Page 78 of Wicked Bonds

He ducked and outmaneuvered her with fluid ease, his sword reappearing as he created more energy to throw Aya’s way. Her brother clearly wasn’t averse to hurting her, something that bothered Issac.

But he could admit it was necessary.

As much as he disliked Gabriel’s training methods, Issac could acknowledge the fact that they were useful. Very few others, himself included, would be willing to test Aya’s limits in that manner. The warrior Seraphim wouldn’t go easy on her, which meant she needed this brand of instruction to survive.

Besides, it was better than Osiris taking the lead.

“We did good together, angel,” Sethios said softly, his palm cupping Caro’s nape. “She’s perfect.”

Indeed, Issac thought, backing away to allow them their moment.

He’d barely taken three steps when Sethios called, “Pancakes sound great, Wakefield. Count us in.”

“Sethios,” Caro chastised.

“What?”

“The pancakes were for Stas, not us.”

“I’m sure he meant to include us in his preparations, angel.” Sethios lifted his green eyes to Issac. “Right,son-in-law?”

Issac flinched at the term, not caring for it. What he shared with Aya far surpassed matrimonial contexts. And to think of Sethios as a father-in-law felt…wrong.

But he supposed he could make the infamous sadist some breakfast.

“Pancakes for four,” Issac replied. “Sounds brilliant.”

“Doesn’t it?” Sethios smiled, his focus returning to Caro. “See, angel? I can be a good father-in-law.”

She just sighed and shook her head again.

“You’d prefer I keep thinking about killing him?” Sethios offered. “Because I’m very okay with that.”

“Liar,” she accused. “You like him.”

Sethios grunted. “I’ve admitted that he’s useful.”

“And youlikehim.”

Issac smirked and started walking away again, leaving them to their discussion.Your parents are talking about me like I’m not ten feet away from them,he told Aya.They’ve also invited themselves to breakfast.

Just so long as Stark isn’t invited,Aya gritted out, her mental voice still holding that touch of exhaustion from before.

He gazed up at the stars and caught her opal brilliance flashing around in the still-dark sky. A flare of red followed, indicating her brother’s pursuit.I won’t extend the invite to Gabriel. But I have no control over your father.

Just as he had no control over Issac.

Respecting elders came naturally, but Issac drew the line at being told what to do and how to handle Aya. Fortunately, Sethios didn’t appear all that inclined to dictate rules around their relationship. He’d actually been rather understanding, given the circumstances.

Call me if you need me, Aya.

Always,she breathed back to him.

Always, he echoed, their version of exchanging vows.

But not the marriage kind.

Those felt inadequate in comparison to their true bond.