“It’s more complicated than a simple yes or no, but generally, yes. Most pairings are related to breeding chances.” I sigh. “Occasionally relationships develop, and they aren’t strictly prohibited, but it is unusual unless the pair are mates.”
“Wow, that’s a lot different than I imagined.” Hazel traces my collarbone over my shirt. “Even the way you describe it sounds…” Her shoulders bounce. “Clinical, I guess. That’s the best word that comes to mind.”
“You’re not wrong.” I cradle her cheek, working my fingers into her hair at the base of her skull. “My parents aren’t close. Friendly, at best, but they were an optimal breeding match. If I had been born female, I would have remained with my mother. All male angels are surrendered to their father at three days old.”
“What?” Her pretty blue eyes bug.
“I still had regular contact with my mother, which isn’t the case for everyone, but my father was my primary caregiver and teacher.” I shrug. “It’s very different to what you find among humans or even the norm with monsters in sanctuary cities.”
“No kidding. My mom has four mates, but they’re all my dads. I mean, they all raised us together.”
“And is that something you see for yourself?”
“I never put much thought into it,” she whispers, glancing away. “But I don’t want you to think I chose Annex over you. He’s more accustomed to demon culture. Plus, I just think incubi are naturally more inclined to share.”
My mouth opens to say I don’t even know what. Maybe to spill the truth of how much I like her and all my concerns about what will happen if I don’t return to Heaven, but the bell on the door jingles, and Hazel pops off my lap.
That was very shitty timing.
Hazel helps the pair of customers, and once they leave, she stands at the counter, writing out a note to the shop owner. Apparently, Lisette will have to handle whatever spell the pixies were after. Once she’s done scribbling on the notepad, she pulls off her sweater, tosses it over the edge of the counter, and brings her hand to her forehead. She rubs like she’s attempting to work away an ache.
I can’t help myself. Sliding up behind her, I wrap a hand around her middle and pull her back to my chest. “You need a nap and a few days off.”
“Are you hot?” she asks, spinning in my hold. “Shit, maybe I should step outside? I feel like I’m burning alive.”
My eyes widen.
Her eyes are bloodshot, and her cheeks are bright red.
“I believe you may be overheating,” I murmur, bringing my hand to test her forehead. Her skin instantly scalds mine, and I fight the urge to tug my palm away. “You’re burning up.”
“I know,” she huffs, stretching down and grabbing the bottom of her dress. “I have to find a way to cool off. Holy shit, Zeph. Why do you smell like that? You always smell good, but…”
“Thank you.” Leaning down, I swipe her hands away to prevent her from undressing in the middle of Spellbound. “Can you use magic to lock up?”
“I guess, but I’m supposed to be here for another two hours.” Hazel groans, rubbing her face around my shirt. She raises a hand, swiping it through the air.
The bolt lock on the front door flips, and she even turns the sign toclosed.
“Did that work on the back door as well?” I ask, glancing around to see if she might be forgetting anything important. “How about the lights?”
“What is wrong with me?” she groans.
“Sorry, sweet girl. You’re going into heat, but don’t worry. I’m going to take care of you.”
“Fuck. I have to call Lisette and warn her.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Zephyr
Annex isn’t at the house when we shimmer in, so I jump us to the club. His room is empty, which seems fitting for this shit show of a day, but I can’t fathom leaving Hazel long enough to track him down.
“I left my phone on my bed when we popped into the house. I thought we were staying there,” Hazel mumbles, stretching in my hold and burying her nose in my throat. “Fuck, Zeph. You smell so damn good.”
“I hope it’s helping,” I murmur, walking us over to the bed. “I’m going to take care of you.”
Before I can even lay Hazel down on the mattress, she pulls my T-shirt up and over my head. “I forgot about all these sexy muscles.”
