A Rejected Wolf and a Court of Ash (Eden and Azriel) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Eden

“I want to become stronger,” I mutter once I’m sitting in Azriel’s car. He is driving me home. Back to our roles of prisoner and prison keeper. “But like t

also want to crawl into a corner and die there.”

“Understandable,” he replies, shocking me by actually giving me a sympathetic look. “Your mother died. You’re getting sacrificed, and now your friend.”

“Yeah…“I want to tell him that it doesn’t make shit any easier that I’m now sitting in the car of the guy planning to feed my flesh to his sister. I’m treating him like my own personal therapist, which is seriously fucked up-

Azriel burst out laughing. “Okay, you need to fix your blood sugar, darling. French fries, a milkshake, and a burger, I’m taking you to MAX’s drive in Anything else you would like? Chili cheese tops?”

Realization dawns on me. “You read my mind, didn’t you? You heard that about you being my therapist?”

Azriel grins, not even pretending to feel bad. “If you insist on having such loud thoughts in my car, what am I supposed to do? ignore them?

“My mind isn’t loud! It’s just… expressive,” I protest, crossing my arms and glaring at the window. “You should have a license for that power”

He snorts. “You want me to sign a waiver before reading your mind? Are you going to charge me a fee every time I hear you thinking about my ass?”

I choke on air. “That was one time-!”

7-5

“That you’ll admit to.” He flicks his blinker, unbothered. “Honestly, I’m hurt you think of me as your therapist and not, say, your devastatingly attractive kidnapper–slash–love interest.”

“You’re not my love interest.”

He raises an eyebrow. “You’re literally leaning against me in public bathrooms now. Feels pretty love–interesty.”

“That was… an emotional crisis,” I grumble. “And you were there. Like a fungus.”

Azriel pretends to be deeply offended. “I am far too pretty to be compared to a fungus. Maybe a poisonous flower. A deadly nightshade.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” I roll my eyes but can’t stop the smile twitching at my lips.

He parks in the MAX drive–in line, glancing over at me like this is the highlight of his entire immortal existence. “Alright, order whatever mortal comfort food soothes your broken little heart.”

I scan the greasy menu posted above the window and sigh dramatically. “Fine. Large fries, a cheeseburger, strawberry shake… And yes, chili cheese tops since apparently you already read my mind about that too.”

“I aim to serve,” he drawls, pulling out his wallet with a flourish like he expects applause.

“Wow,” I deadpan, “the Prince of Nightmares really splashing out on fast food for his sacrificial lamb.”

He shoots me a look over the rim of his sunglasses. Just for that, maybe I’ll get you two milkshakes and really spoil you before the slaughter.”

“Gee, thanks.” I kick my foot up onto the dashboard because why pretend to have dignity now?

Azriel orders our food at the window, and the girl at the drive–thru window practically melts when he sn

at her. Can’t blame her, really.

“What?” he asks when he catches me staring/

“Nothing.” I look away quickly. Should I just tell him? Fuck. What is there to lose? “Well…there is something on my mind.”

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15:32 Tue, 24 Jun

Chapter 31

“Say it so I won’t have to read it.”

“Why are you being nice to me?”

The answer doesn’t come immediately. Azriel looks thoughtful and parks the car before he answers me. “Maybe I like you, Eden Felicity”

“You’re going to sacrifice me,” I remind him, accepting the paper bag of food he hands me.

“Yes.” His violet eyes hold mine. “That doesn’t mean I can’t like you in the meantime.”

I unwrap my burger since focusing on food is easier than on the hurt inside. “That’s messed up.”

“Isn’t everything about this situation?” He plucks a fry from my container without asking. “I’ve seen how the pack treats you. I’ve seen how that girl you called a friend betrayed you.”

“Your point being?”

“How am I the villain?”

I take a bite of my burger, chewing slowly. I get what Azriel is saying. Just like a werewolf has to follow their Alpha’s orders, he has to follow the orders of his queen. So yeah, it isn’t like he wants to kill me. He HAS to kill me.

“You’re not the villain,” I say finally. “You’re just… doing what you have to do.”

“Exactly.”

“Still doesn’t make you not the villain.”

He steals one of my fries with casual audacity.

“Hey!” I slap his hand, but he’s too quick. “Get your own fries, fairy boy.”

“Yours taste better.” He grins, leaning back in his seat. “Stolen food always does.”

“…remind me to never eat around you again.”

He grins. “I make no promises.”

The rest of the ride consists of me and Azriel fighting over what music to listen to. I’m a pop girl while he is a rock guy. Our tastes don’t really clash until i find rock versions of popular pop songs. He likes that.

We’re actually having fun together. I’m actually sad when he parks outside the Alpha mansion.

“We’re here,” I state the obvious, clutching my empty milkshake cup.

Azriel’s fingers drum against the steering wheel. “So we are.”

I should get out. Logan is waiting, probably pacing the floors, wondering where I am. Logan told me not to be late for my first training session, and it starts in less than…welp, five minutes.

“I should go,” I say, but don’t reach for the door handle.

“You should,” Azriel agrees but makes no move to unlock the doors.

His violet eyes study me in the fading light, and something in them makes my pulse race. The air between us feels charged, electric with possibilities.

“Eden,” he says my name like it’s something precious.

“Yes?”

15:32 Tue, 24 Jun G

Chapter 31

He leans across the console, one hand coming up to cup my cheek. My

Then he steals another kiss.

Sweet, unlike his mischievous personality.

Gentle, unlike his future plans for me.

And tender, unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.

breath catches as his thumb traces my lower lip

I should pull away. I should tell him no. I should remember that he’s going to help kill me.

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