Arkady knew it was only a matter of time before they were in this position, with Ashley sandwiched between them. Ereuvir does seem the type to have his cake and eat it. Ashley may belong to his powerful creature, but he was Arkady's first.

His arms tighten around Ashley, tilting his head to take in Ashley's smell. It's been so long since he's held Ashley like this, and taken him in with all his senses. They fit so perfectly together, it's like finding a piece of himself that had been missing.

"But Ashley," Arkady whispers. "He told you to do it."