Chapter 26: Bonds that tie

Mikhail:

After leaving Azazel and Nevaeh, I fly around the sky in hopes that the ache in my heart would subside. Even though I try, my mind won’t stop thinking about what’s transpiring between my best friend and the love of my life. The only thing I know right now is that Azazel is risking a great deal for me. Not just because he’s risking the Council’s ire, but because a mating mark is sacred, and it’s probably difficult for him to give it to Nevaeh knowing that his mate might be out there. He might love Nevaeh but giving her the mating mark is on a whole other level of intimacy that he wouldn’t share with just anyone.

After an hour has passed, I fly back to the loft and prepare to face Azazel and Nevaeh. Azazel is at the bar, pouring himself a drink. As soon as he hears my footsteps, he turns around and waves the bottle in my direction. I shake my head, declining the offer. I’m not much of a drinker. It’s pointless, considering that demons cannot get drunk. Our metabolism is stronger than a human’s.

Azazel takes a drink and sets it down on the coffee table. I take a seat across from him and place my ankle over my knee. Azazel sits quietly, looking down at his cup, then whispers warily. “Just say what you have to say, Mikhail.”

My eyes snap to meet his. He looks miserable as he takes a drink and leans back on the chair’s pillow. I know that even though I asked him to do this, he’s still worried that I might have changed my mind.

“Listen, Azazel, I’m not angry. In fact, I’m grateful that you’ve done this for me. I know how difficult this must have been for you.”

He shakes his head vehemently, then slammed the glass on the table. His lips are drawn into a tight line, and his eyes are hooded. “I…I do love her, Mikhail, but I know that you’re her soul mate, and I would never interfere in that. I also want you to know that I love you as well. You have become more than my best mate’s son. You are my best mate, and it humbles me to know that you trusted me to do this—regardless of how it would hurt you.”

“You’re my best friend too, Azazel. That’s why I know that you’ll hold true to your word. Now, quit being so glum because you’re messing up the whole badass demon vibe.”

Azazel chuckles. “Very well, I’ll stop being broody. In fact, I think I’ll walk around the club and give you a moment with your lady.”

Mimicking my earlier move, Azazel releases his wings and flies away.

Neveah hesitantly steps through the door after a minute and stops as soon as she sees me. Wanting to reassure her, I wrap my arms around her and kiss her gently. “Hey, you know that I love you, right? Don’t be sad, princess. I don’t hate you or Azazel for doing this. I know how hard this must have been for both of you. I don’t know if I would have been strong enough to do this if the shoe was on the other foot.” She nods her head and looks into my eyes. “I love you too, Mikhail. More than I’ve ever loved anyone in my life, and I could never love anyone, not even Azazel, as much as I do you.”

A happy warmth spreads in my chest at her words because I know that she's telling the truth.

After that day, Azazel and I hang out more. Somehow, instead of pulling apart, I feel more bonded to him. Nevaeh seems to also be more at peace. I asked her to go to the Prom with me. She was ecstatic, which made me happy. I mean, I know we’ve been together for a while, but I was still worried that she’d turn me down.

Right now, we’re at the mall shopping for her prom dress. She dragged Azazel and me through every boutique in the mall and tried on many dresses. I think that at some point, my eyes crossed with exhaustion. Every time she tried on a dress, she would find it lacking.

It was only when we reached our fifth store that I put my foot down. Hey, I’m all for women’s empowerment, but even I have my limit. I look at Azazel, who is slumped across a nearby chair and grimace. He keeps yawning and sighing but refuses to complain. However, as we were making our way inside the shop, he gave me a look as if telling me to take care of the situation.

Sighing with exhaustion, I rub my hands across my face and call out. “Please, princess, pick a dress already. Azazel and I are exhausted. Plus, you look beautiful in everything you’ve worn.”

Nevaeh’s head pops up from behind the dressing room’s curtain, her lips set in a pout. “Well, aren’t you Mr. Grumpy pants? Either way, it’s only taking me so long because I’m trying to look perfect for you.”

Azazel chuckles. “Yeah, Mr. Grumpy pants, quit being such an insensitive git.”

Scowling, I give him the finger, but he laughs harder. He can be such an ass sometimes.

Before she turns back to the dressing room, Nevaeh gives us both the stink eye and mutters. “You’re a meanie.”

A chuckle escapes my lips at her childish words, but I refuse to remain amused. When it comes to Nevaeh, I must remain firm, or she’ll step all over me. I love the girl, but she knows I’m weak when it comes to her.

A female screech resounds throughout the room, startling Azazel and me from our seats. I rush into the dressing room, nearly toppling over a chair. “Nevaeh! Are you alright?”

Her head appears through the curtain again, but she’s unharmed. Instead, she’s smiling widely. “I found it! I found the dress!” She calls out excitedly.

Azazel snickers in amusement. “You know, mate. I’m glad you took her on. I don’t think I can handle this kind of girly frippery every day. She’s mental.”

“Hey, I heard that,” Nevaeh calls out in reprimand.

“Well, luv, are you going to show us this dress, or are you going to leave us standing out here like a bunch of wankers?” He asks.

After a minute, the curtain parts, revealing Nevaeh. Her dress is peach-colored with a heart-shaped top, a sequined belt, and a long flowing skirt that opens into several slits. She looks exquisite. I look at Azazel and smirk at his stupefied expression. He looks as awestruck as I feel. I don’t blame him though, I’m just as speechless as he is.

“Do you like it?” Nevaeh mumbles shyly.

“You look perfect.” We say in unison.

Her smile widens with delight. “Why, thank you, good sirs.”

She gives us both a wink, she curtsies and turns back to the dressing room.

Azazel’s eyes follow her until she’s behind the curtain.

Rolling my eyes, I snap my fingers in front of his face and mutter. “Snap out of it, chump. That’s my girl you’re looking at.”

He laughs and ruffles my hair. “Bugger that, mate. You are one lucky bloke.”

I push him back into his seat with a snicker. “shut it, demon.” I mutter.

Once Nevaeh has paid for her dress, we head to the food court to eat some pizza. With every bite, Azazel talks about how much better food is now compared to when he was our age.

Nevaeh and I chuckle in reply.

Everything is going well until we hear Nevaeh’s name being called. Nevaeh’s head snaps in the direction of the voice and instantly stiffens. Her smile disappears, and her lips are sealed tight.

Azazel and I spot the male voice and face the man who’s walking to our table. He’s about forty with brown hair and green eyes. I don’t think I’ve ever really seen him.

Frowning with concern, I put my arm around Nevaeh’s shoulders while Azazel puffs out his chest aggressively. The man looks back and forth between us before he faces Nevaeh. “Hello, Nevaeh.”

To my surprise, Nevaeh stiffly replies. “Hello…dad.”

“How have you been?” The man asks in a gentle voice.

By his tone, I can tell that he’s trying to be kind, but Nevaeh is not receptive. “Just peachy.”

He searches her face, then looks at my arm around her shoulder and asks. “Who are your friends?”

Nevaeh looks at me. “This is my boyfriend Mikhail, and my best friend, Azazel.”

The man looks surprised. “Boyfriend? Last time I saw you, you were with Travis.”

Nevaeh’s lips curl into a smirk. “Well, considering that it has been nearly four months since we saw each other, I’m not surprised.”

This seems to deflate him. He gives her a hurt look, which pisses me off because he’s the one that left her. “Well, I’m glad to see that you’re okay. Are you comfortable in the house? Do you need anything?” Somehow those words set off something in Nevaeh. She snaps up quickly from the chair and stares him down. “What the hell do you care, dad? Last time I checked, you and mom decided your lives were better off without me. Mom went her way, and you moved in with your secretary as if I never existed. If this is about the house, don’t worry; in a few more months, I will move out, and you will never have to feel indebted to me again.”

She waves her hand down her body and mutters shakily. “As you can see, I’m just fine, so your conscience is clear, and you may go.”

With tears in her eyes, Nevaeh turns around and runs away. Azazel jumps out of his seat and throws an icy glare at her father before he follows her. I move to follow, but the man halts my steps. I pause, seeing his repentant face and give him my best glare. I can’t feel bad for the man who has hurt the love of my life.

However, I can’t help but soften a little when he croaks out tearfully. “I’m an old fool. Could you please tell her that I’m sorry, and if she ever needs me, she knows where she can find me?”

I nod my head and reply, “I’ll tell her. However, I suggest you start thinking of ways to make it up to her. Nevaeh is really hurting, and I would have to kill you if you hurt her again.”

Nevaeh’s father searches my features as if gauging my sincerity, then gives me a respectful nod. “Thank you…” He frowns.

“Mikhail,” I answer.

“Mikhail.” He repeats with a nod.

I don’t wait for him to say more as I rush off to find my lady. No one else matters but Nevaeh.