Chapter 15: The King Returns
Violet stirred awake to the soft glow of her phone screen piercing the dim morning light. Her heart leaped as Fernando’s message illuminated the display: “I have located you and I’m on my way.” “Yay!” The sound echoed off the castle’s ancient stone walls just as Sergey glided into the room, his dark silk robe trailing behind him.
“So you are going home, I take it?” His velvet voice carried a hint of sadness. “Yes,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Sergey’s cool fingers brushed against her cheek as he swept aside her soft hair. “I’m sad to see you go, my dear.” His lips found hers, tasting of sweet wine.
The thunderous pounding at the door shattered their moment. Heavy footsteps echoed through the corridors as Jared, Sergey’s apprentice, admitted their visitor. Fernando burst into the bedroom like an avenging angel, his golden eyes blazing with fury and relief. Violet flew into his arms, her body molding against his familiar warmth. Their kisses were desperate, frantic things, peppered across cheeks and lips like falling stars.
“We are leaving now,” Fernando commanded, his voice sharp as steel.
“Don’t I get a thank you for keeping her safe?” His words dripped with calculated charm. Fernando’s response was immediate and cutting: “You mean kidnapping?” The vampire’s pale lips curved into a defensive smile. “There was a blood bath going on. She could have died.”
“You just took her to drink her blood.”
“No,” Sergey’s voice softened, vulnerability creeping in. “I fell in love with her at first sight.”
Violet turned to Sergey, her heart heavy with bittersweet gratitude. She pressed a gentle kiss to his cold cheek. “I love you too. I’m grateful for you rescuing me, but my life is with my Fae.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way, my dear. I hope I see you again someday.” His final kiss tasted of farewell and regret. Fernando’s jaw clenched, jealousy radiating from him in waves. “I hope so too,” Violet whispered.
As Violet stepped outside waiting with open arms, stood Terri and Ribero. Her heart leaped at the sight of them, a joyful cry escaping her lips as she ran forward. Terri caught her in a whirlwind embrace, his laughter a deep rumble against her ear. ”My cutie pie!” he exclaimed, his lips finding hers with a fervent hunger.
She melted into the kiss, savoring the taste of him—sweet and familiar, like sugar cookies fresh from the oven. Her fingertips traced the line of his jaw, committing every detail to memory. Terri’s touch was electric, each caress igniting sparks that danced along her skin.
Ribero’s voice, low and teasing, cut through the haze of warmth. “Okay, my turn.” With a reluctant smile, Terri released her, setting her down gently. Ribero’s lips brushed against her neck in a trail of featherlight kisses, drawing a soft moan from her lips. “Let’s get home and rest,” he murmured, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “Well, maybe not rest.”
As they settled into Fernando’s sleek, black car, the comforting scent of leather and sandalwood enveloped them. Violet nestled against Fernando, their fingers entwined in a silent promise.
“So, did you and Dracula make…” Terri began, a wicked grin spreading across his face.
“Shut up, Terri!” Fernando barked, a crimson flush creeping up Violet’s cheeks. “No, we didn’t,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Did he drink your blood?” Ribero’s question hung heavy in the air, her silence speaking volumes.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” Ribero reassured her, his touch gentle as he squeezed her hand. “He held you against your will. It isn’t your fault.”
“I should tell you we are going home and not to the club. Not everyone made it, I’m afraid.” Her heart clenched at the sorrow in Fernando’s voice. “I’m so sorry, baby. Yoshi didn’t survive.” The news hit her like a physical blow, and she curled up, her sobs echoing within the confined space of the car. Terri’s hand reached across the seat, rubbing her back in soothing circles.
The journey home was a blur of tears and whispered condolences, and by the time they arrived, exhaustion weighed heavily on her limbs. Fernando lifted her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest as they entered their sanctuary. Inside, Ribero led the way, unlocking the door with a quiet click. The familiar smell of home—of comfort and safety—welcomed them.
He laid her gently on the plush couch, tucking a soft blanket around her trembling form. She looked up through tear-blurred eyes at her three Fae, their presence a reassuring anchor. Her vision cleared slightly as she blinked, but the exhaustion was overwhelming. With a sigh, she surrendered to the pillow’s embrace.
“Don’t worry, sweetie. We are all going to take care of you,” Fernando promised, his voice a soothing lullaby.
“You guys aren’t going to fight over me, right?” she mumbled, sleep tugging at her consciousness.
“No,” Fernando assured her, his tone earnest. “I won’t make you choose. The priest said our marriage is already in the books, but you can be with all of us.”
Her heart swelled at their acceptance, and a soft smile graced her lips. She sat up, receiving a sweet kiss from each of them, their touch so comforting . She shivered with excitement, warmth spreading through her veins. “I’m really tired. Can we go to bed?”
“Yes, I think we can all fit on the pullout couch,” Terri replied with a playful wink. “I’ll go get you a nightgown.” His enthusiasm was infectious as he bounded away.
The brothers stripped down, their movements fluid and unselfconscious. Muscles rippled beneath their skin, each of them a study in masculine grace. When Terri returned, he held a delicate silk nightgown, its fabric whisper-soft against her skin as she slipped it on. Fernando’s hands were gentle as he traced the curve of her waist, while Ribero pulled her into a slow, lingering kiss.
Terri, ever the playful one, dropped his pants to reveal boxers that sparkled with sequins, their ridiculousness drawing a bright laugh from her. “Those are so cute,” she giggled, and they shared a lighthearted moment, a temporary reprieve from the day’s heaviness.
“Before we get carried away, let’s let our angel sleep,” Fernando suggested, his voice a gentle command. She settled into the center of the couch, surrounded by her Fae. Fernando nestled between her legs, his head resting on her stomach, while Terri and Ribero snuggled close, their heads pillowed on her breasts. Each bestowed a tender kiss, their warmth cocooning her in a shared embrace.
“I love you guys,” she murmured, her eyes drif
ting closed. “We love you too,” they said in unison.