Page 104 of Hell Fae Commander

At first, I assumed it was my childhood trauma flaring up, but Az’s Phoenix hissed. He didn’t give me a chance to react as he grabbed the stuffy and sent it careening across the room.

It exploded a moment later into a burst of fire, adding another scorch mark to the wall.

“Remind me never to have kids,” I said.

Because I didnotenvy Aflora.

This “playroom” was evidently where Florica worked out her fire starter tendencies, including enchanting her toys to resemble firebombs.

The Phoenix made a strange sound as if I’d just pained him.

Az had been silent this whole time, but I nearly jumped out of my skin when his voice popped into my head.Please,pleasedon’t bring up the topic of offspring to my Phoenix. Who is mated to you, in case you forgot.

I turned to find the Black Phoenix looking back at me. The dangerous, ancient beast that I seemed to have gravely offended was clearly upset. His dark eyes burned with glittering embers, and shadows swirled around his feet as his mouth parted on a pant.

“I didn’t mean…” My voice trailed off when the Phoenix’s fists clenched.

He’s an animal, Cami,Az explained.The entire endgame of mating a capable female is offspring. Ajax is a fellow warrior—one charged to eventually protect any faelings—but you, you’re more than that. You’re the first female he’s found to be compatible in thousands of years.

My eyes widened. “What?” I screeched. A part of me wanted to react to the “thousands of years” comment. I hadn’t realized Az wasthatold, even though that technically made sense if he’d been with Lucifer from the beginning, but the news about the claim on myreproductive organsfelt more pressing.

The Phoenix tilted his head, a fraction of his anger ebbing with Az’s words. He seemed to find it obvious that I was to be the mother of his future child.

Or faeling.

Or… birdling?

Ugh.

Rage flared inside my chest. “Let me get this straight. The only reason you’ve been so nice to me, protected me, andbitme, is because you want myuterus?”

I wasn’t sure if I was talking to Az or his Phoenix.

No, I was definitely talking to his Phoenix. This whole time he’d been on my side, but not in a million years would I have imaginedthiswas why.

His head tilted the other way, the Phoenix seeming to be hurt by my conclusion.Of course not, Cami. You’re perfect.

A bit of my anger evaporated at that simple statement.

Because I could feel the emotions and assurance that came with it. He hadn’t hesitated. He hadn’t stumbled.

He meant it.

You… You think I’m perfect?

The Black Phoenix had control over Az’s body, and he lifted a hand to trace his fingers over my lower lip.

We both do,Az confirmed.Which is why I’m not surprised my Phoenix wants to breed you, but that doesn’t have to be anytime soon. Or any time at all, if you don’t want it.

The Phoenix made a sound of disagreement, but it was more like a disgruntled noise, one that said,It’s just a matter of time. You’ll see.

I would let Az deal with his horny bird, one that acted on instinct.

If Az said that he’d mated me for more than just my ability to procreate, then I’d believe him.

As his finger continued to graze my lip, I didn’t realize my tongue had flicked out to taste him until I’d already done it.

Careful,Az purred in my head.Or my bird is going to?—