Chapter 177: Rejuvination
**Avery**
Armond led us to a spring hidden within his lair. The hot springs envelop us in a misty haze, the steam rising from the water like a lover's breath against my skin. The air is thick with the scent of sulfur and earth, a primal aroma that heightens my senses. My body, still buzzing from the battle, craves release, and my mates seem to sense it. Their eyes, dark with desire, meet mine, and I know they feel it too—the pull of our bond, the need to reaffirm our connection after facing the darkness.
Cassius steps forward, his lean, muscular frame moving with the grace of a predator. His blue eyes, sharp and intense, lock onto mine, and I feel his dominance, his need to protect and possess. He reaches out, his calloused fingers brushing my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. "You're safe now," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. "Let us take care of you."
Before I can respond, Clint is there, his presence a warm contrast to Cassius's intensity. His green eyes sparkle with mischief, and his lips curve into a smirk. "Safe, but not untouched," he teases, his fingers tracing the curve of my waist. "We've all been waiting for this."
Conner, ever the strategist, watches from the side, his blue eyes assessing. But when he moves, it's with purpose, his hands joining Clint's, their touch a symphony of desire. "Together," he says, his voice steady, "we'll make sure you forget the darkness, even if just for a moment."
Donn, always the enigma, appears behind me, his tall, athletic frame a shadow against the steam. His void eyes meet mine in the reflection of the water, and I see the hunger there, the need to consume and be consumed. "Let me take you away," he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. "Let me show you what it means to be mine."
Vincent, the ancient one, stands apart, his presence commanding. His amber eyes glow with a depth of emotion, centuries of experience written in their depths. He steps closer, his large, tattooed hands resting on my shoulders. "You are the light in my darkness," he says, his voice a gravelly whisper. "Let me worship you."
James, the King of Kings, watches from the edge of the pool, his green eyes piercing. His dominance is palpable, his need to claim and protect overwhelming. But when he speaks, his voice is gentle, a stark contrast to his fierce exterior. "You are mine, Avery," he says, his words a promise. "And I will remind you of that, over and over again."
Jace, the gentle soul, approaches with hesitation, his violet eyes filled with adoration. His slender frame trembles slightly, but his resolve is clear. "May I?" he asks, his voice soft, his fingers reaching out to brush my hair back. "I want to please you, to be a part of this."
Draven, the warlock, stands beside Jace, his dark eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. "And I want to watch," he says, his voice a purr. "To see you fall apart under their touch, to see you come alive."
Rory, the bold yet submissive werewolf, steps forward, her thin frame belying her strength. Her eyes, bold and curious, meet mine, and I see the desire there, the need to be a part of something greater. "Teach me," she says, her voice steady. "Show me what it means to surrender."
The air crackles with anticipation as my mates surround me, their desires intertwining, their needs merging into one. Cassius takes the lead, his hands firm on my hips, guiding me toward the water's edge. Clint and Conner flank me, their fingers tracing patterns on my skin, their touches sending sparks of pleasure through my body.
Donn moves behind me, his hands sliding down my back, his lips brushing my neck. His touch is electric, his presence a dark, intoxicating force. Vincent kneels before me, his hands cupping my face, his thumbs brushing my cheeks. "You are my queen," he murmurs, his voice a reverent whisper. "Let me show you what that means."