(Amaia)

I had promised Saiph that I wouldn’t tell them about us. But they left me no choice and now I understand why Saiph had been reluctant.

The three of them stare at me while standing like three pillars.

We need to have this conversation or they will continue to fight.

"I understand it’s not easy but everyone has a past." I point towards myself. "I was mated to someone else."

My eyes waver to Mintaka who is intently watching me. "So was Min."

Gesturing with my hand towards Saiph I say, "And he wasn’t looking for a mate. The important thing is, none of you has slept around after discovering that I am your mate." I place both my hands on my heart. "Let’s not fight. We need to be one unit and I want all of you to get along."

To my surprise, all of them nod. I hadn’t expected them to agree like that, maybe the prophecy had opened their hearts, made them more accepting. Surging jealousies are there, but they are controlled; they are not trying to kill each other as is expected of Alpha males.

"The five of us are your protectors, it just came as a shock to us that Saiph is also your mate. We hadn’t anticipated it," Alnitak answers in an apologetic tone.

"We have to be more open in communication. Speak to each other without worrying about backlash. Be more accepting." I pause, my gaze wavering to all three of them. "This is new for all of us so we need to adjust, be each other’s strength."

"And we need to set up terms and a schedule for spending time with you. So the others know and this confusion can be avoided." Mintaka’s suggestion is actually brilliant. This way, I won’t be overwhelmed by them.

"I agree with this," Alnitak says.

I can only hope that the prophecy has somehow bound the five of them and now they are less aggressive towards each other and will continue to be.

"I will think about it? Right now, I need to go see Ezran." From this point onwards, I am going to be direct with them. If I want to be with someone at some specific time, I will clearly inform them.

No more hiding.

"Let me take you," Saiph quietly says but his voice always comes out hoarse even when he is trying to speak gently.

There is hurt but also an understanding that passes through the bond, as if they are realising and accepting that I have to be with my other mates too.

"Are you sure you are alright?" Alnitak asks, not insisting and trying to be the centre of my attention like he usually does.

"Yes. My wings grew because of the mating so there is that. Good news, no matter how small.

"What?" Mintaka’s surprised eyes find me.

"Really? Wow!" Alnitak hugs me to his chest. "Soon they will be big enough so you will be able to fly."

I return his hug, letting his scent douse me and calm my heart.

Mintaka’s arms come around us, turning the embrace into a group hug. My gaze wavers to Saiph, he is silently watching us. That ice he carries in his eyes melts when he is near me.

Extending my hand towards him, I let him take it and pull so he stands closer.

He comes willingly and places a kiss on the top of my head. This is blissful and I yield completely in their embrace.

After the hug, I bid them farewell and let Saiph take me to Ezran’s room.

"I am sorry for revealing the secret like that. They left me no option." I continue to hug my Yeti to my chest.

Saiph draws in a heavy breath at my words.

"It’s not only their reaction but their parents’ too." A sadness clings to his voice and there is a forlorn look in his eyes.

"They will never accept me to remain mated to you as well as their sons. You will be asked to make a choice." His disturbed gaze finds me. "I don’t think I am ready to part from you, Amaia."

Taking his large hand in mine, I give it a squeeze. "No one is going to take you away from me. And this is not their decision to make. They can’t separate me from any of my mates."

Saiph actually smiles at my words. An attractive smile which thaws all the frostiness on his face.

"And I won’t let anyone hurt you."

Saiph means what he says, I can sense that in my heart. That flickering thread between us pulses with our deep emotions. I feel a tiny part of him.

We reach outside Rigel’s door and I softly knock with my knuckles. Saiph remains behind me.

Rigel opens the door, and that intensity and hatred that swirls off him dials down, seeing me. He is only wearing a black robe, loosely tied at his tapered waist, leaving the upper swells of his chest exposed.

"Hey!" He warmly says, as warmly as he can muster.

"Hey! Can I come in?"

Rigel throws the door open for me. "Always."

His gaze goes from me to Saiph and hardens.

"Just bringing her safely. Take care of her. You hurt her and I will come for you." Saiph’s voice is laced with threats.

I stand between them like a cat in the centre of two black panthers.

"Guys!" I warn, so they won’t start another war.

"She is safe with me." Rigel takes my arm and guides me into his room. Saiph gives him a nod before saying.

"Good night, Amaia. I will see you tomorrow, don’t miss my session again."

With that, he walks away with the grace he naturally carries.

Once the door closes, Rigel’s arms come around me crushing me into his naked chest.

"I was missing you."

"That’s why I am here. Thank you for being there for me last night."

Rigel takes me towards the sofa. Sitting down he guides me onto his lap, burying his nose in my neck.

"I want to spend every minute of my existence with you, Amaia. If only I could."

My hands find his face when he levels his gaze with me and quietly asks.

"Did you mate with Saiph? He is also your mate, isn’t he?"

My curiosity heightens. "How do you know?"

"I felt you having sex with him."