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The aftershocks of our union ripple through my body as I draw my fingers over their skin, memorising the feel of them—my Cardinals, my protectors, my lovers. I watch as Alistair’s eyes darken with yet another unspoken promise, the predatory edge never quite leaving his gaze.
“Are you hungry?” Charlie asks after a moment.
My stomach grumbles in response—a visceral reminder that life consists of more than just these stolen moments of passion.“Starving,” I admit with a laugh, rolling out from under their collective embrace. The chill of the room hits me suddenly, making me shiver. Their warmth is like a drug, one I’m not willing to give up easily.
As I stand, Ben sweeps off the bed with that grace he always carries with him, no matter how exhausted he might be. He wraps a thick robe around me, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that speaks volumes.
“We’ll take care of you,” he says firmly.
It’s not just about food—it’s about everything. Protection. Comfort. Love. They’ve proven it in ways I never imagined possible. The fire that took away my past life was now nothing but ashes—like so much else they have shielded me from.
“I love you with my whole heart and soul.” I lean into Ben’s touch, resting my head against his chest for just a moment longer before stepping back and looking around at the faces of my Cardinals. Their expressions are riddled with complexities—dark shadows that play across their features, hinting at the unrelenting desire and fierce protectiveness that they harbour.
“Alistair, I love you more than I can express with words.”
“I adore you,” Alistair murmurs, taking my hand and kissing it. “And I know these idiots worship you.”
“Fact,” Charlie murmurs.
“Very true,” Ben remarks with a chuckle. “I love you, Ever.”
Damien smiles and mouths, “I love you,” to me, which is more than I expected, and it makes me love him even more, if that’s possible.
“Let’s go,” Alistair says.
After the guys throw on some clothes, we make our way to the vast kitchen, a stark contrast to the luxury of the bedroom. The stainless-steel appliances glint under the fluorescent lights, making my eyes ache.
Charlie rummages through the fridge, pulling out ingredients—a little of this, a lot of that. Damien leans against the counter, watching Charlie with an amused smirk on his lips.
“You could help, you know,” Charlie chides without turning around.
Damien pushes off from the counter and strides over to join in. His movements are less confident than Charlie’s in the kitchen, but there’s an eagerness there that warms my heart.
Ben settles at the counter with me, an aura of quiet strength surrounding him as he watches them move around the kitchen as Alistair barks out instructions, making me giggle.
Perfect.
This is absolutely perfect.
26
EVER
Stepping into the underground chamber of KnightsGate Manor, the Four Cardinals follow my lead, their faces etched with seriousness that matches the weight of this night. Shadows cling to the walls, silent witnesses to our gathering. We are the unseen power at KnightsGate University, and tonight, we tighten our grip.
Charlie and Damien light the candles, and Alistair gathers the whips. My nerves ping. This is the first time I will engage in the ancient ritual of self-flagellation, and I’m not going to lie, it makes me fucking nervous as I strip off my white tee and then pull my thorny crown out of the small bag I brought down with me. Placing it on my head because, you know, why the fuck not? My nipples pucker against the lace of my bra. I unclip it and let my heavy breasts fall free.
“Fuck. How are we going to concentrate now?” Charlie asks with a laugh that cuts through the otherwise maudlin silence.
“Eyes on the floor,” I mutter, hiding my smile.
“Later, then.”
“Always.”
He nods with satisfaction as he pulls his tee off, one-handed and over his head, in a sexy, swift move that reveals his hard body to me. Muscles carved out of stone, just like all of them. They take my breath away.
“True North,” Alistair barks. “Take your place.”
