The Time I Tripped into a Curse and got two Mates

Chapter 25

The 5 of us spent the next couple of hours talking. Laughter occasionally filled the room as stories were exchanged. I was pleased that both Malcolm and Ivan were completely respectful, effortlessly slipping into conversation with my parents. They shared funny stories about their family–like the time Ivan accidentally set his father’s office curtains on fire when he tried to sneak in, or the time Malcolm got caught wearing his sister’s gown to play a prank on a visiting Alpha. My parents, unfortunately, shared embarrassing stories about me. Why did parents have to be so embarrassing? I cringed as they described how I used to sleepwalk and once ended up in the neighbor’s barn, cuddling their sheep.

I felt my eyelids getting heavy as the clock ticked past 3AM. I leaned back against the couch, half listening as Malcolm animatedly described a hunting competition that went hilariously wrong when one of the warriors tried to capture a stag with a lasso. My mother must have noticed my struggle to stay awake because she leaned over and gently shook my shoulder.

“Honey,” she said softly, “How about you get to bed? I’ll walk the men out.”

I nodded, too tired to reply and sleepily dragged myself to my room and shut the door behind me. I collapsed onto my bed and was out cold in seconds.

*******

I woke up, hours later, to the smell of cooking bacon and eggs. I stretched drowsily under the covers, and for a moment, everything was peaceful, just as it always was.

Then it hit me:

My first ever kiss…with Luke

Clay being mated to Rina…and his rejection of her

Rina’s harsh words in front of everyone

Meeting my mate…no…mates.

Bringing my mates home to meet my parents

Yup, it had been an eventual day, to say the least. I vaguely wondered where Malcolm and Ivan slept after I went to bed. I just hoped that they hadn't decided to go to the guest house because the thought of Ivan and Luke getting into a tussle didn’t sit well with me.

“Come on, Evelette, get up, get dressed and let's see our mates!” Selene exclaimed.

“I’m getting up!” I groaned in response as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, “Give me some time to remember what year it is.” I added jokingly.

“Ha…ha…you’re so funny.” Selene replied with mock sarcasm.

In any case, I got up, got dressed, and headed to the kitchen. I followed the delicious smell and was surprised to see that it was Ivan who was cooking. For a moment, I just stood there and marveled that one, a royal prince knew how to cook and two, that he wanted to do so. I had to admit that this visual was very endearing, and it helped me almost to forget his possessive attitude from yesterday…almost.

I decided to help by setting the breakfast table. As I reached for the cabinet beside him to grab the plates, he jumped slightly, clearly startled.

“Oh, my Goddess, Evelette!” he exclaimed, his eyes wide before he composed himself. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

I chuckled softly. “I think loudly, too, sometimes. My mother often has to announce herself when approaching to prevent any surprises.”

Ivan let out a relieved breath and nodded. “You can say that.” Then he looked at me and offered a sweet, genuine smile. It wasn’t an expression I’d seen on him yet, but it made him breathtaking. “I was actually thinking about you.” He added, a bit shyly.

I blinked, taken aback by his admission, but warmth bloomed in my chest. I bit my lip and suppressed a smile, but I continued to set the table. Ivan’s gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned back to the stove to continue cooking, his movements a little more relaxed now.

After placing the last of the silverware, I wandered into the living room and found Malcolm sprawled on the couch. He was on his stomach, one leg hanging off the edge, and he was snoring lightly. I was amused to see a small dribble of drool leaking from the corner of his mouth. The sight was so different from his confident demeanor and I couldn’t help but grin.

A mischievous idea popped into my head. I crouched beside him and leaned in until my face was just an inch from his, and I blew gently.

“Gahh.” Malcolm shot up with a start, his eyes searching. “What in the name of the Great Moon Goddess…”

I fell back on my hands and laughed heartily. Malcolm blinked a few times and his expression slowly shifted from shock to amused disbelief.

“You’ve got great response time.“ I teased between breaths, still laughing.

It took him a few seconds to regain his composure, but soon he joined in on the laughter, his deep melodic chuckles filled the room.”I haven’t been scared like that in a long time. No one’s been able to sneak up on me like that,” he admitted, looking both thoughtful and amused. Then he sat up fully and stretched with a big yawn. “Ooh, I smell bacon!”

“Ivans’ cooking. I think it’s almost done,” I said as I started to stand up from my position on the floor.

Malcolm hopped up from the couch, “Here, let me help you.” he said as he reached out for me.

I took his hand, but instead of a gentle pull, he yanked me up with such force that I flew a few inches from the ground. I let out a surprised yelp, which was followed by a burst of laughter as he caught me, holding me steady. Something about the playfulness of the moment filled me with a light, bubbling joy.

“Breakfast is ready.” Ivan called from the kitchen.

Malcolm and I made our way back to the kitchen and took our seats at the table. I glanced around the corner, half expecting to see my parents coming to join us, but there was no sign of them.

“Have you seen my parents this morning?” I asked Ivan.

“Yea, they got up early,” he replied as he flipped the last piece of bacon onto a plate. “They mentioned going for a walk and having breakfast in town.”

Malcolm bumped my shoulder playfully, “I guess that means we have the house to ourselves.” He teased mischievously. “Whatever shall we do?”

I shot him a pointed look. “I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna enjoy this breakfast that lovely Ivan made for us.” I exaggerated the word “lovely” and flashed Ivan a grateful smile.

Ivan rewarded me with an extra piece of bacon. I looked at him and saw that his lips curved into a small, approving smile. I turned to Malcolm and stuck my tongue out playfully and giggled.

“Careful where you put that tongue, Evelette,” he started, “it just might get stuck somewhere.” His eyes darkened with unspoken intent.

My playful smile vanished as I felt a rush of heat flood my cheeks. I cleared my throat, suddenly very interested in my plate of food, determined not to meet either of their gazes.

“Wow, you got quiet all of a sudden.” Selene teased in my mind.

“I don’t know how to respond to that” I thought back, my face still feeling flushed.

“I have a suggestion,” she said in a sultry tone. “How about you just push all the dishes off the table and offer yourself up to a couple of hours of worship from them?”

I choked on a piece of egg and quickly grabbed my glass of water to cover my cough.

“Selene!” I chided. “I'm trying to eat breakfast.”

“Well, I’m trying to get them to eat you for breakfast.” She retorted boldly, “I’m sure you’ll like it.”

I’m sure I would too…

I decided not to comment, but my cheeks reddened further.

“You alright over there?” Malcolm asked, eyes dancing with humor.

“Uh, yea. Perfect. I’m great over here.” I replied quickly as I avoided eye contact. Malcolm laughed, clearly amused, and opened his mouth to say something more, but I abruptly stood up, eager to escape the situation.

“Thanks for breakfast, Ivan. It was delicious. But I…uh…have to go. I need to help set up for the fights on the training grounds. See you there!” I blurted as I dashed out of the house before either of them had time to respond, my cheeks still burning from embarrassment.

I need to get it together.