Astrid's eyes widened momentarily, a flicker of realization crossing her features. She couldn't reveal the truth to Phoenix yet. She composed herself, masking any unease behind a relaxed facade."Dexter did mention that Blaze taught him to cook," Astrid answers smoothly as she redirected the conversation to safer grounds. "Yeah. He taught me most of the dishes I know, but the one I'm going to be preparing today was taught to me by my mother. And in turn, I passed it on to Blaze and Dexter," he adds, a hint of pride coloring his voice."Wow, that's spectacular." "What are you planning to cook?" she asks, her interest evident in her tone.Phoenix's face lit up with enthusiasm. "I'm contemplating making Nigerian fried rice and jollof rice," he replies. Astrid's jaw drops with excitement. "You're from Nigerian descent! I've always wanted to try their food. I've heard it's amazing, especially jollof rice. It's legendary. And fried rice too? This will be a feast!" she screams, her voice
Phoenix prepared barbecued catfish as the appetizer, baking it in the oven for a succulent outcome. Presenting it, he placed the fish fillet at the center of a pristine plate, surrounded by sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce leaves, drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing and sprinkled with parsley.For the main dish, Phoenix displayed his culinary artistry by shaping rice into a cube, one side featuring fried rice and the other jollof rice. Beneath the rice, he arranged a fresh salad with plantain pieces and two succulent pieces of turkeys. For dessert, Phoenix served a creamy banana and pineapple smoothie in a transparent glass cup with a dome cover. A slice of ripe banana and fresh pineapple adorned the top.As Phoenix prepared to serve the feast, Astrid eagerly joined him, helping to arrange the dishes on the dining table.At the center of the table, three gleaming domes took their place, flanked by two refreshing smoothies and a glass jar for refills. A selection of wi
Phoenix placed his fingers on his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall a distant memory. "Do you believe me now? Your mother looks incredibly familiar. I'm sure I've seen her somewhere before, but I just can't pinpoint where." Astrid's heart raced, her eyes widening as she gazed at him with growing apprehension. "Maybe you just think she looks like someone you know," she offers, her voice tight with anxiety. "It happens all the time. People often resemble each other." Phoenix shook his head slowly, clearly unconvinced. "No, it's more than that. It's not just a resemblance. I sense that there's a connection, something significant that I just can't put my finger on. It's like a memory that's right on the edge of my mind." Astrid swallowed hard, trying to keep her composure. "I suppose it's possible," she utters, her voice trembling slightly. "Maybe she attended some events or places that you might have been to as well. It's a small world, after all." Phoeni
Phoenix chuckles. "Yep. Blaze told me that Dexter once tried to make spaghetti and somehow ended up with noodles stuck to the ceiling. And there was the infamous chili incident, where he didn't realize the importance of balancing spices. The result was so fiery, even Blaze couldn't handle it."Astrid covered her mouth, laughing. "I can't imagine Dexter admitting to any of that.""Well, he doesn't. He loves to pretend he's always been perfect in the kitchen. But whenever he gets too smug, Blaze and I remind him of his 'learning phase.' It usually shuts him up pretty quick."Astrid giggles, picturing Dexter's embarrassed reaction. "I bet it does.""And it's a good reminder that everyone starts somewhere. Even Dexter had to go through his share of burnt dishes and culinary catastrophes to get where he is now.""It sounds like you all have countless great memories together, even if they involve a few kitchen disasters."Phoenix beams, his eyes reflecting the fondness he felt for his frien
"What about your own weirdness, Phoenix?" she asks, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "You can't be surrounded by all that and not have a few quirks of your own." Phoenix paused, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Oh, I've got my fair share of weirdness, believe me," he admits. "For one, I have this bizarre habit of sleep-cooking. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and start making elaborate meals. It's not unusual for Dexter or Blaze to find me in the kitchen at 3 a.m., halfway through a soufflé." "Once, I made a five-layer cake at 3 AM. Didn't even remember doing it until I found the kitchen covered in flour the next morning." Astrid laughs, eyes wide with surprise. "Sleep-cooking? That's next level! What do you do with all the food you make?" "Usually, Blaze and Dexter eat it. When they are not around, I just give it to Titan and Ember and the others," Phoenix says, laughing. "They've learned to expect midnight snacks. Though, Dexter once found me trying to make s
"You mentioned that you nearly faced death twice before your ascension. How did that happen?" Astrid questions, her eyes wide with curiosity.Phoenix hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with the memories of those perilous times. The room seemed to grow quieter, as if the very air held its breath, waiting for his story."It's alright if you would rather not tell me about it," Astrid adds gently, sensing his reluctance."No, I do want to tell you," Phoenix answers, his voice steadying. "After all, it's an integral part of my journey, a testament to the trials that shaped me.""The first time was just an hour after Blaze and Dexter had rescued me. I was still reeling from the initial shock of being saved, and getting to know my new companions better, when danger struck again.""Apparently, Cade had anticipated the possibility of my survival and had devised a contingency plan for such an eventuality. It seemed he had considered every angle, preparing for the off chance that I migh
"Glad to have you back, Phoenix," Dexter exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine relief and joy. Phoenix blinked in surprise, his eyes wide with disbelief. "How is this possible? I feel completely fine. A healer wouldn't be able to completely heal damage that extensive.""I'm no ordinary healer," Blaze said simply. Overcome with euphoria and gratitude, Phoenix moved to hug Blaze tightly. "Thank you so much, Blaze." Blaze stiffened slightly at the unexpected embrace, a flood of mixed feelings washing over him. As Phoenix held on, Blaze instinctively raised his hand to pat his back, but stopped just before making contact, his fingers hovering awkwardly.Feigning discomfort, Blaze grunted, "Careful, Phoenix. You're pressing on my wound."Phoenix immediately pulled back, worry etched across his face. "I'm sorry, Blaze! I didn't mean to—"Blaze chuckled, shaking his head. "Don’t worry about it. Just glad you’re okay," he said, a rare softness in his eyes betraying the tough exterior he
Blaze's gaze turned sharp as he appraised Phoenix from head to toe. "You've got little to no muscle mass," he began, his tone blunt and unapologetic. "If you want to earn a place under my wings, you're going to have to build those muscles. "Your martial arts skills are decent, but they're far from exceptional. I don't accept weaklings, you have to be as tough as forged steel. My sisters, for instance, are absolute badasses. I'm confident they could knock you out without breaking a sweat.""Is he always this brutally honest?" Phoenix mused aloud, the corners of his lips twitching with a wry smile. "It stings a bit, I won't lie, but I suppose there's a certain respectability in his unfiltered candor."Dexter, who had been watching the exchange with a smirk, nodded. "Yes, he always says what's on his mind. But that's how you know he's being honest with you.""You've barely scratched the surface of what it means to be under my tutelage," Blaze remarked, his tone a blend of authority and
Blaze's thoughts churned as he held her, trying to sort through the jumble of feelings her words had stirred up. A part of him wanted to feel jealous, to resent the man she was grieving for, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. How could he be jealous of someone who had shown her kindness, who had treated her with the care and respect she deserved? The relief he felt was stronger than any jealousy—relief that someone had cared for her, had made her feel safe, even if it was only for a short time.He tightened his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead as her tears dampened his chest. Her pain was raw, palpable, and it tore at him to see her like this. He wanted to be her rock, her safe harbor in the storm of emotions she was enduring."Astrid," he murmurs, his voice rough with the agony he was trying to keep in check, "You didn't cause his death. You can't keep carrying that guilt around like a weight on your shoulders. He wouldn't want you to blame yourself, not for a se
Astrid nods slowly, her expression thoughtful. But then, as if a switch had been flipped, her demeanor shifted. Her eyes sparkled with renewed enthusiasm as she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, a kittenish smile tugging at her lips. "Alright, I get it, you're all emotional and everything," she teases, "But I've got to say, I'm still dying to hear about your weird sex life. You've got me curious now. How did you go from awkward first-timer to a seasoned pro? Spill the details!" Blaze chuckles, shaking his head in disbelief at her sudden change in tone. "I should've known you'd circle back to that," he utters, a smirk playing on his lips. "Alright, where do I even start? It's a wild story, and trust me, you're going to want to get comfortable for this one.""Oh, I'm ready! Don't hold back on me now," she mumbles, her excitement barely contained. "Spill the beans, Blaze. I need to know how you became the sex god you are today. I want all the juicy details!"Blaze chuc
Astrid howls with amusement, clutching her sides as she imagined the scenario. "It's funny and somehow endearing in the weirdest, most inappropriate way. I mean, who else would take on the mission of ensuring his best friend didn't reach the ripe old age of forty-five without at least one scandalous story to his name? It's kind of touching, in a way. Twisted, but touching."Blaze grins, nodding in agreement. "He was nothing if not thorough. He kept pestering me with questions—'How was it? Did you go for the classic moves, or did you get creative?' It was like he wanted a play-by-play analysis.""Well, you should be counting your blessings that he didn't bust down the door mid-action, clipboard in hand, to make sure you were aiming for the right hole," Astrid quips, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Can you imagine? 'No, no, Blaze! A little to the left—there you go, that's the spot! Now, remember, slow and steady wins the race!'"She chuckles, her laughter bubbling over as she painted
"But oh no, Dexter didn't stop there. He's got that cocky grin on his face, and suddenly, he's giving me a full-blown anatomy lesson. He gets all dramatic, using his hands for emphasis. 'You know, Blaze,' he says, 'it's the one smack in the middle! You can't miss it. Just south of her belly button, between the legs, like… bingo! Right there! It's like parking a car—front row, VIP access!'"Blaze couldn't help but laugh, mimicking Dexter's wild hand gestures as Astrid burst into giggles beside him. "And then—oh, it gets better—he leans even closer, like we're plotting a heist or something, and goes, 'Now listen carefully, my friend, because this is crucial. If you find yourself at the back door, you've gone too far. You're gonna need to make a quick U-turn and head back up north. Don't let her catch you wandering off into uncharted territory!'"Astrid nearly doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach as she imagined the absurd scene. "Oh my god, I can't!" she gasps between giggl
Blaze felt a carnal grin spread across his lips as he gazed down at her, the fire in her words igniting something deep within him. He admired her boldness, her unyielding determination, and the way she made her intentions crystal clear. "You certainly know how to make a compelling argument," he replies, his voice a rich, velvety drawl that hinted at the dangerous game she was playing. "But let me make something perfectly clear, Astrid. What you're asking for is more than just a fleeting desire. It's a fire that, once kindled, won't easily be extinguished. "And you might find that handling all of me—handling us—is more than you bargained for. Just remember, once you cross this line, there's no going back. Are you truly ready to face the heat, to take on everything that comes with it?" His breath was warm against her skin, his words a tantalizing mix of promise and warning. He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze again, waiting, watching for her response, a dark anticipation
Astrid's moans were muffled against the sheets, her body trembling beneath him as his raw power overtook her. She loved the way he took control and every rough thrust only sent her deeper into a whirlwind of ecstasy as she came again and again, her body unable to stop the wave of orgasms crashing over her. "Fuck… I'm gonna cum," he grunts, his balls tightened, his body tensing as his cock swelled inside her, the familiar pressure building deep within him as his release approached. With one final, deep thrust, he buried himself to the hilt, his cock throbbing as he spilled his seed into her in hot, pulsing waves. Astrid screamed as she felt him fill her, her orgasm hitting her hard as his cock pressed against her cervix. Their combined juices mixed, dripping down her thighs and onto the bed, the sensation leaving her shuddering and breathless. Blaze grins, his hand coming down to deliver a sharp slap to her ass. "Look at you," he utters in a low, dirty whisper, watching his cum drip
"Oh, Blaze," she gasps, dragging her nails down his chest as her body continued to move over him. "Your cock, it's mine. I own it." Blaze groaned, the sensation of her squeezing him so tightly making his muscles tense with barely contained need. Her pussy was so warm, so wet, every thrust sending jolts of delight through him that made him clench his jaw. His hands gripped her hips tighter, trying to pull her down harder, but she resisted, keeping the pace slow and torturous. "Kitty, you're driving me fucking crazy…" Astrid's moans grew louder as she felt him throbbing inside her, the ridges of his cock rubbing against her inner walls, making her body tremble. "I want you to feel every inch of me." Her lips brushed against his ear as her hips rocked forward again, pushing him deeper into her slick heat with a force that made Blaze's cock swell even harder inside her. "I want you to know you're mine. That no one else can make you feel this way." "You're fucking perfect," he rumbles,
Blaze let out a deep, primal howl, his chest heaving as he pressed the swollen head of his cock against Astrid's slick entrance. Slowly, he dragged the sensitive tip through her drenched folds, causing her wetness to spread across his shaft. "Damn, you're so wet for me… so tight, so ready," Blaze taunts, his voice thick with lechery. "Your pussy is begging for me to fill it, isn't it?" His eyes darkened with lust as he hovered at her entrance, hardly slipping the tip inside her before pulling back. He repeated the motion, sliding only half an inch into her heat, giving her just a taste of what she craved, the tantalizing stretch making both of them groan. Blaze continues with an excruciatingly slow rhythm, thrusting shallowly, his hips barely moving as his cock teased her entrance, never quite filling her completely. "You like that, don't you? The way I play with you? Making you want it so bad you can't even think straight…" His voice was a dark, sinful whisper as he kept up the sl
Blaze loved the way her body felt pressed against his, her wetness seeping through her panties, drenching his boxers, making him feel how badly she wanted him. The teasing—how she moved just enough to drive him to the edge without giving him what he truly needed—was a sweet kind of torment. It made his skin tingle, his heart race, and his cock throb harder with every pass of her hips.Astrid leans in close, her lips barely grazing Blaze's ear as her breath came out in hot, uneven waves. "You feel so fucking good, Blaze," she purrs, her words dripping with lust as her hips began to grind harder against him. "You're so hard for me… I can feel how much you want me, how badly you need me."With a lascivious gleam in her eyes, she shifted slightly, her fingers sliding down between their bodies, slipping under the waistband of Blaze's boxers. Slowly, she pulled them down, her heart pounding in anticipation as his thick, swollen cock sprang free. Her breath hitched at the sight of it, her e