thorn in my side

”You did, but you still deserve my appreciation.” She started softly, still feeling around uncertainly as she waded back into him. ”It means a lot to have had you here for this.” Her confident gaze was lowered and much more timid than she would have let anyone else see. She’d left herself exposed to him last time and he’d turned her away, part of her wanted to hide behind the mask the pack had to see. Venom could never show her weaknesses unless she trusted the one she showed them completely, and she’d broken that rule with Azure already.

His reaction to her discomfort brought her more amusement than she realized, and without thinking she let out laughter to reflect that fact. Tension forgotten the newly crowned Empress found Azure’s gaze as the impish smile played over her features. ”Only if it happens again.” She wouldn’t be offended like that again. ”You could do something for me though.” Venom made an attempt to approach further, wanting too bad to reconnect with the young Warlord. She gestured to the side of her that had been injured and offering up the bent quill. ”Nip it, pull it. Get rid of it.” She pulled away only slightly before adding, ”Try to be gentle.”