Chapter 56: Surprised by Three Mates

Alexei POV

I watched my mate sleep peacefully next to me. She’d been tossing and turning all night, mumbling words I couldn’t understand and making faces of worry and anguish.

Alastair lay lazily behind her, his mouth wide open. Klaus’s arm was draped across Alastair’s forehead and his fingers were tangled in April's hair. Light snores and deep breaths are all I hear besides the occasional whimper from April.

I haven’t been able to close my eyes for longer than a second all night. My mind racing a million miles per minute, worrying constantly about everything. Wondering what my love dreams about, what’s making her so.. pained.

I’ve also noticed a lot more lately that she’s been blocking us out through the bond. I haven’t been able to read her emotions most of the time and it’s truly upsetting. Is she afraid to let feel it with her? I know she’s still shaken over Riley.. she just won’t talk about it, and if we try to push she’ll just put up a wall.

April jerked and her eyes shot open, she was breathing heavily and holding the blanket tightly in her hands.

“Are you okay?” I mind linked. The guys are far too deep into sleep to have noticed. But I didn’t want to bother them with our talking.

“Y-yes.” She replied quickly. I could tell she didn’t even believe it herself.

“Don’t lie, I’ve been watching you. What were you dreaming about?” I asked. She closed her eyes and sighed.

“Did I do the right thing by giving Josephine the dagger?” She asked. I grabbed her shaking hand in mine and held it tightly.

“The swear spell can’t be broken. You know this as much as I do. If she tries to betray you for even a split second, the spell will kill her. There are no loopholes. I think you did the right thing. And so does Klaus and Alastair.” I said.

She pulled my shirt and I moved closer. I scooted my arm under her head and held her tight. I tried so hard to get Klaus’s fingers out of her hair but I’m he just had the tightest grip on it.

“Are Klaus’s fingers tangled in my hair?” She asked. I held back a laugh as I replied.

“Yes,” I said. She shook her head and looked up at me. Gods, she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. Thank you, my sweet Sylvie.

“I love you,” April said softly.

“I love you too.” I leaned down and pressed my lips against hers. So soft and warm.. if I don’t stop, I won’t be able to. And then, that will wake the others.

“Let’s try to get some more sleep,” I said as I pecked her lips one last time. She nodded her head and nuzzled up against me. Yes, now.. now I can sleep.

•••••••••••••••••••••

“Lord Baylard, I’d like you to meet my brothers Klaus and Alastair, along with our beautiful mate, April,” I said. Before they are named Kings and Queen of the vampires, it is tradition that we have a formal introduction ceremony with the lords.

“Oh! I thought I’d heard my driver wrong. The Princess really does have three mates. What a peculiar thing! It is an honor to meet you all!” Baylard said. Baylards' mate is a wolf, so he’s more open-minded than most vampires.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Baylard,” Alastair said. Baylard held his hand out and Alastair grabbed it.

“Ahh, they are wonderful!” Baylard shook Klaus’s hand next, then kissed Aprils.

“They truly are,” I said with a smile. I have brothers I’ve never had.. they treat me as one of their own, even if we do argue over food constantly. And April, oh man. She’s beyond wonderful.

Lord Baylard’s mate, Wren, came up and immediately took a liking to them. Wren is a very kind-hearted wolf, outgoing, and obsessed with fashion.

“Have you met Sir Francis, yet? He’s such a fine tailor. You both have bodies that would just look fabulous in his work. And you, my dear? I cannot with your hair. I am so living for this streak! It doesn’t look dyed.. is it natural?” Wren talks so fast that it usually takes me a moment to realize what she’s even said.

“Yeah, I uh.. I definitely didn’t bleach it. It just kinda.. appeared.” April said nervously.

“Oh, yes! See, honey. I told you! I knew I was right, rumors like that don’t just come from nowhere.” Wren said. Oh, here we go.

“Wren, if it is true it’s a sensitive subject.. so maybe don’t talk about it?” Lord baylard said. Have they never heard of the amazing thing called mind link?

“Are you really a phoenix?” Wren asked bluntly. April was at a loss for words and just stared blankly at Wren.

“Wren, come on stop. I’m sorry, my King.. she’s just.. you know how she is. She speaks her mind and it’s a curse.” Baylard looked at me warily.

“It is fine. I..” April stammered.

“I’m sorry. Baylard’s right. I’m so sorry. I’m just so nosey but I promise I only mean well. I’m just interested because I’ve read about phoenixes, and they are very powerful creatures according to the lore. I could give you some books I have on them if you’re interested.. is all.” Wren said the last bit quietly. That’s actually not a bad idea.

“That would be very nice. Thank you.” April shifted uncomfortably on her feet.

“Baylard and I will leave you guys. I’m sorry if I upset you in any way. I will have those books to you as soon as possible.” Wren smiled really big before taking off Baylard.

“She is..” Alastair said.

“A bit..” Klaus said.

“I like her,” April said.

“You do?” Klaus, Alastair, and I said in unison.