Chapter Twenty-Two: Hannah's Celebratory Dinner (Part One)
Thursday Leading into Friday Night
Emerald's POV:
The thought of us sharing a bed was getting me all hot.
It was me I had to worry about more than them, I guess.
Oh, Moon Goddess, just don't let me die of embarrassment!
I woke up to something warm and wet running along my neck. I don't remember the quads owning any pets, and why was I so hot? I'm sure I put the air conditioning on before going to bed.
Before cuddling back into my pillow, I felt a hand going down my back, and I instantly shot up. I saw the reason for the saliva on my neck and warmth all around me with half-hodded eyes.
The quads were up and ready, surrounding me in bed, with Sam leaving open mouth kisses down my right, while Azreal placed them on the left of my neck. Ezekiel and Zeke were by my legs, caressing my thighs.
Goddess, this felt so good.
I could get used to waking up like this.
As all the quads became intense with their caresses, I let out a small moan and shuddered. Then I heard them chuckle before they all backed away.
No, come back.
"Good morning, little Luna, you’re one heavy sleeper,” said Ezekiel.
Huh?
How long have they been here?
Looking at my confused face Azreal said,
"Love, we've been trying to get you out of bed for almost fifteen minutes."
"You kept on swatting us away, baby,” said Sam, patting down the bird's nest that was hair at the moment.
I blushed.
"So when you didn't wake up, we thought we should use some other way to get our angel out of bed,” said Zeke, amusement flashing in his eyes.
"Oh uh, I was exhausted. I'm sorry," I said.
Gosh, this isn't very pleasant.
"You don't need to apologize, little Luna. Get ready. We'll drop you off at the academy,” said Ezekiel, pecking my head, as his younger brothers followed suit and left the room.
I plopped down on the bed.
Realization suddenly set in. They saw my bedhead, and was that drool on my pillow?
Ah, kill me now!
When I'm trying to give it my all, they see me as a mess, great, just great!
I quickly got out of bed and did my business in the bathroom. I threw on a pair of skinny blue jeans and a hooded crop top, leaving my hair down since my possessive mates would go on a racket about how my neck is still bare of their marks. I applied some lip-gloss and mascara and rushed to the dining room. We had thirty minutes until my first class, and I didn't want to be late. I didn't think I would have time for breakfast, but I doubt the quads would let me go without it.
Ugh!
When I got to the dining room, I saw the quads but no Hannah or Luca.
Did she leave without me?
"Angel, Hannah and Luca already left,” said Zeke, answering my unasked question.
Why'd she leave without me?
Turning to the clock, my eyes bulged out. Crap, I was late.
"Guys, could we skip breakfast today please? I'm super late, and I have Ms.McCarthy for first period. She hates delay, and I'll probably end up with detention if we don't leave now,” I asked, jumping from foot to foot with anxiety.
As a scholarship student, I was only allowed two detentions in the academic year. Otherwise, my scholarship could be at risk, and I didn't have the money to afford the academy's tuition.
"No, little Luna, we'll talk to your teacher, have something to eat. You have training today in your schedule after your first class. So you'll need your energy,” said Ezekiel, his tone hard, leaving no chance for negotiation.
Wait. They had my schedule? Since when?
Looking at my confused face, Sam answered,
"We got it from the principal the first day we dropped you off at the academy."
I huffed. I knew they were my mates, but in a way it was an invasion of my privacy. They could have asked me. I would have told them. They didn't need to go behind my back to get it.
Seeing my flustered look Azreal spoke,
"My love, don't be angry. We weren't trying to pry. We just wanted to know your timetable so one of us could always be available if you ever needed us to come and get you, and we wanted to make sure you had taken the training class."
They could have asked instead of going behind my back.
If this was going to work, they needed to know that we were all required to communicate with each other. I didn't want us fighting over trivial things.
I let out a small sigh and looked at all the quads.
"I understand, but you could have just asked me. In a way, it's an invasion of my privacy. If we are to bond together in the mate-bond, we need to learn to communicate. If there's anything you wish to know, just come and ask. I will tell you,” I said, adding a small smile to show that I wasn't hostile towards them.
Something flickered in their eyes, shock, or was that admiration?
"Um, are you okay?” I asked, fidgeting.
“Oh yes, sorry, little Luna. We were just stunned a bit. You're giving us a chance by your own will,” Ezekiel said.
Um, was I that bad at communicating that they thought I was unwilling to give the mate-bond a chance?
The one thing that every wolf longed for in their existence.
I guess my constant rejection and acknowledgment of them being my mates during the last couple of days would make them think that.
Hell, even I was surprised at my willingness and growing feelings towards them. I was sure down to the smallest cell in my body that the quads would find me unfit for them and eventually leave me, but the more time I spent with them, the more stupid I thought I was for doubting them. They showed me nothing but love and devotion, and I had done nothing but push them away.
Guilt rising in my chest at my constant rejection of the Goddess’ gift increased by the minute, and I looked down not wanting to meet their eyes in embarrassment.
I heard shuffling, and before I looked up, I felt my chin being grabbed and gently raised, I looked into Azereal's eyes and saw nothing but tenderness.
"Love, you don't need to be embarrassed about anything. We understand why you were reluctant in the beginning. You were safeguarding your heart, and there's nothing wrong with that,” he said, as he kissed my hair.
"With our track record, baby, we don't hold it against you that you were distant,” said Sam, as he kissed my cheek and pecked my lips.
"Plus, angel, all that matters now is that you're trying, and we couldn't be more thankful,” said Zeke, following Sam's actions by pecking my cheek then lips.
I saw all the quads nod in agreement to Zeke's statement.
"Always remember my pretty little Luna, that a Luna should never lower her eyes, not even for her Alpha since she is his equal,” said Ezekiel, as he cupped my cheek and kissed me deeply and passionately, as his younger brothers had their hands all over my curves and bum. Squeezing and fondling.
I let out a little moan and leaned into the quads’ touches.
Ezekiel's words sent joyous tingles to my heart.
The quads were seen as the most ferocious and ruthless warriors, but here they were, all of them treating me with love and gentleness.
He broke off the kiss and ushered me to the table, where I was placed on Zeke's lap and forced to eat breakfast, completely forgetting that I was late for my class.
I quickly scarfed down whatever they put in front of my mouth, not wanting to be later than I already was, then rushed out and got into the car to head for the academy.
As soon as we got to the academy, I hurried, heading towards my class with the quads in tow, much to my protest. However, that wasn't the most embarrassing thing. They insisted on talking to Ms. McCarthy saying that I was held back by official pack business. To which she ate up.
Of course, when graced by the quadruplet Alphas, there’s not much you can say.
They all pecked my lips and were off, but not before glaring at the gawking unmated males.
The whole day passed with classes and me hanging out with Hannah, Axel, Jer, Eli, Leah, Ian, and Ela. Before I knew it, all my lessons had ended, and we were on our way back to the packhouse with Luca, much to my disappointment and Hannah's glee.
The quads were busy with Alpha Alexander preparing for the arrival of the triplet Lycan Kings and to-be Supreme Alpha twins for their Alpha ceremony on Sunday.
According to Luca, whenever a new Alpha, in this case, Alphas, ascends to their position, the ceremony is presided over by the Lycan Kings and their second in command; the Supreme Alphas.
The Lycan Kings live in a different multiverse dubbed lycan country, and the Supreme Alpha lived in wolf country up north in the Royal Diamond Pack. They were in charge of us as the Lycan Kings did not reside here, so technically, the Supreme Alpha family was seen as royalty among the packs.
Just like that, Thursday went by, and it was time for bed. I was bummed that I had not seen the quads since the morning.
I missed them.
Their lack of smell, touch and presence put me in a damp mood. I knew they were busy, but they could at least come and check up on me for a couple of minutes.
I willed my feelings aside, placating that they were busy and not intentionally ignoring me. They had duties as Alphas, and with royalty visiting in a few days, they had to make sure everything was done right.
I let out of huff and closed my eyes, and after tossing and turning, I felt myself doze off just as the bed dipped and warmth encased on both sides.