The multiple bites send me spiraling into a state of pure bliss, my body convulsing with pleasure.
Emeric's thrusts become more frantic, his breathing harsh against my skin. "I'm close," he pants. "So close, Little Fire."
"Come for me," I whisper, clenching around him. "Fill me up, Em."
With a guttural groan, he buries himself deep inside me, his cocks pulsing as he finds his release. The feeling of his hot seed flooding me triggers another orgasm, and I cry out, clinging to him desperately.
We stay like that for a moment, bodies intertwined, breath mingling. Slowly, the others withdraw their fangs, licking the wounds closed. Emeric gently pulls out, and I whimper at the loss.
“You’re so perfect.” He presses a tender kiss to my forehead. “I’m going to get something to clean you up.”
“No.” I pull him back. “Don’t.”
“You want to keep my come in you?” A tender kind of awe colors his voice .
I nod, feeling my cheeks flush. The loss of Azazel has me feeling extra needy. “I want to feel you inside me for as long as possible.”
Caius nuzzles into my neck, inhaling deeply. “You smell divine, love. Like us. Like ours.”
I bask in their attention, feeling cherished and protected—something I’ve been in desperate need of for a long time now. The bond between us pulses with contentment, a warm glow that suffuses my entire being.
Emeric shifts, pulling me onto his chest as he rolls onto his back.“Sorry, guys, but I’m feeling pretty needy, too.” He buries himself against my hair.
“You need us to satisfy you?” Caius chuckles.
I feel Emeric smile against my neck. “I meant that if you’re going to fuck our mate, you’ll have to do it while she’s in my arms.”
A small whimper escapes me at the idea.
Caius lets out a low growl, his eyes darkening. “Is that what you want, Pretty Bird? To be filled again while Emeric holds you?”
“Yes,” I beg, my body already thrumming with anticipation. Emeric flips me so I’m on my back, hands sliding down to spread my thighs. I feel exposed, vulnerable, but utterly safe in his embrace.
Wilder moves closer, his fingers trailing along my inner thigh. “You’re dripping. So fucking soaked.”
I gasp as he pushes two fingers inside me, my oversensitive flesh clenching around the intrusion. Emeric's cock twitches against my back, hardening once more.
"Please," I whimper, not entirely sure what I'm begging for.
Caius positions himself between my legs, replacing Wilder’s fingers with the blunt head of his pierced cock. "Ready for more, My Queen?"
I can only nod, my voice lost as he slowly pushes inside. The stretch is delicious, my body yielding easily to accommodate him. Emeric's hands roam my body, teasing and soothing in equal measure. His lips find my neck, kissing and nipping as Caius begins to move.
"So perfect," Caius murmurs, his hips rolling in a steady rhythm. "So tight and wet for us. "
I moan, overwhelmed by the sensations of Caius inside me and Emeric's hands and mouth on my skin. Wilder moves closer, his eyes dark with lust as he watches.
"Can you take more, love?" he asks, voice husky.
I nod frantically, desperate for everything they can give me. Wilder smirks, positioning his glowing cock near my face. I open my mouth eagerly, taking him in as Caius continues to thrust.
“You,” Caius pants, “didn’t say you glowed.”
Wilder’s deep chuckle ends on a groan.
The room fills with the sounds of our pleasure—moans, gasps, and the slick noises of our joining. I feel utterly consumed, surrounded by my mates in every way possible.
Emeric's hands find my breasts, teasing my nipples as he whispers praise in my ear. "That's it, sweetheart. You're doing so well. Taking us all so beautifully."
I whimper around Wilder's cock, my body trembling as the sensations build. Caius increases his pace, his piercing hitting that perfect spot inside me with each thrust. Wilder's hand tangles in my hair, guiding my movements as I take him deeper.
"Fuck, you feel amazing," my anchor groans, his hips jerking.
I'm lost in a haze of pleasure, every nerve ending alight. Emeric's fingers find my clit, circling the sensitive bud as Caius pounds into me. The stimulation is almost too much to bear.
"Come for us," Caius commands, his voice rough with desire. "Let us feel you fall apart."
His words, a whisper of magic threading them, push me over the edge. I cry out around Wilder's cock as my orgasm crashes over me, my body clenching and shuddering. Caius groans, his thrusts becoming erratic as he follows me over.
Wilder pulls back, letting me gasp for air as aftershocks ripple through me. Emeric's arms tighten around me, holding me close as I come down from the high.
"Beautiful," he murmurs, pressing soft kisses to my shoulder.
I collapse against Emeric's chest, my body still quivering with aftershocks. Wilder and Caius pull away gently, their hands caressing my flushed skin as they move to lay beside us on the massive bed.
For a few moments, we simply breathe together, basking in the afterglow. Emeric's fingers trace soothing patterns along my spine as Wilder presses tender kisses to my temple. Caius reaches out to intertwine his fingers with mine, his thumb rubbing circles on my palm.
"Are you alright, love?" Em asks softly, concern tinging his voice.
I smile lazily, not quite trusting my voice yet. My body feels pleasantly sore, thoroughly claimed by my mates.
Wilder chuckles, his breath warm against my skin. "I think we may have worn our little mate out."
"Nonsense," I manage to croak out, my voice hoarse. "I could go again."
This earns me appreciative growls from all three men. Caius tugs me closer, nipping playfully at my earlobe. "Careful what you wish for.”
A lazy smile adorns my face as I turn to look for Aggonid. He sits in an armchair next to the bed, shirt undone, his pewter skin on display.
“Come back to bed?” I reach out for him.
It goes without saying that I’m not ready to make love to him right now, but I still want him near me.
Aggonid's eyes soften as he takes my outstretched hand, joining us on the bed. He settles beside me, his large frame a comforting presence while Caius takes his other side.
"How are you feeling?" he asks, his deep voice rumbling through me.
I hum contentedly, nestling further into the tangle of limbs surrounding me. "Thoroughly satisfied," I murmur. "And very loved."
Caius presses a kiss to my shoulder. "As you should be, Sweet Bird."
“But also sad,” I add.
The room sobers, and the haunting noises outside the house filter in.
Aggonid’s warm hand encircles mine, drawing me closer to him. He settles against the headboard, his movements careful, as though afraid I might break apart in his arms. His fingers trail lightly through my hair, and though his touch is meant to soothe, the ache inside me refuses to fade.
“You’re not going with us,” I murmur, the words barbed in my chest. They fall into the room like stones, breaking the fragile stillness.
He shifts beside me, his grip firm on my other hand. “No,” he says simply, his tone even. “Caius and I need to stay here. If you bring his soul back, we’ll need to be ready to restore him.”
My stomach twists, an unwelcome surge of dread curling low. “And if you can’t? If we bring him back and there’s nothing you can do?” The question burns in my throat, but I force it out. “What then?”
Aggonid’s stare hardens, his jaw tightening as he leans closer. “We will. There’s no alternative.”
“You can’t just will this to happen,” I snap, my voice rising before I can stop it. “This isn’t something you can control. None of this is. We don’t even know if—” The words catch, choking me. “If he’ll even still be Az when we find him.”
“Then we’ll make it happen,” Caius says firmly, his free hand brushing my shoulder. “Azazel is strong. He’ll fight to come back.”
Emeric, who’s been silent, shifts under me. His attention sweeps over all of us before landing on me. “That’s why we’re going to the river. We’re not coming back empty-handed. But when we do return, they need to be ready.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, glancing at Aggonid. His expression softens—just slightly—as his fingers thread through mine again. “This isn’t just about finding his soul,” he says quietly. “It’s about binding it to his body again. If we don’t do it right, we’ll lose him all over again.”
“And you think you can figure that out while we’re gone?” I ask, unable to mask the bite in my tone.
Caius gives me a small, almost tender smile. “We’ve worked with less time and more chaos. Besides, you’re taking the two most stubborn bastards I’ve ever met to that river.” He inclines his head toward Wilder and Emeric, who exchange brief, grim looks. “If anyone can drag him back to us, it’s them. ”
Aggonid leans in, his forehead brushing mine. “Trust us, Morte. Let us focus on this while you focus on finding him. It’s the only way this works.”
I close my eyes, willing the knot in me to loosen. “I don’t like us being apart. Not after I just got all of you back.”
I feel Aggie’s thumb brush across my knuckles, a silent reassurance. "I know," he murmurs. "But we have to do this. I won’t stop until I right a whole lot of wrongs in my life. And it starts with bringing your mate back."
"Okay," I whisper, opening my eyes to meet his crimson stare. "But promise me you'll be careful. No unnecessary risks."
He nods solemnly. "I promise. And you do the same."
“Sleep now.” Caius gives me a searing kiss. “The sooner we can get him back, the sooner we can all be together again.”
“Okay.” I shift, settling in deeper against Em. “I love you all.”
A chorus of, I love you’s, greets my ears, easing the ache in me as I drift off to the sound of Emeric’s deep breathing beneath me.