Page 48 of Hell Fae Commander

He’d made it sound like a choice.Is it still a choice?

“I’m not trying to overwhelm you,” he murmured. “But I know you’re upset, and I’m sorry. Truly. Ty is just trying to navigate all this change, and, to be blunt, he’s not handling it well.”

No shit,I nearly responded.

“I owe Ajax an apology, too. Although, Az and Ty—” Melek winced, his gaze suddenly narrowing at the living area.

I followed his gaze, thinking that maybe Ajax had heard us and was awake now. But he was still nestled into the cushions with one arm tossed over his face, his opposite lying across his bare torso.

Instead, Melek appeared to be focused on the entryway.

A chill ran up my spine, causing the hairs to dance along the back of my neck.Is Ty here? Az? Someone else?

Power radiated off Melek as a light dusting of gold sparks flickered in the air, the energy swirling toward the door.

“What is it?” I whispered.

“Zakkai,” Melek murmured. “He’s playing with my essence.”

I swallowed, the name very familiar to me.Zakkai, the Source Architect.He was an intimidatingly powerful Midnight Fae with the ability to rewrite magic. He’d also administered a truth spell that had proved my innocence.

He’d called me powerful, and when asked to elaborate on what he sensed, he’d said, “An equal.”

Whatever the hell that had meant.

“I shouldn’t be here, and he’s making sure I know that,” Melek continued. “I’m showing him that I could choose to retaliate, but I’m not. Instead, I’m letting him play.”

“And how’s he reacting to that?” I asked warily.

“Unclear,” Melek murmured, shrugging. “Anyway, I believe we were discussing apologies?” His pretty eyes swirled with energy and barely restrained power as he looked at me. “I’m sorry for hurting you, Camillia. I would never do so intentionally. All I want is to protect you.”

My jaw clenched and unclenched, his sincerity pricking at my walls. But it wasn’t nearly enough for me to forgive him. And definitely not Lucifer.

Too much had happened for me to trust either of them.Any of them, I corrected, my gaze flickering back to Ajax.Well, maybe not all of them.

Hell Fae Rule #10: Actions Speak Louder than Words.

And Ajax’s actions thus far suggested he was more than apologetic; he was willing to sacrifice everything for me. Including his relationship with Az.

My teeth continued to grind together. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Ajax’s choices. He shouldn’t have given up so much for me. Shouldn’t have fled Lucifer’s command. Now he would be hunted, too. Perhaps even killed.

Because of me.

I… I didn’t like that.

“Would Lucifer believe me if I said I somehow cast a spell on Ajax and forced him to bring me here?” I asked Melek, my fingers curled and uncurled at my sides. “Or will he forfeit Ajax’s life anyway?”

“He’s not going to kill Ajax, Cami. He’s not going to kill you either.”

I glanced sideways at him. “I find that very hard to believe.”

“I know. But Az gave him a lot to think about last night. And I’m going to ensure he continues to think about what Az said.” Melek reached out, his fingers nearly brushing my cheek. But at the last second, he pulled back and shook his head again, another sigh parting his too-perfect lips.

Why does he have to be so damn alluring?I wondered.

Ihatedhow attracted I was to him. I refused to be one of those females who forgave a guy for doing something wrong just because he flashed a charming smile.

Or uttered a heartfelt apology.