Chapter 182 My Angel | 075
NOELLE
I know exactly what he means. The veil. The ultimatum. The two-week countdown hanging over his head like a blade.
My chest caves in, but I refuse to let it show on my face. He needs me to be steady for him.
So, I wipe my tears quickly with the back of my hand, forcing out a soft smile even though my heart is splintering.
"You're not going to lose me," I whisper, leaning down to press my lips to his knuckles, one by one. His skin is still too hot, but I hold his hand tight. "And I'm not going to lose you either, Azren. We're going to fight this. Together. I won't let them take you from me."
He watches me with those glassy, exhausted eyes, something raw and desperate flashing there.
I keep smiling, even as everything inside me screams.
"We have assignments to work on," I say, brushing his damp hair back from his forehead. "You promised to help your wife, remember? No backing out now, Mr. Lakewood."
A tired, crooked smile tugs at his lips. "A deal is a deal."
I beam, setting off to grab my things. Minutes later, I'm settled beside him with my tablet, while he pulls the laptop onto his lap with shaky hands.
For the next hour, the room fills with the soft click of keys and the occasional soft hum from me when I get stuck. He helps without complaint, explaining concepts in that low, patient voice even when pain makes his jaw clench. It makes me feel bad and I try to tell him he can just rest. But he insists, saying he needs the distraction.
Eventually, his typing slows. His head droops. The laptop tilts dangerously before I gently take it from him.
"Sleep, baby," I whisper, pressing a kiss to his temple. "I've got the rest."
He mumbles something incoherent, already slipping under. I watch him for a long moment, my heart aching at how young and vulnerable he looks when the walls come down.
Once he's fully asleep, I glance at the screen of the laptop.
My eyes widen.
Every single assignment I gave him... is done.
They are surprisingly accurate. He even checked the ones I did, adding small suggestions for improvement, written as if he were my professor instead of my exhausted husband.
Tears prick my eyes again.
He did all this while burning up with fever.
I set the laptop aside carefully, then I tuck the blankets higher around his shoulders, making sure he's comfortable.
I finish the last bit of my own work, save everything, and quietly put both devices away. My body feels heavy with exhaustion, but there's still one more thing I need to do.
The shower is quick but thorough. I let the hot water wash away the dried tears and the worry that clings to my skin. I brush my teeth, applying my skincare briefly.
When I step out, I slip into one of his tees. Then I grab a fresh damp towel and return to bed.
Azren is still sleeping, but his brow is furrowed, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. I sit beside him and gently dab the cloth across his skin, cooling him as best I can. He sighs softly in his sleep, leaning into the touch.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand. I pick it up and smile when I see Azalea's name.
Azalea: Hey, sis-in-law 💕 Can you come to the estate tomorrow? Pretty please?
I bite my lip, amused, and type back quickly.
Me: Why? What are you planning?
Her reply comes almost instantly.
Azalea: The pool party is tomorrow night!! Mum and Dad will be at the sauna.
I glance at my sleeping husband, the runes still faintly glowing under the robe. I can't leave him on his own like this. So, I give her a reply.
Me: Azren isn't feeling well.
Azalea: Again? Oh god, how bad is it this time?
Me: He's burning up badly. I hope he recovers soon. If he gets better by tomorrow, I might just surprise you by showing up.
Azalea: Deal. Take care of him, okay? He's my favourite brother. He deserves all the best cuddles.
I smile, kissing Azren's head and holding him tight until sleep claims me.
....
The next morning, I stir slowly, my body heavy with the remnants of yesterday's worry and the deep sleep that finally claimed me. Blinking against the light, I turn my head on the pillow and freeze.
Azren is already up.
He stands in front of the full-length mirror near the wardrobe, dressed in a loose charcoal sweater that drapes elegantly over his broad shoulders and a pair of tailored black slacks that accentuates his long legs.
His hair, still slightly damp from a shower, is being carefully styled with his fingers.
My heart skips a beat.
He looks... too much like himself again. No fever-glazed eyes or trembling hands. He's so handsome today. Ugh!
He catches my reflection in the mirror and turns, a warm smile curving his lips.
"Good morning, baby," he says, the sound of his velvety deep voice making my stomach flutter.
I don't even think. I throw the covers back and hurry across the room on bare feet, launching myself into his arms. He catches me easily, wrapping me up against his chest as I bury my face in the soft fabric of his sweater, breathing him in.
"You're up," I whisper, squeezing him tighter. "You're actually dressed and—"
He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest and vibrating against my cheek. One hand strokes down my back while the other cradles the back of my head.
"I'm okay now," he tells me, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "The rune deactivated sometime during the night. The fever broke while you were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you."
I pull back just enough to look up at him, searching his face. His eyes are clear, the exhaustion from yesterday gone, though a hint of lingering tiredness lingers in the faint shadows beneath them. The runes on his skin are quiet now.
My knees go weak from relief.
"Where are you going?" I ask, reaching up to adjust a stray lock of his hair that refuses to stay in place. My fingers linger, tracing the sharp line of his jaw.
He leans into my touch, then he catches my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing my palm.
"I missed important appointments yesterday," he says. "There are meetings I can't push back any further. I have to catch up."
Before I can protest, he dips his head and kisses my forehead. Then his mouth finds mine, soft at first, then deeper, leaving me breathless. When he pulls back, his eyes have darkened with something possessive and fierce.
"And you," he says against my lips, his voice dropping into that dangerous register I adore, "are forbidden from talking to Cooper. Not a word. This time, if he even looks at you the wrong way, I'll punish you... and I'll rip his tongue out."
My breath catches in my throat. The threat should terrify me, especially knowing that Azren never makes empty promises, but the heat in his gaze turns it into something that sends a shiver racing down my spine.
I'm so relieved he's back. The real him. The one who burns with intensity, who protects what's his with ruthless certainty.
A playful smile tugs at my lips as I step out of his arms, walking towards the bathroom with my hips swaying. I can feel his eyes on the sway of my hips and the curve of my ass.
I glance over my shoulder, biting my lower lip.
"I'm almost tempted to see what it's like to be punished by you," I tease.
Azren's gaze locks onto me like a predator sighting prey. The corner of his mouth lifts in a slow, wicked smirk that promises all kinds of delicious trouble.
"Careful, wife," he warns, his voice dropping even lower. "Keep tempting me like that and you might not make it to the bathroom."
I laugh softly, the sound mixing with the rapid beat of my heart. I slip into the bathroom before his control snaps, though part of me wonders what would happen if I pushed just a little more.
Behind me, I hear his low chuckle, followed by the rustle of him grabbing his watch from the nightstand.
My husband is back. And heaven help anyone who tries to take him from me again.
In the bathroom, I strip, breathing in Azren's lingering scent. I think I'm addicted to it.
As I ponder on whether to use the jacuzzi or the shower, a strange peace settles over me. A familiar voice floods my head, my eyes widening.
"My name is Blaze. I am your wolf."
My heart beats faster, excitement coursing through my veins.
"Are you... are you real? How are you talking to me right now?"
She chuckles. "We are connected. And yes, dear, I am real. We are almost complete, Noelle. But you must be strong. Everyone will want a piece of us. So, tell me, what would you like to do first?"