Page 36

Or maybe the Hell Fae King just liked my not-so-innocent comment.

“I see you’re in the mood for another kind of lesson today,” Typhos murmured, his eyes lowering to take in my tank top and jeans.

He, of course, was in a pair of dress pants and a button-down shirt, the sleeves of which he’d rolled to expose his delicious forearms.

I’m starting to wonder if you’re into exhibitionism, Ajax whispered into my mind. Because the way you’re looking at Lucifer right now suggests you want to give the lurking Hell Fae a different kind of show.

I swallowed, aware that his words should snap me out of the moment. Yet they didn’t. Instead, I… I kind of liked the idea of kissing Typhos in front of all these fae. I’m losing my mind.

Or you’re simply finding your true self, Az replied. Your future is here, Cami. With us. And I think you’re finally accepting that fate.

I think so, too, I agreed as I leaned toward Typhos.

But the clearing of a throat had him looking away, his gaze instantly zeroing in on a nearby Hellhound. He stood a second later and started toward the newcomer.

Payan , I recognized, my teeth snagging my lower lip to keep from smiling. Because unlike the last time we’d shared space, he was looking at me now. And his sharp gaze told me he definitely recognized me.

Feeling bold, I gave him a little wave. “Hellhounds regenerate, right?” I asked, feigning innocence.

Typhos glanced at me. “Why? Are you thinking of stabbing Payan in the balls again?”

This time, I couldn’t hide my smile. “Do I have a reason to?”

“Did you the first time?” Typhos countered, a hint of teasing in his tone.

“I think so,” I told him honestly.

“Hmm,” he hummed, a flicker of laughter dancing in his intense blue eyes. However, the look disappeared before he focused on Payan. “Yes?”

The Hellhound stared me down for another minute, causing me to stare right back. Just because I was on my knees didn’t mean I was about to submit.

Not to him, anyway.

Payan finally looked away and cleared his throat. “You’re being requested in the Morpheus Kingdom, Your Majesty.” Payan glanced around, then lowered his voice as he added, “It’s King Nos, sire. They say he has hours left.”

A few lingering Hell Fae whispered nearby, clearly having overheard Payan’s news.

Typhos cut the trio a lethal look. “Stop eavesdropping and go do something useful,” he demanded. Then he returned his attention to Payan. “Thank you. I’ll take it from here.”

“Of course, my lord,” Payan replied, bowing so low that I thought he might kiss Lucifer’s dressy shoes. Only, he blinked out of existence before that could happen.

“Nos has been ill for some time, but I have heard reports that it’s grown worse over the last few weeks,” Melek said, moving to stand before Typhos. “I assume it’s related to Sabre’s disappearance.”

Typhos sighed and ran his palm over his face. “That damn Monsters Night excursion created a lot of fucking problems.”

“I think we’ve barely skimmed the surface on that one,” Az agreed, folding his arms. “Maliki knows more than he’s said. Hades, too.”

Typhos shook his head. “We’ll handle them in time.

But it sounds like Nos is at the end, which means I need to pause our training for today.

” He looked at me, a hint of apology in his expression.

“I originally planned to take you and Ajax with me to the Morpheus Kingdom, to introduce you to some of the Nightmare Fae politics in this realm, but I fear I need to handle this issue on my own.”

I nodded, understanding. “It’s fine. We’ll go with you next time.”

He cupped my face, his thumb tracing my lower lip.

“Melek will take over while I’m gone.” He glanced at our princely mate, who was impeccably dressed in a full suit, as per usual.

“Teach her everything you know about Vita, including how you acquired the book.” He looked down at Vita on the ground.

“There’s a reason she showed Camillia that scene of Vivaxia’s bedroom. Dig into why.”

Melek bent to pick up the book, closing her pages and tucking the leather-bound text under his arm. “Consider it done, my king.”

Typhos smirked, then returned his focus to me and the thumb he’d left near my mouth. “When I return, I want you naked and waiting for me on your knees, Camillia. I think it’s time you learn how I handle brats.”

My lips parted in response, surprised and aroused by his unexpected comment.

Then he disappeared before I could even fathom a reply.

And he calls me a temptress , I thought, trembling from his lingering touch.

Only a temptress could bring a king to his knees, little angel, Melek murmured via our bond. Then, out loud, he added, “Stop daydreaming and follow me back to the palace. Professor Melek is about to deliver a lecture.”

Ajax grunted. “If Professor Melek is going to talk about himself in the third person, then I’m going to pass.”

“That’s fine,” Az cut in. “Professor Azazel has a lesson of his own to deliver.” His gaze snagged on Ajax. “And I will absolutely be forcing you onto your knees, Warden.”

My blood heated for a whole new reason as I watched Ajax narrow his gaze in challenge.

“Sparring?” he asked.

“Sparring,” Az repeated.

“Limits?”

“None.”

Ajax arched a brow. “Well, sounds like a fun lesson.”

“Doesn’t it?” Az drawled, then he grabbed me and pulled me in for a long, unexpected kiss. “Come find us if you’d prefer our brand of pleasure over Typhos’s punishment games. You know where we’ll be.”

I did.

They’d taken over one of the palace’s inner courtyards located in Typhos’s private wing. Or I supposed it was our private wing now.

A strange concept.

But I’d get used to it… eventually.

As Az had somewhat suggested, I was starting to feel at home here.

However, there was a lot more for me to learn.

Which was why I shifted back to Melek and accepted his extended arm. “All right, Professor . Let’s go learn about Vita.”