CALLUM“Callum!” I heard someone shouting, but they sounded so far away. I couldn’t open my eyes, and my body felt numb, like I wasn’t connected to it.“Callum, wake up, please,” another voice begged.Oscar. That was Oscar and my dad.I jolted upright, nearly headbutting my dad in the face.He caught me before I could fall back when my head swum, my entire body still feeling weak.“Ava…” I growled. “Where’s Ava?”Dad and Oscar glanced at each other, faces nervous.“Callum… She... She hasn’t woken up yet.”“I need to see her,” I tried to scramble out of bed, but was tangled up in wires and cables.“Callum, let me get a doctor to check on you, okay?”I let my head fall back against my pillows. Didn’t really have a choice.Dad ran out of the room, calling after a doctor as he went.“How… how are you?” I asked Oscar.“I woke up a couple hours ago, so did Theo.”“Theo’s awake?”He nodded. “He’s going to be here for a few days for observations, but he’s awake.”“Noah?”“He… he went into v-f
AVAIt was another five days before I was discharged. Callum and Oscar were the same day they woke up, Noah two days later, and Theo was the day after.It was a good thing I was discharged when I was or I could not guarantee that I would have been able to keep my shit together.It was amazing to wake up in my own bed, surrounded by my four mates again. We hadn’t had that privilege since before Theo was kidnapped. Oscar behind me, Callum in front and Theo and Noah laying across my legs and stomach was my happy place.“Good morning, beautiful,” Callum pressed his lips against my forehead. “Hey, you,” I replied, my voice still sleepy.“How are you feeling?”“I’m good, I think, glad to be back,” I smiled. “I’m a little bit weak, but I’m okay.”“Ava… you were discharged from hospital yesterday evening after being forcibly marked multiple times, losing Artemis, losing a lot of blood and nearly dying multiple times. And after saving all of us. I think you’re allowed to feel weak.”“You’re d
OSCARWe could all feel how stressed and upset Ava was, and that’s before you even get to the pain where she felt three marked mate bonds snap. And, of course, she nearly had one forced upon her by someone that wasn’t her fated mate.She wanted to mark us all again so badly, but she was terrified. She was terrified that Elijah’s mark was still going to stick and that we’d have difficulty removing it, unless he marked someone else.From what we could tell, if we were interpreting all the legends correctly, is that he only managed to remove hers just because her bond wouldn’t be complete until she had all four. Until that point… the bond just hadn’t cemented yet.We’d have to try to talk to Alpha Michael to see if his scholars found anything, or, hopefully one of us could still reach Selene to find out how we could safely do this… but right now, we are in the dark with broken mate bonds and an Alpha Queen who wants to give up.“I wish we could get answers for her,” Theo’s voice was low,
AVAWe managed to relax by the lake for a few hours just as a group before we had to go back to reality. We’d even gotten Paula to bring us lunch so we didn’t have to go back inside to eat. She did make good cakes, that woman.Orgasmically good.Once we got back to the packhouse, we were ambushed by Jacob, Amelia and Alex. I hadn’t seen them since being discharged. The only people I’d seen were my Kings and my parents.“Ava!” Amelia squealed, wrapping her arms around me. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she pressed a kiss to my forehead.“Thank you, Amy, I’m glad you and Jacob have recovered too,” I smiled back.Once I’d had a similar conversation and a hug from Jacob and Alex, they finally explained why the packhouse was so crazy. There were people running around like headless chickens, carrying boxes, furniture, and who knows what else.Apparently, we were having a party to celebrate everyone being back and conscious. Relaxing and feeling like a normal seventeen year old for an evening di
AVA10am the next morning and we were all gathered in my office with nice, fresh cups of coffee. Best £1000 I’ve ever spent, that coffee machine. I’d even successfully started to bringwe my Kings around to my way of thinking. My Kings were on either side of me, and we had Jacob, Amelia, Alex and Jeremiah opposite. Dream team.“Shall we start with Elijah?” I proposed.“Let’s do it,” Jacob replied.“So, we know that he’s the Lycan I was betrothed to before I was born, but in the end, not even with the consent of my own parents, it was forced by the council. After working out it was a bad idea, it was called off, my parents were murdered and I was smuggled out. At some point after that, he set himself up as the Rogue King.”Callum nodded. “We know he’s a psychopath working with a lot of witches.”“He’s also dead,” Oscar interjected.“Did we find the body?” I asked Jeremiah. He’d looked after everything when my Kings and I all lost consciousness. “No, my Queen. There was no sign of him.
AVA“We need to drag my parents in for this bit,” I bit my lip as I spoke. “Alex, there might be some things you can answer too, since you’ve always been like a second adoptive father to me.”They all nodded. I opened a link with my mum; her and my dad would be here within ten minutes. She even promised to stop by the kitchen for a tray of Paula’s cookies… she’s just the best, and Paula’s cookies are just the best.They reached us in no time at all, complete with what was easily one of the biggest trays of cookies I’ve seen in my life. We suddenly had a room full of wolves with watering mouths.“Paula’s also made you one of those caramel shortbreads you like so much, Ava,” my mum smiled.I clapped excitedly… It was bloody good shortbread. Paula made this salted caramel that was just spot on. Never had anything quite so good.Once everyone was settled with cookies and another cup of coffee, we got straight down to it.“Mum, dad… we need to know whatever there is to know about what happ
CALLUMAfter that delightful meeting… I felt absolutely terrible, and I knew Oscar, Theo and Noah did too. I couldn’t have told you what started it, why we thought it was the right thing to do… but like they said, it had to have started somewhere. There must have been a catalyst. Whether or not Ava still wanted to go away to the cabin after that though… I couldn’t blame her if she didn’t want to. That was not a pleasant trip down memory lane for any of us, and definitely wouldn’t have been for her. The four of us were assholes as children. I know I felt untouchable because I’m one of the Beta’s heirs, and I’m sure the others did too. It was probably even more extreme in Theo and Noah’s case since they were the Alpha’s heirs. Her having such bad self esteem issues until she started coming into her power would not have been helped by us. The four people who are supposed to protect and care for her through everything… and we put her through so much pain.After that meeting, Ava stood
AVAYesterday sucked, and badly. But that just made this trip even more necessary. Yes, we had security with us now. But that I could deal with.I just wanted to put my feet up, spoil my mates, and be spoiled. Rolling around in bed with them all would be good too.We ended up taking one of the seven seater SUVs Michael had arranged for us whilst I was unconscious because it was just easier. Us five plus Jeremiah and another warrior drove with all the luggage, and the other two warriors shifted and ran ahead to make sure the cabin was safe.Jacob and Amelia's cabin was in the middle of nowhere surrounded by beautiful forest. It was still in Blood Moon territory, but only just. It was far enough away from civilization that we wouldn't be bugged by anyone. Calling it a ‘cabin’ was a little derogatory too. Yes, it looked like a wood cabin. But it was enormous, and it had a second little cottage just behind it. The plan was that the warriors could use the cottage when they weren't on acti
CALLUMThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of pine from the surrounding forest. I watched as Ava cradled her mug, her green eyes sparkling with a lightness I haven't seen in weeks. The weight of her crown seemed to have lifted, if only temporarily."I can't believe we have to leave today," Ava sighed, her curly brown hair still tousled from sleep. "This getaway has been exactly what we needed."I nodded, feeling a pang of regret that our time here is coming to an end. "It has. You needed this, little one. A chance to just be Ava, not Queen Avelina."Oscar chimed in, his tone playful. "Yeah, no royal duties, no political manoeuvring. Just us, the beach, and s'mores by the campfire."Theo snorted, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Don't forget the skinny dipping."Noah nearly choked on his coffee, laughing. "How could we forget? I still have sand in places I'd rather not mention.
AVAI dug my toes into the warm sand, relishing the sensation as I looked out over the sparkling ocean. The rhythmic crash of waves provided a soothing backdrop to our little beach paradise. Noah's strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close."Penny for your thoughts, my queen?" he murmured, his breath tickling my ear.I leaned into him, savouring his warmth. "Just thinking how perfect this moment is. All of us together, away from the pressures of the Kingdom."Theo approached, his blue eyes twinkling as he handed me a fruity cocktail. "Careful, or you might get used to this life of leisure."I laughed, taking a sip. The sweet, tangy flavor danced on my tongue. "Don't tempt me. I might just abdicate and become a beach bum."Oscar's voice rang out from where he and Callum were setting up a volleyball net. "As if you could ever abandon your duty, Ava. It's too ingrained in you."His words, though teasing, held
AVAThe flames of our bonfire danced against the night sky, casting shadows across the sand. I leaned back, feeling the warmth of Callum and Theo supporting me as Noah and Oscar stretched out across my legs. The ocean's rhythmic waves provided a soothing backdrop to our quiet evening."Look, a shooting star!" I exclaimed, pointing upward.As the streak of light arced across the heavens, I closed my eyes and made a silent wish. Please, let there be a way for me to have a child of my own. To have a family with these four incredible men I love."What did you wish for, love?" Noah asked, a teasing lilt to his voice.I opened my eyes and smiled mysteriously. "You know I can't tell you that. It won't come true."
AVAThe sizzle of bacon filled the air as I stood over the hob, wielding a spatula like a scepter. It had been a long time since I'd cooked anything myself, and the familiar domesticity warms me more than the heat from the stove."How's it coming along, love?" Noah's deep voice rumbled against my ear as his arms encircled my waist. His lips brushed my neck, sending a delightful shiver down my spine.I leaned into his embrace, savouring the moment. "Mmm, perfectly crispy. Though I might burn it if you keep distracting me like that."Noah chuckled, his chest vibrating against my back. "We can't have that, can we?" He gave me a final squeeze before moving away to pour coffee.I returned my focus to the bacon, flipping each strip with practiced ease. The aroma was intoxicating, reminding me of lazy Sunday mornings from my childhood. Before my world expanded to include four incredible mates and an entire kingdom."I vote we make this a weekly tradition," Theo piped up, sliding past me with
AVAI stared at my four mates in disbelief, my mind struggling to process their words. "A week away? But I can't possibly…"Callum's warm eyes met mine, gold flecks shimmering as he stepped closer. "Ava, love, we've arranged everything. Michael's agreed to cover your duties.""But the kingdom…" I protested weakly, even as a part of me yearned for escape.Oscar's playful smirk cut through my objections. "It’s sorted, I promise. Jeremiah and the Queen's Guard are on board too. They'll be coming along to keep us safe and sound."I felt a gentle brush against my mind;Theo, working to reassure me. His deep voice rumbled, "We've packed your things. You don't need to worry about anything."
THEOThe weight of silence hung heavy in Callum's office, broken only by the occasional creak of leather as we shifted in our seats. My eyes drifted from face to face; Callum's furrowed brow, Noah's clenched jaw, and Oscar's distant gaze. The air was thick with unspoken worry, all of us grappling with the same gut-wrenching concern.Ava."We can't go on like this," I finally said, my voice rough with emotion. "Ava's struggling, and we're all feeling it. We need to do something."Noah leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Agreed. But what? We've tried everything the healers suggested."I ran a hand through my hair, frustration building. We're supposed to protect her, to make everything right. But how do we shield her from h
AVAThe empty cot loomed before us, a stark reminder of my failure. Noah's hand trembled as he reached for a tiny onesie, his blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. Oscar stood frozen, his usual warmth replaced by a hollow emptiness. Theo's jaw clenched, his protective instincts rendered useless. And Callum... Callum's anguish hit me like a physical blow through our mental link.I wanted to scream, to rage against the unfairness of it all. But my voice was trapped, suffocated by the weight of our grief. The nursery, once a symbol of hope, now mocked us with its cheerful yellows and greens. Stuffed animals looked back at us with lifeless button eyes, their plushy arms forever waiting for the embrace of children who would never exist."Ava! Ava, wake up!"Callum's voice cut through the nightmare, dragging me back to consciousness. I bolted upright, gasping for air, my cheeks wet with tears. His strong arms encircled me, his scent grounding me in reality."Shh, it's okay," he murmured,
Two Weeks Ago…AVAI gazed out over the balcony, the cool night breeze ruffling my curls as I took in the twinkling lights of the city below. So much had changed in just a few months."Quite a view, isn't it?" Noah's voice came from behind me as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I leaned back against his solid chest, savouring his warmth."It's breathtaking," I murmured. "I still can't believe this is real sometimes."Theo appeared at my other side, his eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "Believe it, my queen. We've all worked hard to get here. You especially."I reached out to squeeze his hand, feeling a surge of pride and affection. "We certainly have."
Note from Katherine JaynaraWelcome back to the My Four Mates universe <3 Four Kings for Christmas is a festive short set a couple of months after the end of Bullied By My Four Mates. We see Ava and her mates deal with new problems in the Kingdom whilst maneuvering around the issue of Ava's infertility.Much love from me to you this festive season.CHAPTER 1: GROWING PAINSTwo Months Ago…AVAMy heart pounded like a war drum as I stood in the council chamber, my crown feeling heavy. The advisors' voices blend into a cacophony of worry, each word hammering home the gravity of the situation the Kingdom was in."The northern region grows restless, Your Majesty," Lord Falkirk says, his face creased with concern. "Reports of dissent are spreading like wildfire."I force my expression to stay neutral, even a