Page 68 of Hell Fae King

Because of my Phoenix Fae mate and our gorgeous little rebel.

I closed my eyes, my mind instantly connecting to Cami’s thoughts. She was lost in a sea of power, captivated by Lucifer’s explanation of his deals. Various emotions flickered through our bond. Anger. Arousal. Fear. Intrigue.

I almost asked if she needed to be rescued, but I felt a bolt of determination ripple through our connection.

A determination totrust.

I wasn’t sure what inspired her to feel that way, nor did I want to intrude any further.

So I pulled back and returned my attention to Dakota’s lifeless cell. I had considered turning her into a statue—like Constantine had done to my parents and Emelyn. But I’d opted against it and used a simple exsanguination spell.

Anticlimactic and quick.

Very unlike what she probably deserved. However, I hadn’t seen a reason to prolong it. Not when Dakota appeared to be mostly mindless anyway.

Twirling my wand in my hand, I considered the cell before me. It was minimalistic now that the glamour had vanished,leaving the room bare. Lucifer hadn’t said anything about preparing it for another inmate, so I decided to just empty it entirely for now.

With a muttered spell under my breath, I drew a pattern with my wand and noted the gold flares dancing around my purple magic. “I don’t know if I should thank you for the Phoenix Fae enhancements or punch you in the face for forcing them on me,” I told Az.

His violet gaze flickered with black as his animal peeked out at me. “You could do both. Punch me in the face and then show your gratitude by sucking my cock.”

I arched a brow. “I’m not that thankful.”

Az pushed away from the wall, his Phoenix staring at me again through his gaze. “Are you sure about that?”

My eyes narrowed. “I’m very fucking sure.”

He canted his head in that birdlike manner he often favored, his chest meeting mine.

But I held my ground and stared right back at him, our heights nearly even. “I won’t submit to you, Az. Not right now. Perhaps never again.” Because I still wasn’t entirely okay with everything that had happened between us.

Oh, I understood it. And I even felt bad for enslaving him with Virtuous Fae magic. However, there were past hurts that had not yet healed.

Az searched my eyes, almost as though he was seeking answers from deep within my soul. He wouldn’t have to search too far, our bond keeping my mind open to him in a way I could never reject—even if I wanted to.

Which… which I didn’t.

Deep down I knew that.

Az was my friend. Maybe even my best friend. I loved Shade like a brother, recognized our history together, and knew he understood me better than most.

But Az had been with me during the darkest period of my life. He’d helped me heal in his own way. Gave me an outlet for the pain. Never poked or prodded, just remained a steadfast presence at my side.

He’d hurt me, yes. Badly. However, I could feel his remorse, as well as his reasoning. It was convoluted and fucked up. And it all led to one inevitable conclusion—forgiveness.

I just wasn’t sure how to reach that end or when I would be ready for it.

Az pressed his palm to my cheek, the touch strangely gentle for him. And it was completely at odds with the fire brewing in his gaze.

“I’m sorry, Ajax,” he said. “I’m sorry I imprisoned you with my power. I’m sorry I forced you to watch Cami suffer. I’m sorry I chose my allegiance to Typhos over my allegiance to you. And I’m sorry I failed you not just as a best friend but also as a mate. It felt wrong at the time, and I hadn’t understood why. But I get it now. I deserve far worse than a punch to the face, which is why I accept the hits to my heart. It’s what I earned through my actions.”

I frowned at him. “Are you feeling all right?” Because I’d never heard him sound so apologetic, let alone emotional.Hits to the heart?What kind of poetic shit was that?

“You’re the one who said Cami taught you how to love.”

“I said she taught me what real love is.”

“Same thing.”