Page 172 of Obsidian and Frost

“Don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. I just wasn’t sure whether you’d see it the same way. You made peace with Cassius, but that’s very new, there could still be animosity. And you’re very protective over both Lazriel and me.”

He smiled and laid his hand on my shoulder, then surprised me as he recited my own words from the other night back to me.

“Lazriel can’t feed from either of us because our blood is toxic to him. The closer we grow, especially sexually, the more that need will be awakened from his vampire side. He’ll need it and he would have faced continued denial, unable to experience that, something that, despite his denial and fear over it, is innate to his vampiric nature. But with Cassius now in the picture, there’s the possibility for that to be fulfilled. So long as we can help him to maintain control with the potency of Cassius’ Immortal blood.”

He kissed my cheek. “They’ve both already found that comfort and long-denied need in one another now.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket at the same time as his did.

We both pulled them out and took in the message that had come into the Group Chat.

Cassius:Lazriel is well. He is with me. Sleeping currently. My apologies for the delay, but I was slumbering for some time also.

Sylas smiled at me.

And then he typed rapidly.

Sylas:Still on for dinner, or will Lazriel still be in that blood-sex coma? Assessment? Thoughts?

I rolled my eyes. “Seriously?”

“Oh, absolutely. And don’t forget, Dark Beauty, humor can serve well to normalize situations such as this, especially when I’m sure Cassius is confused and ill at ease in the proverbial harsh light of day.”

“Huh. That’s actually really sweet of you.”

Cassius:I don’t believe it would be defined as “sex” per se. I am unsure. But he did ingest my blood, albeit I ensured he did not become intoxicated. However, it still “packs a punch” as he himself stated.

I looked at Sylas. “What do you think he means by that? I don’t get every graphic detail… just… sensations.”

“Knowing how Lazriel operates, some rubbing and grinding while he was feeding.”

“That’s actually a major step for Cassius.”

“Because of you.”

“Me?”

“Your talk with him shifted things in a monumental way. His entire approach to things and his outlook. What’s just happened is a direct result of that.” He smiled and gave my hand a squeeze. “You did it. You helped him. You brought him close and he’s already immersing himself in it. This development tonight makes a great deal of sense. Cassius is unsure and uneasy abouthis inexperience and Lazriel mirrored that when it came to his approach to his bisexuality, so he can understand that very well coming from that vantage point. Cassius connecting with him first, taking the next sexual step with Lazriel is exactly what was needed—before he feels confident enough to open to you in that way. His bond to you is so deep and there’s so much buildup between you that I can imagine the idea of going there with you without a bridge of sorts first seemed like a near insurmountable thing.”

I beamed out at him. “Thank you, Sylas.”

“Of course. Any time.”

Our phones buzzed again.

Cassius:To clarify, dinner is still set. It will be a casual affair, no airs.

Wow.This was amazing—all of it.

Velra:Can’t wait.

Cassius:I’m well aware. I don’t believe it’s conducive to the mindset you need for class to be so stimulated, little shadow. I will put my phone away now to relieve that for you. Sylas, don’t exacerbate it for her. She needs to focus.

Sylas:Yes, Professor. Hmm… yes, you’re Lazriel’s professor. You should square that away with him when he wakes up, assert boundaries for when you’re in class. If you don’t, he could prove to be quite the headache.

Cassius:Duly noted. Thank you. I await your company later tonight.