Cross to Bear Universe: The Poisonous Butterfly 1

AZRIEL

Blood was slowly dripping down my chin. I gently wiped it away, the warmth of it making me crave more than I should. I knew I had to stop. The situation was getting out of hand. Bodies were starting to pile up.

I had promised Amari that I would control my monster. If anyone walked in and saw this, they would chain me up again. But it was easier said than done.

Ever since I woke up ten years ago and found out I had no mate left, my monster has been out of control. I deserved it. Breaking the bond with Amari had affected me more than we both anticipated. I was the one to blame from the start. Now, I had to figure out how to deal with it.

I wanted to get better, not worse. I tended to overthink everything, especially when someone was around.

With a heavy sigh, I decided to head to the bathroom to clean up. But first, I had to get rid of the dead bodies of the servants I had killed.

As I walked toward the bathroom, a familiar scent hit me. I stopped in my tracks, my body stiffening.

Shit!

This wasn’t good.

I quickly moved toward the bedroom door. I was about to reach for the handle when Amari beat me to it and opened the door.

I stood there, feeling foolish and awkward. She gave me a look.

“Amari?” I stuttered nervously.

Her gaze quickly darted behind me to the pile of bodies.

All she said was, “Kneel,” and my body obeyed, landing me on all fours. “We’ve talked about this, Azriel.”

Her soothing voice made me curse under my breath.

“Amari, let me explain,” I plead, bowing my head.

“There’s nothing to explain.” Her voice was bitter, making me clench my jaw. “The evidence is right here. What did I tell you last time?”

Swallowing hard, I dug my nails into the floorboards.

“Azriel?” Amari called out, her voice filled with warning.

“That you would chain me again,” I mumbled, feeling ashamed.

I felt terrible about everything. The guilt and self-loathing convinced me that it would be better if I just slept forever.

Amari should have never woken me up.

“Yes,” Amari sighed. “Get up.”

I slowly got up, my head still bowed, feeling her command lift from my body.

“Lorcan will hear about this,” she said, crossing her arms. “I’m your imprint, Azriel. I’m the one who woke you up. I promised to help you get back to your old self. But if you don’t cooperate, I’ll have to take the hard way.”

I shoved my hands into my pockets, clenching them into fists.

“Are you listening to me?” Amari asked.

I didn’t say anything, just nodded.

Amari sighed and said, “I hate doing this, but it’s for the best. Now, there’s another reason I came.”

What?

She snapped her fingers, and I frowned as I heard footsteps.

“I want you to meet Luna,” Amari introduced her simply.

I slowly turned to face her. But before I could even speak, my eyes widened.

I had never felt anything like this before. A warm sensation filled my body, giving me a new lease on life.

Standing a few steps behind me was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, apart from Amari. Her icy blue eyes and raven hair completely captivated me.

She looked at me the same way. Her eyes widened and her body tensed. She didn’t move or say anything. We just stood there, lost in our own world, staring at each other. She was the first to look away, a blush spreading across her pale face.

“Are you two done?” Amari cleared her throat.

I nodded, my face turning red. I frowned as Amari smirked.

“What’s happening?” I asked, turning to face her, but she just stared at me silently. I glanced at the woman, but she was avoiding my gaze.

I felt a strange tingling sensation.

Amari turned to me and said, “Luna will be your new guardian.”

What did she just say?

“Guardian? Amari, when did I start needing a guardian?”

I was confused. Did Amari think I was a child who couldn’t control himself?

“I think you need one after all this,” Amari said, gesturing to the messy room. “Luna is here to keep you in check.”

“Wait!” I snapped, furious. “I am not a child who needs to be babysat. I am a fucking king and elder!”

“Yes, you are, but then why haven’t you been acting like one?” Amari retorted sharply. “Just do as I say.”

“I won’t!” I shot back.

“Yes, you will, and watch your tone with my queen,” a voice I hated said as he walked into the room.

“Maximus.” I growled, my disdain for him clear. I despised him.

“No worries,” Amari reassured Maximus, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re here.”

I watched them interact. I was supposed to be jealous, but all I felt was hatred and anger. I didn’t like him taking what I wanted, even though he was her mate too.

I felt like I was meant to be alone.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed someone watching me. Luna quickly looked away, embarrassed. Her face and neck turned red, and it excited me, but not in the way I expected.

“I see you’ve met Luna,” Maximus said, smiling at her.

“Yes, unfortunately,” I scoffed, earning a glare from Luna.

“Luna is one of the survivors from the mansion,” Amari started to explain.

That got my attention.

“She is?” I asked, surprised. Why hadn’t I seen her before?

“Yes, and she’s half human, half witch,” Maximus answered.

I narrowed my eyes. That was unexpected.

“Oh, a human witch?” I grinned. This was getting interesting.

“Yes, so hopefully we can get along,” Amari said, smiling. “I hope you’ll behave.”

“I don’t need her,” I grumbled, crossing my arms and glaring at Amari and Maximus.

“I don’t mind putting you back to sleep,” Maximus said, meeting my glare.

“As a human, you no longer have your powers. Or have you forgotten that you’re now nothing more than trash?”

I was so focused on Maximus that I didn’t notice Amari moving until she slapped me across the face.

I looked down at her, shocked.

“Don’t you dare!” Amari snapped. “Remember, you tried to kill me. So if Maximus is trash, you’re worse than trash.”

I looked away as her raw emotions affected the imprint we shared.

My imprint on Amari was almost like our mating bond. But all I could feel were her emotions, her commands, and her discomfort. It didn’t call to me or draw me in like a mate bond should. Instead, it felt like a chain around my neck.

“Azriel, I’ve forgiven you enough. Don’t make me regret my decisions,” Amari growled as she left the room. Maximus followed her. “As your queen and your imprint, I order you—Luna stays.”

I had no choice but to obey. When I felt Luna’s gaze on me, I hissed at her.

“Get out of my room,” I said, motioning for her to leave.

Luna just winced.

“I said OUT NOW!” I yelled.

She nodded and quickly left the room.

In anger, I slammed the door. I grabbed a book from the table and threw it across the room, shattering the mirror. Then, in a fit of rage, I stormed into the bathroom.

AMARI

“Are you okay?” Maximus asked, pulling me into a bear hug.

“Yes, sometimes he just frustrates me,” I sighed, rubbing my face. Maximus rested his chin on my head and chuckled.

“Why were you smiling earlier?”

I stopped walking and smiled.

“I think I’ve found the solution to Azriel’s mess.”

Maximus raised an eyebrow, suspicious.

“And what’s that?” he asked curiously.

I turned to him and gave him a hug. After I gave his cheek a kiss, we continued walking side by side.

I leaned my head on his shoulder and patted his chest, saying, “You’ll see. Just be patient. It’ll all be worth it.”

Maximus’s eyes were locked on me. I knew full well what had transpired earlier. How could I have turned a blind eye to it, when it was so glaringly obvious?

A chuckle escaped me as we navigated our way back to our quarters.