Chapter Seventy
While the boys were out being run ragged by Auron, Mark, and Wulph, the cabin had taken on an entirely different energy.
Elena and Remy had transformed the living room into a cozy spa retreat — soft blankets draped over chairs, bowls of warm water for soaking feet, scented oils and lotions lined neatly on the coffee table. The fire crackled low in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the room.
Avery sat cross-legged on a plush cushion, her hair damp from a hot shower, while Molly lounged beside her with a mug of herbal tea.
Remy, perched on the arm of a chair, was speaking with the calm authority of someone who had seen generations of supernatural relationships play out. “You need to understand, Avery — the male population in our society… they’re wired differently. Possessiveness isn’t always about ownership. Sometimes it’s about protection, about instinct. It can look the same, but the intent matters.”
Molly nodded, adding her own perspective. “I grew up with it. It’s not always easy, but it’s part of the dynamic. They don’t see you as a possession — but they will be possessive. Jealous, even controlling at times. The trick is knowing when it’s coming from love and when it’s crossing a line. And with your bond… the connection and love you share is what matters most.”
Avery listened, quiet, letting the words settle. She realized there were things she needed to work on too — letting go of the reflex to see every flare of jealousy as a threat, and accepting that some of it was simply part of who her mates were.
The conversation kept circling back to her role — not just in the relationship, but in the wider world.
Molly leaned forward, her voice steady. “You’re the head of this group, Avery. The glue. You’re the one who drew all of your mates to you. And with your power, your place in the prophecy… you’re almost more important than all the royal families combined. That’s not just about strength — it’s about who you are.”
Avery’s throat tightened, but she didn’t look away. She knew Molly was right.
The evening was quiet, gentle, and illuminating. They soaked their feet, massaged tired muscles, and let the fire’s warmth wrap around them. For once, Avery didn’t feel the need to be on guard — she could just be.
When Remy’s phone buzzed, she stepped aside to answer. Auron’s voice came through, low and amused. “Coast clear to bring the boys home?”
Remy glanced at Avery, who smirked. “Yes,” she said, “but they need to apologize when they get back. If they don’t… they know where they can sleep.”
Remy relayed the message, her grin matching Avery’s.
The front door opened quietly, the cool night air slipping into the cabin ahead of the three men. They stepped inside with the careful tread of warriors returning from battle — not the course this time, but the harder fight of swallowing pride and learning from their mistakes.
Avery and Molly were curled together on the couch, the soft glow of the fire painting them in gold. Remy and Elena sat nearby, mugs in hand, the room still carrying the faint scent of lavender from the earlier spa night.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Riven stepped forward. He stopped in front of Avery, his voice low but steady. “I’m sorry,” he said. “For earlier. For letting instinct get ahead of trust. I’ll work to be a better mate — for both of you.”
He reached for her hand, then Molly’s, and gently pulled them into his arms. The embrace was warm, grounding, and without hesitation, Kael and Lucien joined, their arms folding around the three of them until they were one tight knot of bodies and heartbeats.
Avery didn’t resist. She let herself sink into the circle, feeling the sincerity in the way they held her — not to claim, but to anchor.
Across the room, Auron moved to Remy’s side, leaning down to murmur something that made her smile. Mark crossed to Elena, their heads bending together in quiet conversation, both couples exchanging knowing glances as they watched the five mates.
It was clear to everyone in the room — the lesson had landed.
Avery finally pulled back just enough to meet each of their eyes. “Apology accepted,” she said softly. “Now let’s go to bed.” The words carried more than one meaning, and the answering looks from her mates told her they understood.
They moved together down the hall, the earlier tension replaced by a quiet, humming anticipation. Promises were exchanged in touches and glances — not rushed, but certain.
That night, the room was filled with renewed passion and connection, the bonds between them woven tighter than before. Whatever challenges came next, they would face them as one.