#connesta

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: Jealousy

I finally have another CW update, and this one is very special. This chapter is a very very VERY Happy Birthday gift to the one and only @live-the-fangirl-life !! B - happy happy birthday! I hope you enjoy the shenanigans!

A note: this chapter is called “Jealousy,” but it’s not actually about the boys being jealous - I just couldn’t think of a better word. The theme of jealous does come up, but that’s not what it is - it’s just the boys wanting to show the world how lucky they are that their girls chose them. Also, this update all takes place during the original CW timeline.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way.

Let’s see what happens when our boys get put into situations that could very easily make them jealous.

Warnings: language, implied sexy times.

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THREE YEARS, NINE MONTHS, AND EIGHT DAYS AGO

Fenrys had never considered himself to be a jealous man - it just wasn’t what he considered to be a good look. He’d never taken part in trying to show the world that whoever he was dating was “his,” because that was complete and utter crap in any relationship. 

And he certainly wouldn’t say that Asterin was his by any means - she was her own person, and that was it - which meant that he didn’t care who she talked to or spent her time with.

So, no… he wasn’t a jealous man.

He was, however, a man determined to keep his girlfriend from being hit on by assholes she didn’t want hitting on her.

They’d been dating for four months, and in that time he’d realized that occurrences like their first date - the one where she’d kissed him to chase off some guy from trying to ask her out - were pretty common. Asterin was gorgeous, and she oozed so much confidence that it was hard for people not to be attracted to her. 

But he knew that all the attention weighed on her sometimes. 

So, when that happened, he did everything he could to make it clear that she wasn’t available. 

They’d gone out for dinner because neither of them felt like cooking, and he’d excused himself to the bathroom soon after they ordered. Rounding the corner on his way back from the bathroom, he saw his girlfriend shaking her head at the dark-haired man leaning on the edge of their table, her fingers flexing against the seat of the booth like she was two seconds away from smacking the guy. 

As he got within earshot, he heard the man say, “all I’m saying is that I think we should go out sometime, I promise I’d show you a good time.”

Chuckling when he saw Asterin’s eyes roll - clearly this was not the first time the man had asked her out - he just slid onto the booth next to her, grateful that they’d gone to their favorite diner, which had wide booths that allowed him to do what he was planning to do. Slinging his legs over her lap and resting his chin on her shoulder as he peered up at the man staring at them in disbelief, he merely asked, “problem, love?”

“All good, baby,” she replied, letting her hands settle on his legs as she leaned into him. “Just telling this man here that I’m already taken.” The words were pointed, like it wasn’t the first time she’d said them, and the glare she directed at the stranger just underlined that point. 

Raising his hands placatingly, he shot her a vaguely apologetic look before walking off. 

“Thank you,” Asterin breathed, slumping against the back of the booth on a massive sigh. “I thought he’d never give up.”

Chuckling, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “That’s what I’m here for, Rin. I’m happy to play jealous boyfriend for you any day of the week.”

“My hero,” she cooed, tightening her grip on his thighs when he went to swing his legs back to the floor. “No, stay,” she murmured, “just until the food comes. You’re so warm.”

“Anything for you,” he replied, situating his legs over her lap once more. “You know me: Fenrys Moonbeam, loving boyfriend and personal space heater.”

Shooting him some serious side-eye, Asterin just shook her head and knocked him lightly in the stomach with her elbow. “You’re a mess.” Though her tone was flat, he knew by the look in her eyes that she was fighting back a laugh. 

“Yeah,” he agreed, leaning in to knock his forehead against her jaw, “but I’m your mess.”

Sliding her hand around his shoulder and trailing her fingers along the back of his neck, she gave him the widest, happiest smile before kissing him softly. “Yeah, my mess. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Me either, Rin. Me either.”

THREE YEARS, SEVEN MONTHS, AND TWENTY-ONE DAYS AGO

Going out dancing with his girl had quickly become one of Rowan’s favorite things. Aelin had always loved music - from picking the perfect playlist every morning to be the perfect backdrop for her cafe to her perfectly curated playlists created to help shut her mind off before she fell asleep - and getting to experience that joy with her as they danced was something he wouldn’t trade for the world. 

They’d decided early on in their relationship that they’d make time at least twice a month to go dancing, and that hadn’t changed in the year and two months they’d been together. No matter how stressed or busy they got, they made the time. It had become something of a date night tradition for them.

Rowan loved every second of it. 

They way Aelin lit up the minute they got through the door and the music was pumping through their veins, the way she immediately started bouncing and moving to the rhythm of whatever song was playing, the way she’d indulge him if he wanted to get a drink first even when all she really wanted to do was dance until she couldn’t feel her feet anymore… he’d never loved anyone more. 

“Ro,” Aelin enthused, tugging on his hand as she danced around, “this is my favorite song!”

Chuckling, he leaned in to kiss her temple. “Go on, then, Fireheart. Go dance. I’ll join you as soon as I grab the drinks and find a table.”

Squealing, she kissed him quickly and darted off for the throng of people moving as one in the middle of the floor. 

He paid the bartender for their drinks and quickly found an empty table, setting Aelin’s down as he took a long sip of his. Casting his eyes over the crowd, it wasn’t hard to find his girl. She’d always stood out in a crowd - between her golden hair and her unique eyes, she was hard to miss - especially when she was dancing.

When she was dancing, she turned every head around her.

Something about Aelin was so electric, so magnetic that people couldn’t help but watch her. 

Noticing the way some of the guys around her were looking at her - the way he imagined he’d looked at her when he first met her, and probably still looked at her if he was being honest - he took another swallow of his drink and made his way toward her. 

It wasn’t that he was jealous, because he knew that Aelin had chosen him the same way he’d chosen her. It was just that seeing other people watching her made him want to have her in his arms, basking in the knowledge that they hand chosen one another

Rowan wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, meshing his body with hers as they began moving as one. “Fireheart,” he breathed, one hand coming up to grasp her chin. Using that grip, he turned her face until he could press a hard, claiming kiss to her lips. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are when you dance?”

“Mmm, that kiss gave me a pretty good idea.” She rocked her body against his, sliding one hand up around his neck and tangling her fingers in his hair. “Didn’t expect you out here so quick.”

His chuckle a rasp in her ear, he ran his lips down over her jaw. “Just didn’t want my fiancée out here all alone.”

“Two and a half months of wearing your ring on my finger,” she said, turning in his arms, “and I’m still not tired of hearing it.”

Humming, he pressed his lips to hers. “My beautiful fiancée,” he whispered, their lips still touching, “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying it.”

Aelin just smiled and kissed him again, letting him feel how much she loved him in the way her lips moved against his. 

He poured his own love in the kiss, content to just stay in that moment where they lost themselves in the music and the feeling of being together. 

It was moments like those that made him love dancing with Aelin all the more.

TWO YEARS, SIX MONTHS, AND TWENTY-TWO DAYS AGO

Getting to watch his girlfriend work was something Connall didn’t think he’d ever get tired of. It truly was inspiring, the way she could take a client’s idea, put it on paper beautifully, and then transfer that to their skin just as flawlessly. 

In the year and four months they’d been together, three of which they’d spent officially dating, he’d never stopped feeling blessed that he got to experience that. 

Reclining against the back of the sofa in the lobby of The Wastes, he crossed his arms behind his head as Vesta finished up with her client. She’d brought the man into the lobby so he could see the piece that stretched from his upper arm, over his shoulder, and onto his upper back in the large mirror on the wall next to the front desk. 

As always, Connall was blown away with his girlfriend’s work. The lines were stunning, the colors were vivid, and the whole piece was so lifelike it took his breath away.

When they finally walked back into the lobby, her client’s new ink was covered and wrapped, but he still hadn’t managed to pull his shirt back on. Connall couldn’t help the way his eyes rolled - which luckily no one saw - at the obvious way the guy flexed as he reached for the pen to sign off on his bill. 

“Thank you so much,” he beamed as he handed the pen back to her. “As always, your work is stunning.”

Nodding, she pulled him into a quick hug as she replied, “I’m just glad you trust me enough to keep coming back for more ink.”

Connall tried very hard not to think about the fact that the man was still shirtless. 

His girlfriend exchanged a few more pleasantries with her client before he finally left - thankfully with his shirt back on - with one final wave and nod in Connall’s direction. 

“Amazing work as always, my love,” he said, standing from the low sofa and stretching his arms up over his head. 

Nodding, Vesta hopped up to sit on the counter, quickly filing the receipt in the appropriate folder and flipping through her appointment book, no doubt making sure she was prepared for whatever appointment she had next. 

He took in the miles of leg left bare by the black combat boots and steel blue sundress she’d chosen for the day, took in the way a few tendrils of her long red hair had escaped her bun and were drifting down over her shoulders, which were also left mostly bare by her dress… He took all of that in and was across the lobby before he even realized he’d moved, his hands cupping her cheeks as he pressed his lips to hers. 

Gasping, she froze in surprise for a split second before she was kissing him back with everything she had. Her mouth opened under the pressure of his lips, and it wasn’t long until their tongues were tangled together, her hands sliding over his back and down to cup his ass as his thumbs swept in long lines over her jaw. 

Pulling back with a needy sigh, Vesta looked up at him through hooded eyes. “What was that for?” she asked, her cheeks flushed. 

“Just wanted to make sure you knew how proud I was of you, beloved girlfriend.”

She just arched a brow at him. “Mmm, and it had nothing to do with the very fit, attractive, shirtless man that just hugged me?” The laughter in her tone - plus that fact that Connall had met this client before and actually quite liked the man - made it more than clear that she was teasing him, and the way her hands never stilled on his ass just further proved that she was trying to get a rise out of him. 

Connall wasn’t a jealous man - or, at least, he tried very hard not to be - but if his girl wanted to play, he was happy to indulge her. 

“Sounds like I need to take you to the office in the back and spend some more time showing you just how proud I am to call you mine.” He lifted her into his arms as he spoke, her legs easily wrapping around his waist as she moved her arms up to loop around his neck. 

Nipping at his bottom lip as she kissed him again, she cooed against his lips, “oh, I absolutely think you do.”

He was more than happy to oblige.

ONE YEAR, TEN MONTHS, AND TEN DAYS AGO

Walking through the front door of The Keep Pub and Grille, Vaughan didn’t even have to look where he was going, just letting the familiar sound of Sorrel’s laughter guide him to the bar - not that he had any doubt that she, as head bartender, would be anywhere else. They’d been together - hanging out, hooking up, doing whatever they were doing that wasn’t dating - for almost two and a half years, and he found himself making more and more time to come visit her while she was working.

Just because he visited her at work didn’t mean that they were dating, no matter what his ridiculous friends kept telling him. 

He was happy with things just the way they were. And so was Sorrel.

That was all that mattered. 

Taking what had quickly become his usual seat at the end of the bar, he tipped his head at the dark-haired woman standing behind it and nodded at the questioning look she gave him. The regulars at the bar nodded at him while the woman prepared his drink, and he just offered them a grin in response. 

He supposed he was becoming a bit of a regular himself.

“Your drink, my good sir,” Sorrel greeted, squeezing his hand after she set the glass in front of him. 

Chuckling, he flipped his hand so he could trace his fingers along her palm as she pulled away. “Why thank you, beautiful lady.”

She just shook her head at him as she laughed before walking away to wait on her other customers. Vaughan watched as she worked, feeling the small smile growing on his face as she proved all over again how much of an excellent bartender she was. She handled everyone’s requests with ease, laughing and joking with her regulars as she went, making sure the newer and less frequent customers felt just as welcome. 

Vaughan felt his smile sink a little, however, when he noticed two guys on the other side of the bar checking her out as she moved. They shot her winning smiles as she stopped in front of them, and he could hear their cheesy pick-up lines across the bar. 

Gritting his teeth, he took a sip of his drink.

Sorrel wasn’t his girlfriend - he was the one who’d made sure they weren’t dating, and she’d readily agreed - but something about seeing someone else hit on her wasn’t a pleasant experience.

He tried to shake off whatever expression his face had settled into - he wasn’t sure what it was but he knew it probably wasn’t polite - as she finished waiting on them and politely but firmly turned away their advances. 

Apparently, however, he was not successful, because she arched an eyebrow at him and walked back over to him quickly, rounding the bar to lean against the front of it next to where he was sitting. “Everything okay?” she questioned, taking both of her hands in his. 

“Yeah. All good.” Shooting one last look at the men across the bar who were still staring at her, he couldn’t stop himself from leaning in and pressing his lips to her temple. “Just helping drive the point home for those two over there.”

Rolling her eyes, Sorrel just leaned against his side, letting him wrap his arm around her waist. “Is that all?” she quipped, kissing his jaw softly.

“Mmm, and what else would it be?” It seemed he couldn’t keep himself from kissing her, because he tilted her chin up so he could kiss her lips just as softly as she’d kissed his chin. Vaughan was aware that he was acting more like someone in a relationship that he usually did, but he couldn’t bring himself to stop. 

He’d analyze what that meant later. 

“Maybe,” she responded, nudging his shoulder with hers as she went back behind the bar, “you just missed me?”

Sighing even as he smiled, he just picked up his drink, content to watch her get back to work. “Maybe I did.”

ELEVEN MONTHS AND FOURTEEN DAYS AGO

Gavriel was actually in love with the days his fiancée got out of work early and came to visit him at the shop. She loved to walk through the store like she was browsing, spending hours just going through all the arrows they offered like it was her first time even though she’d seen them all before - hell, she usually helped them figure out which ones they wanted to stock. 

They’d been together for almost two and a half years, engaged for a year and a half of that, and watching her love what he loved never got old.

The competitive archer in her never took a day off, even when she wasn’t actively competing. 

For his part, he’d just sit on the stool behind the till and watch Lin move through the store, his eyes tracking the pieces of dark hair that always fell free from her bun as she talked excitedly with customers who seemed interested in whatever she was standing next to. 

He was always amazed by the sheer number of people she managed to talk into buying something they’d previously been on the fence about. 

It was a rare day when all five of his friends were also in the store - no one was out on supply runs or visiting a weapons expo or had even taken the day off - which meant that he had spent most of the day running the till, able to stay there since his friends could cover everything else. That wasn’t the most thrilling of jobs during the slow moments, which were thankfully few and far between, but it gave him so much time to marvel over Lin, who’d only worked a half day and had spent the rest of the day in the shop with him. 

Just finishing up with the customer he’d been ringing out, Gavriel looked up to wave them through the door and found his gaze almost instinctively drawn to his fiancée. She was standing by some of their newest arrows, and she was explaining all about them to a customer, her eyes bright with that sparkle that archery always seemed to bring out.

It really was a sight to behold. 

The man she was talking to, who seemed to be hanging on to every word she said, watched as her hands moved over the selection they offered, most likely pointing out the different features of each style. He nodded at something she said, and then Lin was turning to pick up a handful of the arrows she’d just pointed to, gesturing the man to the counter as she followed behind. 

“Making sales again, Lin?” Gavriel asked, hopping off the stool to grab a box from under the counter that would hold all the arrows in her arms. 

Chuckling, she set the man’s purchases on the counter before rounding it to stand next to him. “Aren’t you a funny one today? You know I can’t help myself when it comes to archery.”

“I know, I know.” Gavriel turned his attention to the man, quickly ringing him out and getting everything boxed up. “I’d ask if you found everything okay, but I think I know the answer.”

The man laughed, sliding his card through the machine to pay. “For sure. Y’all really know your stuff here. It’s nice to know someone will always have an answer to any questions we have.”

“Thanks, man.” Dipping his head in gratitude, he handed the box over to the man, who disappeared out the door with a cheerful wave. 

Sinking back onto the stool, Gavriel pulled Lin into his lap, pressing a kiss to the side of her head. His arms were tight around her waist, and Lin squealed at the suddenness of the movement coupled with the way he started kissing a trail from her temple down to her lips. “Think the guys at the garage would let me poach you away to come work here?”

“I highly doubt it,” she murmured, turning her head and meeting his lips in a messy kiss that was all teeth and tongues. “But if this is how you thank me every time - and not just when it’s a guy that I help - then maybe I’ll be tempted.”

Gavriel pulled back so she could see his raised eyebrow. “Are you implying that I’m jealous?” He knew the incredulous look on his face was probably ridiculous, but he couldn’t seem to shake it. He’d never been the jealous type - and he thought Lin knew that. 

Clearly Lin was messing with him, because her laughter rang through the store. “Of course I’m not - but that was a great face you just made, so it was totally worth it. I know you’d never be jealous, but I do like to mess with you.”

“You, my love,” he started, nipping her jaw lightly and drawing a gasp from her, “are a menace.”

Nodding, she settled herself against his chest in a more polite way as the front door jingled with the sound of another customer walking through the door. “Yes I am. And you wouldn’t have me any other way.”

“You got that right.”

ELEVEN DAYS AGO

Lorcan still couldn’t believe that Elide Lochan - well, Salvaterre as of a month ago - was his wife. They’d been together for right around three years, he’d proposed a little over a year and a half ago, and just about a month ago they’d finally gotten married. 

It was better than any dream he’d ever had. 

They were out with all their friends for half-price appetizers and trivia night, and as much as he loved all their friends, he tended to forget - or at least manage to pretend to be blissfully unaware of - how chaotic they could be. They were a noisy bunch, and trivia night tended to ramp them all up. 

Sometimes it got to be a bit much for him - at least before he’d had time to get used to it. 

He could tell Elide was starting to feel the same way. She had burrowed closer against his side in the booth, and she was sliding the charm on her necklace - a silver L pendant - along the chain. 

“Feel like going to get us some drinks?” he whispered, leaning down so she could hear him. “Some of our glasses look pretty empty.”

Smiling up at him gratefully - she knew exactly the break he was offering her with that simple question - she prodded Fenrys until he slid out of the end of the booth with a theatrical groan. Determining who needed a refill and what they wanted, Elide made her way to the bar. 

Lorcan settled back into the booth as he watched his wife cut through the crowd and lean against the bar, getting the bartender’s attention with a wave of her hand. From the way the man smiled at her, he had a feeling that her good looks had something to do with how quickly he’d given her his attention. 

The man was all smiles as he refilled the drinks, and Lorcan realized that, with as many drinks as Elide had ordered, she’d never be able to carry them all on her own. 

Plus he had the urge to make sure the bartender - who had definitely just winked at her - knew she was taken, knew that she was his wife. 

“Move, pup,” he grumbled at Fenrys, poking the blonde in the back of the head so he moved, “gotta go help El with the drinks.”

Shooting him a knowing look, Fenrys just rolled his eyes. “Uh huh, sure you do.”

Deciding to ignore him, Lorcan just strolled to the bar, his long legs eating up the distance in no time. “Need some help, wife?” he asked, sliding his hands around Elide’s waist and pulling her back against his chest. 

“Lor!” she jumped at his touch, clearly not expecting him to walk up behind her. “Actually, yeah - I don’t know why I thought I could carry all of these by myself.”

Chuckling, he squeezed her hips before releasing her, taking half of the drinks from the counter. “Anything for my loving wife.”

“Thank you, husband.” Smiling at him and tossing the money on the bar with a grateful nod to the bartender, Elide grabbed the rest of the drinks and led the way back to the table. 

Once they’d sat back down, she curled up against his side once more. “Don’t think I didn’t notice that little display back there,” she murmured against his neck, her fingers playing with the hem of his tee. “Jealous much?”

“I wouldn’t necessarily say jealous. I just want the whole world to know you’re my wife, even if that means little displays like that.” He noticed the way she shivered at his words, and he tugged the flannel he’d worn as a jacket over her shoulders. “That okay with you?”

If he wasn’t, he knew he’d promise then and there never to do it again.

“As long as you don’t make a habit of it.” She gave him a hard look, and he nodded once, knowing that he wouldn’t become one of those territorial assholes. Elide was her own person and he would never do anything to infringe on that. “And as long as you keep promising to call me wife - it’s so hot when you do it.”

“Whatever you say, wife.”

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[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: The Hair (Fluff 2.0)

Surprise - I’m still writing CW! I can’t possibly get enough of my babies and I keep getting ideas for them, so I’m very excited to share this with you! Plus, finishing this means I can get started on a new project I have in the works.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way.

Let’s face it: our boys (and their girls) have fantastic hair. Well, they all know it, too. Of course I had to capitalize on that.

Warnings: Extreme fluffiness. And probably some language. Oh, and some implied smut because Vaughan and Sorrel are needy.

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FOUR YEARS, EIGHT MONTHS, AND THIRTEEN DAYS AGO

He’d just wrapped the towel around his waist and stepped out of the shower when Aelin came barreling through the bathroom door. Though they’d only been together a little over a month, it had become abundantly clear that the two of them were very comfortable with one another. That was probably one of his favorite things about their relationship - it was easy to be with her.

Rowan turned to face her after walking over to the sink, his wet hair swinging over his shoulder and sending droplets flying. “Uh, good morning?” She hadn’t been awake when he’d climbed out of bed, so he was a little surprised to see her so alert.

“Morning, babe.” Walking up behind him, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her cheek against the damp skin of his back. “You look good in a towel.”

He chuckled, letting one hand rest on hers as he reached for his brush with the other. “I’m so glad you like it. I think I’ll wear the towel to work today.”

Aelin giggled against his back, her breath skittering across his skin. “Hmm, no - I think this should be for my eyes only.”

“Oh you do?” He turned in her arms, leaning down to kiss her nose. “I suppose that can be arranged.”

“Good.” 

Pulling out of her arms, he took a step back so he could start brushing her hair. Aelin just dropped onto the chair she’d insisted he start keeping in his bathroom so she could sit in front of the mirror when she wanted to do her makeup, content to watch him as he slowly untangled his hair. They stayed silent for a few minutes, both of them just happy to be together. 

He’d barely set the brush on the counter before she was standing and pushing him into the chair she’d just vacated. “Aelin,” he muttered, raising one eyebrow at her when she pushed on his shoulders again, “what exactly are you doing?”

She huffed and rolled her eyes before walking around to stand behind him. “I thought I’d do your hair today.”

“Oh.” Rowan, though a little caught off guard by her words, wasn’t entirely surprised. She’d told him time and again how fascinated she was by his hair, and he knew she liked that his hair was long enough that she could actually do something with it. “Do your worst then, my love.”

Aelin chuckled slightly, but he could tell she was already focused on the task before her. Her fingers moved gently through his hair, sorting and weaving the strands together and humming lowly whenever something wasn’t to her liking. Eventually she tapped his cheek, a signal he’d come to realize meant she needed a hair tie. Slipping the one off his wrist, he handed it to her and went back to sitting still as she finished up her work.

“Done,” she finally chirped, kissing the back of his head before taking his hand and pulling him to the sink so he could look at her work in the mirror. She’d pulled the very top section of his hair into two little braids before pulling the rest of the hair on the top of his head into the hair tie, allowing the other half to remain down and free.

Turning back to her, Rowan leaned down and kissed her gently. “It looks great - thanks, baby.”

“Of course.” She kissed him again, cupping his chin when she pulled away. “Though, to be fair, I didn’t really give you much choice.”

He laughed loud enough that the sound echoed around the room. “It’s a good thing I like you when you’re bossy, then.”

“You’re damn right it is.”

~*^*~

The sound of his front door opening and all but banging off the wall behind it startled Rowan enough that he dropped the book he’d been holding. Craning his neck over the back of his couch, he saw his girlfriend kick the door shut behind her as she dropped her bag by the little mat just inside the door for shoes. Giving him a barely perceptible nod, Aelin heaved an angry sigh and stormed off into his bedroom.

“Aelin?” he called, trying to figure out if he’d done something to make her angry over the course of the day. “Are you okay?”

He heard her mumble something incoherent back, though he was pretty sure he made out a couple very colorful curse words. Deciding to wait until she came back into the living room, he settled back into the cushions and picked his book up.

Rowan had barely made it through a page before she joined him, and he felt his heart stop in his chest at the sight of her. She’d kicked off the jeans she had on for work, leaving her in a pair of lacy pink panties that left her perfect legs on display. She’d also swapped out her sweater for one of his old faded hoodies from college. He’d worn that particular hoodie so much that the sleeves had started to fray, meaning that they hung down over her hands. 

“What’s wrong, love?” He tossed his book on the coffee table, reaching out for her with one hand when he saw her swipe a few tears from her eyes.

Shaking her head, Aelin just climbed into his lap, wrapping her arms and legs around him and clinging to him as tightly as she could. She pressed her face into his neck, and he could feel his heart tightening when he realized she was shaking in his arms. 

Wrapping one arm around her waist so he could pull her against him, he twined the fingers of his other hand in her hair, slowly combing through the long golden strands. It was something he’d found comforted her, and he wanted to do everything he could to make her feel better. And, it meant that he could spend that time admiring the way the sunlight shifted over the vibrant tone of her hair. 

He wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that, but his fingers never stopped moving through her hair. Eventually, she stopped shaking, and she lifted her head, pulling away from him enough to look into his eyes. “Sorry about all this,” she whispered, blinking away the few tears lingering in her eyes.

“It’s okay, baby.” Rowan cupped her cheek, stroking her jaw lightly. “What happened?”

“It was just a really long day.” She shook her head slightly before continuing. “Just a lot of little stuff that kept piling up, that’s all.”

“Do you want to talk about any of it?”

Aelin shook her head again. “No, not right now. I just want to sit with you for a while.” 

He leaned in to press his lips to her jaw. “Of course, whatever you need, love.” Offering her a small smile, he pulled her against him again, laughly lowly in her ear when she burrowed her face against his neck. 

Though it was mumbled, he could still make out the “thank you” she whispered.

His hand once again found its way to her hair, and he realized he would happily spend the entire evening sitting just like that if it was what Aelin wanted. He was completely gone for her. 

FOUR YEARS AND TWENTY-SIX DAYS AGO

Fenrys was sprawled across the couch in his girlfriend’s living room when she finally climbed out of bed and graced him with her presence. He’d always been an early riser, so he often watched tv so he wouldn’t disturb her. She was wearing a pair of red spandex and a grey Blackbeak Gym hoodie, and he still couldn’t believe that he got to see her like that. They’d only been dating for around a month, and his days were always brighter when they started with her.

“Morning,” he greeted, his eyes lingering on her legs as she walked toward him. “Sleep well?”

Offering him a tiny smile, Asterin pulled herself onto the back of the couch, her heels kicking lightly against the back of it. “I really did - I always sleep better when I’m here.”

He lifted his foot, nudging her lightly in the side. “That’s because my mattress is just better.”

“No, you idiot,” she quipped, sliding down until she was sprawled on his legs. “It’s because you’re here - and because your sheets smell like you. It makes me feel safe.”

He couldn’t control the grin that stretched across his face, and he reached down to pull her into his arms. “That’s my sappy girl.”

‘Mmm,” she agreed, kissing the underside of his jaw before she was crawling over him. Fenrys had learned very quickly that, as much as she loved being held by him, Asterin also really loved when she could hold him. Though she’d sleep curled into his chest, she loved being able to wrap herself around him when they were sprawled on the couch. 

She hitched a leg around his waist, her fingers starting to comb through his hair as she pressed scattered kisses across his shoulder. “You say I’m sappy - and yet here you are, practically purring the second I start holding you.”

“What can I say?” he quipped, his hand falling to her knee. “Being with you like this makes me happier than I’ve ever been.”

Asterin pressed her face into the back of his neck, and he squeezed her knee. “You make me happy too, Fen.” Her fingers never stopped moving through his hair, and he knew if he wasn’t careful she’d lull him back to sleep.

They stayed like that for a while, and he found it hard to focus on whatever was on the tv in front of him. Between the feeling of the fingers of her one hand scraping over his scalp before moving through his hair and the feeling of her other hand tracing lazy patterns over his stomach, he was fairly distracted. 

Eventually, he managed to look at the clock, and he realized that he had to get a shower right then or he’d be late for work. Groaning low in his throat, Fenrys began untangling himself from his very tempting girlfriend.

He leaned down to press his lips to hers once, twice, three times, each kiss more lingering than the last, before he finally managed to pull himself away and head for the shower.

Asterin whistled at the sight of him walking away, and even though he shook his head, he couldn’t help but fall for her just a little more.

~*^*~

When Fenrys walked through his girlfriend’s front door after he was done working for the day, he was greeted with the sight of her sprawled on her back in the middle of her living room. “Erm,” he started, drawing up short as the door swung shut behind him, “what exactly are you doing?”

“Fen, hi!” She rolled on her side to face him, giving him a happy smile. “I was just waiting for you to get home.”

“I can see that.” She’d had a day off, and though she’d said she had some cleaning to do around the apartment, he knew she wasn’t planning on actually going anywhere. “Are you wearing a pair of my briefs?”

Asterin grinned at him a little sheepishly, standing so he could get a better look at her. Scanning her once, he realized he was right - she had stolen a pair of his briefs from the drawer she’d given him. Though he wore the ones that were cut like spandex, so it had been hard for him to tell the difference at first. “I just… they’re more comfortable.”

“Is that so?”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. I may have missed you a little today, and I may have stolen them because they smell like your soap.”

He chuckled, though he did pull her into a tight hug. “That’s what I thought.” Stepping back, he grabbed her hand and pulled her over to one of her kitchen chairs. “Sit,” he directed, tapping her nose when she pouted at him.

“Why?” Even though she grumbled, she still sat. 

“Because we’re going out with the guys later and I’m gonna do your hair for you.” That was all the explanation he gave her before his fingers were twisting through her long golden locks. They’d had plans for a night out with everyone since the week before, and Fenrys knew she loved when he did her hair, so he knew she would be fine with it. Plus, he’d be lying if he tried to say he didn’t love playing with her hair as well.

She hummed and settled into the chair. It didn’t take him long to braid a small section of the top of her hair back to the crown of her head, and he paused for a moment to smooth the rest of her hair into a ponytail. 

Feeling what he was doing, Asterin held her wrist up for him, silently offering the hair tie she always kept there. He took it from her, securing her hair quickly and leaning down to kiss the top of her head. 

He watched as her fingers drifted carefully over his work, and he twisted the ends of her ponytail through his fingers. There was something about the bright color of her hair that always drew his attention, and found his gaze following the strands as she turned in the chair to face him.

“Thanks, baby,” she murmured, kneeling so she was face to face with him. She lifted a hand to cup his cheek. “I really appreciate you doing that for me.”

“You got it, Rin,” he replied, turning enough that he could kiss her palm. “I like that you let me do it.”

She tilted her head up for a kiss, which he gladly gave her, sighing gently as she pulled away. “You’re sweet.”

“That’s because you make me that way.” He kissed her forehead before lifting her off the chair and into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he started walking toward her room, and he met her eyes. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“And you’re the best thing that’s happened to me, my love.”

TWO YEARS, TEN MONTHS, AND NINE DAYS AGO

He awoke to the sound of rustling pages. Dating Elide meant that was a fairly common occurrence - she did own her own bookstore, after all - but, since there was still faint moonlight filtering through the curtains, he figured it wasn’t a normal morning. 

“Baby,” Lorcan rumbled, rolling over and glaring in the lamplight streaming from the side of the bed she’d claimed as her own. “Why you up so early?”

She barely glanced at him, just offering him the barest hint of a smile before she was turning pages in her book again. “I forgot to pick a book for ‘Owner’s Choice’ this week, and I’m trying to decide if this one is a good one to choose.” That was one of Elide’s favorite parts of owning her own bookstore - she picked a book to highlight every couple weeks and showcase in the front window. “I think this is the one - I just have to be sure.”

Stroking his fingers down her spine, he leaned in to kiss her temple. “Well, don’t let me disturb you then.” He settled back down on the pillows, slinging an arm around her waist and listening to the sound of her nails scratching over the pages.

He wasn’t exactly sure how long they stayed like that, but eventually Elide huffed a sigh and dropped her head against her book. “I think I read too long.”

Lorcan chuckled as he opened his eyes to see his girlfriend staring at him. “And why would you say that?’

“Because,” she whined, pouting at him, “now I won’t have time to wash and dry my hair.”

“I think I might be able to help with that.” When she raised an eyebrow at him in question, he just motioned to her book. “Just keep reading, my love. I’ve got you.”

Shifting until he was straddling her back (hovering on his knees so he wouldn’t hurt her, of course), he reached for the hairbrush that was resting on her nightstand. He pulled it through her hair gently, careful to avoid pulling too hard whenever he encountered a knot. 

Elide sighed happily as she turned a page in her book.

Once he’d untangled her dark locks, he easily parted her hair down the middle and began deftly twisting the hair on the right side of her head into a French braid. Having spent years doing the same to his own hair, he made quick work of it, tying a hair tie around the end of it before starting on the other side. 

Like the first, the left side didn’t take long either, and soon Elide had matching braids falling down over both shoulders. He leaned down to press a quick kiss to the back of her head before flopping down next to her once more. “All done, baby.”

Closing her book, she rolled until her chin was resting on his chest. “Thanks, Lor. You really are the best.”

“You know I got you, El. Figure out if this is the book for the window?”

She hummed, her fingers dancing over his ribs. “Yeah! It’s the one. Thanks for giving me the space to think.”

Offering her a soft, content smile - one he only ever showed her - he pulled her a little tighter against him. “Of course - I love you, Elide.”

“And I love you, Lorcan.”

~*^*~

Elide was practically buzzing with energy when she waltzed through his front door later that night. She’d texted him as she was leaving work to tell him that she wanted Chinese food for dinner, and that it was his turn to call it in because she’d done the whole “being an adult, making phone calls” thing the last time they ordered takeout. 

He’d only finished placing the order when he heard her key turning in the lock, and he’d tossed his phone on the couch and sank down into one of his kitchen chairs as the door swung open. “Food’s ordered, should be here in like forty minutes.”

“That’s great,” she chirped, breezing by him to drop the rather large box she was carrying on the counter. 

“Erm,” Lorcan started, raising an eyebrow as she smiled, first at the box and then at him. “What’s in the box, Lochan?”

“Books!” That was all she offered before she disappeared into his room with a little squeal of excitement. He heard the sound of his closet door opening and then shutting, and clothes rustling, before she was joining him in the kitchen once more. She’d changed her work clothes for a pair of tiny black spandex and one of his tees, the white shirt practically dwarfing her as it all but hid her shorts from view. 

“That’s a good look for you,” he commented, unable to help the smirk that grew on his face at the sight of her in his clothes. “That shirt looks better on you than it ever did on me.”

Elide laughed, twirling once to give him a better view. “It does, doesn’t it, Salvaterre?” Toying with the end of one of her braids, she walked over to stand behind him. 

He leaned back into her as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “So, the box?” he prompted, sighing softly when she kissed the crown of his head and stood up. 

“The box.” She began running her fingers through his hair, and he could feel her beginning to part his hair down the middle. Elide began weaving the strands together as she talked. “Remember that local author that came in about a month ago to see if I wanted to stock some copies of her new book? Well, it was absolutely amazing and people seemed to like it, so I asked if she had anything else - either hers or books from other authors she knew. And this is what she brought me. It’s a whole box of books - hers and some from friends she has that are authors. She asked me to read through them and pick the ones I want to stock.”

“That’s amazing,” Lorcan replied, feeling her tie off one braid before starting another. “Think you’ll stock any of them?”

She hummed. “Oh, I plan on stocking all of them. You know I love supporting local authors.”

“I know you do.”

They fell silent as she finished up the second braid. Lorcan loved being with her like this. It was so different from what he was used to, from what he expected for his life. The intimacy, the domesticity of it all - it was everything he never knew he wanted and everything he never wanted to give up. 

“There,” she finally said, “all done. And now we have matching hair.”

He felt her fingers still dancing over the twin braids hanging against his shoulders, and he leaned into her touch. “Thanks, El.”

She moved until she was between him and the table, hopping up so she could sit on it and wrap her legs around his torso. His hands drifted over her thighs before he twined his arms around her waist. “You got it, babes.”

“What would I do without you?” He dropped his head so his cheek was resting on her thigh as he gazed up at her.

“Your own hair, probably.” Elide laughed at her own joke, and he couldn’t help but laugh with her, even as she stroked her thumb over his cheek. “I don’t know what I’d do without you either, Lor. You’re the other half of my soul.”

“And you’re mine, El. You’re mine.”

She leaned down to kiss his forehead, and he knew, then and there, that he wanted the rest of his life to be exactly like that.

TWO YEARS, EIGHT MONTHS, AND ONE DAY AGO

Gavriel was basking in the warmth of the sun streaming through the large bay window of his girlfriend’s bedroom when he heard muffled cursing from behind the closed bathroom door. Dog-earing the page of his book and setting it carefully on the massive window seat he’d been reclining on, he pushed himself up and crossed the tiny space, the blanket he’d been using pooling on the floor.

Knocking twice on the door, he asked, “you okay in there?”

More muffled cursing answered him, and he was debating whether or not to open the door when the choice was made for him. Lin whipped the door open and frowned up at him, gesturing at her dark hair, which was dripping down the front of her tee and clinging to her neck. “I hate you,” she grumbled.

“Me?” He gave her a confused look. “Erm, why?”

Lin huffed a sigh and thunked her forehead against his bare chest. “Because, you asshole, you just had to keep me in bed late and now my hair is too wet to do anything and I can’t leave it down for work!”

He tried to hold in his laughter, he really did, but one chuckle escaped him. “That’s not exactly how I remember it, love.” When she poked his side, he gripped both of her hands in his own. “You were the one who rolled on top of me and said you weren’t moving until you were good and ready.”

“You could have made me get up!”

He did laugh at that. “I tried! You just wrapped yourself around me like an octopus and wouldn’t budge!”

“Gav,” she whined, though he could hear the laughter lacing her tone. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“You’re right,” Gavriel agreed, tilting her head up so he could look into her eyes. “I’m a terrible boyfriend - I should have banished you from the bed the second your alarm went off.” 

She was nodding along with him, and he could see the smile beginning to grow on her lips. “You’re the worst,” she replied, leaning up to kiss his chin.

“Well then,” he murmured, pressing his lips to the corner of her mouth, “let me make it up to you.” He gestured toward the window, whispering “go have a seat” as he ducked into the bathroom.

Grabbing a dry towel from the rack in the corner, he turned just in time to see Lin wrap the blanket he’d been using around herself and bury her face in the fabric, her shoulders lifting as she breathed in the scent of him no doubt still lingering on it. He smiled and walked over to her, shifting until he was on his knees behind her. 

Carefully pulling her hair out from beneath the blanket, he wrapped the towel around it and began gently drying the dark strands. He continued like that until it was decently dry, eventually dropping the damp towel on the floor next to them. 

Using his fingers, Gavriel began gently untangling the knots he came across. He smiled gently when he saw her eyes flutter closed as he leaned around to kiss her cheek.

Lin hummed lowly, a content smile pulling at her lips as he sat back and began working her hair into a ponytail. Gathering all the strands together, he slipped a hair tie off his wrist and twisted it until her hair was secured in a fairly neat bun on the crown of her head.

Trailing one finger down the back of her neck, he tapped her shoulder with the other hand. “You’re all good now, love.”

“Mmm,” she nodded. “You’re so good to me, baby.”

Standing, he pulled her up and into his arms. “I love you the way you love me.”

“Infinitely and eternally,” she replied, kissing him quickly before moving off to finish getting ready.

He smiled at her back, knowing that he’d just created a new morning routine for the two of them.

~*^*~

He knew he was being louder than usual as he made his way to Lin’s apartment, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. He’d just gotten back from boys’ night at the bar, and he could still feel the drinks coursing through his system. Even though he hadn’t had enough to get himself drunk, Gavriel knew himself well enough to know that he was quite tipsy. Thankfully, they all lived within walking distance of the bar, so he didn’t have to bother Lin to come pick him up. 

Fumbling only slightly to get the key into the lock, he let himself into his girlfriend’s apartment. He toed off his work boots without bothering to untie them, his socks following close behind. His only two concerns were getting himself some water and finding his girlfriend.

Just thinking of the love of his life had him turning in the direction of her room. “My lovely Linnea!” he called, wandering into the kitchen. 

“I’m in bed!” she yelled back, and he heard the distinct sound of the sheets rustling as she moved. Grabbing a bottle of water from her fridge, he down half of it before making his way into the bedroom.

“Hello, beautiful girlfriend,” he murmured, pushing his jeans over his hips before the door had even shut behind him. He took her in as she held up a finger and tilted her head in the direction of the book in her hands. She was wearing a pair of his old grey sweatpants and a bright blue sports bra, and he thought she’d never been more beautiful. Her hair was still pulled up into the same bun he’d done it in that morning, and his heart swelled.

Putting her book on the nightstand, she chuckled as she looked up at him, and he had to laugh too. His jeans had barely pooled around his ankles before he was pulling his shirt off and stepping out of his pants. “Well hi. Have a good time with the boys?”

Gavriel nodded, flopping face-first into the bed next to her. “I always do.” Rolling himself onto his back briefly before turning over once again, he situated himself on his side with his head resting on her thigh. “But I’m very happy to be here with you.”

“Aww, aren’t you sweet?” she murmured, tracing a finger over his cheek. 

“I mean it,” he confirmed, staring up into her beautiful eyes. “I’m so in love with you, Lin. And how could I not be? With your dark hair, and your stunning eyes, and your pretty smile…” he trailed off as she began brushing golden strands of hair off his face. “You’re just so amazing.”

Leaning down, she pressed her lips to his. “And you, my love, are a very affectionate drunk.” He pouted up at her, slightly hurt that she wasn’t returning his affection, but she just kissed it away. “But I’m very in love with you too.”

Grinning up at her once again, he rolled so his face was pressed to her thigh. He was about to say something else, but all thoughts flew out of his brain when she began working her fingers through his hair. The action was so soothing that he hummed and wrapped an arm around her knee just to feel closer to her. 

Lin never ceased her movements, and he felt himself being lulled to sleep by her touch. Just before he drifted off, he heard her whisper, “you’re the love of my life.”

And you’re mine, he thought, his last conscious thought being that he needed to tell her that in the morning. 

TWO YEARS, TWO MONTHS, AND TWO DAYS AGO

Knowing his girlfriend was a restless sleeper did nothing to ease the annoyance that Connall felt. He’d been trying, and failing, to fall back asleep for thirty minutes, thanks to Vesta constantly kicking his shin. He could usually tune out her movements - after all, she mostly just rolled so she could get closer to him or wrapped her arms a little tighter around his waist - but it had gotten ridiculous.

Finally cracking an eye open, he was greeted with the sight of her gorgeous eyes staring down at him. He groaned, throwing an arm over his eyes when she started giggling. “How long have you been staring at me?”

“About thirty-five minutes,” she laughed, brushing her fingers over his cheek. “I realized that staring alone wasn’t going to cut it after about five minutes - that’s when I started with the kicking.”

Connall groaned again, moving his arm just enough to glare at her. “Demon,” he muttered, which only made her giggle more. “The fuck did you want me awake for?”

Pushing her lips into the perfect pout, Vesta whined softly in the back of her throat. “Don’t you want to spend time with me, baby?”

He huffed and rolled until he was completely sprawled on top of her, practically squishing her as he kissed all over her cheeks and jaw. “Of course I do, love.” He kissed the tip of her nose, his arms sliding under her waist and pulling her against him. “I just wanna know why you wanted me awake at the crack of dawn.”

“Oh, don’t be dramatic!” she chastised, swatting him upside the head lightly. “Seven A.M. is not the crack of dawn.” He merely raised an eyebrow at her, and she knocked her forehead gently into his chin. “I just… well, I was hoping I could play with your hair? I’m going to have a very long day and it always soothes me when you let me - it’s just so comforting, getting to run my fingers through your hair.”

He felt the soft smile pulling at his lips before he could do anything to stop it - not that he wanted to. He loved that Vesta was so vulnerable with him. She put on this tough face to the rest of the world, but he loved that she could be whoever she wanted with him. 

“You got it, my love,” Connall finally murmured, kissing her temple once before shuffling down so his cheek was resting just over her heart. He settled against her, and one of her hands rested on his hip as the other began carding through his hair, sifting the strands between her fingers and gently untangling them. The feeling was so soothing, to him as well as her, that he couldn’t help but nuzzle his nose into her chest.

He hummed into her chest, his lips just barely brushing the bare skin of her shoulder with kisses every minute or so. 

Even though he’d planned on sleeping a little later, he would gladly get up as early as Vesta wanted just to have this time with her. 

~*^*~

Connall was leaning against the island in his kitchen when his girlfriend walked in the door, muttering angry curses under her breath as she tossed her keys on the little table by his door hard enough that he heard it echo down the hall. She swept by him with barely a nod in his direction, still grumbling as she disappeared into his room.

Deciding to give her space for a moment, he busied himself with ordering a pizza for dinner. When he was done with that, he pulled two beers from the fridge, popping the tops off just as Vesta wandered back into the room - and stole the breath from his lungs. 

She’d swapped her work clothes for a pair of his skinny black track pants - the ones with the white stripes down the side - and a dark green bra that was more lace than anything else. Though she was still frowning, he was captivated by how beautiful she was. 

“Everything okay, baby?” he questioned. When she only fixed him with a piercing glare, he held up a placating hand. “Yeah, stupid question, I know. Want a beer?”

Offering him a terse nod, one that was barely a dip of her head, Vesta took the bottle he’d held out to her. She lifted it to her lips and didn’t put it back down until only a quarter of the liquid inside remained. “Sorry,” she murmured, setting the beer back on the counter. “Just a long fucking day.”

Nodding, Connall opened his mouth to reply, only for Vesta to cut him off as she kept talking. “I had a guy come in for a massive back piece that took like three hours - and it was good as hell, don’t get me wrong - but that shit is exhausting. And then I had a girl come in to go over a design I’ve been working on for two weeks, only for her to tell me that it was nothing like what she wanted and I had to start all over - never mind that it was exactly what she’d asked for!”

She heaved a massive sigh and dropped her head into her hands. Crossing the small space between them, he ran his fingers up and down her spine in a soothing motion. He felt her muscles begin to relax at his touch. “What can I do to help, love?”

Lifting her head enough to meet his eyes, she quirked her lips up into a small smile as she took his hand and began pulling him toward the couch. “You,” she told him, “can sit your ass on the couch and braid my hair.”

“Oh, I can, can I?”

“Mhmm.” She plopped down on the floor in front of his couch, tugging him into place behind her until she was sitting between his legs, one hand lazily tracing patterns over his foot. “I know you said you have a new one you want to try, and you always say how pretty my hair is.”

Connall hummed in agreement, since she was right. He’d mentioned a few days ago that he saw a braid he thought would look really good in her hair. He smiled as she saw some of the tension already slip from her shoulders, letting her settle back against his thighs as his fingers began weaving through the gorgeous red strands of her hair. He’d realized - before they’d even started dating - that braiding her hair, or even playing with it, was soothing for her - just like it was when she played with his hair. Whenever she was stressed or angry or sad, she’d just take his hand and rest it on her hair, and she’d let him braid it until she felt better.

And he’d be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy it himself. 

They stayed that way for at least fifteen minutes, his fingers untangling and weaving the strands of her hair together, only pausing when he needed to dig hair ties out of the bowl on his coffee table to hold one section in place while he worked on another one.

She was right: he did think her hair was absolutely gorgeous. Something about the deep tones of her red hair always looked so captivating when they were twisted into a complex braid. 

She didn’t move until he tugged on the bottom of her braid - his silent signal that he was done. Reaching up, she ran his fingers carefully over his work, her fingers working over her hair carefully so she wouldn’t mess up his hard work. He’d pulled her hair into three French braids on the top of her head that flowed into one fishtail braid that ran down her neck and settled on her spine. The work was precise, and he could tell she knew that by the smile she offered him over her shoulder.

“Work out the way you wanted it to, Con?” She turned to face him, resting her chin on his knee when he cupped her cheek. 

Nodding, he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her lips. “It’s a good look for you, Ves.” 

He wanted to say more, wanted to say that it could’ve turned out horrible but he would still think it was perfect because he loved that she liked when he did her hair, but Vesta gripped his thighs, pulling him down into her lap and letting out a happy giggle at the surprised look he gave her. “Then I love it - just like I love you.”

“And I love you for that,” he replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I love how much comfort it gives you.”

Leaning in, she nipped the skin of his jaw. “And I love that you’re always willing to help me calm down like this. Thank you, I really appreciate it.” 

“Anything for you, my love.” And he meant it too - he really would do anything for her. 

ONE YEAR AND TWENTY-TWO DAYS AGO

Rolling away from the small shaft of sunlight that had managed to slip through his curtains, Vaughan came face to face (well, face to chest, really) with his still-sleeping girlfriend. Staring at the lines of ink that spilled between her breasts and over her stomach, he practically drank in the sight of how beautiful she was. The sheet had pooled around their waists sometime during the night - probably because they’d been too warm after Sorrel had woken him up at two in the morning because “baby, please, I need you to fuck me back to sleep right now.” 

He never could resist her.

Her skin had pebbled in the cool air, and he couldn’t resist tracing his fingers lightly over the outside of her breast. Scooting closer to her, Vaughan dropped his head onto her chest, his face pressed to the skin in the valley of her breasts. “It’s too early,” he mumbled, lips ghosting over her skin with each word. 

Startled awake by the sound of his voice, Sorrel jolted beneath him. “So you thought I needed to be awake, too?”

“Mmm,” he agreed, nuzzling her skin. “I missed your voice.”

He felt her fingers trail over his cheek. “You’re cute when you’re all sleepy and needy.” 

Her hands drifted back into his hair, and he practically purred as she started scratching his scalp with her nails. Sorrel’s other hand slid over his back and into his hair, sifting the long strands between her fingers. “If you keep doing that, you’re going to be the only one awake,” he said. The feeling of her hands in his hair was one of his favorite things in the world.

“I can’t help it, love,” she murmured, her hands never ceasing their motions. “Your hair’s just so soft. And it’s pretty, too.”

“Thanks, babe.” Vaughan could feel the soothing action of her hands spreading through his body, the relaxation threatening to pull him back to sleep. “Wish I could stay like this all day.”

“I know you do.” Tightening her grip on his hair, Sorrel lifted his head until he was looking into her eyes. “But I know you - even if you didn’t have to get ready for work, you’d never stay like this all day.” When he just arched a brow at her, she elaborated, “with your face this close to my tits, you’d have me moaning and writhing beneath you in no time.”

He smirked at her, one hand sliding up her body to cup her breast. “Mmm, I could get you all soft and needy beneath me, stuff your tight little pussy with my cock like I know you need.”

“Don’t make me promises you can’t keep,” she whined, rolling out from underneath him even as her eyes flashed with mischief. 

He flopped onto his stomach with his face buried in her pillow, blindly reaching out for her with one hand as he whined low in his throat.

“Sleepy you is so needy,” she giggled, wrapping her fingers around his and pressing her lips to the back of his hand. “Now, come on, love. Sit up.”

Rolling onto his back, he let Sorrel pull him to a sitting position even as he pouted at her. “I’m always needy for you.” 

“I know you are - because I’m always needy for you, too.” She shifted to her knees behind him, once again sliding her fingers through his hair. He sat still as she worked, letting her comb the tangles from his hair as she pulled it into a messy bun on the crown of his head. Twisting a hair tie that he knew she always kept on her wrist around the bun to keep it in place, she slid her hands down to his chin and tilted his head back so she could look down into his eyes. “Okay, babe, time for you to get ready for work.”

Wrapping one hand around her neck and pulling her lips to his, Vaughan kissed her deeply. “You’re so good to me.”

“Guess it’s because I like you so much.”

~*^*~

Vaughan reached for his door, shaking the water from himself as he walked into his apartment. It had been his turn to stay late to do inventory at the shop, and it had started raining pretty heavily on his drive home. Kicking his shoes off onto the mat just inside his door and pulling his sweatshirt off to hang it on the hook, he turned to call a greeting to Sorrel - and stopped in his tracks.

His girlfriend was sprawled across his couch on her back, with her feet propped against the back of it, wearing nothing but a pair of his boxers. 

“Decided to go topless today?” he asked, walking forward until he could bend over the back of the couch to press his lips to her forehead. 

Lifting her eyes to his, she flicked his nose. “If you can wear nothing but shorts, then so can I.”

He let his gaze rove over her body, lingering on her chest when he heard the hitch in her breathing at his attention. “I didn’t say I didn’t like it, love. But, why my boxers?”

“They’re more comfortable than my shorts.” She smiled at him, taking his hand and trying to tug him over the back of the couch. “Plus, they were in your drawer and they smell like your cologne.”

“I see.” He nodded at her attempts to get her to join him on the couch, pulling away just long enough to pull his jeans off, leaving him in a t-shirt and boxers. Tossing them somewhere in the direction of his bedroom, he basically vaulted over the back of the sofa, catching himself before he could crush Sorrel. As soon as he was situated, he grabbed her by the waist and hauled her into his lap, both of them laughing.

“You’re a mess, baby,” she crooned, turning her head to face him. Her hair had come loose from the very precarious bun she’d had it piled in, and it tumbled around her shoulders as she looked at him. “But you’re my mess.”

“For as long as you’ll have me, I’m yours.” Vaughan pushed a piece of hair behind her ear, watching as she watched him with so much happiness in her eyes. “And you’re mine.”

“And I’m yours,” she confirmed, leaning in to kiss him. “Baby,” she murmured as she pulled away, “could you braid my hair?”

“Absolutely, my love.” He slid to the edge of the couch, allowing Sorrel to climb off his lap and settle herself between his legs. Tangling his fingers in her hair, he slowly combed out the knots, working through the curtain of her hair gently. As soon as he’d finished with that, he cupped her jaw and tilted her chin up so he could see what he was doing. Working swiftly, he braided the dark strands together, never faltering in his movements. 

Once he’d finished twisting the strands together, he reached down to pull the hair tie off her wrist, tying it around the bottom of the braid. “All done, S,” he said, smiling at her when she turned and climbed back into his lap. 

“Thanks, baby.” She kissed him gently as she settled against his chest, shivering slightly in the cool air of the apartment. 

Vaughan chuckled as he felt the gooseflesh rising on her skin, giving her a fond look when she glared at him. “Getting cold, are we?” When she just nodded at him, he grabbed the giant fluffy blanket that always seemed to be on his couch, wrapping it around the both of them before toppling over sideways. 

She shrieked in surprise at the sudden movement, though she snuggled happily against his chest as he pulled the blanket even tighter around her. Leaning up, she kissed him slowly, letting their tongues work lazily against one another as she tangled her legs with his.

Pulling back, Vaughan felt his breathing hitch as he saw the truly beautiful smile on her face. “What?”

“I just love you so much, Vaughan,” she answered, kissing his jaw. “So very much.”

He couldn’t help the way he hugged her tighter. “I love you infinitely, baby.”

.

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#cadre weaponry #cw #rowan whitethorn #aelin galythinius #rowaelin #lorcan salvaterre #elide lochan #elorcan #fenrys moonbeam #asterin blackbeak #fensterin #connall moonbeam #vesta blackbeak #connesta #vaughan #sorrel blackbeak #vaurel #gavriel #lin blackbeak #gavnea #throne of glass #tog #my writing

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: The Fluff

Guess who’s back with more Cadre Weaponry content?? Surprise, it’s me! Okay, it’s time for some good old-fashioned fluff for all of our babies.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way.

We all know that our boys are crazy about their girls. Now let’s take a closer look at how they show how much they love their girls!

Warnings: Maybe some language, but I don’t even think you have to worry about that.

.

TWO MONTHS LATER

“Hey, Luca!” Gavriel greeted as he walked into the lobby of Main Street Automotive. “How’s school?”

He was a sophomore in college, but whenever he wasn’t in class he worked the desk of the garage. His father, Malakai, owned the shop, and Gavriel knew that Luca was taking business classes so he could eventually take over.

“It’s going,” Luca replied, grimacing at the snort that slipped through Gavriel’s lips. “I like it and all, but Business 220 is kicking my ass.”

“Darrow still teaching that?” Gavriel asked, remembering how much of a hardass the man had been when he’d taken the class. When Luca nodded, he gave him a sympathetic grin. “I know he’s tough, but just keep pushing. Do well in his class and he’ll be the best reference you could ever ask for.”

Luca just sighed, though he did mutter a quick “thank you” before a sly grin lit up his features. “I know you’re not here just to ask me about school,” he joked. “Could you possibly be here to see your wife?”

Gavriel felt a giant smile spread over his face, but there was nothing he could do to stop it. He and Lin had been married for almost a month, and every day still felt like a dream. “Of course I’m here to see my amazing wife.”

Luca just laughed at him and pointed toward the office/breakroom. “She’s back there somewhere. Just go on back.”

He waved and ducked around the counter, walking through the door just as Malakai came in from the garage. “Gavriel,” he nodded. “She’ll be right in - she was just under the hood of a ‘67 Impala.

Gavriel nodded at him, and opened his mouth to reply just as Lin walked through the door, a towel in her hands to dry them off. His voice died in his throat, and he heard Malakai chuckle at the awestruck look he felt slide across his face. Her dark hair was pulled up in a messy bun, pieces of her hair framing her face where they’d come free, and there was a black smudge across one cheek - probably from when she’d tried to brush a chunk of escaped hair off her face. She’d unzipped her overalls and left them hang around her waist, and the white tank top she had on underneath clung to her with sweat.

He decided he’d never seen anyone more beautiful.

Tossing the towel toward the laundry bin, she caught sight of him standing there. “Gav,” she smiled, eyes bright as she made her way across the room. She wrapped her arms around his waist and grinned at him. “What brings you here, husband?”

“You, my beautiful, forgetful wife.” When she gave him a confused look, he held up the water bottle in his hand, at least half a lemon sliced and floating inside it. Lin only liked lemon-water (she absolutely hated regular water), and he knew she’d be upset when he saw it sitting on the kitchen counter after she’d left that morning. “I thought you might want this.”

“Aww, thanks, baby,” she cooed, leaning up to give him a gentle kiss as she took the bottle from him. “You came all the way here just to bring me my water?”

“Lin, you work two blocks away from me,” he chuckled. “It’s not exactly far.”

“Still, your effort deserves a reward.” She winked at him, a happy laugh bubbling from her throat.

Gavriel pulled her closer, pressing his lips to her forehead. “Getting to see my gorgeous wife isn’t reward enough?”

Lin shook her head, though she did lean into him. “No, because not only did you bring my water, but I also got to see my wonderful husband. So, you get another reward.” She gave him a look that stopped his heart in his chest, and then she was kissing him like they hadn’t seen each other in weeks.

He cupped the back of her neck with one hand, bracing the other on her waist to keep her steady as she rocked up on her toes to kiss him harder. He tilted her head, allowing him to take control of the kiss, and he’d just swept his tongue into her mouth when someone cleared their throat behind them. 

Breaking apart, Gavriel turned his head in time to see Luca leading Emrys, his other father and Malakai’s husband, into the room, bags of food in both of their arms. Emrys owned the Mistward Diner, which was right next to the garage. He’d been the one to clear his throat, though it was Luca who yelled “get a room” as he set his bags on the table. 

“Breakfast is served!” Emrys announced, pulling every breakfast food imaginable from the bags. Malakai greeted him with a kiss and a smile before heading out to collect the rest of his employees from the garage, and Emrys turned his eyes on Gavriel. “You might as well join us, lad - you’re already here.”

“Yeah, just quit making out with Lin where we can see it!” Though Luca sounded disgusted, Gavriel knew he was happy for them.

Emrys smacked his son on the back of his head, making him wince theatrically.

Chuckling at their antics, Lin took his hand and led him to the table. They sat down just as everyone came in, smiles on their faces at the sight of the food Emrys brought for them every morning.

Lin reached for the plate of bacon, but she paused when Gavriel placed a hand on her shoulder, turning to give him an inquiring look. Dipping his napkin in the cup of water someone had placed in front of him, he used it to gently wipe the grease from her cheek.

She leaned into his touch, whispering “I love you” before pressing her lips to his palm.

“As I love you,” he murmured back, kissing her temple before turning back to the table, grinning at the soft looks everyone was giving them. 

TWO MONTHS AND FIVE DAYS LATER

Lorcan breathed deeply as he walked through the door, the scent of books filling him with a sense of peace. He’d always loved to read, had always been calmed by just being around books, and he loved them even more now that he was married to the owner of a bookstore. Lady of Perranth Book Emporium was Elide’s pride and joy, and he loved everything about it. She’d used part of her inheritance from her parents to pay for college - she had degrees in business and marketing - and to buy and start her own business. And business was booming - she sold new and used books, which people loved. 

Looking toward the till, Lorcan waved when he saw Ghislaine standing behind the counter. Another member of the Thirteen, she and Elide had become close when Elide moved in with Manon on her eighteenth birthday to get away from her uncle. She had always loved to read, and he knew she’d been thrilled when Elide had offered her a job.

“Hey, G,” he greeted, nodding at the book in her hands. “Jeffrey Deaver?”

“Lorcan, hey,” she replied. “Yeah, I thought it was time for a Bone Collector reread.”

“Always a solid choice. Any idea where Elide might be?”

Ghislaine chuckled. “Well, last I talked to her, she was checking inventory upstairs, so I’d start there.” Elide tended to multitask, which meant that she was all over the store all day long.

He just laughed as he made for the stairs. “Thanks,” he replied, her response echoing behind him as he climbed toward the second floor.

Catching sight of her as soon as he turned to face the room, he couldn’t stop the smile that spread over his face. Her dark hair was secured in a messy bun on the top of her head, most likely to keep it from falling into her face while she organized the books. She was halfway up a ladder, a box resting on the top of it as she made space on the shelves. 

Setting the bag he was carrying on the floor, Lorcan wrapped his arms around her thighs from behind. “Hey, beautiful,” he murmured, pressing his lips to the strip of bare skin on her waist where her shirt had ridden up.

Though she’d tensed at his initial touch, Elide relaxed into his arms at the sound of his voice. “Hello, handsome,” she replied, turning to face him. She started to say something else, but it turned into a squeal when he lifted her off the ladder, sliding her down his body until her feet were on the ground.

“Hi,” he said again, lips brushing her forehead before he pressed them to her lips. Lorcan often thought that kissing Elide was his favorite thing.

When he finally pulled away, her cheeks were flushed. “Wow,” she breathed, shooting him a smirk. “What brings you here in the middle of the work day?”

He motioned to the bag on the floor. “Well, it’s my lunch break and I was hoping to have lunch with my lovely wife.”

Her eyes lit up, and he felt his own smile growing. They’d been married for three months, and Lorcan was convinced he fell more in love with her every day. 

“Aren’t you the most thoughtful husband?” she replied, fingers dancing over his jaw. “If you brought what I think you did,” she continued, “then I will most definitely have lunch with you.”

“Sandwiches from Cafe Terrasen - made by Aelin herself because Lysandra was supervising every move and I harassed her into doing it - and your favorite desserts, too.” Lorcan laughed as she practically started drooling at his words. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders after grabbing the bag, he began leading her toward her office. 

Tangling her fingers with his, Elide leaned up to kiss his cheek as they walked. “G!” she called as they walked down the stairs. “I’m taking lunch with my wonderful husband.”

Ghislaine just nodded from her spot behind the counter, more than used to their antics.

Ducking out from under his arm at the bottom of the steps, Elide grabbed his hand again and started pulling him along, a happy smile on her face.

Lorcan knew he was grinning like a fool, but he didn’t care. His heart belonged completely to this woman - his amazing wife - and he wanted to show her that every single day. As she opened the door to her office, he said, “I’m so in love with you.”

“I’m in love with you,” she responded, kissing him one last time before they sat down to start eating. 

TWO MONTHS AND TEN DAYS LATER

The Keep was busy when Vaughan opened the door, though it seemed that most of the customers were gathered around tables instead of flocking to the bar. The restaurant was full of laughter and chatter, and he smiled at the relaxed atmosphere of the room. This had always been one of his favorite places in town, and not just because of the gorgeous woman tending to the bar.

He grinned as he watched her shake a drink, a wide smile on her face as the couple she was waiting on laughed at whatever she’d said. She caught sight of him as she was pouring the drink into a glass, and the smile on her face got even brighter. She finished what she was doing and made her way toward him, doing a quick sweep of the bar as she did. “Hey, babe,” Sorrel practically squealed as she rounded the bar. “What brings you here?”

“I can’t just want to see my beautiful fiancée?” They’d been engaged for just over two months, and Vaughan woke up in awe of that fact every single day. “But,” he continued as she saw what he was holding, “I will admit it’s not the only reason I stopped by. I know it’s a late night for you and I thought you might like some coffee.”

“Well, aren’t you just the sweetest?” she murmured, taking the cup he extended her way. A breathtaking grin lit up her face when she took a sip, and the little moan that escaped her throat made his breath hitch. “And you even remembered how I take it!”

She’d been leaning up to kiss him, her coffee resting safely on the bar behind her, but Vaughan pinched her lips between his thumb and index finger. “Really?” he murmured, voice low as her hands danced across his thighs. “We’ve been together for five and a half years now - did you really think I wouldn’t know your coffee order?”

She nipped at his fingers when he finally pulled them away, and he smirked at the gleam in her eyes. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that you’re so good to me and I appreciate it.” She kissed him, just the softest brush of her lips on his, and Vaughan cupped her cheeks as he rested his forehead against hers. “Though it does make me curious about something.”

“And what’s that?” he breathed, eyes falling shut as she stroked her fingers over his spine.

“If you’re this good to your fiancée, how will you be with your wife?”

“My wife,” he replied, one hand tangling in her hair as the other slid down her body to rest just above the swell of her ass, “will be spoiled rotten.”

Sorrel didn’t have a chance to respond before he was kissing her, tongue sweeping into her mouth as he backed her against the bar. She fell apart beneath him, a gasp sliding into his mouth as he kissed her harder. Her fingers knotted in the fabric of his shirt when he tilted her head to kiss her with a deeper, claiming sort of fire. He forgot where they were - he forgot everything but the taste and feel of Sorrel as he lost himself in her. 

“Vaughan, if you don’t stop distracting my bartender I’ll have to throw you out.” He was distantly aware of a voice talking to him, but it wasn’t until Sorrel pushed on his chest to break their kiss that he realized it was Edda who had spoken. 

He took in the flush spreading across Sorrel’s cheeks before he lifted his head to smirk at Edda. “I don’t think your bartender would be too happy if you threw her fiancé out.”

“Okay, we get that you two are all ‘in love’ or whatever, but the rest of us don’t need to see it.” that was Briar, walking up to flick the side of his head. The two Blackbeak cousins owned The Keep Pub and Grille, and, despite their threats, he knew they found his relationship with one of their closest friends (and fellow member of The Thirteen) adorable. “So don’t tempt us - one of these days we’ll really do it.”

Giving her a hurt look, he turned pleading eyes on Sorrel. “You wouldn’t let them throw me out, would you, baby?”

She kissed his jaw quickly and walked back behind the bar, coffee in hand, before replying. “I just might - you’re very distracting.”

He winced theatrically and clasped a hand over his heart. “You wound me, baby.”

She just giggled and blew him a kiss before taking a lap to see how her customers were doing. He watched her work with a smile on his face, struck by how incredibly amazing she was and how lucky he was to have her.

Sorrel caught him watching her, and she tilted her head in a silent question at the look he was giving her.

Vaughan just shook his head, mouthing, “I love you.”

She smiled, the happiness in it bringing her eyes to life. “And I love you,” she mouthed, waving and holding up her coffee in a silent thank you as he turned for the door.

TWO MONTHS AND FIFTEEN DAYS LATER

Connall couldn’t help the smirk that crossed his face as he walked through the front door and saw the way Petrah narrowed her eyes at him. Petrah Blueblood was the owner of The Wastes: Tattoo and Body Piercing, and she loved to give him a hard time. Even though he was engaged to one of her artists, he’d always gotten his tattoos at Doranelle Ink, which was owned by Rowan’s cousin, Sellene. It was also where Essar worked, and she and Lorcan remained friends despite their past, so all of the guys had been going to both of them for years.

“This shop is for customers of The Wastes only,” Petrah quipped, chucking a balled-up piece of paper at him. “No Doranelle Ink patrons allowed.”

“I guess you’ll have to stop letting Elide get tattooed here then,” he replied, tossing her paper right back at her. “You know Essar did her first two.” Though Vesta did all of Elide’s ink now, Essar had indeed done the first two, since Lorcan had drawn them with Essar’s help.

“That’s different.” That came from Rhiannon Crochan as she walked out of her suite. She was the other artist who worked there, and, as she was Manon’s half-sister, she knew Elide and the Thirteen very well. “We’ve converted her - she’s ours now.”

“Oh, so that’s how that works?” He raised an eyebrow at the two of them. Rhiannon cracked, a chuckle slipping through her lips, but Petrah held firm. 

“That’s exactly how this works.” She looked like she wanted to say more, but Vesta chose that moment to walk into the room.

“Okay, you two,” she started, red hair tumbling around her shoulders as she pulled it free from the bun it had been piled in. “Leave my fiancé alone.”

That was what finally broke Petrah, giggles falling from her lips. Connall laughed with her, grateful that Vesta had such supportive friends - and that they liked him. He had always been worried that he wasn’t enough for her, but he had started to believe he was when he realized her friends approved of him. 

Once he finally stopped laughing, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “Hey, baby,” he murmured into her hair.

“Hi, love,” she replied, her face against his chest. “How come you’re here?”

“Well,” he started, pulling back enough that he could see her face, “I know you have a late appointment tonight, so I stopped at The Keep and grabbed us some dinner.” He lifted his other hand to show her the bag he carried.

Vesta smiled at that, happiness making her eyes light up. “Thanks, my love - that was really sweet.”

“Well, anything for my future wife.” Connall watched a faint blush spread over her cheeks at his words, and he leaned down to give her a soft kiss. “All this time together and the thought of being my wife still makes you blush?”

“It’s because I can’t believe how lucky I am.” She was smiling when he pulled away, twining their fingers and leading him to the small kitchen at the back of the shop. “I really appreciate this, Con. I was just debating if I had enough time to run out and grab something.”

“I’m glad I caught you before you left then.” Connall was pulling food out of the bag as he talked, watching as Vesta grabbed silverware from a drawer. “How much time do you have?”

“She’ll be here in about an hour and a half.”

Connall pulled out a chair for her, making sure she was seated before he joined her. “Seems kind of late for a tattoo appointment.”

“That’s because it is.” Vesta took a bite of the burger he’d brought her before she continued. “But Kaltain is a friend from college, and we’ve been designing her tattoo for months, and we were both too excited to wait.”

He nodded at her words, a small chuckle escaping him. That definitely sounded like her - designing was her favorite part of the whole process and she was always so excited to see the finished tattoo. When she raised an eyebrow at his laughter, he said, “I’m glad you love the design process so much, because I have an idea.”

“Yeah, and what’s that?”

Connall grinned at the suspicion in her tone as he took her hand in his. “Well, I’ve been thinking that I want another tattoo, and since you are my fiancée and all, I was thinking you could do this one?”

He’d watched her eyes get brighter as he talked, and he couldn’t help but smile at the sight of tears beginning to pool in them as she realized what he was saying. “Really?” she squealed.

He nodded, and she launched herself into his lap, her face buried in his neck. “Oh, Connall, I’m so excited! And I’m so honored, baby.”

“I’m the one who’s honored, Vesta. You’re so talented. I’ve been meaning to ask for a while, but I wanted to find something perfect for you to design.” She kissed him before the words had finished leaving his lips, and he could feel her joy practically radiating from her.

The kiss was hard, and he was breathing heavily by the time she pulled away, though he noticed that she was, too, as she breathed “I love you so much, Connall Moonbeam” against his lips.

“I love you just as much, Vesta Iarann.”

She pulled back enough to look into his eyes. “Does this mean you have an idea?”

“It does.”

She squealed again, kissing him quickly before climbing off his lap. “Let me get my sketchbook and we can get started!” she called, already out of the room before she’d gotten halfway through her sentence.

Connall felt his smile grow as he realized, once again, just how much he loved her. And how much he couldn’t wait to be married to her in eight months.

She was his whole world, and he couldn’t wait for everyone to know it. 

TWO MONTHS AND TWENTY DAYS LATER

Walking into Blackbeak Gym was a lot like walking into his college gym, though on a much larger scale. The main room, which was situated behind the front desk, was full of rows upon rows of equipment, treadmills lined along one wall and weights along another, with an open space in the back, the floor covered in mats. There was a hallway just to the right of the front desk that led to both locker rooms, and he could just make out the office door in the back corner. The second floor consisted of smaller rooms (equipped for the various classes taught in them) ringed by an indoor track. He knew the door to his right would take him to a huge climbing wall, and the one to his left would lead him to the pool.

It was the door on the left that Fenrys moved toward, waving to Imogen as she stood behind the desk, where she was most likely checking her appointments. As a personal trainer, her days were never the same. She waved back just as he walked through the door, and then his eyes immediately locked on the golden-haired figure moving through the water.

Asterin broke through the surface, hair slicked back and her black one-piece clinging to her in a way he could describe as sinful. She blinked the water from her eyes as she reached for the edge of the pool, droplets clinging to her lashes as she caught sight of him. “Hello, love,” she grinned. “I wasn’t expecting to see you!”

“I just stopped to admire the view,” he quipped, raking his eyes over her as she floated in the water. “Now I finally know why you guys have such a booming business - you look positively sinful, baby.”

Asterin scoffed and splashed water over his legs, though the giggle that escaped her mouth told him she was only playing. “I’ll have you know that people come here because our gym is awesome.” She’d started climbing out of the pool as she spoke, but she stopped at the top of the ladder to give him a look. “Getting to see me like this is an added bonus.”

“It certainly is,” he murmured, handing her the towel she’d pointed to and pressing his lips to her forehead. “It’s a shame none of them can ever have you now - you’re mine for life, lovely wife.”

“And beyond even that,” she whispered before continuing at normal volume, “I guess it’s a good thing I love you so much then, my husband.”

Fenrys chuckled at that, wrapping one arm around her shoulders as she began walking toward her office. They’d been married for a month and a half now, and their honeymoon stage was still going strong. “Well, you’re about to love me even more.”

When she only gave him a confused look, he held up the hand he’d been keeping hidden behind his back, allowing her to see the real reason he’d actually stopped in. “I thought you might want a smoothie after your swim.” She’d come into the gym early sometimes to use the pool before it got too full, and she always said smoothies were her favorite way to start her shift on those days. He knew she usually ran out to grab one, so he figured he’d surprise her.

Asterin beamed and took it from him, all but moaning as she took a sip.

He couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction. “People will really keep coming in if you keep making noises like that.”

“Shut up,” she quipped, leaning up to kiss him quickly before letting both of them into her office. “Thanks for this, baby - it’s exactly what I needed.”

“Glad to be of service, my love.”

She gave him an innocent little smirk, setting her drink on her desk before she pushed him down into the chair behind it. Climbing on his lap, she murmured, “let me thank you properly.”

Fenrys smirked up at her, a low whistle falling from his lips at the sight of her damp hair framing her face. “I don’t know what I did to get so lucky, Rin, but I’m glad I did.” He pressed a soft kiss to her jaw, heart fluttering when he saw tears spring into her eyes at his words.

“Damnit, Fen, stop making me cry when I’m trying to be sexy!”

“Baby, there’s never been a single moment that I didn’t think you were sexy.”

More tears spilled down her cheeks at that, but it didn’t stop her from kissing him once, twice, three times. “I love you so much.”

She kissed him harder then, tongue sliding into his mouth. He was losing himself in everything that was his amazing wife, hands settling on her hips, when someone flicked the side of his head.

“You know,” Manon drawled, one eyebrow arched, “some people are trying to work here.”

“That’s why you have your own office!” Asterin whined, dropped her forehead against his while he laughed at her.

“And how exactly am I meant to go over finances with you if I’m in my office and you’re in yours?” Manon gave her a hard look, though Fenrys could see the teasing glint in her eye.

Asterin sighted through her nose. “Send me an email and schedule an appointment.”

Even Manon laughed at that, their combined chuckles filling the office. Fenrys was still laughing as he stood, Asterin’s legs wrapping around his waist. Sliding his hands under her thighs to support her, he pressed one more kiss to her lips. “As much as I’d love to stay, I do actually have a job to get to.”

Untangling herself from him, Asterin pressed her lips to his chin. “Okay, babe. I love you.”

“And I love you,” he replied, hugging her and nodding at Manon on his way out.

TWO MONTHS AND TWENTY-FIVE DAYS LATER

He walked through the double doors to Cafe Terrasen, a wide smile on his face as the quaint atmosphere of the coffee shop washed over him. Aelin had poured her heart and soul into this place when she’d bought it, and he could see her love for her home and her history reflected in every single part of the building. Despite the fact that she’d never been the best cook - she tried, but something always seemed to go wrong - she managed to own and operate an incredibly successful coffee shop. Although, part of that was probably because Aelin only made the drinks, since she was an excellent barista - Lysandra handled the food. 

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Lysandra came out from the back carrying a tray of muffins, the blueberry scent wafting through the room. She was whistling as she worked, waving to their regular customers as she slid the muffins into the display case. Looking up, she caught his eye and her face broke into a wide smile. “Hey, Rowan!” she greeted, wiping her hands on her apron. 

“Hey, Lys,” he replied, resting his arms on the counter by the till, the duffel bag slung over his shoulder thunking gently against the wood. “Busy morning?”

She shrugged, a wry look on her face. “You know how it is. The early morning rush is a lot, but it’s slowed down now - gives me time to stock the bakery case.”

“And, let me guess,” Rowan interjected, “it gives Aelin a chance to take a chill pill?”

Lysandra only arched an eyebrow. “Have you ever known her to calm down?”

“Not really, no,” he chuckled. “Speaking of my frazzled wife, where is she?”

She waved a hand toward the kitchen. “She’s in the back, arguing with the espresso machine - well, I assume so, anyway. Maybe seeing you will get her to chill out.”

Rapping his knuckles twice on the counter, he nodded his thanks and walked around the counter, grabbing a cup from the shelf and pouring some of Cafe Terrasen’s signature dark roast into it. Stirring two spoonfuls of sugar into it, he snapped the lid into place and walked into the kitchen - and was greeted with the sight of his wife scowling at an espresso machine, just like Lysandra had said.

“Hey, baby,” he murmured, kissing her cheek as he walked up behind her. “Get into a fight with another piece of equipment?”

“Ro, hey.” She knocked her temple against his chin gently, her brow still furrowed even as she turned to face him. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

Nodding, he handed her the cup of coffee in his hand. “I’m on my way there now, I just wanted to stop in to see you on the way.”

“Aww, that was sweet.” Aelin offered him a small smile, kissing him gently before turning back to her latest project. “And thanks for the coffee, love - you always know exactly what I need.”

He snorted, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. “Well, I’d like to think that after three years of marriage, I know my wife pretty well. Now - why the frustration with the espresso thingy?”

She chuckled at that, which was what he’d been hoping for. “The filter just got clogged and I’m trying to clean it - I’m not even that frustrated with it. Lys just likes to be dramatic.”

“I know, baby.” Rowan kissed the side of her neck, working his lips up to her jaw and over to her lips, pressing soft kisses to her mouth, one after another after another. He didn’t stop kissing her until she was laughing against his lips, her own curled into a smile.

Aelin slipped her hands over his shoulders, pausing when her fingers caught on the strap of the duffel bag he was still carrying. “Why do you have a duffel bag?” she asked, pulling away to stare at him in confusion.

“Oh,” he murmured, almost forgetting the reason he’d decided to stop by the coffee shop on his way to work. “It’s yours, actually.”

“Mine?” Her nose scrunched up as she tried to figure out what he was talking about, and Rowan couldn’t help but laugh at how adorable she was. He leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose, squeezing her sides gently when she swatted his chest. 

“Yours,” he confirmed. “You remember our plans for this afternoon?”

She offered him a tentative smile. “Yeah, we’re going to The Gap to go hiking. What does that have to do with anything?”

“Well, Fireheart, I know I might have distracted you a little this morning when you were trying to get ready.” He broke off as she poked him in the stomach, the corners of her eyes crinkling as she laughed, and he couldn’t help but join in. He’d joined her in the shower that morning, and he’d kept her moans echoing throughout their bathroom long after the water had run cold. “Anyway, I noticed that you forgot your hiking boots when you left. So, I thought I’d drop them off on my way to work today.”

Though she’d looked a little upset about forgetting her boots, her face lit up when she realized he’d brought them to her. “You’re a lifesaver, baby - I can’t believe I forgot them.”

“It’s not a problem, love.” She cupped his cheek, rubbing her thumb over his bottom lip. Kissing the pad of her finger, he added, “I mostly just wanted to stop in and see you, and this way I have an excuse to keep the boys from giving me too much shit.”

Aelin pulled him into a hug, resting her chin against his chest even as she laughed. “They still like to tease you about going soft - just because you were the first one to get married?”

“Yeah,” he chuckled, kissing her forehead. “But if having you in my life means I have to go soft and get teased by the guys? I’d do it without a second thought.”

“Oh, love.” She kissed the side of his jaw, nipping him gently with her teeth as she pulled away. “You were always soft with me.” Kissing him with a kind of tenderness that promised so much more, she added, “it’s part of the reason I fell so deeply in love with you.”

“I love you so much, Fireheart.” Rowan kissed her again, this one lingering and and just a little teasing. “To whatever end.”

“To whatever end, Ro.”

.

Okay, that’s that! Stay tuned for more new CW stuff!

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @city-of-fae @musicmaam @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty @tacmc @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @how-to-be-a-bad-ass-be-me @nalgenewhore @bookrebelwordwarrior @sleeping-and-books @froggy-waddles @mis-lil-red @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @photofeesh @belamoonbeam @velarian-trash

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#cadre weaponry #the cadre #cw #rowan whitethorn #aelin galythinius #rowaelin #elide lochan #lorcan salvaterre #elorcan #fenrys moonbeam #asterin blackbeak #fensterin #connall moonbeam #vesta blackbeak #connesta #vaughan #sorrel blackbeak #vaurel #gavriel #lin blackbeak #gavnea #throne of glass #tog #my writing

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: The Fights

I promised you guys new Cadre Weaponry content, and here it is! So the following scenes take place during the original chapters of the story, but they’re all put here in chronological order for you!

I had so much fun returning to this universe, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way.

We all know our boys in the Cadre found their happily-ever-afters, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Here’s a look at the fights that almost cost our beloved boys everything.

Warnings: I’m pretty sure it’s just language in this one.

.

FOUR YEARS, TWO MONTHS, AND SIXTEEN DAYS AGO

Rowan woke to the feeling of nails scraping down his back, Aelin tossing and turning in bed behind him. Rolling over, he took in the tears tracking down her cheeks and the little whimpers she was making in her sleep - another nightmare. Though they’d only been together for seven months, he’d learned that her sleep was plagued by her past traumas - whatever they were.

That wasn’t a conversation they’d had yet.

Just as he went to reach for her, she shot into a sitting position, a heart-wrenching shriek tearing from her throat. The motion had been violent enough that she woke herself up, her shout cutting short as she realized where she was.

“Aelin?” he questioned tentatively, reaching out to push a strand of hair behind her ear as he sat up next to her.

She flinched at the contact, whipping her head around to face him. His stomach clenched at the broken expression on her face. “I’m sorry,” she said, though her voice was shaky, and she barely managed to get both words out before she was sobbing.

“Oh, my love, come here,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and pulling her into him. She buried her face in his neck, her tears warm against the skin of his neck. He tangled one hand in her golden hair, the other rubbing over her spine as he rocked them back and forth. “It’s going to be okay, love,” he murmured, pressing soothing kisses to her hair. “You’re safe, baby, you’re safe. I’ve got you, Fireheart. I’m right here.”

He continued rocking her and whispering quietly in her ear, and though it took her a few minutes to calm down, she eventually fell asleep with her head on his chest. He pressed one final kiss to her forehead as he pulled the blankets closer around them. Dropping his head onto his pillow, he felt the lull of sleep coming to claim him in only a matter of seconds.

Before he fell back into his dreams, he told himself that he’d ask Aelin about her nightmares in the morning. 

~*^*~

Walking out of the bathroom, Rowan chuckled at the way Aelin’s eyes immediately flickered to the towel wrapped around his waist. She was lounging on her bed in nothing but an emerald green silk nightgown. The way she was reclined on the pillows had the lace at the bottom of the very short nightgown playing hide and seek with her thighs, and Rowan couldn’t keep his eyes from drinking her in.

She smirked at him, and he dropped the towel. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the way her eyes widened. “See something you like, Fireheart?”

“You could say that,” she replied, voice husky from sleep. Her eyes never left him, even as he got dressed for his day at work. “Though I preferred when you didn’t have all those layers on.”

He laughed, dropping next to her as he pulled a t-shirt over his head. “Sorry, but some of us have to go to work early this morning.”

“I know,” she sighed, pulling the blankets up to her chin. “And some of us get to stay in bed for another hour.”

Rowan flicked her nose, though he sobered up when he remembered her nightmare from the night before. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, love. Anything you want.”

“Even if I want to know what your nightmares are about?” He watched her expression as he asked, and his heart stopped when her features closed off. “It’s just,” he added, hoping that she wouldn’t shut down the conversation like she always did, “they seem like they’re really bad, and I’m just trying to understand why. I just want to help.”

Aelin sighed again, though this one had none of the playfulness of the first, and she refused to meet his eyes. “It’s nothing, Ro. They’re just stupid dreams.”

Pinching the bridge of his nose, he stood up and stalked to her desk. “Stupid dreams don’t leave you sobbing in the middle of the night, Aelin. Nightmares do. And I’d say they’d have to be pretty traumatic ones, too. So, what is it? What are you keeping from me?”

“Rowan, I already told you, it’s nothing. Okay? It’s nothing.” He’d grabbed his phone and wallet from her desk by the time she’d stopped speaking, and he was halfway to her door before she protested. “Rowan, where are you going? Don’t just walk away from me! Talk to me - why are you so upset about this?.”

“Oh, you want me to talk? You don’t like it when I don’t tell you things?” He was practically snarling, and he watched the fire grew in his girlfriend’s eyes. “Now you know how I feel.”

“And what the fuck is that supposed to mean?” she spat.

“It means you’re always keeping secrets. It took you months to tell me that you and Chaol had dated, even though I don’t care that you’re friends with your ex, and I practically had to pry any information about Sam out of you.” He decided to ignore the fact that she’d only told him about that within the last month. She’d dated Sam Cortland all through high school, and they thought they’d last despite getting into universities on opposite sides of the continent. Meeting Chaol as a freshman had made her rethink her relationship with Sam, and it had destroyed her to end things with him. They’d ultimately agreed they were better off as friends, and remained so even now, but it had been hard on both of them. “I hardly know anything about your past because you won’t tell me. I’m so tired of the secrets, Aelin.” He was at the door, and the look she gave him when she saw his hand resting on the handle was a mix of anger and fear. “Look, I want to be with you, but I can’t handle all the secrets. I just can’t.”

“Rowan,” she huffed, “I just -.”

“No, Aelin. I don’t want excuses. I want the truth. But I don’t have the time to wait for you to give me it.” He pulled the door open. “I’m late for work.”

She tried to protest, but he’d slammed the door before she could get the words out. He stalked out of her apartment, his heart breaking as a big part of it stayed in the room with the woman behind him.

~*^*~

It had been a long day - one of the longest ones he’d had in a while. All Rowan wanted to do was go home and avoid the world for a while, but he knew he couldn’t. Fighting with Aelin wasn’t something he enjoyed, and he knew they needed to talk about this.

Aelin seemed to know it too, since she’d texted him and asked him to come over after work.

So that’s what he did. Even though they hadn’t been together all that long, he knew he loved her. So he parked his Bronco and climbed out, not sure what he was walking into.

When he knocked on her front door, he heard muffled cursing from the direction of the kitchen before she shouted that it was open and he could let himself in. He did, and was immediately greeted with the smell of food and the sight of his girlfriend swearing at something on the stove.

“Everything okay in here?” he questioned.

She just groaned and switched off the burner, pulling the frying pan onto a cool one. “Not exactly. I wanted to do something to apologize for this morning but nothing is working.” She must have caught the knowing look he was giving her, because she gave him a stern look. “And before you make any smart comments, just know I’m making you breakfast for dinner.”

He couldn’t help the bark of laughter that escaped him. Anyone who knew Aelin knew that, though she had many talents, cooking wasn’t one of them. She could usually manage breakfast food, but even that didn’t always work.

“Don’t laugh!” she cried, tossing the hand towel at him. “I really wanted this to be perfect because I’m so sorry about what happened. But the waffle batter didn’t mix right, the knob on the toaster broke so the toast burned, and the eggs are all rubbery!” She had tears lining her eyes, and he could see how frustrated she was. “I just - I was going to feed you and then explain my nightmares in this grand gesture because I hate fighting and I don’t want to lose you!”

“Fireheart,” he murmured, “come here.” Taking her into his arms, he stared into her eyes. “I love that you wanted to do this for me, but I’m the one who should be apologizing. Your past is yours, and I shouldn’t have pushed you to share it if you weren’t ready. I just want to help, but I want you to tell me because you want to, not because I’m a pushy buzzard.”

She laughed a little shakily, leaning her face into his palm when he wiped her tears away. “Well, you can be pushy, buzzard. But I want to share this - this very painful, very ugly part of my past - with you.”

His heart fluttered against his ribcage, hard enough that Aelin could probably hear it, and he smiled at her. “I’m honored, my love.”

She leaned up to kiss him once, twice, three times before taking his hand and pulling him toward the couch. As soon as he was sitting she crawled into his lap, legs stretched out and their hands tangled in her lap. “I don’t talk about this because it’s still painful, but I want you to know.”

Rowan watched her as she started talking, and  he saw the way she rolled her shoulders as she settled into what she had to say. “I’m with you, Fireheart. To whatever end.”

Aelin nodded and offered him a small smile before the story spilled over her lips. “Okay, so I know I told you my dad was in the military, but that wasn’t all of it. He was actually in a very secret, very high-level branch of the army, and he was part of quite a few covert operations. Naturally, that meant he made some enemies - enemies who kept track of him even after he retired from the army and opened the business with my mom.” She paused to take a breath, and Rowan knew that the hard part of the story was coming. 

He rubbed his thumbs along her thighs, and she seemed to draw comfort from the gesture. “One day, when I was visiting my parents at their office building, three guys came in with guns. I just thought it was a robbery, but they were actually some guys in a rebel gang that my dad had busted when he was in the army. I guess they knew I was there, because one of them grabbed me. I was sixteen and my dad had taught me how to fight when I was little, so that’s what I tried to do. The guy didn’t appreciate that - so he threw me into decorative mirror hanging in the lobby. I know you’ve seen the scars on my back. That’s what they’re from.”

“Holy rutting gods,” Rowan whispered, feeling his eyes widen in shock.

“Yeah, basically. And that was the exact moment my dad happened to walk in the room. He tried to get to me, so one of the other guys grabbed me and held a knife to my throat. That’s when the third one gave me that long scar that slashes across my back - he cut me with a knife because he knew my dad was watching. I was so terrified, and I was just bleeding from so many different wounds, and I just wanted my parents. The next thing I knew, there were gunshots echoing around me and I was covered in even more blood. Apparently my dad had pretty tight security, because he had three snipers take out the guys that broke in simultaneously.” She rubbed her eyes, shoulders slumping as she let out a deep breath. “And that’s what I have nightmares about.”

Rowan wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his chest as her head fell into his neck. “My love, I had no idea. Thank you so much for trusting me enough to share this with me.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, lips lingering against her skin when he said, “although now I feel even worse that I freaked out when you wouldn’t tell me about this.”

“Oh, Rowan, no,” she cried, taking his face between her hands so he had no choice but to look into her beautiful eyes. “No, don’t feel bad about this for a second. I never shared it with you because I hate remembering how weak I was and I always thought sharing it would make me feel worse about the whole thing, but that’s not true. I feel so much better now that I’ve opened up about it - almost like I reclaimed the part of myself that was scared of it and it made me feel stronger.”

“Well, I’m glad I could help out,” he replied, nipping at her thumb when she ran it along his bottom lip. “I wish I could do more, though.”

“Buzzard, you’ve already done so much,” she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “The fact that you’re here means more to me than anything else could.”

Rowan kissed her, a claiming kiss that was filled with his love and affection for the amazing woman in his arms. “You, my strong, brave girlfriend, are so absolutely amazing. Did you know that?”

“Yeah, well, your amazing girlfriend couldn’t even make you dinner like she wanted to.” Aelin giggled against his lips, breaking away only when he pinched her sides and she had to gasp for air as he tickled her. “How about we order takeout instead?”

“Absolutely not,” Rowan stated. He shooed Aelin off his lap and pushed her in the direction of her kitchen. “We’re going to make breakfast for dinner, just like you wanted to. We’re going to do this together, Fireheart.”

“That sounds perfect, buzzard.”

THREE YEARS, ONE MONTH, AND EIGHT DAYS AGO

Fenrys reached out and grabbed Asterin around the waist, hauling her back against his chest. She shrieked in surprise, although it quickly turned to laughter as she twisted in his embrace, her arms coming to twine around his neck.

He laughed along with her, his heart soaring as he took in the sheer happiness on her face. “Hi,” he whispered, pressing the barest hint of a kiss against her lips.

“Hi,” she murmured back, smiling when he pulled away. Rocking up on her toes, she kissed the tip of his nose. When he laughed, a deep chuckle that bubbled out of his throat, she pressed a kiss to his lips, her teeth catching on the bottom one as she pulled back. 

Groaning at the sensation, Fenrys slid his hands from her waist to her thighs, squeezing her ass once, twice in the process. Lifting her into his arms, he started walking as soon as her legs had locked around his waist.

Asterin moaned at the feeling of being pressed against him, and he delighted at the pure need in the sound. With the way she was wrapped around him, he found himself panting with every step he took. She had started kissing him, her tongue twisting around his, by the time he reached the couch, though it was short-lived. 

He practically threw himself onto the couch, and Asterin broke their kiss to squeal at the suddenness of the motion. She was giggling in the next second, Fen’s own chuckles ringing through the air to join hers. 

“You’re so dramatic,” she laughed, one hand playing with a strand of his hair while she traced random patterns on his chest with the other. “And yet I love you.”

“And yet you love me,” he confirmed, “just as I love you.” She blushed at that, and his heart swelled with pride. “I love how, even after you’ve agreed to marry me, hearing that I love you still makes you blush.”

She grinned at that, though something about the expression didn’t look quite right. With a start, Fen realized that it didn’t reach her eyes. In fact, there were tears building in her eyes.

“Rin,” he started, reaching up to wipe a thumb under her eyes, “what’s wrong, love?”

“I just…” she sniffed, taking a breath to get her voice under control. “I just don’t understand why you love me.”

He could feel his jaw fall to the floor, could feel that he was staring at her with a confused expression, but there was nothing he could do to stop it as shock coursed through his system. “What?” he finally spluttered.

Tears were streaming down her face as she pushed off his lap. Stumbling back two steps, she sank down on the coffee table. “I’ve been thinking on this for a while, and I can’t understand it. I don’t see how you can love me when I’ll never be enough for you.”

“Asterin, what -,” Fenrys tried to protest, but she cut him off. 

“Fen, please, just don’t.” She stood up, and he felt his heart breaking with every step she took toward his door. “I can’t do this,” she whispered. “I can’t be with you when I know I’ll never be enough. I’m not good for you, Fenrys - I’ll only let you down.” She stared at him for a moment and then she was gone, the door slamming behind her.

Fenrys felt his heart shatter when that door closed. He stared at it for a couple minutes, unable to comprehend what had happened.

When he finally got his wits about him, he knew there was only one thing he could do.

Barely taking the time to grab his keys and lock the door, he was sprinting down the stairs.

~*^*~

Resting his elbows on his knees, Fenrys dropped his head in his hands, the wood of Asterin’s door cool against his flushed skin, even through his t-shirt. He’d sprinted the five blocks to her apartment, praying he’d still manage to beat her there even after his five-minute stupor.

He’d sighed in relief when he didn’t see her car in the lot, but it quickly faded when he realized it was because he’d been right - she’d most likely had a breakdown in her car that had kept her from leaving right away.

He’d been sitting by her door for at least five minutes and he could feel himself getting anxious. He didn’t know what had caused her outburst, but he needed to get to the bottom of it. He couldn’t lose her. He just couldn’t.

He’d just dropped his head back against the door when he heard footsteps rounding the corner. Lifting his head just as she took notice of him, he watched fresh tears slide down her cheeks. He jumped to his feet as she gaped at him.

“What are you doing here?” she gasped, the tears making her voice thick. 

“Fighting for the love of my life.” He watched her sob harder at his words, and he reached a hand out to her. “Please, baby - talk to me. Please. I can’t - I can’t lose you. So, please just talk to me. Tell me what’s going on. Please.” Fenrys was crying by the time he’d finished speaking. He loved this woman more than anything in the world and he couldn’t stand to see her so upset. 

She mulled it over for several moments - he could practically see the gears turning in her head - before finally nodding and motioning for him to move so she could open the door.

Fenrys followed her inside, scrubbing the backs of his hands over his cheeks in an attempt to brush away some of his lingering tears.

“Okay, Fen,” Asterin sighed, slumping into her oversized recliner. “What do you want to talk about?”

He sat on the coffee table, caging her legs between his own. “I want to know what’s gotten into you. Why don’t you think you’re enough for me, or that you’ll just let me down?”

Watching the tears build in her eyes again at the question, he struggled not to reach out and take her in his arms. Asterin swallowed before finally answering him. “Because of my ex.”

She’d started crying as she said it, and Fenrys rested a hand on her knee to show her that he was there. He knew she’d had a relationship - a long one - that hadn’t ended well, but he’d never pushed her on it. He knew she’d talk when she was ready. 

“I know we’ve talked about how I had a pretty bad break-up - that’s where this is coming from.” She dropped her hand on top of the one he had on her knee, her eyes fixed on her engagement ring. “I really thought he and I would be together forever. I was expecting a proposal - what I got was a broken heart. He came home one day and told me that we were done because he could never love me. He said that I was a disappointment and that I’d let him down - he said that I could never be enough for him.”

Asterin was openly sobbing by the end, and Fen climbed into the recliner next to her, pulling her into his lap as he did. “I’m so sorry, my love.” 

She cried into his chest, one hand fisted in his shirt. ‘He told me I was just a mistake, and I don’t want to be your mistake too, Fen. It would kill me.”

Burying his face in her hair, Fenrys let her cry until she didn’t have any tears left. It killed him to see her like this, and he needed her to know that he was always going to be there for her.

Once she’d calmed down, Fenrys lifted her chin until her eyes met his. He slipped his fingers over her jaw so he could cup her cheek, and she pressed a quick kiss to his palm before meeting his eyes once more. “Asterin, I want you to listen to me, okay?”

She nodded, and he kissed her forehead.

“I love you, Asterin Blackbeak. Okay? I love you. You are, without a doubt, the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You could never let me down or disappoint me. I’m so proud of you every day. Every single day. You, my love, are so much more than enough for me - you always will be. You will never be a mistake - never. The only mistake would be not spending the rest of my life with you. Okay, my love?”

“Okay,” she whispered, a small smile on her face even though tears still sparkled in her eyes. “Gods, Fen, I love you so much. I”m sorry for all of this.”

“You don’t ever have to apologize for the way you feel, baby.” Fenrys pressed another kiss to her forehead. “Just, in the future, promise that you’ll come to me when you feel this way, instead of keeping it all inside?”

“Okay, I promise, Fen. I promise.” Asterin leaned up to kiss him, and he pulled her closer. When she pulled away, he was relieved to see that she was smiling - though the giggles that accompanied it were a little concerning.

“Something funny to you, Rin?”

“No,” she giggled, kissing his jaw. “I just can’t believe how lucky I got when I met you.”

Grinning down at her, he kissed her temple. “I’m the lucky one.”

TWO YEARS, SEVEN MONTHS, AND TWENTY DAYS AGO

Vaughan groaned as he threw himself down on Sorrel’s bed, her laughter echoing around him as he landed with his face pressed against her stomach. He chuckled against her skin, the cropped t-shirt she was wearing baring her smooth skin to him. Breathing in her scent, he enjoyed being able to just take the time to be with her. 

Carding her fingers through his hair, Sorrel began humming, and he lost himself in the rambling melody. He was grateful for her - whatever she was to him, as they’d never defined it, never put a label on it - and moments like this reminded him why.

He lifted his head just as her tune came to an end, the last note hanging in the air between them. Grinning at the peaceful expression on her face, he rolled until he was next to her, their hands laced between them.

“You’ll never guess what happened today,” Sorrel said, her thumb trailing over the back of his hand.

Turning his head to look at her, he raised one eyebrow, causing her to giggle. “You’re right, I probably won’t. What happened, babe?”

“Well, I was at Crochan Antiques to visit Bronwen,” she started, “and Una - one of the girls who works for her - was talking about you.”

She cut herself off, and Vaughan prodded her in the shin with his foot. “And?”

“And, well, she kind of called you my boyfriend.”

He could see her lips moving, could hear the sounds coming from them, but he stopped processing what they meant. Sitting up abruptly enough that he yanked his hand from hers as emotions swirled in his head, he felt his face twist into something angry.

“But I’m not.” Vaughan interrupted whatever she’d been saying, the words practically ripping out of his throat.

She sat up, a confused expression on her face. He realized he’s spoken too quickly for her to understand.

“I’m not your boyfriend,” he growled.

“Vaughan, I know that, but -.”

“I’m not your boyfriend,” he repeated, “and you’re not my girlfriend. We aren’t a couple.”

Sorrel only stared at him, almost like she didn’t understand why he was so upset, and that made him angrier.

“I told you when we started this that I didn’t want a relationship, couldn’t be in one. I told you this would just be sex, nothing else. I thought you understood that. Clearly I was wrong.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” she cried, reaching out to poke him in the chest. “Of course I understand what this is, what we are!”

He snorted derisively, shoving away her hand. “Yeah? And yet you let all your friends call me your boyfriend?”

“No, Vaughan, if you would just listen to me -.”

He was standing before she could get any further. “No,” he spat, backing toward her bedroom door, “I’m done listening. I really thought you were different, but you’re not. You’re just like every other girl I’ve been with - you say you can handle sex without a relationship and then you can’t. You’re just another disappointment.” He could see the confusion on her face fade as it was replaced by anger and hurt, and he knew that it would bother him when he thought on it when he got home, but he couldn’t keep the words in. 

Her bedroom door slamming behind him, Vaughan squeezed his eyes shut as he felt the pressure of tears building. He left her apartment, his thoughts whirling. 

He’d always avoided relationships and commitments, too afraid of the pain they could bring. He was terrified of letting himself get that close to someone and then having them walk way. He knew he was protecting himself, but losing Sorrel was gutting him in a way he didn’t expect. 

Vaughan felt the tears he’d been trying to keep at bay start spilling down his cheeks as he reached the elevator, but he never got the chance to wipe them away. Just as he lifted his hand, someone slammed into him from behind. 

Stumbling forward a couple steps before he managed to regain his balance, he turned his head just enough to see dark hair tangled with his own, meaning that the person currently clinging to his back was Sorrel. 

“Sorrel, what the hell?” he spluttered, trying to pry her arms from his neck. 

Sighing at him, she jumped off his back, smacking the back of his head before he could turn to face her. “Okay, asshole, I’m going to talk now, and you’re just going to listen. Got it?”

He just nodded, the anger flashing in her eyes enough to keep him from saying a word.

“Who the fuck do you think you are, calling me a disappointment after two years?” She was practically shouting, but he couldn’t blame her. “We’ve been sleeping together for almost two years, and you call me a disappointment because someone else thought we were dating? That’s not fair, and you know it. I happen to like the arrangement we have, and I wouldn’t do anything to change it. Have I ever given you a reason to think otherwise?”

“No, you haven’t,” he answered, guilt rushing through him at the thought of all the things he’d said to her, “and I’m so sorry I said what I did. You’re not a disappointment - you never could be. I’ve been burned before by girls who said they were okay with this when they really weren’t. I didn’t want that to happen here and I overreacted. And I’m so incredibly sorry.”

“Vaughan,” she sighed, though she sounded less angry. “Did any of those other girls ever stay for two years?”

He shook his head, and was relieved to hear her chuckle a little in response. 

“That’s what I thought,” she muttered, reaching out to cup his cheek. He heard her gasp when she saw the tears still shining in his eyes, and she swiped some from his lashes with her thumb. “Babe, are you crying?”

“Well, yeah,” he mumbled, a blush rising to his cheeks when she kissed his chin. “You’re important to me, Sorrel, and the thought of losing you hurts.”

She nipped his chin when he finished, glaring up into his eyes even as she looped her arms around his waist. “If you wouldn’t have been such a dick, you wouldn’t have needed to put yourself through all of this.”

He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pressed his lips to her forehead, his words muffled against her skin. “I know, I know. I’m so sorry - how can I make this up to you?”

Sorrel winked at him as her hands slid down to grip his ass. “I’m sure you’ll find a way.”

Groaning at the feeling of her hands, he lifted her into his arms and sprinted for her door, her laughter ringing through the hall.

TWO YEARS, FIVE MONTHS, AND TWELVE DAYS AGO

Lorcan pressed a kiss to Elide’s hair, smiling down at the top of her head when she made a contented noise in the back of her throat. His girlfriend just tucked herself tighter against his chest, her fingers skimming over his hand where it rested on her waist. 

Squeezing her waist affectionately, he turned his gaze back to the movie they’d been watching, though his focus was still on the woman in his arms. Elide had brought so much joy to his life - a life he had been convinced he was going to spend alone. Though not all of his past relationships - if he could even call them that - had been bad, most had been. Figuring that he was just wired to make relationships fail, he’d resigned himself to being alone.

And then Elide had quite literally walked into his life.

She was everything he never knew he needed, everything he’d never dared to wish for. He felt so lucky - so incredibly blessed - to have found her, and even the thought of losing her caused him a sort of pain that left him breathless.

Blinking to clear his mind, Lorcan dropped his chin to rest on her head, losing himself in the movie as Elide pressed back into his embrace.

It wasn’t even five minutes later that his phone began to ring. Not taking his eyes from the screen, he fumbled for it, answering the call without looking to see who it was.

The voice on the other end turned the blood in his veins to ice.

“Lorcan,” Maeve purred in his ear. “I need a favor, sweetie.”

He felt Elide turn to look at him, probably because she’d felt they way he’d tensed beneath her.

“Isn’t that what Cairn’s for?” he retorted, not bothering to mask the anger in his voice.

It figured that just as he’d been thinking about his past girlfriends, the worst of them would call. He and Maeve had fucked around - he wouldn’t call it a relationship because they’d never really cared for one another - for two years soon after he’d graduated college. At the time, Lorcan really believed that he loved her, but all that changed when the truth came out and their relationship ended.

It turned out that the entire time they’d been together, she’d been sleeping with Cairn, a man she’d always claimed was just her best friend. That revelation had been ugly, and it had left Lorcan gutted.

Despite all of that, Maeve had never truly left his life. Lorcan had always been loyal, and that remained true even after their split. She would often call when she was mad at Cairn, and even though he would swear up and down that each time was the last time, he’d still go. 

Maeve let out a low whine, clearly displeased with his hostility. “Cairn doesn’t understand me the way you do. And he wouldn’t understand this - he would think it’s silly.”

Lorcan sighed, his resolve already crumbling. “What do you need?” He felt Elide stiffen at his words, and she brushed away the hand he attempted to rub over her thigh. 

“I got a lead in a new show, and I need help with my costume.” He could practically hear the pout in her voice. “I need your help, sweetie.”

He sighed again, even though he was already pushing off the couch. “Fine. But this is the last time.”

She started to reply, but Lorcan hung up before he had to listen to her simpering for another moment.

He turned to face Elide, and she cut him off before he could even try to explain. “You’re really going?”

“I have to, E,” he murmured. “But this is the last time. I promise.”

“That’s what you said you told her the last time.” Elide’s face was full of hurt, and Lorcan hated that he was the cause of it.

“I know, love. But -.”

She cut him off again. “And the time before that.” Elide fixed him with a hard look. “L, you can’t keep doing this. You can’t keep running every time she calls.”

“I know,” he repeated.

Elide rolled her eyes. “If you know, then don’t go. Show her that you aren’t bound to her anymore!” There were tears building in her eyes, and when he tried to reach for her, she pushed him away. 

“I already said I’d go.”

A sob tore from her throat at that, but she still wouldn’t let him touch her. “Then go, Lorcan.”

“Elide,” he whispered, trying to find the right words.

She never gave him the chance. “Just fucking go. But know that I might not be here when you get back.”

Lorcan could only stare at her - her words had frozen him on the spot. Sensing his confusion, she added, “I won’t stand for this. So if you want to go, fine. But I want you to know that I might not stay if you choose to walk out that door.”

With that, Elide disappeared into his room, tears spilling down her cheeks. The sound of the lock clicking followed him out the front door.

~*^*~

Running his hands through his hair, Lorcan tilted his head back and stared at the crescent moon hanging in the sky. He’d been sitting on the same park bench for at least four hours, but he couldn’t bring himself to get up and go home.

He was petrified that he would open the door and find that Elide was gone. 

He hadn’t even made it to his truck before his phone was buzzing in his pocket with a text from Maeve. He opened it to see a picture of Maeve in barely-there pink lingerie and ivory pumps. She’d sent the caption like what you see - it’s the first of many you’ll see tonight along with it.

He’d stopped in his tracks, feeling like the world’s biggest fool for falling for her bullshit again. A stunt like that meant she and Cairn were fighting and she was hoping to make him jealous when he found out Lorcan had been there.

Pinching the bridge of his nose as he’d tried to get his temper under control, he’d growled into the night air. Dialing her number, he’d started speaking the minute she’d answered, his voice cold. “That’s it, Maeve. I’m done playing this game with you. I should have done this years ago, but I’m doing it now. I won’t keep crawling back to you like some lost little boy. I won’t be bound to you anymore. Don’t call me - we’re done.”

She’d tried to protest, but Lorcan hung up before she could. He’d wanted to run back inside the second he’d slipped his phone in his pocket, but he couldn’t face Elide quite yet.

Instead, he’d made for the park the next block over - the same park he’d taken Elide to on their first date - and that’s where he’d stayed.

Still staring up at the moon, Elide filled his thoughts, and he realized just how long he’d been sitting there when he could have been begging for her forgiveness. He’d just practically leapt to his feet when a beat-up Jeep Cherokee came to a stop in front of him.

Lorcan didn’t have to wait for the driver to get out to know it was Elide.

“Lor!” she cried, sprinting around the front to reach him. “Are you okay?”

He blinked, not believing that she was really standing in front of him. “Elide?” he murmured, breath catching in his throat as she came to stop in front of him. “El, baby?”

She stared up at him, confusion flashing across her face as he just continued to stare at her. “Lorcan,” she said firmly, reaching out to grip his shoulders. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” He brushed off the other questions he could see she was desperate to ask with a wave of his hand, reaching out to cup her cheek with the other. “What are you doing here, baby?”

“Well, about thirty minutes after you left,” she started, pulling away from his hand as her face hardened, “I realized I’d never heard your truck leave, and when I saw it was still in the parking lot, I got worried. I tried to call you about thirty minutes ago, but you didn’t answer, so I came looking for you.”

Even though he could tell that she was still furious with him by the tone of her voice and her expression, Lorcan’s heart fluttered in his chest when he realized she’d been worried about him. Then his heart sank when he realized why she was so worried, and the words came pouring out of him. Everything that had happened that night, from the time he’d left his apartment to the moment she’d pulled up in front of him, spilled through his lips without any conscious effort. 

“Anyway,” he concluded, his brain finally catching up with his thoughts, “I’m sorry I made you worry, and I’m sorry I didn’t answer your phone. Maeve’s been calling me all night since I told her I was done with her and after the sixth call I just stopped checking.”

Elide gave him a speculative look. “If you told her off four hours ago, why didn’t you just come home? It would have saved me a lot of worrying and you a lot of trouble.”

Sucking a deep breath in through his teeth as he felt tears building behind his eyes, Lorcan found that he couldn’t quite meet her eyes when he said, “I was afraid you wouldn’t be there. Right after I told her what I did, I knew you hadn’t left because I would have seen you, but I just wasn’t ready to face you. And then, the longer I sat on this bench, the more I thought you would be gone when I got home, and I couldn’t face the thought of walking into my apartment and finding that you were gone from my life.”

“Oh, Lorcan,” she sighed, looking like she wanted to say more, but he held up a hand to stop her.

“Elide,” he whispered, finally meeting her eyes as he dropped to his knees in front of her, a single tear spilling out as he took in her hopeful expression before he managed to get them under control. “I am so incredibly sorry for the way I treated you and I what I put you through tonight. I just - Maeve has always had this hold on me, and no matter how hard I tried I could never shake her. Frankly I think it’s because some part of me didn’t want to. At least, not until I had you in my life. Until I thought I might lose you for good, I never realized just how unimportant she was to me. She might have had a hold on me, but you have a hold on my mind, my heart, and my soul. The thought of losing you makes me feel like I’m dying. And I know this doesn’t even begin to make up for it, but I want you to know how sorry I am.”

He’d dropped his head after he finished talking, so he didn’t see when Elide reached out to run her fingers through his hair, though the action was soothing enough that he looked up to meet her eyes once more. “Lorcan,” she murmured, dropping so she was knee-to-knee on the ground with him. “Damn you, love.”

“Erm, why, exactly?”

“Because you make it so hard to be mad at you.” She laughed lightly, but sobered up as she reached out to cup his face. “I know she put you through hell, babe. I know how much of a hold she had on you. I’m sorry that I threatened to leave, but I wanted you to see that you didn’t need her, because I’m always going to be here for you. I wish you would just talk to me about your feelings instead of thinking you have to take on the world alone.”

Lorcan nodded, turning his head to kiss her palm. “I promise I’m going to work on that. I’m going to get better at talking to you and sharing what -.” He cut off as something dawned on him. “Wait, are you saying you forgive me?”

Elide laughed again, although he noticed it was a little watery. “Of course I forgive you, Lor. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby,” he breathed, the tears he’d been trying to hold back for so long finally sliding down his cheeks as he pulled her into his chest and buried his face in her hair. “So much, El. I love you so much.”

They stayed like that for a while, kneeling on the sidewalk and holding each other tight. Lorcan knew that he was beyond lucky to have Elide, especially after the way he’d acted tonight, and he couldn’t help the way he was sobbing into her hair. He figured she didn’t mind too much, given that he could feel his shirt getting damp as she sobbed against his chest. He wanted nothing more than to never let her go, but he felt the way she began shivering as the cool night air finally started to hit her.

Pulling away enough to meet her gaze, he swiped away the tears under his eyes as he asked, “How about we head back to the apartment, curl up on the couch with a bunch of blankets, and binge-watch something on Netflix - whatever you want?”

She nodded up at him, tears still sliding down her cheeks. “That sounds really nice.” Her tears thickened as she started speaking, and Lorcan wiped them away with his thumbs. 

Leaning in to press a kiss to her forehead, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the car, strapping her into the passenger seat. As he climbed into his side, she reached over to tangle their fingers. “Lor?”

“Yeah, love?” he asked, starting her car up and heading for his apartment. 

“We still have to talk about this - you know that, right?”

Pressing a kiss to the back of her hand, he made an affirmative noise in his throat. “I know, I know. I was thinking we could do that over dinner tomorrow? I’ll even cook your favorite.”

He glanced over at her, relieved to see that she was smiling. “You’ve got a deal.”

Lorcan nodded, grateful beyond words that Elide was with him and that he hadn’t completely screwed everything up. He knew that, in the future, he would do whatever he needed to do to keep her - his absolutely amazing girlfriend - in his life.

ONE YEAR, EIGHT MONTHS, AND TWENTY-TWO DAYS AGO

Connall threw himself down on the couch in Vesta’s living room, burying his face in his hands as he listened to her angrily throw things around in her room. By the sound of it, she was changing out of the dress she’d been wearing for their date, muffled curses falling from her lips as he heard the thuds of her shoes hitting the floor in her closet. 

He was in deep shit, and he knew it. 

They’d been together for just over a year now, and he’d learned very early on in their relationship that guys were simply drawn to his girlfriend. He knew she was beautiful beyond compare, and they did, too. She was constantly being hit on no matter where they were, and though she begged him not to be bothered by it, he could never brush it off the way she did. 

Tonight had been no different, and Connall had finally had enough. He usually got possessive, pulling her tight against him or kissing her a little inappropriately to show that she was his, but he’d come close to blows with some guy tonight, and Vesta was not happy with him.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, her bedroom swung open and she came barreling through it, eyes narrowed and a scowl on her face. “Connall, what the hell was that back there?”

Though he knew he should just apologize and get it over with, white-hot anger surged through him and he shot to his feet, meeting her halfway across the room. “He practically had his hands all over you, and I’m supposed to just let some guy touch my girl like that?”

“He had one hand on my arm - ONE HAND - and I was in the middle of handling it when you basically threw him across the room!”

Connall huffed at that, stepping forward until he was face-to-face with Vesta, his forehead brushing hers. “He’s lucky that’s all I did.”

“Connall, how many times do we have to have this conversation?” she cried, throwing her hands up in the air as she backed away from him. “I don’t need you to protect me!”

The laughter that poured out of his mouth then was not kind, and the hurt that flickered through her eyes barely registered before his next words were slipping through his lips. “Clearly - since you’re so quick to throw yourself at other guys. I guess I shouldn’t be so quick to protect someone who’s so eager to go.”

Her entire face crumpled. “What?” she whispered, hands falling limply to her sides as she backed away from him.

“You heard me.” Before she could respond, Connall had turned away from her and yanked the front door open. “I think I need some space.”

He heard her calling his name as he walked away, he heard the sobs in her voice, but he couldn’t bring himself to turn around.

So he kept walking.

~*^*~

He was more drunk than he’d been in a very long time.

Connall wasn’t sure of much as he staggered out of the bar he’d been sitting in for the last two hours and the only place he’d been since leaving Vesta’s, but that he was completely certain of. He knew he was in no shape to walk home, and he knew he needed to get a ride.

He also knew that he needed to apologize to Vesta, knew he needed to explain what had made him say all those horrible things to the woman who made his entire world better.

And then he needed to get down on his knees and beg for forgiveness, because his life would mean nothing without her. 

Before he could register what he was doing, his phone was pressed to his ear and his heart was breaking all over again when her voice rumbled through the speakers. 

“What the fuck do you want?” Her voice was scratchy, and she sounded like she was sniffling. 

“V, babe, I really fucked up.”

“And?”

Connall sucked down a deep breath, desperately trying to clear his mind enough that he could get her to come pick him up. “And I know you’re pissed, and you have every right to be, but I’m fucking wasted and can you please come get me? Please baby?”

He heard some muffled choice words directed at him before she answered him. “Fine. But if you put one hair out of line, you can fucking walk.”

~*^*~

Vesta pulled up in front of the bar, gravel flying as she slammed on the brakes in front of him. The glare she cut his way as he climbed in beside her was icy, though he could see how red her eyes were from crying.

As she pulled out of the parking lot, Connall observed her quietly. Though she refused to look at him, he wasn’t shy as he stared over at her. She was still sniffling quietly, and her hands were shaking as they gripped the steering wheel. She was practically curled in on herself, and it was that thought - the idea that his beautiful, strong girlfriend was broken because of him - that sent him over the edge.

His breathing turned to panicked gasps, and sobs were spilling from his lips before he could even register what was happening. “Vesta,” he gasped, reaching for her and gripping her thigh when she moved her arm out of his reach. “Vesta, I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry, baby.”

“Is that all you have to say to me?” Though her voice was cold, it broke on the last word. “That you’re sorry?”

Tears were spilling down his cheeks in earnest now, and he didn’t even care enough to wipe them away. Instead, they curved down over his jaw and dripped onto his jeans, the little wet spots like raindrops against his legs. 

“No, baby, that’s not all. I know that’s not enough to make up for what I said - nothing will ever be enough for that. But I need you to know that I’m sorry - I’m so damn sorry - and I didn’t mean any of it. Not one single word.”

“Really?” she cried, tears dripping down her cheeks now. Thankfully, she’d pulled into the spot next to his in front of his apartment, so he wasn’t concerned about her concentrating on the drive. “Because it sounded like you meant it.” Dropping her hands into her lap, Vesta turned to face him, the hurt in her gorgeous eyes gutting him. “You basically said that I’d cheat on you. Do you really think so little of me?”

Reaching for her without even thinking about it, Connall cupped her jaw with one hand, thumb wiping away a single tear when she didn’t flinch away from the touch. “Of course not! You know I think the world of you. It’s myself I don’t think very much of.”

That seemed to catch her off guard. “What?” she whispered, blinking at him in confusion. 

“I know that you’d never cheat on me - you’re too good of a person to ever do that. But… well, it’s complicated.” Connall sighed dropping his head back against the window with a bang. 

It was Vesta who bridged the gap between them this time, her fingers dancing over his hand before she twined their fingers together. “Talk to me, baby. What’s going on?”

He met her eyes, more tears spilling over as he offered up the most damaged parts of his soul. “I’ve never been the guy that girls wanted to be with. I’m quiet, I’m sarcastic, and I can be a dick. Girls always wanted to be with Fen, and even when they wanted me, they only wanted me because they thought I could get them closer to my brother.”

“Are you trying to tell me you think I’m going to leave you for your brother?”

“No, of course not.” He couldn’t help but let out a watery chuckle at that. “But it wasn’t just Fen. Whoever my friends were at the time - be it high school or college - girls always used me to get closer to them.”

Vesta tugged his hand up to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss to his fingers before she answered him. “I’m so sorry, Con. That’s awful.”

He nodded, the flow of tears slowing. “I know it doesn’t make up for what I said, but I’m hoping it might explain it. Seeing other guys showing an interest in you, it makes me nervous. It makes me feel like I did in high school, watching the girls I liked walk away from me the minute the guy they really wanted showed the slightest bit of interest. I know you don’t need to be protected - you know I know you can handle yourself - and I know you would never do to me what they did, but I just get so afraid that I’ll lose you.”

Vesta gave him a watery smile, a spark of happiness lighting up her eyes as she took in his words. “You’re afraid of losing me?”

“Of course I am. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Vesta. Losing you would absolutely wreck me.”

Vesta practically leapt over the console to get to him, her knees bracing around his hips as she tangled her fingers in his hair. “Oh, Connall,” she breathed, her breath ghosting over his neck. 

His own arms banded around her waist, holding her against him like he was afraid to let go as he pressed kisses to her head and temple. “I’m so sorry, my love. Can you ever forgive me?”

“Of course I can,” she murmured, pressing her lips to his neck one more time before she pulled away. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not still angry,” she muttered, flicking his nose and giving him a stern look.

“Understood,” Connall replied, something in his chest easing when he saw the slight smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. “Are we okay?”

“Yeah, babe, we are.” Leaning over to grab the keys from the ignition, she motioned for Connall to get out of the car. “Let’s get you to bed.”

Realizing how tired he was, Connall grinned sleepily up at her as he climbed out of the SUV. “That sounds like a good idea.”

“Yeah, I know it does,” she quipped, taking the hand he offered her as she climbed out after him. “Besides, you’re going to have a wicked hangover in the morning and I’ll enjoy giving you hell about this fight even more then.”

He laughed, though he knew she was serious. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he guided her toward his apartment, a relieved smile on his face. “Whatever you want, my love.”

As long as he knew that they would be okay, that they would make it through this, then it really was whatever she wanted. Even if that was to yell at him while he was hungover.

ONE YEAR, SIX MONTHS, AND TWENTY-NINE DAYS AGO

“Gav,” Lin whined, her legs curled underneath her as she perched on the counter, “would you quit worrying about your hair? We’re just going for a run.”

Grinning at his fiancée, Gavriel just winked at her as he continued to smooth out his hair as he pulled it into a bun. She groaned at him, and he couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped his throat. “What’s got you in such a hurry today, love? Like you said, it’s just a run - nothing pressing.”

She shot him a devious little smirk, and he felt his heart flutter in response. “Because,” she murmured, voice low and breathy, “the sooner we get back from our run, the sooner I can join you in the shower.”

Gavriel suddenly found he didn’t care about his hair anymore. “Linnea Sidero,” he said as he stalked toward her, “you will be the death of me.” He came to a stop in front of her, and Lin uncurled her legs so she could wrap them around his waist as he tangled one hand in her hair. His other hand came to rest on the side of her neck, thumb brushing lightly over her jaw as he captured her lips with his.

Using his grip to angle her head, Gavriel kissed her harder, his tongue sweeping into her mouth with a groan. Her hands were resting on his chest, fingers curling against the fabric of his tank top as she moaned into his kiss.

Pulling away with a gasp, he went to rest his forehead against hers when his attention snagged on the open envelope on the counter behind her. 

“Babe, what’s the National Archery Conference want?” he gestured to the letter behind her at her confused look. 

Lin was a champion archer, though Gavriel had noticed she hadn’t been competing as much recently. She also worked as a mechanic at a garage in town, and though he knew she had been picking up more hours there, he worried she was letting archery slip away because of him - because of their relationship.

“Oh, that,” she breathed. “They’ve invited me to join them for a two-month world exposition of all the champion archers.”

“That’s amazing, love.” Gavriel pressed a kiss to her forehead before grinning down at her. “When do you leave?”

“Well, it starts next month,” she said, not quite meeting his eyes. “But,” she continued, an unreadable emotion flashing in her eyes as she finally met his gaze, “I’m not going.”

“What?” Gavriel spluttered, his hands falling from where they’d been cupping her face as he stumbled back a step. “What do you mean you aren’t going?”

“I mean I’m not going.” Lin shot him a confused look, one eyebrow arching as she reached out to grab his hand. “What’s so hard to understand about that?” 

He pulled his hand from hers, choosing instead to scrub it over his face. “No, I understood that perfectly. What I meant was, why aren’t you going?”

“Because it’s two months long, that’s why.” She dropped her hand on the counter behind her, sighing as she looked at him. “I have a job here. I have friends here. You’re here. I don’t want to leave my entire life behind for two months.”

Gavriel just shook his head as his worst feelings were confirmed. All of these thoughts and emotions were swarming his brain, but the only one he could vocalize was, “You have to go.”

“Oh, I have to go?” She was practically shouting now, anger crossing her face as she jumped off the counter. “Who are you to tell me what to do?”

He glared down at her. “I’m your fiance - that’s who I am. And I’m not letting you give up your dreams for me.”

That caught her off guard. All the anger slipped off her features, and a deep sadness filled her eyes as she looked at him. “What are you talking about? What dream am I supposedly giving up?”

“Archery. Being a champion archer. Traveling the world.”

“Gav, what? That’s not -.” Lin broke off as he backed away from her, shaking his head as she reached for him.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, backing even further away from her. “But I won’t let you ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for. You have to go on this tour. And I - I have to go. I’m sorry.” Even as tears built in her eyes, Gavriel turned away from her, letting himself out the front door and walking away from the woman he loved.

~*^*~

1:48 AM. That’s what time the clock read when Gavriel finally stopped staring at the ceiling long enough to look at it. Groaning, he rolled onto his stomach, burying his face in his pillow as the events of his afternoon whirled around his mind for the millionth time since they’d happened. 

He couldn’t believe it. He’d told Lin, the love of his life, the woman of his dreams, that she had to follow her dreams even if it meant leaving him behind. He’d meant every word of it to, but - walking out on her like that? That wasn’t the way he should’ve handled the whole situation, and he knew it. 

Rutting gods, but he’d messed this up. Just as that thought, and a hundred others just like it, raced through his head, his phone started ringing on the nightstand. He reached out and answered it without paying attention to who was even calling, too caught up in his thoughts to care.

“Yeah?” he muttered, tears building in his eyes as Lin’s broken-hearted face flashed through his mind again.

“Gav?” the voice on the other end questioned, and he jolted up when he realized it was Lin. “Baby, I need to talk to you.”

He rubbed his eyes, trying to both wake himself up and push the tears away. “Lin, hey, is everything okay?”

“No, it’s not.” Gavriel thought he heard her sniffle through the phone, but he wasn’t entirely sure. “I’m going to talk, and I need you to listen, okay?”

“Of course, love.”

Lin took a deep breath before answering him. “Listen, I know you’re worried about me giving up my dreams for you, but that’s not true. Archery isn’t my dream - it never really was. Yes, I love it, and yeah, being a champion is cool, but it’s just something I do for fun. I like my life just the way it is now, and I’m not giving up my dreams to keep it that way. Okay?”

He nodded, and then realized that she couldn’t see him. “So, archery isn’t your dream?”

She huffed, and he could practically hear her frustration in that single noise. “No, my love, it’s not. In fact, I’m staring at the door of my dream right now.”

“Yeah,” he murmured, interest piqued, “and what is that?”

“Open your door.”

Gavriel didn’t think he’d ever jumped out of bed so fast. Heart racing, he practically sprinted through his apartment, pulling the door open before he’d even hung up the phone. 

Lin was standing just on the other side of it, a handful of sunflowers in her hands. She smiled up at him, a small timid thing, and reached one hand out for the strings on his sweats. “You’re my dream, Gav. You, and this life we’re building together, and the future we’re going to have. You are everything I want.”

There was nothing he could do to keep his tears from falling as he reached for, barely remembering to take the flowers from her and set them on the table by his door before he was crushing her against his chest. He could feel her muffled sobs against his chest, his own tears soaking into her hair as he breathed in the scent of her shampoo. “I’m so sorry, baby,” he murmured, pulling back to kiss her forehead. “I’m so sorry and I love you so much.” He choked back a sob then, the awe he felt for the woman in front of him completely filling him. “I just - I just wanted -.”

Lin cupped his jaw in her hands, her thumbs brushing away the tears rolling down his cheeks. “I know, my love. I know. And I love you.” She was crying as she looked up at him, but she was smiling too, and he realized how lucky he was to have her in his life. 

Sliding his hands under her thighs, Gavriel hauled her into his arms, her legs bracing around his waist as he held her with one arm. With his free hand, he reached for the flowers, carrying them to the kitchen so he could get them in water.

LIn laughed at him the whole time, since he refused to put her down, but he didn’t care. He’d spent the whole night thinking he’d lost her, and he wasn’t about to let her go anytime soon. 

Once the flowers were in water, he made his way to his room, his mind finally calming enough that he could finally feel how tired he was. Gavriel crawled under the covers and situated Lin over his chest, barely giving her time to kick off her shoes in the process. 

One hand tangled with his, it didn’t take long for Lin to fall asleep, and the steady rhythm of her breathing soon lulled him into slumber, a peaceful smile on his features as he drifted off.

.

And that’s that! Don’t worry, not all of the new CW stuff will be this angsty!

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @city-of-fae @musicmaam @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty @tacmc @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @how-to-be-a-bad-ass-be-me @nalgenewhore @bookrebelwordwarrior @sleeping-and-books @froggy-waddles @mis-lil-red @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @starkdanverss @photofeesh @belamoonbeam @velarian-trash

As always, let me know what you thought, and let me know if you want to be added by my tags! The links to the other parts of this story and all my other stories can be found in my bio.

#cadre weaponry #the cadre #my writing #rowan whitethorn #aelin galythinius #rowaelin #lorcan salvaterre #elide lochan #elorcan #fenrys moonbeam #asterin blackbeak #fensterin #connall moonbeam #vesta blackbeak #connesta #gavriel #lin blackbeak #gavnea #vaughan #sorrel blackbeak #vaurel #throne of glass #tog #cadre weaponry: the fights

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: Part Six

Here we are: the final part! Thank you all for showing this story so much love, and if you loved it as much as I did, don’t worry! I have some drabbles in the works that are a part of this universe, so we’ll be seeing out boys and their ladies soon!

To find the other parts to this story and all my other writing, check out my masterlist! There’s a link to it in my bio.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way. 

Warnings: Just the usual: smut and language.

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ONE YEAR, FIVE MONTHS, AND EIGHTEEN DAYS AGO

Gavriel practically choked on the whine that escaped him when he felt Lin’s hands sliding the zipper down on his jeans. He wasn’t as successful at keeping it back when she wrapped her fingers around his cock and slowly started pumping him in her hand.

She’d shown up at the shop right as he was locking the door and pecked him on the cheek as she headed for his office. By the time he’d followed her through the door, she was on her knees in front of his desk chair, grinning up at him with a mischievous expression.

He just smirked back at her as he took his seat, watching as Lin grabbed the front of his chair and started sliding him toward his desk, backing herself underneath it as she did.

And that was how he’d found himself with his fiancée’s hands wrapped around his cock as he tried to focus on his work.

“Lin,” he groaned, his hips practically jerking off the chair as she pulled him free from his pants and wrapped her lips around the tip. “Gods, don’t stop.”

She just hummed around him and slowly took more of him into her mouth, her tongue working over his tip every time she pulled back. His pen stuttered across the paper he was trying to fill out as she placed small kisses all along his length.

Lin kept up the same movements for a while, sliding about half of his length into her mouth and then pulling back to place kisses along his cock. He’d just gotten used to the rhythm her lips and tongue created when she took his entire dick into his mouth.

Gavriel dropped his pen and gripped the edges of his desk. He groaned, the sound echoing around the room as his tip brushed against her throat. Her lips brushed against the skin at the base of his dick, and it took everything he had to keep from releasing down her throat at the sensation. 

Eventually he got used to being encased in her warm, wet mouth and continued on with his work. They continued on in that fashion for ten minutes, Lin sucking him off slowly as he finished his paperwork. By the time he was on the last one, Lin had pulled back until just the head once against rested between her lips, content to just hold him in her mouth as he worked.

Once he’d finished up the last of his work, he backed his chair up, pulling his dick from Lin’s mouth. She whined at the loss, though he had a feeling she’d get over it fairly quickly.  

Laughing at the pout on her face, he reached down and grabbed her around the waist, hauling her into his lap. His cock ended up nestled between her thighs, and he gasped at the warmth around him. 

Gavriel took a minute to just take her in, even as her fingers danced over the tattoos adoring his throat. She was wearing black leggings and a blue tube top, the thin fabric of her incredibly tiny shirt doing nothing to hide her tattoos and the stiff peaks of her nipples. Though he loved both of her sleeves, he was always entranced by the one on her right arm. It was a beautifully drawn wyvern, the body of it on her upper arm. Its wings flared over the front and back of her shoulder, and the head curled up over the top of her shoulder and onto her neck. The creature’s tail curled down around her arm, the tip of it encircling her wrist like a bracelet. It was set over a mountain scene, the inner portion of her lower arm completely covered in snow-covered peaks. 

As he was drinking in the sight of her, Lin had been working his shirt up his chest, tugging at the material with a frustrated expression when he didn’t move his arms right away so she could remove it completely. 

Pressing a swift kiss to her forehead, he grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled it over his head, tossing it to the floor behind him. It had barely hit the floor before her tongue was swirling around both his nipples, playing with the piercings in both of them until Gavriel was panting from the feeling. 

Gripping her chin in his hand, he pulled Lin off his nipple and shook his head at her. “You’ll pay for that, love,” his whispered, his thumb catching on her bottom lip and pulling it down far enough to expose the tattoo on the inside of it - “get fucked.” Swiping his thumb over the ink before pulling his hand away, he leaned in and murmured “you’re about to get fucked hard” before lifting her onto his desk. 

Gavriel wasted no time pulling her leggings off her legs, moaning a little brokenly when he saw she wasn’t wearing underwear - she was completely bare and wholly exposed to him. Spreading her legs so that he had enough room to work, he leaned in and flicked his index finger against her clit.

Or, more accurately, the piercing that ran through her clit.

She shuddered and dropped down on her back as he kept up a steady rhythm, alternating between tapping her piercing and her clit. The moans he wrenched from her were breathy and a little broken, and he only stopped when her legs were shaking and her moans were echoing around the office. 

Leaning in even further, Gavriel wrapped his lips around her clit, sucking on it and flicking her piercing with his tongue. Lin practically screamed the sensation, her legs clenching around his head as she threw them over his shoulders. He chuckled at her reaction, the sound vibrating against the little bundle of nerves he was scraping his teeth against. 

Every swipe of his tongue had her writhing beneath him, a high-pitched cry ripping from her throat each time his teeth grazed her clit. Her hands were threaded through his hair, her nails digging into his scalp as she pulled on the strands. 

Gavriel slowly worked one finger inside her, his mouth never leaving her clit. He quickly worked a second finger in alongside the first, and the groan that escaped her lips had him pumping his fingers harder. 

Lin pulled his hair hard enough that she actually managed to pull him off her clit. “Inside me,” she moaned. “Inside me now, Gav.”

He placed one final kiss to her piercing before pulling back and sliding his pants and boxers to his knees, hauling Lin onto his lap as soon as they were out of the way. She sank onto him as soon as she was in his lap, sheathing his cock inside her walls with one twist of her hips. 

They both groaned at the feeling, and Gavriel began fucking up into her the second she was fully seated on his cock. The pace he set was fast and hard, but Lin met him thrust for thrust. She shifted on his lap until he was hitting that one spot inside her. Her head fell back as he started to hit it with every thrust, and Gavriel pulled her tube top down to cup her breasts and flick his thumbs over her nipples. 

Sliding one of his hands down her stomach, he started flicking her clit once more, and it wasn’t long until the combined sensations became too much for Lin to handle. She tumbled over the edge, her orgasm ripping out of her with a scream. Her walls spasmed around his cock, clenching even tighter as her juices flooded him.

The sight of her pleasure dancing across her face only made Gavriel fuck up into her harder, his hips losing their rhythm as he release drew closer.

His orgasm crashed into him, his cock emptying inside her as he shouted his pleasure. Lin shook at the feeling of his release against her walls, and Gavriel sighed as she sank against him.

“I love you, baby,” he murmured, pulling her lips down to his for a sweet kiss. 

“Mmm, I love you, too,” she replied. He was just starting to lift her off of him as she said it, but she clenched her walls around him. “Not yet,” she whined. “I like feeling you inside me.”

If he had a chance of getting hard again so quickly, Gavriel knew that’s exactly what would’ve happened. But he couldn’t, so he just held her against, the feeling of her smooth walls around him actually soothing him and helping to bring him down from his orgasm - which he knew it was doing for her, too.

He pressed light kisses to her head and face, enjoying the feeling of her humming into his neck as they sat together quietly.

ONE YEAR, TWO MONTHS, AND THREE DAYS AGO

Vaughan woke to the feeling of Sorrel shifting behind him, her lips pressing against his bare back when she felt him beginning to stir. Tracing her fingers up and down his ribs, she slid her lips even lower, pressing a kiss to the tattoo on his ass - a set of bright red lips. It was something she’d started doing soon after they started sleeping together, and something about the gesture calmed him. She was the only girl who’d ever done it, and now he thought of her whenever he caught a glimpse of his ink in the mirror. 

Rolling over and opening his eyes, he gave her a soft smile as she blinked at him sleepily, her dark hair tousled and a small hickey visible on her neck from their activities the night before. She leaned and wrapped her arms around his waist, her head resting against his chest, right over his heart.

“Good morning, babe,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to his chest.

“Morning, love,” he replied, running his fingers over the bare skin of her back. He slid one hand down to cup her ass, enjoying her little giggle as she tried to wriggle away from his curious hands. 

“Vaughan, no,” she laughed, rolling on her back to get away from him. “It’s too early.”

He just rolled himself on top of her, raining kisses down all over her face as she laughed. Sorrel wrapped her arms around his back, their legs tangling together beneath the sheets. 

Vaughan couldn’t keep himself from staring down into her eyes, wondering how he’d gotten so lucky. This woman, this absolutely amazing woman, had stuck with him for so long, and he’d never once asked for a commitment. He saw the confusion flicker over her face as his expression fell, and he rolled away from her, throwing a hand over his eyes.

He felt her shift next to him, and when he looked through the gaps in his fingers, he found that she’d propped herself up on an elbow as she stared at him. “What’s wrong, babe?” she asked, concern lacing her voice. 

“Sorrel, how long have we been doing… whatever this is?”

She thought for a moment, her brow furrowing as she did the math. “A little over three years, why?”

“All that time, and you’ve never asked me to commit to you, officially anyway. You’ve never asked me to officially make this a relationship.” When she only raised an eyebrow at him, he added, “why is that?”

“Because you’ve always told me you don’t do relationships, and I didn’t want to push you into anything you don’t want.”

Vaughan thought on that for a minute, trying to wrap his head around what he was trying to say. “So, it’s not because you don’t want to be with me or because you think you’ll get tired of me?”

“No, of course not!” she cried, shifting again so she was sitting up and leaning over him. “Vaughan, how could you even think that. I care about you so much - of course I want to be with you. If you asked, I’d be yours officially, but I don’t want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

He felt his doubts slide away at her words, and he couldn’t help the smile that broke over his face as he started talking. “Sorrel, I should’ve done this a long time ago, but I was too afraid of losing you. I’ve loved you for so long now, and I don’t want to spend one more minute not getting to call you mine. Will you be my girl, officially, for real?”

Sorrel was laughing as she slung her legs over his waist, and the smile on her face was worth any of the nerves he’d had going into this. “I really thought you’d never ask - of course I will!” She leaned to press a kiss to his lips, but pulled back to add, “I’ve loved you for years.”

Vaughan tangled his hand in her hair and pulled her face back down to his, crashing his lips into hers as he let the feeling of being loved by this amazing woman - his amazing girlfriend - wash over him.

NINE MONTHS AND TWENTY-SIX DAYS AGO

The strangled gasp that escaped his throat when he pushed open his office door was not entirely human.

Elide had breezed through the door just as Connall was heading out, greeting him with a quick hug before she was kissing Lorcan on the cheek and making her way to his office. She had been wearing a pair of light blue jeans so tight they looked like they’d been painted on and her signature Doc Martens. Her torso was covered by one of Lorcan’s dress shirts, the sleeves rolled up her arms and the bottom of the shirt tied around her waist. Her hair was tied in a messy bun on the top of her head, and Lorcan smiled at the sight of the tattoo behind her right ear. It was an intricate little sword - he should know, he’d designed it - that she’d gotten a couple months after they started dating. 

Connall gave him a questioning glance, but Lorcan just shrugged and shut the door behind him, the lock clicking into place as he closed up the store for the night. It took him about ten minutes to go through the entire process of closing up at the end of the day, and he was surprised that Elide stayed in his office the whole time. She would usually hang out with him and give him a hand with the end-of-day work.

Sighing as he finished his work, Lorcan scrubbed a hand over his face as he walked toward his office. He pushed the door open - and drew up short.

Elide was sprawled in his desk chair, his shirt untied and hanging, unbuttoned, from her shoulders, leaving her full breasts on display as she was utterly bare underneath it. Her legs, bare as well, were slung over the arms of his chair, spreading her open and leaving every inch of her dripping folds on display for him.

“See something you like?” she purred, her fingers twisting and pulling at her nipples as she watched him.

“Fuck yes.” Before he’d had time to register that he was moving, he’d crossed the space and was on his knees before her, his face inches from her drenched center. “I’m going to worship you like the goddess you are,” he breathed, her hips bucking ever so slightly as his breath fanned over her core. 

Not wanting to waste one more second on trivial things like words, he licked a stripe up her slit, swirling his tongue around her clit once before repeating the motion. Elide groaned above him, the sounds making his cock harden in the confines of his jeans as her hips rolled against his face. 

Lorcan continued on at the same speed, allowing his tongue to dip inside her and draw more of her sweet juices out with every pass. By the time he’d worked his mouth around her clit, the lower half of his face was coated in her juices - something that only turned him on even more.

Elide gasped his name as he started sucking on her clit, her fingers tangling in his hair to keep his mouth exactly where it was. “Gods, baby, right there. Don’t - gods - don’t stop,” she cried, her hips bucking frantically against his face.

Her moans and cries only spurred him on, and he sucked harder at her sensitive nub, his teeth scraping against her tender flesh. Clearly she’d gotten herself worked up while she waited for him in his office, because it wasn’t long until her orgasm crashed through her. 

Lorcan lowered his mouth to her entrance, drinking in the juices that poured out of her and working his tongue against her folds to draw out her orgasm. 

Eventually she came down from her release, her hips stilling in the chair as her moans quieted. But Lorcan never stopped, his tongue still working inside of her, desperate for another taste of her. 

He wrapped his lips around her clit once again, sucking harder when her cries started all over again, and much louder. While his mouth was busy with her bundle of nerves, he slowly rubbed her folds with his thumb as he slipped two fingers inside of her. 

Elide cried out at the sensation, her legs falling from the arms of the chair to rest on his shoulders and wrap around his head. It didn’t take long for her hips to really start working against his face, her speed increasing as he slipped a third finger inside her.

A few more thrusts and his continuous sucking at her clit had her coming again in no time, Lorcan once again sealing her entrance with his mouth to catch her release. He worked her through this orgasm as well, his intentions to work her to another one after it with just his mouth and his fingers.

Elide, however, appeared to have other ideas, because he’d just wrapped his lips around her clit for the third time when her fingers tightened in his hair. She pulled his face up to her lips, kissing him hard before sliding her tongue over his jaw to clean her juices off his face.

“I’m not naked in your office because I wanted to spend all of my orgasms on you eating me out,” she groaned, licking more of her juices off his upper lip. “I’m here because I want you to fuck me, Lor. Now.”

“Fuck, babe, whatever you want.” His words were a broken moan, Lorcan nipping at her lips as he reached behind his head to pull his shirt off. Her fingers danced over the sleeves tattooed on both of his arms before sliding over the scrawling quote that covered his ribs. 

He groaned at the feeling of her fingers, but he shook her off long enough to stand so he could shove his pants down his legs and kick them off, along with his socks and shoes. 

Elide groaned at the sight of his hard cock. “Have I mentioned that I love when you go commando?” She slipped her hands over his length, her fingers flicking lightly against the piercing that ran vertically through the tip of his dick. “And that this piercing makes me so wet?”

Lorcan whined at her words, gripping her by the waist and hauling her into his lap as he settled himself on top of his desk. Her hands settled on his shoulders as he sank inside of her, the top of his piercing settling against that spot inside of her almost instantly. 

She practically screamed when he started moving, his piercing tapping against that spot with every thrust. His thrusts were shallow, but every one struck hard and true, pulling moans and screams from deep in Elide’s chest. 

It didn’t take her long to start bouncing in his lap, helping him to thrust deeper and harder, her walls clenching around him every time he was sheathed inside her. Lorcan had one hand wrapped around her back, the other on her hip to help guide her over his cock. He leaned down to take a nipple in his mouth, and it was the first scrape of his teeth against the sensitive peak had her tumbling over the edge for the third time that night. 

She screamed as it shattered through it, her juices flooding over Lorcan’s cock and making it even easier for him to thrust up into her. Even as her body was shaking on top of his, she slid one hand behind her to cup his balls, and that was all Lorcan needed to fall apart with a shout of her name.

His release barreled through him, and Elide screamed again at the first feeling of his come against her sensitive walls.

Lifting her off his cock, he spilled the rest of his juices onto her folds, allowing his release to mix with her own. She moaned at the feeling, and Lorcan braced her against his chest so he could rub both of their combined juices into her folds with his fingers.

He brought those same fingers to his lips, sucking them into his mouth to suck their tastes from his digits. Elide groaned at the sight before sliding her tongue into his mouth to help clean him off. 

Lorcan settled her back down on his lap, slipping his fingers from her mouth so he could kiss her fully, feeling all of his love for this beautiful woman in his arms pour into that kiss.

Elide sighed into his mouth, her fingers working over the nape of his neck and tangling in his hair. Pulling away from him with a gasp, she whispered, “I love you, L.”

“I love you, too, E.” He slid his hands over the skin of her back as he held her close, breathing in the floral smell of her shampoo and enjoying the feeling of her breath fanning over his neck. Lorcan loved this woman, his amazing fiancée, with his entire heart, and every day with her was an incredible blessing.

FOUR MONTHS, AND NINE DAYS AGO

Connall smirked as he accepted the card Lin handed him, tossing it on the ever-growing pile in front of him. His sense of humor lent itself well to Cards Against Humanity, evidenced by the laughter spilling from everyone’s throats and the fact that he usually won whenever this was the chosen game for game night. 

Game night had become a tradition about two years ago, and everyone looked forward to it. Although - this wasn’t exactly a typical game night, and everyone but Vesta knew it. 

Fenrys, finally recovered from his bout of laughter, swiped a tear of mirth from under his eye as he looked around the circle. “Alright,” he chuckled, “who’s next?”

“Vesta!” Elide yelled, both answering his question and attracting his girlfriend’s attention, as she was too busy laughing into Asterin’s shoulder to be paying attention.

Vesta pulled herself away then, sitting up straighter as she turned her attention back to the game. Grabbing a black card and tossing it into the center of their circle, she sat back and watched the chaos unfold - everyone scanning their cards for the one that would make her laugh the hardest and help them all in their endeavour to defeat him.

Connall took a deep breath - it was now or never. Grabbing the piece of white paper he’d been hiding in his hand, he tossed it into the growing pile of white cards, swallowing down his nerves as he did. 

“Hey, Vesta,” Vaughan said, winking at Connall as he did. “I think your boyfriend’s trying to cheat with homemade cards.”

She looked down into the pile, eyes narrowing when she saw that one of the cards was actually not a card at all. “Really, Con?”

He raised his hands in defense. “It’s a card, I swear! The real one just got ripped because it gets used all the time because of how funny it is.”

“Oh, really?” she asked, arching an eyebrow at him.

“Yes, really,” he shot back, doing his best to hide the anxiety bubbling in his stomach. “In fact, it’s so funny that you should save it for the end so everyone else has a fighting chance.”

Vesta just shot him a look, but she did put his card on the bottom of the pile when she collected them. 

Connall wasn’t really paying attention to the cards as she read them out loud, though he did his best to laugh along with everyone else. He was just trying to keep calm and not spoil the surprise.

“Okay, and now for Connall’s card,” she quipped, giving him a mock glare across the circle as she flipped it over. “Vesta, you are the love of my life. Will you-” she cut herself off as tears started to build in eyes, needing to swallow to keep them at bay. “Will you marry me?”

As she was reading, he’d shifted himself onto one knee, pulling a ring box from his sweatshirt pocket and holding it open. “Vesta, you are the love of my life,” he confirmed. “We’ve been dating for two and a half years - we’ve been together for three and a half - and I can honestly say that I loved you for most of them. The years I’ve spent with you have been the best of my life, and I don’t ever want to be without you. Will you marry me?”

Vesta was crying as she nodded, swiping under her eyes with her thumbs to catch the tears as they fell. “I would love to be your wife,” she whispered, a smile on her face. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you!”

Connall stood, reaching across the circle to pull her to her feet as well. Grabbing her left hand in his, he slid the ring on her finger before pressing his lips to hers, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. 

He never wanted to let her go, and Vesta seemed to feel the same way based on the way she was clinging to him, but they didn’t have much choice in the matter. Their friends were pressing in around them in a matter of seconds, everyone offering their congratulations and pulling them into hugs.

Even though he had to pull himself away from Vesta, he knew getting to celebrate with his family was worth it. 

ONE MONTH AND SEVEN DAYS AGO

The music shifted, and Lorcan felt his heart leap into his throat as Elide appeared at the back of aisle. There had never been a more perfect or beautiful bride - he was absolutely certain of it. Her dress was cut like a corset, leaving her arms and shoulders bare. He knew that the back of it, though he couldn’t see it, was tied together and laced up - he’d heard her complaining about how difficult it was going to be to get off quickly. The bottom of it was tulle, framing her hips nicely and stopping just above her knees. Her dark hair had been pulled up into an intricate updo, and she’d completed the outfit with - what else? - her signature Doc Martens. 

He’d been so busy drinking in the sight of her that he didn’t realize she’d reached him until Manon was kissing her cheek and placing her hand in his. Lorcan smiled down at her, all the love he had for her pressing in on his chest until he felt like it would consume him - even though it already had. He was so stupidly in love with her that just the thought of it had tears pricking the backs of his eyes. 

Elide beamed at him before turning to hand her bouquet to Aelin, and the sight of her tattoo on display for everyone to see had the tears slipping over his cheeks. It was a raven, intricately designed by Lorcan himself. The tail dipped down her spine, stopped just above where her dress started. Its wings stretched out over each of her shoulders, their tips just curling around the sides of her arms. Its head reached up onto the back of her neck, its beak stopping just below her hairline.

She’d told him she picked this dress and hairstyle specifically to show off her tattoo, and the thought made him so unbelievably happy.

Turning back to face him, Elide noticed the tears streaming down his face. “Oh, Lor,” she murmured, reaching up to wipe them away with her thumb. Her palms cupped his face, and he turned his head enough to kiss each of them before gripping her hands in his and pulling them between their bodies.

Lorcan barely heard what the officiant said, he focus solely on the gorgeous woman in front of him until it was time to say their vows - which they’d written themselves.

“Elide,” he said, voice smooth and sure even as more tears slipped down his cheeks. “You’ve made me happier than I always thought I had any right to be. You walked into my life - well, you were practically running - and you changed everything I’d ever thought about myself, my life, my future. I never thought I would need anyone - until I met you. One afternoon with you and I knew I’d never be the same again. You really are the one true owner of my ancient and wicked heart, and I couldn’t imagine sharing this life with anyone else - I wouldn’t want to. You’re it for me, and you’ve been it for me since you picked up that axe. I will love you every single day of this life, and I won’t stop in the next one. I am wholly yours, and I’m blessed to call you mine.” 

He took the wedding band Rowan handed to him, a solid band of onyx with a thread of amethyst running around the center of it, and slid it on Elide’s finger. She stared down at it in happiness for a moment before she pulled her engagement ring off of her right hand and slid it in place above her wedding band, the amethyst nestling perfectly above the onyx band. 

She raised her gaze to his then, and he saw the tears shining in her eyes as well. “Lorcan, I’ve loved you since the moment I met you. You saved me - and you didn’t even know you were doing it. You’ve always protected me when I needed it, and let me stand on my own two feet when I didn’t. You were the light at the end of a very dark tunnel, and meeting you was everything I never knew I needed. You showed me the world, and that is everything to me. This lifetime will not be enough to hold all the love I have for you - a thousand lifetimes would never be enough. But I will spend every day showing you just how much you mean to me, just how much I love you. I might be the owner of your heart, but you’re the owner of mine, too. I am yours, and now, you are mine.”

Reaching back, she grabbed the ring Aelin handed to her - a slightly larger version of the one he’d given to her - and slid it on his finger, her eyes never leaving his.

The officiant finished up the ceremony - Lorcan was too lost in her eyes to really hear what he was saying - and then he was telling him to kiss his bride.

Lorcan took Elide’s face in his hands, cupping her cheeks as he leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. Though it started out softly, her lips began moving more insistently against his, and he finally had to pull himself away with a barely stifled groan when he felt her tongue slipping into his mouth.

Elide, however, appeared to have other plans, because she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his lips back to hers, her tongue quickly sliding into his mouth. Deciding that it was his wedding day and that he could kiss his wife as inappropriately as he wanted, Lorcan kissed her back for all he was worth, his arms banding around her waist as he hauled her against him.

And, as he stood there, making out with his wife in front of all their friends, Lorcan realized that his life couldn’t get any better. 

PRESENT DAY

As he walked out into the store to join his friends - his family, really - Vaughan still couldn’t believe how amazing his life had turned out to be. Rowan and Aelin had been married for almost four years, and Lorcan and Elide had been married for a month. Gavriel and Lin and Connall and Vesta were happily engaged, wedding planning definitely take up most of their time. Fenrys and Asterin were getting married in a week.

And, if everything went according to plan, he would be starting to plan his own wedding soon.

He never thought he’d say those words, but now they were some of the greatest ones he’d ever heard - his wedding. 

Shaking his head to focus himself, he walked out just as Sorrel walked through the front door. Her face lit up when she saw him, and then she was running across the store, jumping into arms and pressing her lips against his. “Hey, love,” she whispered against his lips. “I missed you.”

He chuckled and kissed her one more time before setting her on her feet. “You saw me this morning, babe.”

Sorrel punched him lightly in the chest, though the smile on her face made up for it. Shaking his head at her, he wrapped an arm around her waist and steered her into the middle of their friends.

Everyone had sweatshirts on, and he could see the confusion on her face as she realized it. It was too warm outside to need a sweatshirt, and the shop wasn’t cold enough to warrant one, either. “Erm,” she started, giving him a confused look, “why does everyone have sweatshirts on?”

“That, my dear, is an excellent question.” Turning to their friends, he said, “hey, guys, what’s with the hoodies, huh? It’s not that cold in here.”

“So,” Asterin quipped, an excited expression on her face, “are you saying you want us to take them off?”

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” He nodded to confirm that it was time, and everyone turned away from them to remove their sweatshirts.

Vaughan saw Sorrel still sporting a confused expression, but he was too anxious to really take note of it. Once everyone was wearing just a t-shirt, they turned as one to face him and Sorrel.

Printed across their chests, one word on each shirt (with Rowan having a question mark on his), were the words “Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

Vaughan heard Sorrel’s gasp as she read their shirts, and he lowered himself to one knee beside her, a ring in his hand and tears streaming down his face. “I know we’ve only been dating a little over a year, but we’ve been together for almost four. Relationships were never what I was good at, and I never really thought I’d want one - until I met you. I know it took me a while to ask, but you were everything to me and I was scared of losing you. I’m happier when I’m with you, and I love you so much it hurts. So, my love, will you marry me?”

Sorrel looked down at him, a watery smile on her face as she took in his tears. “Baby, stop crying - of course I will. Of course I’ll marry you. You’re everything I’ve wanted for so long, and I love you so much.”

He was on his feet before she’d finished speaking, sliding the ring on her finger as she leaned up to kiss him gently. She pulled back only long enough to wipe away his tears, and then she was kissing him again.

Vaughan sighed into her kiss as she twined her arms around his neck, the sounds of their friends congratulating them fading into the background. Even though it had taken a while to get where they were, there was nothing about this journey that he would ever dream of changing.

.

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @city-of-fae @musicmaam @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty @tacmc @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @how-to-be-a-bad-ass-be-me @nalgenewhore @bookrebelwordwarrior @sleeping-and-books @froggy-waddles @mis-lil-red @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @photofeesh @belamoonbeam @velarian-trash

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Thank you all for reading and liking this story - it’s meant everything to me and I’m so grateful for all of your comments. I’m actually quite sad that it’s over.

#cadre weaponry #cw #the cadre #alyssa writes #rowan whitethorn #lorcan salvaterre #fenrys moonbeam #connall moonbeam #vaughan #gavriel #aelin ashryver #rowaelin #elide lochan #elorcan #asterin blackbeak #fensterin #vesta blackbeak #connesta #sorrel blackbeak #vaurel #lin blackbeak #gavena #throne of glass #tog #my writing

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: Part Three

Thank you to everyone who read, liked, reblogged, or commented on the first two parts! I love you all!

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way. 

Warnings: You know how I keep promising smut? It’s finally here. And this first smut scene comes in with a bang (pun intended). And, you know, language.

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FOUR YEARS, ONE MONTH, AND ELEVEN DAYS AGO

He couldn’t believe it. He absolutely couldn’t believe his luck. Fenrys was sitting at the bar with Asterin, and he was pretty sure she was the girl of his dreams. 

She’d ordered an Old-Fashioned - not to impress him, but because she actually liked it - and he’d just watched her take a shot of Absinthe like it was water. She’d had no less than two guys hit on her, and she’d shut them all down without even looking away from him. 

Since the day they’d met, Fenrys had talked to her every day, practically all day. They were constantly texting back and forth, just random little updates about their days and anything that was happening. The three days before their date, they’d even spent around an hour a day just talking on the phone, getting to know one another.

Asterin had even stopped by the shop a couple days ago to bring him lunch, which had brought a smile to Fen’s face that he’d sported for the rest of the day. Fenrys was in awe of her constant thoughtfulness, which was perfectly contrasted by her sarcastic exterior.

It was as Fenrys was thinking about all of this that he saw another guy eyeing up Asterin as he walked around the bar toward them. Nudging her arm lightly with his elbow, he inclined his head slightly in the guy’s direction. 

Turning her head slightly, Asterin groaned and dropped her head against his shoulder when she saw the intention in the guy’s face. “Why,” she grumbled. “Why would he even try? He has to see you sitting here.”

Fenrys just smirked down at the top of her head, running his fingers over the back of her neck in an attempt to soothe her.

Lifting her head and noticing the guy was coming closer, Asterin leaned in close enough to whisper, “Just go with this, okay?”

Fenrys raised one eyebrow at her, but before the question forming could leave his tongue, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. Despite how surprised he was, Fenrys couldn’t help but kiss her back, his lips moving against hers almost without any conscious effort. 

Her lips moved slowly over his, her tongue tracing over the seam of his mouth as her fingers slid over his shoulders and up into his hair, scratching lightly against his scalp.

He couldn’t help the small groan that escaped him at the feeling of her hands in his hair, and Fenrys had just opened his mouth to allow her tongue when she pulled back, casting a subtle glance over her shoulder.

“Sorry for the surprise attack,” Asterin giggled, her fingers still working in his hair. “I just didn’t want any more interruptions.”

Fenrys traced his thumb over her lips, catching ever so slightly on the bottom one with every pass. Leaning in to brush his lips against her jaw, he whispered, “Trust me, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for.”

He pulled back to meet her gaze, and he watched a wicked gleam light up her eyes. Taking the thumb that he was still tracing her lips with into her mouth, Asterin sucked on his finger, her own hands tightening in his hair. 

Fenrys groaned, tilting his head back as she pulled on his hair. “Asterin,” he whispered, pulling his thumb from her lips. “Gods, you’re beautiful.”

Despite the swaggering confidence she wore like a second skin, Asterin blushed at his words. 

He ran his fingers over the red stain on her cheeks before cupping her face in his palms. “But you’re so much more than that. You’re funny and smart and strong, and you’re everything I’ve been waiting for.” Fenrys could feel a blush staining his own cheeks as he kept talking, but he had no intentions of stopping. “Asterin, would you be my girl?”

Asterin was nodding before he’d even finished talking, her lips meeting his the second the final word left his lips. “Yes,” she whispered between kisses. “Yes, of course. Of course I will.”

Wrapping his arms around her, Fenrys pulled Asterin against him in a tight hug, a huge grin sliding over his lips as he kissed her back enthusiastically. 

Finally pulling away from him, Asterin smiled up at him, a radiant smile lighting up her features. Chuckling at the pure joy on her face, Fenrys leaned in to press his lips to her forehead, sighing contentedly into her hair when she wrapped her arms around him again. 

THREE YEARS, ELEVEN MONTHS, AND SEVENTEEN DAYS AGO

The sound of someone knocking at the front door of the shop pulled Vaughan from his work, his pen falling from his hand as he startled at the noise. He’d locked up the shop fifteen minutes ago, and that meant he was the only one in the building - which was why the noise had taken him by surprise.

Figuring it was probably one of the other business owners along the main street in town coming to talk about something related to the business association yet again, he stood from his chair, plastering a polite smile over his features as he walked to the door.

His smile turned genuine, however, when he saw Sorrel standing on the other side of the door, an impatient look on her face as she waited for him to open the door. 

“Babe, hey,” Vaughan said, pulling her into a messy kiss as he pulled her in the door. “I thought we were meeting at your place later?”

“We were,” she replied, running her fingers over his chest. “But I couldn’t wait.”

Before he had time to reply, Sorrel pulled him into another kiss, wrapping her legs around his waist as he lifted her against him. 

They’d been doing… whatever this was for seven months now. Vaughan had never been the type to stay with any one girl for particularly long - this was probably the longest he’d been with a girl, actually. They’d certainly never defined what they were doing, hadn’t put a label on what they were, but something about Sorrel just drew him in. A player though he was, Vaughan didn’t feel the need to be with anyone else for the time being.

Groaning into her mouth as her tongue moved against his, he carried her into his office, setting her down in the chair in front of his desk. Kneeling before her, Vaughan slid his hands over her sides before cupping her breasts, his fingers playing with her nipples through the fabric of her t-shirt. 

Mewling under his touch, Sorrel reached for the button of his jeans, only for Vaughan to grab her hands in his as he broke away from her lips. “Not just yet, babe. I want to taste you first.”

She groaned at that, her head falling against the back of the chair. As soon as Vaughan released her hands, she reached for the hem of her shirt, pulling it over her head in one smooth motion. 

Vaughan watched as she threw the shirt across the room before his eyes fell to her chest, bare before him as she’d elected to leave out the bra when she’d gotten dressed. He took in the stiff peaks of her nipples and the chandelier tattoo that dipped along the valley of her breasts and expanded over the upper portion of her stomach.

Taking a nipple in each hand, he leaned in to press a kiss against the ink between her breasts. She sighed at his touch, body arching as he pinched and rolled her nipples between his fingers. Letting his tongue slip between his lips, Vaughan traced each and every line of her tattoo, not stopping until her breasts were pebbled under his hands and her hips were rolling against the chair in a futile attempt to get friction where she wanted it most. 

Shifting ever so slightly to the left, he took her nipple between his lips and licked over it twice, first with just his tongue, and then flicking it with his tongue piercing before pulling back. 

He smirked up at the broken expression on her face, and he was just leaning over to do the same to her other breast when Sorrel buried her hands in his hair. Applying just enough pressure to show how desperate she was, she began pushing his head down toward her hips, slowly canting them up in anticipation.

Chuckling under his breath, Vaughan gripped the waistband of her leggings and began to slowly pull them down her legs as Sorrel kicked off her flip-flops. As he pushed them off her feet, he smirked as he realized she had forgone underwear as well. 

“Someone must have been eager for me,” he crooned, running a finger through her slit.

Sorrel whimpered in response, her hands still pulling his head toward her folds even as his finger circled her clit. “Gods,” she managed to get out, “don’t be a tease. I’ve been thinking about this all day.”

“Is that why you’re so wet for me?” Vaughan pulled his finger to his mouth, sucking on the digit as he tasted her for the first time that day, groaning at her sweetness. As he sucked his finger clean, he watched as more of her juices dripped down onto the chair.

Deciding to give her what she wanted, Vaughan buried his face in her folds, working his tongue into her slit. He worked her with long strokes from bottom to top, occasionally sliding his tongue inside her to lick at her walls.

Sorrel’s moans filled his office, her hips rolling against his face. Her fingers, still tangled in his hair, guided his face deeper into her dripping center. Sensing what she wanted, Vaughan hooked one of her legs over his shoulder, the new position allowing his tongue to slide just a little deeper inside her.

As she writhed above him, Vaughan focused his attention on her clit, closing his lips around the sensitive bundle and sucking.

Sorrel cried out, her body shaking as her orgasm started to build. Knowing she was close, Vaughan slipped two fingers inside her so he could keep his mouth locked right where it was.

Pumping his fingers into her in a harsh rhythm, Vaughan flicked her clit with his tongue, the ball of his piercing tapping perfectly against it. Sorrel’s hips stuttered for a second before bucking wilding beneath him, so he started flicking his tongue in time with his fingers, his piercing tapping against her every time.

It wasn’t long before she fractured beneath him, her hips rolling against his face while he worked her through her orgasm. Her moans escaped her in gasping breaths, and a keening whine ripped from her throat as Vaughan eased his fingers out of her.

Pulling back to look up at her, Vaughan sucked his fingers into his mouth. She groaned at the sight, once again reaching for the button on his jeans.

He leaned away from her reach as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m afraid I’ve still got some work to do. You’re just going to have to wait.”

Sorrel pouted, running her fingers over her breasts and pulling on her nipples as another whine escaped her throat. She must have noticed the way his eyes fixed on her hands, because one of them suddenly dipped between her legs, rubbing her juices into her folds. 

Shaking his head, Vaughan turned and sat himself behind his desk, pulling the stack of papers he’d been organizing when she’d knocked at the door back in front of him. “Looks like you’re on your own for a little.”

“Vaughan,” she cried, pulling her hands away from herself in an effort to calm down. “Baby, I need you.”

“Well, if you want me, you’ll just have to wait. But I think I might have something that will help you out.”

Sorrel arched an eyebrow at him, her hips still moving against the chair.

Smirking at her, Vaughan pulled open the bottom drawer of his desk and pulled out a plastic case. When he opened it, he heard Sorrel’s groan as she realized what was inside it.

A vibratror.

Even as she groaned, Vaughan read the hesitance that crossed her eyes - and knowing his history, he didn’t blame her. “Don’t worry, I bought this for you. I was planning on bringing it with me tonight, but now works, too.”

Her eyes cleared, and Vaughan tossed it to her with a sigh of relief. “Go on, then,” he said, his voice dripping with lust. “Entertain yourself.”

~*^*~

Fifteen minutes later, Vaughan was hard as a rock inside his jeans, and Sorrel’s keening cries weren’t doing anything to help the situation.

She’d started slow, moving the toy over her breasts and stomach before inching it down between her legs. She’d then spent a solid three minutes just running it over her folds, her body arching at the sensations. Vaughan had continued his work, glancing up at her every once in a while. 

He could tell the moment she pressed the vibrator against her clit, because the moan that escaped her lips was downright sinful, and he’d heard the sound of her breath hitch afterward.

Every time he’d looked up after that, Sorrel had somehow gotten wetter, the chair entirely soaked beneath her. She’d worked two fingers inside herself, and she was pumping them lazily as she swirled the vibrator over her clit. 

Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore.

Standing from his chair, Vaughan pulled his shirt over his head, dropping it on the floor behind him. Shoving his jeans and boxers down his legs in one go, he kicked them and his shoes and socks off in one movement. 

He reached over his desk to pull the vibrator from her hand, turning it off and stashing it back in its case. She whimpered at the loss, her fingers pumping more desperately as she chased the release she’d been so close to receiving. 

Sliding his chair around the side of his desk, he knocked Sorrel’s hand away from her folds and lifted her into his lap, settling her against him as his cock slid inside her.

They both groaned at the feeling, her breath escaping her in pants as he bottomed out. Vaughan held himself there, waiting for her to adjust, but it seemed that Sorrel had a different idea. 

Keeping still for only a second, Sorrel gripped his shoulders and started bouncing herself on his cock, grinding her clit against his pelvic bone every time he bottomed out. Her moans filled his ears, and he met her hips with powerful thrusts against that one spot inside her that had her shaking within minutes.

Knowing she’d been so close to the edge before, Vaughan wrapped one hand around her back and used the other to work her clit, his fingers pulling and rubbing it until she fell apart, her walls spasming around his cock. 

Vaughan continued thrusting into her as she flooded him with her juices, his thrusts becoming erratic as her walls gripped him tighter. It only took a few more thrusts and he was there, pulling out just as his release hit, his juices covering her folds and upper thighs. 

Sorrel moaned at the feeling, her body still sensitive from her orgasm. Moving his hand from her clit, he gently rubbed their combined release into her folds, her thighs shaking at the stimulation. Eventually, it became too much for her, and she reached between them to pull his hand away.

Bringing it to his lips, he licked their juices from his fingers, Sorrel’s tongue darting out of her mouth to help him.

They stayed wrapped up in one another for a while, Vaughan’s fingers drawing lazy patterns over her spine until she started giggling against his chest.

“I think,” she giggled, “you might need a new chair.”

Raising his head from her shoulder, he looked over at the chair she’d been sitting in, chuckling himself when he realized that she’d completely soaked it. “Eh, I never really liked that chair anyway.”

Sorrel lifted her head from his chest to press her lips to his, their tongues moving slowly against one another. She pulled back after a couple seconds and pressed her face to his chest once again.

Vaughan just pulled her tighter against him, content to hold her for a while. 

THREE YEARS, TEN MONTHS, AND THREE DAYS AGO

Staring intently at the shelf in front of him, Connall kept trying to figure out a way to rearrange everything on it so that their new stock would also fit in the display. Realizing that it wasn’t possible, he dropped out of his crouch and sprawled backward on the floor, his groan echoing around the empty store.

“Uh, everything okay over there?”

Clapping a hand over his eyes as he realized the store wasn’t empty, he looked up between his fingers and saw a shock of bright red hair and eyes that were a startling mixture of gold and black. “Erm, yeah, I’m fine. How’d you get in?”

The woman, who Connall was belatedly realizing was quite gorgeous, gave him a confused look. “Through the front door?”

Sitting up from his position on the ground, Connall shot a look over toward the door, realizing that the open sign was glowing brightly next to it. Nodding at the woman, who still seemed very confused, Connall turned toward their offices and called, “Hey, Gav, how about telling me when we open next time?”

As he was standing, Gavriel shouted, “You’re a grown-ass man, pay more attention to the time” from his office. 

Turning to face the woman (who was laughing at Gavriel’s comment) once more, Connall took in her appearance even as he was apologizing for not realizing the store was open. She was wearing a plum sundress with buttons up the front, her long legs exaggerated by the heeled ivory sandals on her feet. “Is there something I can help you with?”

“I’m actually looking for Fenrys,” she replied, the laughter making her voice raspy. “Is he here?”

“Sorry, he’s at a weapons expo today,” Connall answered. “He won’t be back until late tonight.”

“Shit,” the woman muttered, her head dropping at the news.

“Are you sure it isn’t something I can help with?”

“No, sorry.” She shook her head. “Unless you can help me convince his ridiculous girlfriend that spending one weekend away from him won’t kill her. You’d think they’d be over the honeymoon stage by now.” 

“But they’re not, and it’s absolutely ridiculous.” Connall groaned, rolling his eyes as she laughed at his theatrics. “They were absolutely disgusting at dinner last night.”

She roared with laughter at that, although the knowing gleam in her eye made him think she understood exactly what he was talking about. “You spend a lot of time with the two of them?”

“More than I’d like to, sometimes.” At the confused look she gave him, he elaborated, “Fenrys is my twin brother - I’m practically stuck with them.”

“Ah, so you’re the famous Connall?”

“You’ve heard of me?” Connall questioned, raising an eyebrow at her. “How do you know the two of them?”

“Oh, I’m an old friend of Asterin’s,” she replied, holding her hand out for him to shake. “I’m Vesta. Vesta Iarann. Asterin and I were in college together - we lived in the same house.”

Connall shook the hand she held out to him. “That would make you one of The Thirteen, then?” When Vesta nodded, he continued, “so you would know Sorrel, too?”

“Yes, that’s right. Vaughan works here too, doesn’t he?”

He nodded, resting his arm against the shelf next to him. “So what’s this about getting Asterin away for a weekend?”

Vesta groaned, though a mischievous sparkle entered her eyes as she mulled over the question. “How about you take me out for a drink sometime and I’ll tell you all about it?”

Connall blinked, surprised at how bold she was, but a grin quickly spread across his face. “That would be great. Let me get you my number and we’ll figure the rest out?”

Nodding, Vesta leaned in to press her lips to his cheek. “It’s a date.”

THREE YEARS, TEN MONTHS, AND TWO DAYS AGO

Rowan stood behind the counter at the till, knuckles practically turning white as he gripped the edge of it. Everyone else seemed perfectly fine, but Rowan felt like he couldn’t breathe. He knew what he wanted, knew that this was the next step he wanted to take with his life, but the nerves were threatening to swallow him whole. 

Fenrys, sensing that Rowan was succumbing to his worries, walked up beside him and clapped him on the shoulder. “Relax, man. You know Aelin loves you. She’ll say yes.”

Rowan nodded weakly at him, swallowing around the doubts rising in his throat. “Thanks, Fen,” he whispered, pulling him into a brief hug.

“Anytime, bro. Now come mingle with everyone else or she’s going to know something weird is up.”

Rowan chuckled at that, accepting the cup Fenrys held out to him as he was steered toward their friends. When he’d told them all about his plan to propose to Aelin, they’d all agreed to help him pull it off. Getting them to agree to hold this “art showcase” for him had been the easiest part of all of it.

Art had always been a huge part of Rowan’s life, and he’d actually drawn all of his own tattoos. He’d even drawn the back piece that Aelin was slowly getting tattooed, and he spent much of his free time sketching other tattoo mock-ups. Aelin had always been fascinated with tarot cards, so he combined that with his art skills to create the twenty-three sketches currently hanging along the back wall of the shop. Combined with what he’d hidden in the sketches, he was fairly pleased with the proposal he’d planned.

Twenty-two of the sketches were the cards of the major arcana, starting with The Fool and ending with The World. The final sketch, necessary for the proposal, was the Ace of Cups, which happened to be Aelin’s favorite card in the entire deck. 

He and Aelin had been dating for almost a year, and he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her - and he wanted his proposal to show that.

Taking a deep breath, he cast his eyes around the room, grateful to have his family of friends here with him for this moment.  Fenrys had rejoined Asterin and Connall, his arm sliding around his girlfriend’s waist as he laughed at something his brother said. Across from them, Lorcan and Gavriel were talking to Sorrel and Vaughan, the former leaning against her - well, boyfriend wasn’t the word, as they both kept telling everyone they weren’t dating. 

Deciding this was not the time to try to figure out his friend’s relationship, Rowan had just situated himself next to Fenrys when the door opened, letting in a light breeze as Aelin entered the building. 

“Hey guys!” she called, waving to the room as she made her way over to Rowan. “Sorry I’m late babe, traffic was a bitch.”

“It’s okay, love,” he whispered, leaning in to press a kiss to her temple. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

“Of course! I’m just excited to see all the sketches you’ve been hiding from me for the last month.”

Grinning at the slight impatience in her voice, Rowan gestured for her to lead the way to the back of the shop, shooting a nervous glance at Lorcan and Gavriel over her head. They both just nodded at him, and he had to fight to contain a worried sigh as he followed his girlfriend. 

Aelin walked up to the first sketch, The Fool, and her jaw dropped open as she took in the incredible detail on that one paper alone. “Rowan,” she gasped. “This is beautiful.”

She slowly moved onto the next one, and her reaction was quite the same. It wasn’t until she got to the fifth one, The Emperor, that she noticed something different about the sketches. “Ro, why do you have random letters hidden in each of the sketches?”

He raised an eyebrow at her, and she continued. “At first I thought they had something to do with each card, since the first one has an “F,” which is the first letter in “Fool,” but what does an “H” have to do with “The Emperor?”

Rowan chuckled at how quickly she’d picked up on it, but he swallowed his laughter as he realized what he was about to do. “Maybe it’s a secret message?”

Quirking an eyebrow at him, she moved back to the beginning so she could keep better track of all the letters. As she moved down the line, he could see her lips forming the words as they were spelled. When she realized the first word (Fireheart), he stepped back into the little circle created by their friends. 

Aelin started moving faster as she moved down the line, almost like her mind was anticipating what the sketches were spelling. When she got to the last one, Rowan saw her lips form the question the sketches posed before she turned around.

He dropped to one knee as she turned, and her hands flew to her mouth as she took in the ring in his hand. “Well, as the sketches say: Fireheart, will you marry me?”

Aelin began nodding before all the words had left his lips, tears springing into her eyes as she rushed for him. Rising to meet her, he caught her as she jumped into his arms. Pressing her lips to his, she whispered her answer between kisses. “Of course, buzzard. Of course I’ll marry you.”

Whooping with glee, he spun her around, her laughter spilling into his ears. Setting her down, Rowan gripped her left hand in his so he could slide the ring on her finger. 

Aelin pulled him into another kiss before their friends swarmed them, offering Aelin a cup of the champagne they’d gotten just for this moment before the couple was passed from friend to friend to celebratory hugs.

Looking around the room, Rowan couldn’t help the smile that broke across his face. It was a smile that only grew as Aelin tucked herself into his chest, the feeling of her ring against their intertwined fingers like a dream come true.

Leaning down so his lips were next to her ear, he whispered, “I love you so much, Aelin.”

Aelin turned to face him, tears gleaming in her eyes again. “I love you completely, Rowan. To whatever end.”

“To whatever end.” Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Rowan gazed out at all the smiling faces watching them. He wouldn’t trade the feeling in his heart for anything.

THREE YEARS, TEN MONTHS, AND ONE DAY AGO

Connall couldn’t help the grin that grew on his face at the feeling of Vesta’s legs tangling with his underneath their table in the corner of the pub. They’d agreed to meet for drinks, but they’d opted for a booth in the back rather than just sitting at the bar because they both wanted the privacy so they could talk. He was glad they’d made that choice - Vesta was incredibly beautiful and he had no doubt someone would have attempted to hit on her if they’d been at the bar. He’d taken notice of two or three guys giving her appreciative glances as she passed.

“So,” he started as her foot settled behind his calf, “tell me about this weekend you needed to talk to my brother about.”

Vesta giggled, taking a sip of her wine before she replied. “The Thirteen are planning a weekend trip up to the lake - we have a place we always used to go to during university breaks, and it’s become a tradition of ours to go back a couple times a year. We have a trip planned for next weekend, and Asterin’s being stubborn.”

“Because she’ll be apart from Fenrys?”

“Probably more because he isn’t coming with - sometimes we bring our significant others with, if we have them. Asterin just likes to be difficult, but I was hoping Fenrys could help me convince her not to be.”

Connall chuckled, the sound coming from deep in his throat. “He probably wouldn’t have been much help. My brother likes to cause trouble.”

“Oh, so does Asterin - that’s why they get along so well.” Vesta reached over to intertwine their fingers then, her thumb stroking over the back of his hand. “But enough about our friends - I want to get to know you.”

Leaning closer to her over the table, Connall smirked at her. “What do you want to know?”

~*^*~

After an hour at their table, just getting to know one another, Connall was more taken with her than he’d been when he met her. At some point, they’d wound up on the same side of the booth, Vesta’s legs slung over his lap and their hands tangled in her lap.

She pulled one of her hands away to reach up and tap his septum piercing with her index finger. “I think this is incredibly attractive,” she murmured. 

“Thank you,” he whispered, his thumb rubbing a circle onto her thigh. “Is there anything else you want to know?”

Lifting her head to meet his gaze, Vesta smiled, a light flush rising on her cheeks. “There is one more thing I’ve been curious about.”

She seemed to take a breath then, almost like she was hesitating, and Connall raised an eyebrow at her, silently encouraging her to ask away.

Nodding, almost to herself, Vesta leaned up and pressed her lips to his. Though he was surprised for a second, he pulled his hands from hers to cup her face, keeping her from even thinking of pulling away. 

Connall’s lips moved slowly against hers, content to take his time getting to know the taste and feel of her. The sounds of the pub faded away as they sat there kissing in that booth, and Connall realized that he could very easily find himself falling for this girl.

THREE YEARS, FIVE MONTHS, AND SIXTEEN DAYS AGO

Lorcan was looking over some orders that needed to be filled when the dark-haired woman pushed the door open, heading for the second row from the back of the store. She moved with an incredible amount of purpose, though Lorcan thought he detected a slight limp in her stride, and the minute she rounded the end of the row she ducked out of sight.

Raising his eyebrows in confusion, Lorcan dropped his stack of papers on the counter and walked over to where the woman had disappeared. When he turned the corner, it was to the sight of the woman sitting on the floor behind the shelves, her knees pulled up to her chest even as she jumped at the sound of his approach.

“Er, is there something I can help you with?” Lorcan’s eyes locked on hers, trying to determine if she was going to cause any trouble. 

Levelling him with an intense glare, the woman lifted her chin as she replied, “Yeah, you can act like I’m not here.”

“Yeah, but you are here, so I don’t think that’s gonna work.”

She gave him another look, though this one was tinged with an edge of desperation. “Fine. But if you insist on talking, at least crouch down so no one can see you through the windows!”

Rolling his eyes, Lorcan crouched down to her level. “Okay, I’ll bite. Why are we hiding?”

She was about to reply, but the sound of the door opening caused her to throw her hands over her mouth. The sound of a throat clearing from the front of the store had her shaking her head. She reached out and grabbed Lorcan’s arm, mouthing a frantic “I’m not here” at him.

Lorcan nodded once before grabbing a ceremonial dagger off the shelf in front of him and standing, making his way toward the front of the store and the man who stood there. “Sorry about that, I was looking for this dagger for an order. Is there something I can help you with?”

The man nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. “Yes, actually there is. I’m looking for my niece - we were supposed to be meeting for lunch, but I’m afraid I was running a little late, so when I couldn’t find her, I just figured she’d ducked into one of the shops to pass some time. She has long dark hair, would probably come up to your chest, and she sometimes walks with a limp, poor thing.”

Deciding that he trusted the woman hiding behind the shelves more than the man in front of him, Lorcan shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry, but I haven’t seen anyone like that in the store.”

“Ah, well, perhaps she’s in a different store.” The man cast another look around the shop before he turned toward the door. “Thanks for your time.”

Lorcan set the dagger he’d been holding on the counter, watching as the man disappeared into the hardware store across the street before he turned back toward where the woman was hiding. “He’s gone,” he called, watching as she stood at his words.

Coming around to the front of the store, she stood on her toes to glance over his shoulder. Once she confirmed her uncle was indeed gone, she nodded once at Lorcan. “Thank you,” she said, her dark eyes full of appreciation. “He can be… persistent.”

He nodded, acknowledging her gratitude. “Do you, uh, mind telling me what all that was about?” When she just cut him a look, he added, “I mean, since I did cover you, I kinda feel like you owe me that much.”

The woman sighed, even as she nodded. “My parents were killed in a car accident when I was just a kid, and my uncle’s the one who raised me after it happened. He tried more times than I can count to find a way to steal my inheritance, since I couldn’t touch it until I was eighteen. When I did finally come of age, I think he planned to try to force me to give him some money, but he never got the chance. I moved in with a cousin the moment I turned eighteen.”

“So you weren’t meeting him for lunch, then?”

“Of course not. I don’t speak to him anymore. But he has friends who work in town - I imagine one of them saw me and told him I was here. I saw him on the street and figured I’d hide. It was either here or the hardware store across the street. I chose here because Rowan and Fenrys are friends and I was hoping one of them would be here.��

Lorcan blinked in shock at that. “Sorry to disappoint,” he quipped. “You know Rowan and Fenrys?”

The woman dipped her head in agreement.  “Well, I knew their girlfriends first, but yeah. Aelin and I met in college, and Asterin is a distant cousin of mine. But the guys are friends now, so I figured this was the safest place for me.”

“Well, you’re welcome to stay here for a while if you want,” Lorcan said. “If he knows you’re here, he’ll probably check the other stores before he leaves.”

“Thanks,” the woman replied. “I really appreciate it. Oh, I’m Elide, by the way. Elide Lochan.”

“Lorcan Salvaterre.” He held out a hand, which the woman shook with a surprising amount of strength. “Feel free to look around, although I can’t promise that anything will be that interesting.”

Elide grinned. “Oh, I’m sure I’ll be fine. You have antique weaponry, right?”

“Yeah, it’s just over there - everything’s dated and historical significance is noted next to some of the weapons.”

“Then I think I’ll be good for a while.” With a grin and a wink, Elide turned toward the section of the store he’d indicated, her long hair swaying against her back.

~*^*~

After about an hour, Elide had determined that it was safe for her to head back out of the store. With another wink, she’d grabbed her bag and walked out the door. 

He didn’t know what it was, but something about Elide had struck Lorcan, had made him want to know more about her. She’d spent most of her time in the shop admiring the antique weaponry, commenting on the potential historical significance of some of the items. The rest of her time was spent trading quips and sarcastic comments with Lorcan. Her biting wit had him laughing more than he ever did, and her beautiful smile was enough to bring a grin to his face.

As he watched her walk down the street, he found himself hoping that Elide Lochan would be at the next party Rowan or Fenrys had.

.

Tags: @highqueenofelfhame @city-of-fae @musicmaam @throne-of-ashes-and-beauty @tacmc @tangledraysofsunshine @lordof-bloodshed @how-to-be-a-bad-ass-be-me @nalgenewhore @bookrebelwordwarrior @sleeping-and-books @froggy-waddles @mis-lil-red @keep-a-bucket-full-of-stars @photofeesh @belamoonbeam

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Thank you all so much for reading - part four comes out tomorrow night!

#cadre weaponry #cw #the cadre #alyssa writes #rowan whitethorn #lorcan salvaterre #fenrys moonbeam #connall moonbeam #vaughan #gavriel #aelin ashryver #rowaelin #elide lochan #elorcan #asterin blackbeak #fensterin #vesta blackbeak #connesta #that's their ship name now #sorrel blackbeak #vaurel #throne of glass #tog #my writing

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: Part Four

Thank you guys for all the love on this story so far! I know this update’s a little earlier in the day, but I have a Halloween party tonight, so enjoy the early update!

To find the other parts to this story and all my other writing, check out my masterlist! There’s a link to it in my bio.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way. 

Warnings: Language, as always. There’s smut too - it gets pretty intense in this one.

.

THREE YEARS, FOUR MONTHS, AND TEN DAYS AGO

This was it - this was the day he asked the woman of his dreams - the absolute love of his life - to marry him, and Fenrys could feel the nervous energy thrumming in his veins. He and Asterin had been together for ten months, and most people would think he was moving too fast, but Fen knew he wasn’t. He was certain that he wanted to spend his life with her, and he was ready to ask her.

He had everything all planned out, thanks to a serious amount of help from his friends and some connections they had at the local haunted corn maze.

Now, all he had to do was actually ask her and wait for her response. Well, and make sure that the entire proposal went off without a hitch.

Schooling his face into what he hoped was a neutral expression, he grabbed Asterin around the waist and pulled her back against his chest. They were all standing outside the corn maze, waiting for the woman at the entrance to let them in. He and Connall had shown up early to make sure everything was in order, and to go over the plan with all the actors. As such, Vesta and Asterin had driven together, the former making sure not to show up too early and thus ruin the surprise.

Connall and Vesta were standing to his left, not quite holding hands, though Fenrys did take notice of their intertwined pinkies - he would have to remember to ask his brother what was going on between the two of them. Rowan was holding Aelin on his back to their right, and both were deep in conversation with Gavriel and Lorcan. Vaughan was next to them, his arms tight around Sorrel’s waist as they stood chest-to-chest, completely lost in one another - evidenced by the fact that they each kept stealing kisses as they talked. Fenrys couldn’t believe the two of them weren’t actually dating - they certainly acted like they were.

Lost in thoughts about his friends and family, Fenrys almost missed the woman signalling that it was time for their group to enter the maze. Taking a deep breath, he linked his arm with Asterin’s and began pulling her toward the entrance, only pausing long enough for the woman to check that everyone who’d signed a permission slip allowing the actors to grab them and separate them from the group was wearing a wristband.

Fenrys had been worried that Asterin wouldn’t want to give permission for that - his whole plan depended on that exact thing happening - but he shouldn’t have been. She was incredibly into haunted houses and spooky things, so she’d agreed without hesitation. 

As soon as everyone was all cleared, an actress in a bloody white nightgown appeared, beckoning them with a flick of her wrist to follow her. She led them through the maze, disappearing just in time for someone else to pop out and scare them, only reappearing after the shock had worn off and everyone was looking confused about where to go next. 

Suddenly, the group came to a fork in the maze, a path disappearing to the right and one to the left. Fenrys saw Rowan look to their guide for direction, and it was as he was turning to face her as well that he heard Asterin let out a startled shriek from his left. 

Turning back to her, he saw a man in a tattered convict’s jumpsuit pulling her down the path to their left. He heard the man laughing as she was dragged off, and then they disappeared around a corner.

As soon as they were gone, their guide broke character, whispering, “Okay, let’s go!” Motioning over her shoulder, she took off at a jog, Fenrys and the others following her through the maze as they headed for the clearing where Asterin was being taken. 

After a few quick turns, they came to the open space they’d been heading for, and the actress ducked down the path on the other side of the clearing with a whispered good luck wish over her shoulder. Fenrys knew she’d be waiting to lead them out of the maze after the proposal.

Nodding at his friends, Fenrys centered himself in the loose circle they were all forming, Lorcan and Rowan standing in front of the path Asterin would be coming from so that she wouldn’t see him right away. 

Connall walked up to him, handing him the ring box he’d stashed in his jacket pocket so Asterin wouldn’t notice it before clapping his brother on the shoulder and heading back to Vesta’s side. 

Taking yet another deep breath, Fenrys dropped down to one knee just as he heard Asterin’s voice from the path behind Lorcan and Rowan. “Wait, why are you leaving me here - oh, thank the Gods, there you guys are!”

Fenrys listened as her footsteps grew closer, feeling his nerves rise as he realized how close she was to the guys when she said, “Why are you guys standing like that?”

With a snicker, the two of them stepped out of her line of sight, and Fenrys saw the confusion flicker over her face as she tried to figure out what she was seeing. He recognized the moment it hit her, because tears appeared in her eyes and she whispered, “Oh, love,” as a smile grew on her face.

Smiling at her as he felt pressure behind his eyes, he flipped open the ring box in his hands. “Asterin Blackbeak, you’re my entire world and my life with you these last ten months has been nothing short of amazing. I’m so grateful for you and I love you with every part of my soul. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” she cried, the tears finally spilling down her cheeks. 

Shouting gleefully, he stood up as she ran for him, his hands naturally sliding under her thighs as she jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. She reached down and grabbed the ring box from his hands, sliding the ring on her finger before she wrapped her arms around his neck. 

Fenrys spun her around a couple times before setting her on the ground and kissing her soundly. She giggled into his mouth, her hands tangling in his hair.

Their kiss was short-lived, since all their friends rushed them as a unit. Laughing, they were passed from friend to friend, though Fenrys didn’t take his eyes from the happiness shining in Asterin’s if he could help it. 

Finally, they were side-by-side again, and Asterin took both his hands in hers just as their guide reappeared from the corn, a happy grin on her face at the happiness radiating from all of them.

As she was leading them out of the clearing, Asterin leaned up and whispered, “I love you so much, baby,” into his ear.

Pressing a kiss to the crown of her head, Fenrys whispered “I love you even more” right back, his hand tightening around hers as happiness flooded into his heart.

THREE YEARS, FOUR MONTHS, AND SIX DAYS AGO

Connall was finishing up some last minute paperwork after locking up the shop for the day when something damp and smelling of Vesta hit him in the face. The offending object fell into his lap, and when he looked down, it only took him a moment to realize it was her thong.

Looking up to where she was sitting on the other side of his desk, he groaned at the sight that met his eyes. Her dress was pushed to her waist, and she had two fingers buried in herself. Her breathing became shaky after just a few thrusts of those fingers.

“Get tired of waiting for me?” he groaned out, eyes glued to her dripping folds.

“Not really,” she breathed, her other hand drifting down her chest to her core. “Just got bored and figured I’d enjoy myself.”

As he watched, she began flicking her thumb against her clit in little upward motions that had the sensitive nub pressing against her hood piercing with every push. Every touch of the piercing against it sent her hips stuttering, causing her to grind her hips against her fingers. 

Connall felt his jeans become tighter, and it took everything he had to keep from hauling her onto his desk and fucking her senseless. However, he decided to enjoy the view for a while before he did anything.

Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his hands behind his head and fixed his eyes firmly between her legs. “I guess I’ll just enjoy the show.”

Vesta smirked at that, although it soon fell from her face as the pleasure took over and she drove her fingers faster and faster.

Connall watched as her hips started bucking into her hand, a whine leaving his throat as she added a third finger. Her other thumb worked harder against her clit, pushing it more firmly against her piercing, and it was only a couple minutes until she was falling apart in front of him.

A keening whine left her throat as her orgasm raced through her. Vesta continued pumping her fingers even as she spasmed around them, only slowing when she’d stopped shaking.

Connall was so hard he actually thought he might burst through his jeans, and he could tell Vesta knew it. Though her eyes were still glazed with lust, they had a predatory gleam to them that meant she’d be on his lap soon enough.

Almost like she’d read his mind, Vesta stood from her chair and walked around the desk to him, dropping to her knees in front of him. 

The smirk he shot down at her was no match for the one she sported. Vesta’s only grew when she popped the button on his jeans, unzipping them and pulling them down his legs. His underwear quickly followed, and Connall busied himself with kicking off his shoes and pulling his shirt over his head in the meantime. 

As soon as he was bare before her, Vesta’s lips landed on the tattoo of ivy vines and barbed wire that covered most of his left thigh and curled up over his hip. She traced her tongue up the lines of his tattoo slowly, her lips continuing up his ribs to his chest and over his jaw before finally meeting his lips as she settled herself on his lap. 

Connall felt her moan vibrate against his lips when he slipped his tongue in her mouth, though he soon lost himself in the feeling of their tongues twisting together. He ran his hands over her shoulders, slowly sliding them down her chest until he reached the edge of her dress. Gripping it between his fingers, he pulled it down her torso until her breasts were exposed to him, her nipples hardening in the cool air of his office. Her hands were tangled in his hair, and she pulled on it every time he rocked his pelvis up against hers. 

She cried out and pulled away from his lips as he pinched her nipple between his fingertips. That was the reaction he was hoping for, because it allowed him to close his lips around her other nipple - the one with the piercing. 

Her moans echoed around the room at the dual sensations. As his fingers kept working, his tongue flicked over the peak in his mouth, flicking against the ball of her piercing and making her shudder in his lap. He kept up his ministrations until Vesta was pulling him off her nipple with a strangled cry. 

Connall chuckled against the skin of her collar bone, knowing without having to ask that she needed him inside her. She was so turned on that she was practically dripping against his cock.

Without any warning, he lifted her up enough to situate himself below her entrance, and then he dropped her back on his lap in one fluid motion. Vesta released a guttural groan as he sheathed himself inside her.

The feeling of her silken walls gripping his cock was like heaven, and Connall couldn’t contain the groan that slipped from his throat when she clenched around him. Giving her a moment to adjust, he shift just enough that his pelvic bone would push against her clit whenever she was fully seated on him. He’d found it was something she enjoyed wholeheartedly, as it allowed for stimulation from both him pushing against her and her clit pushing against her piercing.

Only when she was squirming in his lap did he lift her up and drop her back down again, using his feet for leverage to thrust up into her as she ground down against him. He set a quick pace, but she matched him thrust for thrust, their moans echoing around the room in harmony. 

Pulling her flush against him, Connall pushed himself deeper inside her as he searched for that one specific spot that would send her over the edge. As she shifted, he looked down her back and was able to just see the barest hint of the orchid she had tattooed on her ass.

Smirking to himself, he smacked his hand right over her tattoo, causing her to shift him even deeper inside her. At the breathless moan that escaped her throat, Conall realized he’d found the spot he was looking for.

Feeling his own release building inside him, he fucked Vesta harder, making sure to hit that spot with every single thrust. It wasn’t long until he felt her walls tighten around him in a vice grip and she was flooding him with her release, the extra juices allowing him to slide into her even faster. 

It only took him a couple more thrusts until his release barreled through him and he spilled himself inside of her. Vesta let out another moan at the sensation, her hips still moving slightly against his.

Pressing a kiss to her temple, Connall pulled out of her with a quiet groan, wrapping his arms around her even as he felt their combined juices dripping against his thigh.

Vesta just grinned against his chest, her fingers stroking absently along his sides. “Maybe I should visit you in your office more often.”

Connall chuckled, his hands tracing delicate patterns against the skin of her back. “I think that would be a great idea.”

THREE YEARS, THREE MONTHS, AND TWENTY-EIGHT DAYS AGO

Gavriel had just walked out of one of the storerooms in the back of the building when the bell jingled above the front door. Kicking the door shut behind him, he hefted the box he was carrying a little higher and walked toward the store and whoever had just walked in.

“Hello,” he called in the general direction of the entrance - he couldn’t exactly see over the box. “What can I help you with today?”

A woman’s voice answered him. “Yes, I’m looking for some new arrows and a friend told me this was the best place to go.”

“Well, I certainly hope we can live up to that glowing recommendation.” Setting the box on the counter, he turned to face the woman - and was immediately distracted by her stunning features. Her long black hair and olive skin really set off her eyes, which were a beautiful mixture of black and gold. Her fingers toyed with the sleeves of the red flannel tied around her waist, and her small white tank top and black leggings did little to hide the obvious muscles in her arms and legs. Arms that were, as Gavriel quickly noticed, covered in tattoos. The one seemed to be a mix of roses and chains, all in grey scale. The other looked to be a landscape with a wyvern, but he couldn’t be sure without looking closer. All of that paired with the black Doc Martens on her feet made her a very imposing figure. “The arrows will be right over here.”

The woman nodded and followed Gavriel to the shelf he’d indicated, her multicolored eyes flashing when she met his gaze again. “See something you like back there?”

“What, I can’t admire a strong, beautiful woman when I see one?” Gavriel flashed her a grin.

She laughed at that, though there was still a spark of mischief in her eyes. “Ah, you’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?” 

Before he could answer, she’d turned to the arrows in front of her, eyes narrowing slightly as she took them all in. He watched her study all of them for a minute before asking, “Is there a certain type you’re looking for?”

“I’m a competitive target shooter, but I like to try my hand with arrows I haven’t used before.”

Gavriel thought for a moment before pointing to an arrow a few spots from the end. “Well, these are a relatively new design - most people haven’t seen them yet. Would something like that work for you?”

The woman picked one of them up, holding it in her hand to get a feel for its make. “Actually, yeah, these should be perfect. I’ll take six of them.”

Nodding, he plucked them off the shelf and headed for the register. “So, competitive target shooting?” he asked as he began ringing up her purchase. “You any good?”

She raised an eyebrow at him as she signed the receipt he handed her. “You could say that. I’ve been doing it for a while.”

“How long is ‘a while?’”

“You know,” she began, flicking him in the arm, “you ask a lot of questions for someone who doesn’t even know my name.”

Adopting a sheepish expression, Gavriel winced theatrically and grabbed his arm. “How you wound me, fair maiden! I do indeed know your name!”

When she only raised an eyebrow at him, his looked pointedly at the credit card slip in his hand. “Linnea Sidero, is it?”

“Guilty as charged, though most people just call me Lin.” Smiling up at him, she added, “and your name is?”

“Gavriel Lionheart,” he replied, sketching a mock bow in her direction. “Now, about my earlier question?”

Lin only winked at him. “Take me to lunch sometime and perhaps I’ll tell you.”

“It just so happens that my lunch break starts right now. Care to join me?”

Pretending to think, Lin twisted her hair around her fingers a couple times before finally replying. “I would be delighted.”

Taking her hand in one of his and her arrows in the other, Gavriel began pulling her through the door, yelling that he was leaving over his shoulder as he did.

~*^*~

Forty-five minutes later, Gavriel waved to Lin as she pulled out of the parking lot, her number on the piece of paper in his hand. Their impromptu lunch date had gone better than he’d hoped, and she’d given him her number with a suggestive wink.

They’d made plans to have dinner in the next day or two, and Gavriel found that he couldn’t wait.

THREE YEARS, THREE MONTHS, AND TWENTY-ONE DAYS AGO

Tipping the bowl in his hand, Gavriel slowly stirred the spice mixture into the sauce simmering on the stove. Raising the spoon to his lips, he tasted it to make sure everything was perfect. Once he was sure it was, he moved it to one of the cold burners to keep it from over-cooking and started to drain the pasta.

Usually he wasn’t incredibly particular about his dinner, but this was different. Lin was joining him tonight and everything needed to be absolutely perfect. They’d been talking and flirting for a week, and he planned on asking her out at dinner. Gavriel was absolutely smitten with her and he just hoped she’d say yes. 

After he’d finished draining the pasta, he added the sauce to it and mixed it all together before dumping it all into a large serving bowl. He was just setting it on the table next to the bread when his doorbell rang. 

Tossing the towel he’d slung over his shoulder onto the counter, he jogged to the door, opening it to the sight of Lin’s smiling face.

“Hey you,” he murmured, pulling her into a hug. 

“Hey yourself, handsome.” With her face burrowed in his chest, it took Gavriel a moment to understand what she’d said, but he couldn’t help the smile that broke across his face when he figured it out.

Pulling back enough that he could see her face, he smiled as he took her in. “You look beautiful, as always.”

He saw the flush that crept up her cheeks at his words, though she ducked her head back against his chest to hide it. 

Chuckling at her embarrassment, he pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. After a moment of just standing there and holding each other, he finally pulled away, only to wrap an arm around her waist to steer her to the kitchen. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving,” she replied with a giggle. “It smells amazing - if it tastes half as good you’ll never get rid of me.”

“Well then, let’s hope it is.” Pulling her chair out for her, Gavriel squeezed her waist before seating himself and gesturing for her to start eating.

~*^*~

They’d finished their meal and had moved to the sofa, drinks in hand as a movie played quietly in the background. Lin had her legs thrown over his lap, and Gavriel found that he couldn’t keep his fingers from tracing intricate patterns on her thighs.

“Gavriel, seriously, that was absolutely amazing.” Twenty minutes later and Lin was still ranting about the food he’d cooked. “What do I have to do to get you to cook for me all the time?”

He chuckled, but he could feel his nerves sinking in. “Well, there is something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” When she only raised an eyebrow at him, he continued, “Lin, I’ve had so much fun getting to know you this week, and I was wondering if you’d like to be my girlfriend?”

Taking his drink from him and setting them both on the coffee table, Lin slung her leg over his lap so that she was straddling him. She cupped his face in her hands and leaned down so their foreheads touched. “It would be my pleasure, Gav. My absolute pleasure.”

Sighing in relief, he gripped her waist as she leaned down to press her lips to his. Gavriel slowly began moving his mouth against hers, his tongue soon sliding into her mouth.

They stayed that way for a while, just wrapped up in one another on the couch. Gavriel eventually found himself without his shirt, and he couldn’t help the moan that escaped him as her nails scraped over his sides.

It was only after Lin’s shirt joined his on floor that he realized just how quickly they were moving. He’d just pulled back to make sure Lin was still okay when she cut him off.

“Gav,” she whispered. “Take me to bed?”

Sliding his hands under her ass as she wrapped her legs around his waist, he stood up and began walking to his bedroom. “Anything for you, love.”

THREE YEARS, TWO MONTHS, AND SEVENTEEN DAYS AGO

Despite the fact that the store was still open for ten more minutes, Rowan was sitting at his desk in his office, his focus on cleaning one of his knives. It had come in with a shipment a while ago, and he’d instantly decided that it was going to be his. It was a fairly basic knife with a smooth, unadorned handle, but the balance was perfect, so he’d bought it.

He was concentrating so hard on what he was doing that he almost didn’t hear the bell from the entrance jingling as someone walked in. Setting the blade on his desk, he stood and made for the store, hoping whoever was here wouldn’t take too long - he just wanted to get home to Aelin.

Walking into the room, a wide grin split his face when he saw the love of his life standing just inside the front door. “Hey babe, what are you doing here?”

Aelin walked up to him, her eyes shining in the bright lights of the shop. “I missed you, so I thought I’d come surprise you.”

“Well, you certainly did - I thought you were a last minute customer and I was a little grumpy at the thought of being kept from you any longer.”

Giggling at his words, Aelin cupped his face in her hands, smoothing her thumb over the tattoo curling up the left side of his face. “Why don’t you lock the store and then I’m all yours?”

Pressing his lips to hers, Rowan hummed in agreement. “That, Fireheart, is an excellent idea. Go wait in my office - I’ll be there in five minutes.”

Nipping his chin lightly, Aelin made for his office, her hips swinging with every step she took.

~*^*~

Rowan walked into his office and discovered Aelin seated on his desk, her legs crossed and her shirt on the floor just inside his door. Her breasts were barely held in by her black lace bra, though the sight of them nearly spilling out just made Rowan harder in his jeans. 

“Get a little impatient, did we?” he quipped, trailing his fingers over the back of her neck as he walked around his desk to face her. 

“Just thought I’d help move things along.” She smirked up at him as her legs wound around his waist, pulling his rapidly hardening dick against her center. Rolling her hips against him, she pulled his face down to hers. 

Rowan sighed into her mouth when she finally connected them, the feeling of her lips moving against his like coming home. It didn’t take long for her tongue to find its way into her mouth, and the feeling of it brushing his had him rolling his hips back against hers.

Aelin’s mouth started moving more insistently against his, her fingers sliding down from where they’d been twined in his hair to grip the hem of his shirt. Parting from him long enough to whisper “off” and tug the offending garment over his head, she tossed it behind her as she sealed her lips to his once more. 

After a few minutes of this Rowan pushed her back so she was lying on his desk and he was hovering over her. Disconnecting their lips with a whine, he moved his lips down over her jaw and to her neck, sucking the sensitive skin at the hollow of her throat into his mouth. He only released the skin he was slowly working with his lips and teeth when Aelin was panting above him, her hips working against his in a steady rhythm. 

Sliding his hands beneath her, he unhooked her bra and slid it off of her, tossing it to join their other clothing on the floor. Aelin mewled as the cool air of his office hit her nipples, and Rowan chuckled against her skin as he kissed and nipped his way down to the valley of her breasts.

Running his tongue between them, Rowan lifted both of his hands to cup her breasts, the rough skin of his palms creating a friction that had Aelin’s head thrashing on the desk. 

Pinching one nipple between his fingertips, he took the other in his mouth, rolling the stiff peak with his tongue before sucking on it. As Aelin arched against him, Rowan bit down against her nipple gently, applying just enough pressure that she cried out and dug her fingers into his scalp. 

“Rowan,” she gasped, her hips rolling erratically beneath him. “Baby, please, please, pleasepleaseplease.”

Flicking his tongue against her nipple one last time, Rowan pulled off the peak and slid his lips down her stomach, his fingers finding the button on her jeans. Unfastening them, he had them down her legs and on the floor in a matter of seconds, his lips settling just above the waistband of her thong.

Running his tongue down her slit, he nipped her folds once over the fabric before pressing one finger against her clit. 

“Rowan!” she yelped, her nails digging into his back hard enough he knew she’d leave marks. “Stop teasing me, buzzard.”

Chuckling darkly against her stomach, Rowan slid her thong down her legs, barely getting it off her before he attached his mouth to her folds. 

Aelin cried out at the suddenness of it, and Rowan slipped his tongue into her slit as she threw her legs over his shoulders. He worked her with broad stripes, licking from the base of her slit all the way up to her clit. 

He repeated the motion until she was keening above him, and then he wrapped his lips around her clit, sucking on the sensitive bud as he worked two fingers inside of her. He pumped his fingers slowly, flicking his tongue over her clit in time with his thrusts.

He’d just taken her clit between his teeth when he moved his hand to get a better grip on the desk and felt it knock against something smooth. Feeling around, he realized it was the knife he’d been cleaning earlier - thankfully sheathed.

Pulling away from her dripping folds, he felt a smirk curving over his face as he got a delightfully wicked idea. 

Picking up the blade, he ran the hilt of it through her folds before grinding it lightly against her clit. Aelin groaned at the new sensation before lifting her head to see what exactly Rowan was using to tease her. 

Her eyes widened at the sight of the knife, even as she moaned when Rowan moved it against her again. 

“Tell me if you don’t want it, baby,” he groaned, feeling like he was going to rip through his jeans at the sounds she was making. 

Aelin gripped his wrist in what he assumed was a motion meant to stop him from using the knife. Instead, she pulled it up toward her face and took the hilt between her lips, sucking in the same way she would suck him off. 

Rowan groaned deep in his throat at the sight. Pulling the knife from her mouth, he slid it down her torso and pushed it against her clit again, continuing his motions for only a moment before he was sliding it lower.

He slid the hilt of the knife over her opening once, twice, three times before slowly working it inside of her. Aelin cried out at the feeling of the cool metal against her walls, though it didn’t stop her from rolling her hips to get it deeper. 

As soon as it was all the way inside her, Aelin was rolling her hips harder to encourage Rowan to fuck her. Obliging her wish, he began thrusting the hilt of the knife into her faster, Aelin grinding against it with every thrust.

Sliding the fingers of his other hand over her clit, Rowan latched on to the skin of her neck once again, working another mark into her skin as he fucked her with the knife.

Aelin began to cry out with breathless moans as her orgasm crashed through her, and Rowan sucked harder against her neck, his teeth digging in hard enough that he knew she would have marks.

She continued to roll against the knife even as she came down from her release, and Rowan kept working her clit, helping to draw it out even longer.

Eventually she stopped shaking against him and he pulled the knife from her folds, the hilt of it covered in her juices. He raised it to his mouth to clean it, but Aelin whined in protest, so he leaned down over her so they could clean it off together.

He groaned at the taste of her, and she let out tiny whimpers every time his tongue brushed hers. When it was finally clean, he tossed the blade on his chair and shoved his pants and boxers down his legs. 

As soon as he’d removed the last of his clothing, he lined the head of his cock up with her opening before sheathing himself to the hilt with one thrust. Aelin nearly screamed as he bottomed out, and the groan he released at the feeling of her walls sucking him in was nearly inhuman.

He waited until she started rolling her hips up into him before moving inside her. He set a fast pace, thrusting into her with deep strokes that hit that spot inside of her every time. 

With how sensitive she was from her first orgasm, he knew it wouldn’t be long until she tipped over the edge again. Thrusting into her harder, he slipped his fingers over her clit in time with his thrusts as he felt his own release building. 

Aelin began rolling her hips faster, the cries coming from her throat not even words anymore, and it only took a couple thrusts for her to fall over the edge again, screaming his name into the office. Rowan kept thrusting through her orgasm, knowing his own was close behind. 

“Baby, in my mouth,” she cried, her voice raspy from all the sounds he’d pulled from her. “I want you to come in my mouth.”

He groaned at her words but managed to pull himself from her walls, stroking his hand over his dick as she slid off his desk and dropped to her knees in front of him.

Taking the head of his cock between her lips, she gave him two swift strokes before taking him as far into her throat as she could. She swallowed around his dick and cupped his balls, pulling him over the edge as his orgasm crashed into him. 

He cried her name as he released into her mouth in spurts, Aelin swallowing each one so she wouldn’t spill any of it.

Once he’d finally come down, he dropped to his knees next to her, pulling her in for a kiss. He could taste himself on her tongue, and he moaned into her mouth. 

Aelin pulled back with a sigh, running her fingers lightly over his thighs. “Gods, I love you,” she whispered, climbing into his lap and wrapping herself around him as he toppled over onto his back.

“Though I think you might be the death of me, I love you, too,” he chuckled, entirely spent and completely satisfied.

Aelin just laughed at the content expression he knew he was sporting, her fingers running through his hair as they both tried to calm their racing hearts.

THREE YEARS AND FIVE DAYS AGO

Lorcan felt his jaw drop, and no matter what he did, he couldn’t seem to get it back in place - maybe the ridiculous thing had come unhinged.

They’d all decided to meet up at the shooting gallery/target range, and he was the last to arrive. Walking into the complex, he immediately located Gavriel and Lin - they were at the archery range and, from the looks of it, Lin was kicking his ass with every shot. Fenrys, Asterin, Vaughan, and Sorrel were at the shooting range, headphones in place as they lined up their shots. Rowan, Connall, and Vesta were taking turns throwing knives at a target.

None of that, however, was what had caught his attention so thoroughly. 

No, that was Aelin, who was in one of the axe-throwing lanes. More specifically, it was the woman in the lane next to her, hurling axe after axe at the target in front of her with alarming precision. 

Elide Lochan.

Her dark hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, but he’d recognize her anywhere.

Of course, it was as he was admiring her skills that Aelin happened to turn and catch sight of him.

“Lorcan!” she called, jogging over to him. “Don’t get any ideas in that brooding head of yours - my friend is not here for you to stare at.”

Elide turned at her words, a smile lighting up her face when she saw who Aelin was talking to. “Lorcan, hi,” she greeted, winking at him as she sidled up next to Aelin. “I was hoping you’d be here.”

“Wait, hold on,” Aelin interrupted. “You two know each other?”

Lorcan smirked at her. “Oh, we go way back - Elide came into the shop a few months ago.” Turning to face Elide then, he grinned down at her. “That’s quite an impressive throw you have there.”

“Thanks,” she replied, patting Aelin on the shoulder as she watched the interaction with wide eyes before shaking her head and walking over to join Rowan. “Don’t mind Aelin, she’s just overprotective. Let’s go see if you have any skills with an axe, shall we?”

“That would be great.”

~*^*~

After about thirty minutes in the axe-throwing lanes, Lorcan was even more impressed. While he had a decent amount of skill - owning a weapons shop did come with some perks - and could hit the bullseye with some regularity, Elide almost never missed it. Though she was tiny, she clearly had some serious muscles packed in that small frame. She had better throwing form than anyone he’d ever seen before. 

“Well,” she murmured, leaning up to whisper in his ear, “I have to say - I was expecting better.”

Flicking her in the nose, he just shook his head at her. “I’ll have you know that when we come here, it’s usually not axes I’m throwing.”

When she only raised an eyebrow at him, he added, “I’m much better with knives.”

“Really?” She gestured for him to lead the way to the knife-throwing lanes. “Let’s see how good you really are.”

Sketching a bow at her, Lorcan made for the open lane, picking up the knives in front of him. He winked at Elide before facing the target again, throwing all three knives in quick, successive throws. 

He heard Elide gasp as she realized that all three of them were in the innermost ring of the target. “Like I said,” he laughed, “this is what I excel at.”

“Okay, I’ll admit it,” Elide replied. “I’m impressed. Can you teach me to do that?”

Lorcan nodded and pulled her in front of him, his hand sliding over hers as she picked up one of the knives in front of them.

~*^*~

By the end of the night, Lorcan had successfully taught Elide how to throw a knife, and her precision with axes had clearly transferred, since she was hitting the bullseye a majority of the time. 

“You’re a very quick learner, Lochan,” he whispered as he stood behind her.

Leaning back against his chest, she smiled up at him, something sparkling in her eyes. “That’s because of you Salvaterre - you’re an amazing teacher.”

He chuckled at her words, resting his chin on the top of her head as she turned back around to watch Aelin line up her last shot at the archery range. Slowly, he wound his arms around her waist, sighing as she relaxed against him.

“Lorcan,” she murmured, her fingers twining with his, “I’ve had a really great time with you tonight.”

“Yeah?” he questioned. “Maybe we should do this again sometime?”

Turning in his arms, she rested her hands on his chest. “I’d like that - although maybe it should just be the two of us next time.”

He smiled at her - a real, genuine smile. “Would you like to go out with me tomorrow then?”

“That sounds amazing.”

Lorcan couldn’t help himself - he pulled her into a hug, smiling even wider as he listened to her giggle at his enthusiasm. 

They pulled apart just as everyone started heading for the exit, and he grabbed her hand to tug her along. As everyone headed for their cars, the two of them quickly exchanged numbers before heading their separate ways.

As far as he was concerned, their date couldn’t come fast enough.

.

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Thank you all so much for reading - part five comes out tomorrow night!

#cadre weaponry #cw #the cadre #alyssa writes #rowan whitethorn #lorcan salvaterre #fenrys moonbeam #connall moonbeam #vaughan #gavriel #aelin ashryver #rowaelin #elide lochan #elorcan #asterin blackbeak #fensterin #vesta blackbeak #connesta #sorrel blackbeak #vaurel #lin blackbeak #gavnea #that's their ship name now #throne of glass #tog #my writing

[the-regal-warrior]

Cadre Weaponry: Part Five

Thank you for all the love you’ve shown this story - here’s the next part! We’re almost to the end - there’s just one more part after this.

To find the other parts to this story and all my other writing, check out my masterlist! There’s a link to it in my bio.

Summary: Welcome to Cadre Weaponry - the shop for all your weapons needs, both antique and modern! Join the boys of the Cadre as they become friends and tackle this thing we call life. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll even find love along the way. 

Warnings: Language and smut, like always.

.

THREE YEARS AND FOUR DAYS AGO

Lorcan didn’t think he’d ever been this nervous in his entire life. Even when they were first starting the store and everything was up in the air - even then he hadn’t been this nervous. 

He was meeting Elide for a picnic in the park, and he just needed this day to be absolutely perfect. He’d never felt this way about a girl before, and he wasn’t about to let that feeling go to waste. 

Running his hand through his hair - and then immediately realizing it was a bad idea because he’d pulled it back into a bun to keep it out of his face - he plopped down on the blanket he’d just spread out. He had just pulled the tie out his hair and was in the process of tying it back up when he heard someone calling his name from behind him.

Turning, he saw Elide walking up behind him in a short floral dress and combat boots. “Elide, hey!” he called, standing to pull her into a hug as he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “It’s really good to see you.”

“Lorcan, you just saw me last night,” she chuckled, the laughter making her eyes light up. “But I’m pretty excited to see you, too.” She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before sitting down on the blanket and pulling Lorcan down by the hand. 

He chuckled as she practically pulled him on top of her, just catching himself before he fell completely on top of her. Stretching his legs out in front of him, he pulled the basket over and handed it to her, watching her with a small smile as she began unpacking all of it. 

“This all looks really amazing, Lor,” she said. “Did you - did you make all of this yourself?”

He felt the blush crawling up his face at her praise. “Uh, yeah, I did,” he muttered, trying to keep himself from flushing any further. “But if you ever tell anyone I’ll just deny it.”

Elide practically doubled over with laughter at that, clutching her stomach as the giggles just poured out of her. “Fair enough. Shall we eat?”

“Gods, yes. I’m starving.”

~*^*~

They’d finished eating at least an hour ago, all the food completely devoured, but they were still sitting on the blanket, just enjoying the fresh air and being in each other’s company.

Lorcan felt himself falling harder for her with every word she said, his attention never wavering from her, not even for a second. He was so enthralled with they way her eyes lit up when she got excited and how she talked with her hands all the time that he didn’t notice anything going on around them.

Elide was in the middle of a story about her late-night adventures with Aelin, who was apparently her roommate in college, when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he came face-to-face with Essar, the closest thing he had to an ex-girlfriend.

“Lorcan,” she smiled, her hands clasped in front of her. “I thought that was you.”

“Essar,” he replied, trying to keep any discomfort off his face. “How’ve you been?”

“I’m good, really good.” She seemed to notice Elide then, because an apologetic look crossed her face. “Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt! It’s just been so long since we talked, and I just wanted to say hello.”

“No, Essar, it’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

“So,” she continued, her eyes flicking between him and Elide. “Is this your new girlfriend?”

“Uh, no,” he muttered, feeling awkwardness creeping through his veins. “She’s just a friend.”

Essar nodded at that, though she didn’t look like she believed him. “Oh, okay. Well, I better get going. It was good to see you though.”

“You too.” He waved as she walked off, already dreading the conversation he knew he was going to have with Elide. 

Turning enough to see Elide, he grimaced at the look on her face. “Your new girlfriend?” she muttered, fixing him with a harsh glare.

“Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that Essar’s my ex.”

“You guess?”

“Elide, I’m not really the kind of guy who dates. Essar and I had a fling for a while, but we were never serious. I just wasn’t that type of guy.”

“So I’m just some casual fling to you?” She was practically yelling at this point, and Lorcan hated the look of disappointment on her face.

“No!” He reached for her hand, rubbing his thumb over her palm. “Look, I never used to be the guy who wanted a girlfriend - but that’s because I’ve never met anyone like you.”

A small smile lit up her features. “That sounds like a line.”

“I promise you it’s not.” He paused for a moment, but ultimately decided that this was the best time for it. “This isn’t how I wanted to do this, but I want to prove how serious I am about you.”

She raised an eyebrow at him, but he forged on before she could interrupt. “Elide Lochan, will you be my girlfriend?”

Elide gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth. “Really? You want me to be your girlfriend?”

He barely had time to nod before Elide was throwing herself at him, her arms sliding around his neck as she slid sideways into his lap. “I would love to be your girlfriend!”

Lorcan pulled her against his chest, his arms sliding around her waist as he held her tighter. “You have no idea how happy that makes me, Lochan.”

“So why don’t you show me, Salvaterre?”

He chuckled at her bold attitude, but he leaned down to press his lips to hers all the same.

As her lips moved against his, Lorcan realized he’d never been happier in his entire life.

TWO YEARS, ELEVEN MONTHS, AND TWENTY-FOUR DAYS AGO

Rowan felt tears building up in eyes as Aelin pulled him onto the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. The smile on her face was absolutely breathtaking, and he could see tears forming in her eyes as well. 

“You look absolutely radiant, Fireheart,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into him. 

“Buzzard,” she whispered, her voice shaking as she tried to hold her tears back. “I love you so much, baby.” Her fingers tangled in his hair, her nails lightly scraping against his scalp as she swayed with him. “And now I get to call you my husband for the rest of my life.”

“My wonderful, amazing wife,” he crooned into her ear, fingers tracing little swirls over her waist. “I love you with my entire heart - to whatever end, love.”

Aelin rested her head against his chest as she replied, “to whatever end, baby.”

Rowan only held her tighter as their friends and family joined them on the dancefloor. He felt a few tears spill down his cheeks as he took in everyone who was there for them on the most important day of their lives. He was overwhelmed at how much love was in that one room, and he realized just how lucky he’d been when he joined that group of boys for a random project back in college.

Without that project, he wouldn’t have the family he did, and he might never have met Aelin. He owed them all so much, and he’d said as much in the toast he’d made at the rehearsal dinner. But now, after their wedding, when everyone was all gathered around them and sharing in their joy, it was all hitting him.

Rowan felt more tears sliding down his cheeks as the emotions flooded him, and he buried his face in Aelin’s hair to keep anyone else from seeing it.

No doubt feeling the wetness of his tears against her head, Aelin pulled back so she could see his face. When she saw the smile on his face despite the tears, she gave him a watery chuckle as she cupped his face in her hands and swiped under his eyes with her thumbs even as her own tears spilled over. 

“Everything okay, my love?” she questioned, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips.

Kissing her back, he smiled against her mouth. “Everything is absolutely perfect.”

TWO YEARS, NINE MONTHS, AND NINETEEN DAYS AGO

This was probably the greatest thing he’d ever seen - Connall was absolutely sure of it. The scene unfolding on the screen in front of him had quite literally everyone in the room in complete awe - even those who’d witnessed it before.

The boys had decided to rent out the laser tag place for the night, inviting their girls and all their friends out for the night. All six of the guys were there, along with their girls - who had brought friends. That meant that the entirety of the Thirteen was there, along with a significant number of others. They’d all played several rounds already, with someone new claiming the victory with each round.

However, Asterin had suggested that the Thirteen play the next round alone, and the rest of them had jumped on the suggestion. They’d quickly split off into pairs and trios, all forging “alliances” as they headed for the prep room.

Ten minutes later, everyone was gathered around the screen that displayed the action going on inside the maze, and Connall was fairly certain his jaw wasn’t the only one on the floor. The thirteen women on the screen took to laser tag with an almost military precision. It was all out war inside that room - complete with guerilla attacks and some pretty athletic maneuvers. 

“Wait,” Vaughan questioned from his left. “I thought Sorrel and Lin had teamed up for this - why’d Lin just shoot her?”

Elide chuckled from her perch on Lorcan’s lap. “The alliances they make only last the first five minutes of the game. In fact, the only two of them who will still be working together by the end of this are Thea and Kaya. Everyone else will have turned on one another.”

Fenrys whooped as he watched Asterin advance on Edda and Briar with a scary level of precision. Gavriel and Vaughan were playfully bickering as their girls (not that Vaughan would confirm that he and Sorrel were dating) circled around one another. Connall, however, hardly noticed any of this, because he couldn’t take his eyes from Vesta. 

She was a warrior in that room, darting around the maze without being seen, taking down opponents with hardly any effort.

“Are they always this intense?” he found himself asking, even as his eyes kept tracking Vesta across the screen.

“Absolutely,” Elide quipped, cheering as Manon managed to avoid Faline. “If you think this is bad, just wait until someone wins.”

Connall raised an eyebrow at her, but she just motioned for the screen, and he turned back just as the two minute bell sounded inside the maze. None of the Thirteen even seemed to notice the buzzer, their focus solely on the competition raging between them.

In what felt like no time at all, the laser guns turned off and the lights flashed on in the room, signaling that the round was over. They all froze on the screen as they waited for the announcement of who had won.

Everyone watching them could see the scores added up on the digital scoreboard, but the announcement reached all of them at the same time. 

Vesta.

Connall couldn’t help the grin that broke across his face as he watched her celebrate her victory. She lifted her hands above her head and roared her victory toward the skies, a huge smile lighting her face as the others clapped her on the back.

Eventually they worked their way out of the maze, Vesta gloating about her victory while the others grumbled good-naturedly. She cut herself off in the middle of her bragging to run for Connall, jumping into his arms and letting him spin her around.

“That was truly something to behold,” he told her, loving the happiness shining in her eyes. He set her on her feet in front of him, his arms still wrapped around her waist.

“Thanks, love,” she replied, her own hands resting on his biceps. 

“We’ve been doing whatever this is for a year now,” Connall started, squeezing her waist lightly, “and I’m in awe of you in everything you do.”

He paused, and Vesta gave him a slightly confused look, not quite sure where he was going with his words.

“Which is why there’s something I need to ask you. Vesta, will you be my girl - officially?”

Leaning into him, Vesta pressed her lips very lightly against his jaw. “There’s nothing I would like more, Con,” she whispered, her hands sliding up to tangle in his hair.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Connall gave her a few seconds to giggle at his reaction before he’d claimed her lips with his own, kissing her like he wouldn’t get enough of her.

Even with their friends yelling at them to get a room in the background, Connall decided that this was one of the best days he’d ever had.

TWO YEARS, THREE MONTHS, AND THIRTEEN DAYS AGO

“Gav, you can see that mine’s closer from here,” Lin laughed from behind him as he walked toward the target. Everyone was gathered behind the shop, watching as he and Lin had a friendly archery competition. He knew without picking up a bow who would win, but he’d been challenged and he wouldn’t back down.

Of course, it was all a front for the question he was about to ask, but she didn’t need to know that yet. 

Gavriel shook his head as he kept walking. “I don’t know, I think I’d better check.”

“It’s in the middle of the target!” she cried, and Gavriel could hear their friends laughing as he waved her off and stopped in front of the target.

Making a show of pretending to study the two arrows in the target, Gavriel slipped a ring and a note on a string out of his pocket. His slipped the string around the shaft of her arrow, tying it fast as he acted like he was measuring the distance between his arrow and the bullseye - which was exactly where Lin’s arrow was.

Satisfied that the ring was secure, Gavriel turned to face everyone and shrugged his shoulders dramatically. “Lin was right,” he said, walking back to her. “Hers was closer - she wins.”

Lin just laughed, although she did lean in and wrap her arms around his waist when he started to pout. “I told you so.” 

“Yeah,” he sighed. “Yeah you did.” He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.

She grinned up at him, and he smirked as he pulled away. “Alright, babe, go get the arrows from the target.”

Lin smacked him on the chest as she gave him a bewildered stare. “You were just over there!”

Gavriel chuckled at the indignation burning in her eyes. “I know, love,” he whispered, “but just do it for me?”

She huffed but did as he asked, though she was glaring as she turned away.

Watching her walk toward the ring, Gavriel couldn’t help the nerves that rose in his throat. Lin had been hinting for a while now that she wanted to get married, but a part of him still worried she would say no. It was the same part that constantly worried he wasn’t good enough for her - that he would never be good enough for her.

He cleared those doubts from his head and sank to one knee as she reached for her arrow. He tried to keep his expression calm as her hand stopped in midair when she saw the ring.

Lin’s jaw went slack as she read the note - “I love you with all my heart” written in Gavriel’s tiny script - before she took the ring in her hand as she carefully untied the string. When she turned to face him, there were tears in her eyes.

“Gav?” she questioned, her eyes fixed on the ring sitting in her palm. “Baby?”

He smiled at her, though his hands were shaking when he started talking. “Linnea, you are the love of my life and everything I could have ever wanted. For so long I thought you would realize you wanted someone better, and when I realized you were here to stay, I wanted nothing more than to be with you forever. My love, my life, will you do be the greatest honor and marry me?”

Lin was crying by the time he finished, but he barely had time to absorb that fact before she was sprinting across the space between them and tackling him to the ground. Her legs wrapped around his waist as she braced her hands on his chest, tears slipping down her cheeks and soaking into his shirt. “Yes,” she cried. “I thought you’d never ask!”

Gavriel laughed as he reached up to dry her tears, but she caught his hand and pressed the ring into his palm, clearly asking him to slip it on her finger - which he did with the biggest smile on his face.

“I love you so damn much, baby,” he whispered, pulling her down to kiss him. 

Their kiss only lasted a couple of seconds before Sorrel, Vesta, and Asterin were pulling her into their arms, Elide and Aelin right behind them, but what she whispered as they grabbed her made the moment even more perfect, even as Vaughan and Rowan practically threw themselves on him, Fenrys, Connall, and Lorcan not far behind. 

“You’re everything I could ever want and more, my love - there is absolutely no one better. I love you completely, Gav.”

ONE YEAR, ELEVEN MONTHS, AND FOUR DAYS AGO

Fenrys locked the front door, whistling to himself as he headed for his office and Asterin, who had shown up five minutes before closing with a pizza and a six-pack for dinner. He had to take inventory after he closed up - they all took turns, so once a month one of them would stay late and take inventory of the entire store - and it was going to be a late night. Usually he didn’t look forward to the task, but since Asterin had showed up, he was dreading it a little less. 

Still whistling a merry tune, he opened his office door stopped short, the happy sound dying mid-note as his jaw fell toward the floor. 

Asterin had seated herself in his desk chair, her t-shirt and bra on the floor by his feet. Her arms were crossed behind her head, pushing her breasts forward and perfectly displaying the piercings in both of her nipples.

Fenrys was so in love with this woman.

“I guess we’re having dessert before dinner, then.” He stalked toward her, his eyes never leaving her nipples and those beautiful piercings.

He could practically hear her smirk in her voice. “And probably after dinner, too. Maybe even when we get home, if you’re lucky.”

Fen just grinned at her before dropping into his favorite position - one his knees for her. He pulled his shirt over his head and leaned up to kiss her, his tongue slipping into her mouth and tangling with hers as he worked her jeans and underwear down her legs. She kicked them off, her flip-flops getting tangled in the fabric and getting lost in the growing pile of clothes on the floor. Asterin groaned against his lips, her fingers tangling in his long hair and pulling. Hard.

Releasing a groan at the sensation, Fenrys slipped his lips from hers and kissed his way down to her jaw. He nipped at her chin once, twice, three times before continuing down her throat, licking a stripe over her pulse. 

She whined at the sensation before mewling as his sucked at the hollow of her throat. Her noises only encouraged him to suck harder, his tongue sliding out to soothe the mark he’d left on her skin. 

He continued to make his way down her body, sucking and nipping at her skin until he reached the valley of her breasts. Working his tongue over her skin, he moved back and forth between the heavy underside of each breast, sucking large marks on the sensitive skin he’d discovered. 

Once she was groaning and moving her hips frantically in the chair, he pulled back to stare into her eyes. The little gold flecks in the black of her irises practically glowed with the heat of her lust, and her eyelids fluttered with every breath. 

He leaned in to press one kiss to each of the tattoos inked over her ribs - lengthy quotes written in the language of The Wastes, where her family came from, and one single tattoo in English that said “from now until the darkness claims us” - before he finally decided she’d suffered enough and leaned in to capture one of her nipples between his lips.

Fenrys had learned long ago how to tease her nipples and piercings to get the reactions he wanted, and he put his skills to good use. Sucking her nipple between his lips, he scraped gently against the stiff peak with his teeth before flicking the balls of her piercing with his tongue - first one side of the piercing, then the other. He continued those motions until Asterin was practically whimpering at the gentle suction of his lips, and then he switched to the other nipple. 

He continued his ministrations, switching between her breasts until he was so hard in his jeans that he physically couldn’t stand wearing them anymore. 

Releasing her nipple with an audible pop, he reached for the button on his pants, groaning when he saw what Asterin had been doing with the hand that had fallen from his hair soon after he’d latched on to her nipple.

She had three fingers deep inside of herself, her thumb pressed against her clit as she thrust in and out slowly. 

“Fuck, Rin,” he groaned, working his jeans down his legs as he watched her run the fingers of her other hand over her folds. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are?”

She groaned, her fingers working faster as he kicked off his jeans, his cock springing free from the fabric. “Probably about as sexy as you with your dick all hard and all that ink on display.” She’d never kept it a secret how much she loved his sleeves, especially when they were having sex. 

Smirking up at her, Fenrys lowered himself back to his knees and pulled both her hands away from her dripping folds. He was just leaning in to attach his mouth to her center when one of her hands wrapped around his throat, her grip tight enough to make breathing a little difficult. 

He tried to fight against her grip, but she only tightened her hand and raised his head up to hers. “No more teasing,” she whispered, choking him as he whined. The lack of control, the struggle to breath - all of it only made him harder.

Fenrys nodded once, a slight movement of his head that had her releasing him and pushing him to sit on the floor with his back against his desk. Smirking down at him, Asterin made a show of stretching as she stood, arching her back and swinging her hips once before she dropped into his lap, sheathing his cock inside of her. 

They both groaned at the sensation, Fenrys practically shaking with how perfect her silken walls felt against his cock. She was grinding against him as she rode him, breasts brushing against his chest every time she moved. 

It didn’t take long for Fenrys to start fucking up into her, Asterin’s groans turning into high-pitched whimpers as his cock brushed against that one perfect spot inside her. He just smirked as he fucked into her harder, listening for when her moans started to sound a little breathless.

He finally heard the hitch in her breathing, and unwrapped one hand from her waist to flick his thumb over her clit in time with his thrusts. She was practically screaming above him, and he raised his eyes from where he was splitting her apart until his gaze met her own, which was desperate and full of need. 

“Fen,” she whined, practically throwing her hips against his as her nails dug into his shoulders hard enough that he knew he’d have marks for a while. “Fen, babe, please.”

“Please what, love?” he whispered in response, reaching down to smack her ass. 

Asterin shuddered in his lap, her walls spasming as she chased an orgasm she couldn’t quite reach. “I need to come, baby. Gods, please, I need to come.”

“You’re so needy, baby,” he quipped, pinching her clit a little more aggressively. “But it’s okay. I know what you need - I’ll give you what you need, my love.”

Locking his eyes with hers, he slid his other hand up her body, cupping her breast briefly before wrapping his hand around her throat and squeezing. Asterin gasped at the sensation, her eyes never leaving his even as her eyelids starting fluttering again.

“Harder, baby, pleasepleaseplease,” she moaned, the words slightly breathless. “I’m so close, please, I’m right there, pleaseplease.”

Fenrys tightened his hand just enough that she started to gasp for air, thrusting hard against that spot and flicking her clit at the same time. 

Asterin screamed as she came, her eyes practically rolling back in her head as her walls clenched and spasmed around his cock. Her juices gushed around him, falling against his thighs and making her legs slip against his. 

It was that final slip of her body against his that drove him a little deeper, her scream breaking off into a gasp as Fen’s orgasm exploded through him, his release sliding out to pool with hers on his thighs. 

After a couple minutes, once Asterin had come down from her orgasm and she wasn’t as sensitive, Fenrys finally pulled himself from her, releasing her throat and wrapping both arms around her shoulders. He practically crushed her against him, his heart swelling as his love for the woman cradled against his chest hit him.

“Gods, Rin, I love you so much.”

“Love you, too,” she murmured, utterly worn out from how thoroughly he’d fucked her. “Remember how I said you’d get dessert after dinner and when we got home?”

“Yeah, baby,” he chuckled. “I remember.”

“Well, I think you might have to wait until we get home.” She giggled into his shoulder, her own arms wrapping around his waist.

Fenrys laughed with her, the sound peaceful in the quiet room. “That’s just fine, babe. I’m just glad to have you here with me.”

She hummed into his skin, and his body filled with even more love for her. As long as he was with her, he was content. 

ONE YEAR, SEVEN MONTHS, AND SEVEN DAYS AGO

His heart was beating so hard in his chest he thought it was going to burst through his ribs. Lorcan actually thought this feeling, the anxiety building inside his bones might kill him.

Elide Lochan really was going to be the death of him. 

“Lor,” she grumbled for what was probably the tenth time, “where are we going?” They were walking down the street, hand-in-hand, and Lorcan had been keeping their destination a secret since they’d left the shop several minutes ago. 

He stopped walking, tugging on her hand as she kept walking and pulling her chest against his chest, his other arm falling around her waist. “Fine,” he sighed, an edge of exasperation in his tone even as he leaned down to kiss the tip of her nose. “Fine, you insufferable woman, I’ll tell you. If you must know, we’re going to the library.”

Elide’s nose scrunched as she pondered their destination. “That’s your big secret? We’re going to the library?”

“Uh huh,” Lorcan agreed, pressing his lips to her forehead before spinning her around and continuing on their way to the library, even as the confused expression stayed on her beautiful features.

It didn’t take long for them to arrive at their destination, Lorcan wrapping his arm around Elide’s shoulders as he kept her from walking through the front door. 

“I thought this was where we were going?” she questioned, her brow furrowed as she looked up at him. “Wasn’t this your big surprise?”

He quirked an eyebrow at her, chuckling at the adorably confused expression she was still wearing. “Really? You really believed the library was my grand surprise?” He shook his head at her, acting like he was disappointed. “No, my darling, the library wasn’t my surprise - it’s what we’ll be doing while we’re here that’s the surprise.”

Slipping his hand into his pocket, he pulled out a folded blue index card and handed it to her. “Here’s your surprise.”

Elide slipped her arm from around his waist as she took the paper from him. Unfolding it, the confusion cleared from her eyes as she read what he’d written on it. “It’s a scavenger hunt!” she squealed, excitement and happiness dancing across her face.

“I hope you like it, baby,” he whispered, a smile breaking over his face as he watched her practically shake with happiness. “Well, go on. I’m sure we’ll cross paths again somewhere on your little adventure.”

She leaned up to press a swift kiss to his lips, still beaming as she read the note once more and made for the entrance to the library - Lorcan knew she was heading for the front desk, which was where her next clue was hidden. 

Waiting until he was sure she’d gone where the second clue had directed her - a complete copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s works, as it was a reference to the massive raven he’d drawn for her that was tattooed across her entire upper back and neck - Lorcan walked into the library. He nodded his thanks to the head librarian, since she’d helped him plan this entire activity. 

He’d purposely sent Elide in the opposite direction of where he needed to station himself for everything to work out perfectly as part of that second clue. Satisfied that she was no longer in the lobby, he made for the murder-mystery section in the back of the second-floor stacks. 

Lorcan pushed open the door that led to the section, a nervous smile breaking across his face as he saw all of their friends waiting for him. “Thanks for being here, you guys,” he said, though the nerves made his voice shake.

“Of course, man,” Rowan replied, the other guys nodding in agreement and offering smiles of encouragement and support.

“Yeah,” Fenrys, chimed in, “you know we’d do anything for you.”

Connall nodded along with his twins words, adding “we’re all family, Lorcan. You know that.”

“I do,” Lorcan confirmed, his eyes prickling as Gavriel and Vaughan voiced their sentiments as well. The sensation only grew when the five women standing in the room, the five women who’d made his family double in size, offered up their own opinions.

Knowing he was short on time, Lorcan blinked once to keep his emotions at bay before preparing himself to ask the most important question of his life.

~*^*~

In what felt like no time at all, though in reality was probably about fifteen minutes, Lorcan heard the sound of footsteps approaching the door they were all waiting behind. Dropping to one knee, he opened the ring box in his hand as the door swung open. 

Elide was reading to herself as she walked through the door, not really paying attention to her surroundings. “‘Come to our favorite section and answer the question you’ll be faced with.’ Rutting gods, Lor, what does that even me-” she griped, but cut off suddenly when she looked up and saw him kneeling before her. “Lor?” Tears sprang into her eyes as they dropped to the ring box in his hand. “Is this what I think it is?”

Lorcan smiled at her, a genuine smile that he only seemed to wear when he was around her. He could feel the tears building behind his eyes again, though he did his best to push through them. “Elide Lochan, I loved you since the moment I saw you throwing at ax at the target a little over two and a half years ago. I love everything about you, and I fall more in love with you every single day - every single minute. You are the one true owner of my ancient and wicked heart, and I gave it to you a long time ago. You make me want to be a better man, and I want to spend every day of the rest of our lives showing you how much you mean to me. Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” she whispered, the tears falling from her eyes in full force. “Oh my gods, yes!” Elide reached for him, and he slid the ring on her finger before she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her lips to his. 

Lorcan felt his own tears streaming over his cheeks as he kissed her back, a groan slipping free as her tongue slid into his mouth. Sliding his hands down to her thighs, he lifted her into his arms, sighing as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Before they could get too carried away, their friends were pressing in around them, Aelin muttering veiled threats at him as Elide laughed. She slipped out of his arms with an “I love you so much, Lor” and a kiss to his jaw, her happy smile causing his to grow.

Lorcan was happier than he ever thought he’d be as their family celebrated with them - and it was all because of Elide Lochan.

.

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Thank you all so much for reading - part six (which is the final part!) comes out tomorrow!

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