The Triplet Alphas's Christmas Gift

Chapter 20 - Surrounded by boys

Teira's POV

The sea of darkness was peaceful and quiet, I couldn't see for miles around me. But it was lonely, I wondered where Kyle was. He'd at least keep me company.

Pain flashed and memories swam in my vision. School, Whitley, being helped by Matt, Ryan paying for my food, Tyler's wink. Their warm eyes surrounded me, almost identical but I could tell them apart easily. If I was dead, I'd never see those warm eyes again. That thought sent a heart-wrenching pain through me, and I looked at those eyes confused.

Why would I care at all about never seeing them again? It's not like they were more than friends to me. That thought jolted through me. Did I want them to be?

The thoughts were starting to get hazy and muddle so I stopped thinking and continued to drift. I felt warmth and comfort surrounding me and I didn't want to move.

A light appeared on the horizon, it was soft and warm, but it glowed brightly, and I wasn't sure I wanted to head that way. A dull and throbbing pain was starting to claw up my back, making me aware for the first time since waking in this dark sea. The warmth continued to surround me, keeping the pain at bay.

As I got closer to the light, the pain got a bit stronger. Heaviness surrounded my body, and I couldn't really move; water splashed over my head and trickled down my face. The comfort I felt was still there, as well as the gentle warmth, so I didn't mind. A hazy vision appeared over my face, my father dragging me by the hair down to the dark basement. I kicked and tried to fight back to no avail.

The light got stronger, overtaking the impending darkness of the basement, and soon I couldn't see my father anymore. Relief washed over me and I began to relax a bit as I let the light completely absorb me and the sea.

I blinked my eyes slowly against the bright lights in the room, staring at the white ceiling. Where was I? This wasn't the basement. Thoughts slowly began to return, Kyle linking me that he was calling for help. Dad chaining me in silver against the concrete slab, the searing pain in my back as he punished me.

The dull pain in my back caused me to flinch, tossing a bit of my hair in my face. I tried to lift my arm to move it away but something heavy was blocking me. I glanced to my side and froze, Tyler was cuddled up to my right, his face practically buried in my neck as he slept. To my left was Matt, his short hair looked like he had run his hands through it several times.

I looked down at my feet; Kyle was below Matt, his head lying on the side of my bed, snoring away quietly. I frowned, how did he get out of his room? He had never been able to before. Below Tyler was Ryan, in nearly the same position as Kyle except he had somehow climbed halfway on the end of the bed and was cuddling my feet like a child.

I was confused, why were the triplets here? Did Kyle link them for help? And why were all four of them surrounding me? Kyle, I understood. The last time he saw me was when Dad dragged me down to the basement while Mom took him to his room. But the triplets? Didn't they have dinner with Whitley? What were they doing here and in my bed?

My throat was dry and scratching and my hair was tickling my nose. I gently tried to move my right arm but Tyler was holding it tightly. I glanced at Kyle's sleeping form. I didn't want to wake him up, but it was either that or sneezing on the boys.

It took me a minute to find our link; it was nearly faded on my side from not being used in a while. Kyle. I linked weakly. He stirred for a minute then began to snore again. I smiled, Kyle! I need you to wake up! I sang through the link like I used to when I was smaller.

Kyle jolted for a minute, then sat up tiredly, looking around; in the bed, Kyle. I said gently. My brother could be dumb sometimes when he first woke up. Kyle looked at the bed frowning then sat up gasping when he realized whose voice was floating through his mind. "Tei!" he said squeezing my hand. I squeezed it back weakly as he reached over and moved my hair from my face.

His blue eyes were full of concern, and I smiled weakly at him; I'm still here. Don't worry. I linked and he smiled back, "I'm just glad you're awake. But why are you linking?" he asked confused. I rolled my eyes, Because my throat is dry and scratchy and I can't get up, even if I wanted to. I'm kinda surrounded by sleeping boys. What's going on? I asked.

He chuckled and then poked Tyler in the forehead; he grumbled and snuggled closer, causing me to feel a certain appendage stab me in the thigh. I blushed as Kyle poked him again, Tyler sat up and stretched, "What do you want, Harris? I was having a nice dream." he asked grumpily. Kyle motioned to me, "Tei's awake and needs some water. Think you can get some for her?" he asked.

Tyler rolled his eyes, then looked at me and froze, Kyle's words sinking into his sleep-addled brain. When they finally registered, he gasped, "Princess!" he said loudly waking Ryan and Matt as well. Ryan lifted his head, scanning the room for a threat while Matt bolted upright, nearly falling off the bed.

I smiled at their antics, still curious as to why they were sleeping around me. Tyler got up and headed out the door, his shirt only falling to his stomach, "Be right back princess, don't go anywhere." he said. I rolled my eyes while Matt carefully tried to get off the bed. Where would I go? Though I did immediately miss his warmth.

I grabbed Matt's wrist gently shaking my head as he climbed out. I didn't understand why but I didn't want him to leave either. He smiled gently then patted my arm, "Don't worry treasure. I'm just swapping places with Ryan, I promised him earlier. I'm not going anywhere." he said gently and I nodded as Ryan stood and took Matt's place. He looked me in the eyes and carefully wrapped his arms around me, "Are you alright angel? Any pain?" he asked quietly. I shook my head in answer and tried to speak but he stopped me, "Wait, get a drink of water first. Then answer." he stated. I nodded, yawning sleepily. I didn't know how early or late it was, and I wanted some answers, but my body wanted to sleep some more.

Tyler returned quickly with a cup of water, a pitcher, and a container of ice chips, "Here, princess, sip it slowly. You're still weak." he said as he held it up to my lips. I took a few slow sips, letting the cool water coat my throat before looking at him, "What happened? How did I get here?" I asked my voice a bit raspy still. Tyler set the water on my tray and frowned, "Do you not remember?" he asked curiously. I looked at him confused, and Ryan turned my head towards him gently, "Your Dad chained you in the basement and began punishing you; Kyle linked us for help, and we managed to get there in time before he did more damage." he said quietly.

I looked at Kyle, who clenched his fists, he refused to look at me, and I knew he was beating himself up for not being able to stop Dad. "Hey," I said gently squeezing his hand, "It's not your fault. You tried to deflect Dad but he wasn't having it. He was bound to punish me for something anyway." I said trying to reassure him. All four boys growled loudly, and I flinched, looking at their furious expressions.

"He shouldn't have laid a hand on you!" Tyler yelled and Matt nodded while Ryan glowered. "If we hadn't gotten there time, you would've...would've..." Tyler couldn't finish his sentence. He climbed back in bed with me and Ryan and buried his face in the side of my neck breathing deeply. I could feel his tears sliding down my neck and I ran my hand through his hair gently like I did for Kyle when he got too upset. He clutched my side tightly and I winced a bit but didn't protest. He needed me right now. Ryan curled up on my other side, his head on my shoulder while Matt massaged my feet, "We'll talk about that later; you need to rest, angel; you've been fighting a fever for a couple of days now. When you are healed, we'll talk about your parents." Ryan said gently and I nodded sleepily.

I wanted to protest, but the warmth of Tyler and Ryan, as well as the foot massage Matt was giving me, began to work its magic, and I began to drift off. I squeezed Kyle's hand again sleepily, "No more beating yourself up ok? You got help and I'm still here. That's all that matters." I murmured as my eyes closed.

Kyle gave a watery chuckle and swiped his hand across his eyes, "Alright Tei, you're right. Now get some sleep. I'll still be here when you wake again." I heard him reply before sleep overcame me once more.