Four

As I closed my eyes that night, I felt a familiar sense of dread wash over me. I could feel the curse, its darkness creeping into my mind like a fog, clouding my thoughts and filling me with fear.

In my dream, I found myself running through a dark forest, the trees looming above me like giants. I could hear the sounds of footsteps behind me, getting closer and closer with each passing moment.

I tried to run faster, my heart pounding in my chest as I felt the hot breath of some beast on my heels. And then, just as it seemed like I was about to be caught, I woke up with a scream, my body drenched in sweat.

Jayden was by my side in an instant, his strong arms wrapping around me and pulling me close. But as soon as he touched me, I flinched, my body still trembling with fear.

"Shh, it's okay," he whispered, his lips brushing against my hair. "It's just me, Jayden. You're safe."

I looked up at him, my eyes filled with tears, and he wiped them away gently with his thumb. In that moment, I felt so vulnerable, so exposed, but Jayden's touch was like a balm to my soul.

He held me close, his heart beating steady and strong against my chest, and I felt the fear and panic start to fade away. It was just a nightmare, I reminded myself, and Jayden was here to protect me.

I buried my face in his chest, breathing in his scent and letting myself be comforted by his warmth. He held me close, his fingers tracing soothing patterns along my back, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

In that moment, I knew that no matter what the curse had in store for me, I had the love and support of these three incredible Alphas. And that thought alone was enough to make me feel like I could face anything.

As we lay there in each other's arms, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Jayden's presence. He was always so kind and gentle with me, and I found myself falling for him more and more each day.

"Thank you for being here," I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Anytime, Emily," he replied softly, his breath warm against my neck. "I'll always be here for you."

I felt his lips press against my skin, and a shiver ran down my spine. I turned to face him, and his eyes met mine, filled with warmth and affection.

"Jayden," I said, my voice catching in my throat. "I..."

But before I could finish, his lips were on mine, and I felt my heart skip a beat. His kiss was gentle at first, but as our lips parted and our tongues met, the passion between us ignited like a wildfire.

I found myself lost in the moment, lost in the feel of his hands on my body, lost in the way he made me feel. I knew that this was dangerous, that I was risking everything by giving in to my desires, but in that moment, I couldn't bring myself to care.

As our bodies tangled together in a frenzy of passion, I knew that I was falling for Jayden, just as I was falling for Aiden and Zayden. And despite the curse and the price that I knew I would have to pay, I couldn't help but feel like this was all worth it, if only for a moment.

In the end, it was Jayden who held me as I drifted off to sleep, his strong arms wrapped around me and his heartbeat steady and strong against my ear. And for the first time in a long time, I felt truly safe and truly loved.

******

The next morning, I woke up with a sense of guilt and confusion. I knew that what had happened between Jayden and me was reckless and could have dire consequences, but at the same time, I couldn't deny the feelings that I had for him.

As I got ready for the day ahead, I tried to push my thoughts and emotions aside and focus on the competition that was still ongoing. The Alphas were still vying for my affection, and it was up to me to make a decision.

The memories of his touch still lingered on my skin and I knew that I was playing with fire.

But as I made my way to the dining hall, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of my responsibilities. I knew that I had to choose one of them, but how could I possibly decide who to give my heart to?

As I took my seat at the head of the table, Aiden, Zayden, and Jayden greeted me with warm smiles and intense gazes. I could sense their desire for me, and it sent a thrill through my body.

"Good morning, Emily," Zayden said, giving me a cheeky grin. "You're looking lovely today."

I forced a smile, trying to ignore the nagging feeling in my gut. "Thanks, Zayden. You're not looking too bad yourself."

He chuckled and leaned in closer to me. "You know, Emily, if you need someone to take your mind off things, I'm more than willing to help."

I felt myself flush with arousal, but I shook my head. "Not now, Zayden. I'm worried about the curse and what it might mean for us."

He sobered up at my words, his expression turning serious. "I know, Emily. But we'll figure it out. I promise."

I wanted to believe him, but the weight of my responsibilities made it hard to be optimistic. "I hope you're right, Zayden. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you or the other alpha princes."

He placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring. "Don't worry, Emily. We'll protect you no matter what. And we'll find a way to break the curse together."

His words made me feel a little better, but I knew that the curse was a powerful force that would be hard to overcome. As the day progressed, Zayden stayed by my side, his playful demeanor a welcome distraction from my worries. He joked and teased me, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

As we sat down to breakfast, the conversation was light and playful, but the tension between us was palpable.

Jayden's presence beside me was both comforting and dangerous. His touch and his scent drew me in like a moth to a flame, but I knew that I couldn't let myself fall too deeply for him.