Page 85 of Hell Fae Warden
“As long as you’re training me to be a Hell Fae citizen and not abride, I might cooperate,” I told him.
He leaned in, the sudden proximity cutting off my air. “Oh, I’m going to make sure you cooperate. I can’t afford to fail.Again.”
I swallowed as a new lump formed in my throat, Ajax’s boyish charm having been replaced by the powerful fae simmering inside.
Ajax could certainly be convincing when he wanted to be. And my mind tumbled on all the ways he might solicit my cooperation.
Like kissing me right now. That would make me pretty compliant.
Only a few inches separated us on the couch. Ajax wasn’t wearing a shirt. He must have taken that off to sleep on the sofa after finally healing himself. I hadn’t really noticed his state of undress while Lucifer had been here, but I did now.
Just like I noticed those delicious gray sweatpants again.
Yeah, he could definitely ensure that I cooperated… It wouldn’t be hard.
I really need to stop thinking about this.
About him.
About sex.
I cleared my throat, my mind spinning to find a distraction.What were we talking about?
Oh, right. My potential preference for being a Hell Fae citizen rather than a bride.
“They are two different things, right?” I asked, my voice raspier than intended. “Being a citizen versus being a bride, I mean.”
His gaze went to my mouth. “I suppose that depends on if you choose to take a Hell Fae mate. Training to become a bridal candidate is both preparation for the source’s tests and for keeping up with a Hell Fae male.”
The unsaid words lingered in the air. I hadn’t exactly been accepted by the source, but it hadn’t killed me, either.
And if “keeping up” with a Hell Fae male was anything like being between him and Az, then I most certainly wished to qualify.
What rang out to me, though, was the specific phrasing he’d used.
“If youchooseto take a Hell Fae mate.”
That was a pretty stark difference. Bridal candidates weren’t given a choice.
Then I registered the nuance of his statement.
“I would only be allowed to choose a Hell Fae?” I asked as I tilted my head.
Ajax wasn’t a Hell Fae. He was a Midnight Fae.
He gave me a sad sort of smile. “You would have to work that out with Lucifer. I’m not even sure if you can stay unmated. The Hell Fae Source doesn’t really accept females. Which is essentially why these trials were created.”
“To test the worthiness of the brides?” I guessed.
“Yes, to find worthy candidates for mating. While male-male mating absolutely happens, there are those who prefer females. Females are also needed for procreation.” He shrugged. “So Lucifer is trying to find a safe way to please his constituents.”
“By forcing female fae to participate in the bride trials,” I deadpanned.
“Not all of them are forced, Camillia. Many of them want to be here.”
“I don’t,” I said quickly. “I didn’t agree to any of this.”
His gaze went to my mouth again before slowly returning to my eyes. “I suppose that’s true. But Lucifer isn’t the one who forced this upon you; your father did. And perhaps, with time, you’ll understand why Lucifer has had to make certain choices.”
