18. Evelyn
18
Evelyn
I had been looking forward to sleeping in for the rest of the holiday break. My extra credit class was pretty easy, focused on a project Adrien and I had to submit by the beginning of the new semester. Fortunately, I didn’t have to sit in a class taught by Lucien—at least not yet. And with Chad being away, there were no early morning wake-up calls for training, either.
I could finally sleep in.
But no—Alister had workers coming in, and the construction noise made it impossible.
Apparently, it was a surprise that would finally be revealed tonight. Alister had planned something special for all of us and insisted we dress up for the occasion.
As I descended the grand staircase later that night, the fabric of my dress rustling softly with each step, I noticed Chad and Ryker standing by the front door. I could feel the weight of their stares as I blushed, my cheeks growing warm.
Chad’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he reached out and fondled the nipple imprint on the large front door, giving me a playful wink.
“Really, Chad?” I raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a grin.
Ryker rolled his eyes, his mouth curving into a rare, almost reluctant smile. “He’s been waiting for you to come down just to do that.”
Chad rushed to me and picked me up, twirling me in his arms.
“Put me down, Fred Astaire, before you make me nauseous.” I giggled.
His hand moved to my waist, resting there. My stomach did a little flip, and it had nothing to do with the twirl and everything to do with Chad’s proximity. I could feel the wave of heat radiating from his body.
His eyes sparkled. “How are you, little witch?” he asked, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages. I need to step up my bodyguard duties.” His breath was warm against my cheek.
“It’s only been a few days,” I muttered, too focused on his fingers that had found their way to my bare back, sending a cascade of sparks down my body.
Ryker cleared his throat and stepped forward. “My turn,” he growled, giving me a big hug, his large arms engulfing me. He leaned forward nuzzling his face in my neck.
He was just so big; he swallowed me whole…and I wasn’t complaining.
I should be.
Something was very wrong with me.
Or very right?
No, definitely wrong.
Maybe?
Alister was my Fated Mate.
I should not be feeling like this about anyone else.
Bad mate , I chastised myself as guilt encompassed me.
We walked to the grand living room where Alister, Lucien, and Rafe were already waiting, looking like they’d stepped out of a supernatural GQ magazine, with champagne flutes in hand.
I trailed my eyes over the guys, feeling like a kid in a candy store. They all looked drool-worthy in their outfits. And tonight, they were all mine.
Wait, what? I mean…tonight I’m all theirs.
No, that doesn’t sound right either.
Tonight…we’re all here.
Together.
In fancy clothes.
Goddess!
Alister stood beside them, giving me a strange look, probably because I looked like I was about to spontaneously combust. He offered me a glass of champagne, which I gulped down, hoping the bubbles might clear my head.
They didn’t.
All the guys were staring.
“Thirsty!” I exclaimed, feeling flushed.
They were still staring.
Did I manifest another power?
Goddess, did I just sprout horns or something?
I panicked, patting the top of my head like I was playing a game of whack-a-mole.
No horns.
Crisis averted.
They were still staring.
Their intense gazes made me think about the dream I had last night. They might have been naked.
Okay, they were.
Alister smirked.
Wait. Can he hear my thoughts because of the mate bond?
CAN YOU HEAR ME? I thought loudly in my mind, staring at Alister like I was trying to move objects with it.
He raised his eyebrows.
Was that a yes or a no?
“What’s wrong with her?” Lucien asked. “Is she drunk?”
Alister chuckled. “No, that was her first drink of the night.”
“I’m not drunk,” I said indignantly. “And I’m right here.”
“Why are you acting so strange?” Rafe asked, looking concerned.
I shrugged. “You were all looking at me.”
“That’s because you look fucking hot, little witch, and everyone here is imagining f—”
Ryker whacked Chad on the back of the head, and Alister cleared his throat. “Evelyn, you look amazing tonight,” he said.
“Oh, uh. Thanks?” I stammered, feeling flushed.
“Now,” Alister said, his eyes brimming with excitement. “I have something to show you all.”
We trailed behind him through one of the mansion’s opulent wings until we reached a pair of imposing double doors.
With a flourish, Alister pushed them open.
“Since we often meet and need a place to strategize,” he began, “I thought I’d create a special room for all of us.”
The room was magnificent—a luxurious haven of comfort and style that seemed to have been catered to our every desire and specific needs.
Large computer screens lined one wall, next to an array of gaming consoles and plush sofas. There was even a reclining chair that looked large enough to fit Ryker. A massive table stood at the other end with boards for discussion and planning, along with a minibar, fridge, and snacks. The walls were painted a dark black, creating an ambiance that was both luxurious and elegant, like everything else in this mansion. But what I loved most was a special corner that seemed made just for me. Wildflowers were painted on the wall as though they had sprung from the darkness, covering the nook in a burst of pastel color. Books lined the shelves, looking like my entire Tbr list brought to life. A comfy armchair sat invitingly nearby, draped with a soft throw, beckoning me to settle in.
Chad practically bounced with enthusiasm. “This is awesome! We can strategize and play Call of Duty !”
Ryker’s eyes scanned the room approvingly. “I like it.”
Lucien took a sip of his champagne. “Efficient.”
Rafe’s eyes softened as he surveyed the space. “It’s perfect.”
I turned to Alister, who looked rather pleased with himself. “You really went all out. I love it. Thank you.”
“Only the best for our group,” he replied simply, but his smile widened as he took in our reactions.
Chad darted to one of the gaming consoles. “Who’s up for a match?”
“Not yet.” Alister cleared his throat, capturing our attention. “Since it’s Christmas, I have a special gift for you, my little phoenix.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Another surprise? Aside from Yule, I’ve never really celebrated the holidays.”
“I haven’t celebrated it in a very long time. But maybe it’s a tradition we can start again?” he probed as he walked away and motioned for us to follow him.
We trailed behind him down a narrow hallway that led to the basement. The air grew cooler with each step, the scent of aged wood and faint hints of sage lingering in the air.
“Are we about to uncover Alister’s collection of preserved human hearts?” Chad joked.
Ryker raised an eyebrow, and I couldn’t help but grimace. Lucien frowned, and we all looked at Alister, curious.
A small smile slipped across his lips, but he said nothing to deny Chad’s joke.
When we reached the vaults, Alister pulled open a massive steel door, revealing an array of jewels inside—magnificent, opulent pieces that sparkled under the dim light. Some of them were clearly ancient and worth a small fortune.
“These are all yours,” Alister announced, his voice echoing softly in the vast chamber. “You can have them all. Choose one to wear tonight if you wish.”
My eyes roamed over the glittering treasures. “This is too much,” I said. “You don’t need to shower me with gifts.”
But then something caught my eye—a sword mounted on the far wall. It looked ordinary, yet to me, it was exquisite. Drawn to it, I walked towards the sword as if in a trance. My fingers wrapped around its handle naturally, and a surge of energy flowed through me as I lifted it.
“This is what I want,” I declared.
The sword felt like an extension of myself as I began to swing it, my movements fluid and precise. It was as if I’d been wielding it my entire life—natural, beautiful, powerful.
“Interesting,” Alister murmured from behind me. “That sword belonged to my best friend, the greatest female warrior I’ve ever met, and the witch I told you about…your great-great-great-grandmother.”
I paused mid-swing and turned to face him, processing his words. “What?”
My fingers gripped the sword’s hilt tightly. “Calla?” I asked, my heart pounding. “This was hers?”
He met my eye, his expression softening. “Yes.”.
“Okay, just to be clear. She was your friend, right? You weren’t lovers or anything?” I cringed at the thought.
“Just friends,” he assured.
“So you’re not my great-great-great-grandfather then!” Relief washed over me. The idea of him being related would have been…disturbing, to say the least.
“We’re not related,” he said with a slight smile.
“Good to know,” I replied, my grip on the sword relaxing slightly. “How did you meet her exactly?”
Alister’s eyes softened with a hint of nostalgia. “I met her when she was pretending to be a man, a soldier. She went by many names, but I knew her as Calla. She was secretive, and I knew little about her past other than she had been exiled from her coven. Her swordsmanship was exemplary, and she soon became renowned for her bravery and skill in battle.”
This beautiful sword in my hand represented a connection to my lineage, another piece of the puzzle that was unraveling and somehow now made me feel more whole.
Rafe stepped forward, his eyes alight with interest. “I can help you train,” he offered. “I took extensive sword training courses, which is one reason I have the Seraphim sword now.”
The thought of Rafe teaching me was comforting. He always had a calming presence, and I needed that more than ever.
I nodded eagerly. “That would be amazing, Rafe.”
As we made our way back upstairs for dinner, the sword never left my hand. It felt like a part of me now—an extension of my soul.
Chad nudged me playfully. “Looks like you’ve found your Excalibur.”
Alister led us into the dining room, where a lavish feast awaited. The scents of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread filled the air, making my stomach rumble despite my eagerness to practice with my sword.
I placed it carefully on the table beside me, reluctant to let it out of sight even for a moment. Lucien glanced at it with curiosity but said nothing as he took his seat across from me. Rafe sat next to me, his eyes flickering between the sword and my face.
“Tomorrow morning,” he said softly, “we can start your training.”
“Can’t wait,” I replied between bites of roasted turkey.
Alister reached for an elegantly wrapped package behind his chair and handed it to me.
“From all of us,” he said.
The paper was glossy black, tied with a silver ribbon that sparkled under the room’s low lights.
I frowned. “I didn’t know we were doing gifts. I didn’t get you guys anything.”
“This is more for us than for you, trust me. It’s for you to wear, especially when you’re in public and feel like letting your flames loose.”
I opened the box eagerly to reveal black leggings and a matching top.
“It’s made out of fire-resistant material,” Rafe added.
“But feel free not to wear it when it’s just us,” Chad grinned. “I like looking at my naked little witch.”
Ryker grunted, his eyes narrowing. “Only with us.”
Chad’s grin widened. “Exactly! We get the exclusive show. Lucky us, right?” He winked at me.
“Some of us are trying to eat here,” Lucien muttered, but his eyes flicked briefly to me before focusing back on his plate.
Alister cleared his throat, his voice smooth but with a slight sharpness. “Perhaps we could discuss something other than my wife’s state of undress?”
“Careful, Alister,” Lucien said. “Your possessiveness is showing.”
“Do I get a say in this? You do realize I’m right here, right?”
“No, you get no say,” Chad chimed in.
I rolled my eyes and gave them an amused look. “There’s plenty of me to go around. Clothed, that is.”
Chad whined. “Aww, that’s no fun.”
Rafe’s cheeks colored slightly, but he offered a small smile. “The gift is practical, at least.”
“Thank you, this is thoughtful,” I said, appreciating this new tradition Alister wanted to start.
Who could say no to gifts? Especially practical ones.
Alister raised his glass in a toast. “To new friendships.”
The room echoed with clinks of glasses and murmurs of agreement as we ate. I was eager to see how my new skill would fare, but for now, all that mattered was this moment—the warmth of my newfound family around me and the cold steel of heritage resting beside me.