AVAAfter that, I actually wanted to head home. I couldn't begin to describe just how badly I wanted my Kings to mark me again.I needed the closeness. I needed to feel safe.Home wasn’t a place anymore. It was the four of them. My Kings were my home.We headed back to the packhouse the next morning, reaching it in time for lunch. Of course they made me sit down and eat something before we could do anything else. And they insisted on making sure there was a doctor here just in case.“My Queen,” the doctor bowed his head slightly.“Hey, Doc.”“What can I do for you today?”“We just need you to hover in the pack house later on today in case we need you.”He raised one eyebrow. “Ava is insisting on us starting to redo the marks tonight, Doctor,” Callum interjected, voice sounding frustrated.“I see,” the Doctor nodded. “From a medical perspective, I don't see any reason for complications.” He gave me a small smile. “I would recommend waiting after the first one though, my Queen, just to
AVAWe knew it was very possible that the fourth and final marking could be rough. I even expected that I’d need to shift after.I was definitely right on that count. After Theo and I mated and marked, Artemis started freaking out. She was stressed and anxious because something wasn't right… but she also felt like she was a little power drunk. It was a strange, unpleasant combination.“I need to get outside.” I stumbled to stand, sprinting for the door. Once again, not even slightly caring that everyone in the packhouse would be seeing me naked.“Ava, wait!” Theo shouted from behind me. “You don’t have to do this alone.”He sprinted behind me, also not having gotten dressed. I heard another door slam as I ran, followed by the sounds of another three sets of footsteps.As soon as I was outside, I shifted, letting Artemis take the lead. As soon as she did, it was like my entire body just calmed down. It was the strangest and yet the best feeling.I could feel power coursing through my
UNKNOWNIt was a cold, cloudy night. The lands in between the pack territories were quiet as ever, there was hardly any movement, no animals moving through the trees, no wind tickling the leaves.The moon just peaked out as the clouds moved, but it wasn’t really enough to light up the forest. Without a wolf’s eyesight, it would be pitch black and incredibly eerie. It was so dark that even the slightest noise was amplified. A bird in a tree sounded like someone crashing through the undergrowth.A woman stood in the middle of no man’s land on the phone. She was silhouetted against the subtle light of the moon when the clouds shifted. She was standing tall, attempting to appear confident, but her posture and small movements said whatever the person on the phone was saying was cutting through her like butter.Whoever she was talking to was not happy, not happy at all.“I’m sorry, alpha… They… she marked them.” she whimpered.“THEY WHAT?!” The man’s voice was angry, absolutely fuming. “Wha
AVAWe’d just sat down for lunch the next day when Alpha Michael linked me.“My Queen, how are you and our Kings?”“We’re very good now, Michael, thank you for asking.”“Of course, my Queen. I need to speak to you about your pack, we’re having a problem with rogues again.”“Let me just invite the Kings into our link, Michael. Saves us both repeating it.”“Of course, my Queen.”As soon as the four of them joined, he greeted them all by name, his voice full of respect. It was actually kind of heart warming.“Okay, Michael. What’s been happening?”“We had multiple border breaches in the night, my Queen. I had already increased security following what happened on the full moon, so they were not successful. We have two of them ready to be interrogated, and the remainder were either run off or killed.”“Did we lose any wolves or Lycans, Michael?”“No, my Queen. We have seven in hospital with minor injuries, but they will all make a full recovery by the end of the day. They are simply in hos
AVAThe next two days were a blur of border concerns and all manner of other crap. On the third morning, I made a point of doing something normal. I got up at 5am to run with Alex and Kieran. Of course now I had a security escort, but they stayed far enough back that I could attempt to pretend they weren’t there. Not that it’s really possible to ignore the presence of Lycans. Alex beat us to the training ground; I hadn’t actually told him that I was planning to join him for this run.Kieran was standing in the middle of the training grounds when we got there, clearly having just shifted. He jumped and spun around at the sound of paws approaching him, his unease pouring off him at the sight of the Lycans behind me.Then he saw Artemis… and yipped happily.“Ava!” Alex shouted excitedly through the mind link. “I’ve missed running with you.” He suddenly stopped, before correcting himself. “My Queen.”I laughed. “Alex, you’re like a second adoptive father to me. In informal situations, a
CALLUMThe four of us were waiting outside the packhouse when Ava came back. Part of me wanted to insist that if she did this again, she had to take me with her. But since she took the Queen’s guard with her… I didn’t exactly have a leg to stand on, it would have just caused a pointless argument.What I did have though, is a parcel Alpha Michael had sent. I’d already checked it for anything potentially dangerous, and it was brought down by another two members of Ava’s guard. And I could tell straight away… she wasn’t going to be best impressed with what he’d sent. So unimpressed that I’d stashed it in our bedroom and I’d give it to her after breakfast or she’d never eat.I wrapped her in a hug once she shifted back and threw on the clothes I’d found her, with Noah, Theo and Oscar jumping in as soon as I moved. We walked into the dining room together, Ava in between us. Everyone bowed when we walked in, and that was still something I had to get used to… it wasn’t as uncomfortable as
AVAWhen we arrived, Jeremiah opened the door for the Kings to get out first. I could feel the discomfort pouring off them, especially off Theo as the crowd all dropped to one knee.Once they were out, Michael took my hand, helping me step out of the car, before bowing and kissing the back of my hand.“My Queen, my Kings,” his voice was strong, confident, and loud enough that the crowds would have heard him. “I’m delighted you could all join us. I’m sure you could all use a little break following the drive, if you all follow me to the drawing room, where I’ve had afternoon tea arranged for you all.”“Thank you, Michael,” I smiled, taking his offered arm.My four Kings all felt unbelievably nervous, but Theo was easily the worst of the lot.“Theo, you’ve got this,” I attempted to reassure him through our mate link. “I love you and the Kingdom will love you too.”“Thank you, Ava,” he replied, and the uncertainty in his voice broke my heart.We all took our seats in the drawing room, wit
AVATheo and Noah were insatiable to the point that I ended up having to rush to get ready for the dinner in less than half an hour. But… It was still an event I would rather not attend.The butt-hurt looks on some of the faces of the ministers when my Kings and I entered the dining room reinforced those reasons through and through, and those faces only got worse when they all had to stand to bow for us and couldn’t sit until I did. Just out of spite, I made a point of insisting on each of my Kings sitting down first, before I really took my time about the matter.The smirks my Kings were trying (and failing) to hide said they had worked out exactly what I was doing.As soon as I sat, the ministers and ranked pack members followed suit, and staff immediately started moving through the room filling wine glasses.Michael looked in my direction, a question showing on his face. I nodded to him, knowing fully well what he was about to announce.“My Queen, My Kings, Lords, Ladies and estee
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