ALI

We make our way down the stairs and into the limo and I look around to see if I see anyone else. I sigh with relief when I realize it’s only us and Bix. I’m not ready to see everyone else just yet, especially the two specific males I’ve been trying to avoid. I’ve got way too much to worry about the two delicious and unwelcome men in my life. I just wish they were also forgettable, but I know I would not be so lucky, especially now that I know what’s in store.

As we make our way towards our temporary home I lay my head back and try to clear my mind. Soon I can hear a soft snore from Mer at my side that tells me she is already back asleep. That girl can sleep anywhere. I chuckle inwardly. I lay my head back against the seat and close my eyes allowing myself a brief moment of silence. Sleep soon takes me under until I am startled away by a gruff voice from the front seat. “We are about to arrive.” I sit up straight and smooth my hair down making sure it’s in place as I feel the limo slow to a stop.

I look out the window and the sight I see before me is nothing like I could have ever imagined. The entry gate looks like it’s from an old renaissance movie, made of pure wood. It swings down slowly to create a bridge to let us pass and enter inside the castle walls. Mer whistles when she pokes her head around mine and stares. “This is our London home and now yours as well.” Birsha told us and I heard Shi chuckle at what I can only assume is our faces of awe.

The castle was made of a cream brick that had four large towers surrounding each side. “Castle Diavola was built in the 1700’s. It was built for my mother before she passed. My father hasn’t been able to step foot in it since, so he gifted it to me the day I met Shikari.” Birsha said and gently kissed the back of Shi’s hand. I watched the blush cross over her face and quickly looked back upon the castle just as we came to a stop.

The moment the limo stops the dark wooden doors fly open and my heart immediately starts racing as I watch the two men that were coming out to greet us. The limo door opens and the driver holds out a hand to help us out. I let everyone else file out first so I can try to control my damn fluttering heart.

The extra time away from them did no good. I felt the fire of the phoenix and the call of the blood the second I stepped out of the car. I bite the inside of my cheek so hard I taste my own blood as I try to keep my fire at bay. They both bow to Birsha as I look them over. Fuck, they are beautiful. Both men are so different yet so very much alike. Protective to a fault and stubborn as all get out. I avert my eyes and try like hell not to make eye contact as Birsha greets them.

“Well this place is amazing, so how about we make our way in.” Mer says as she links her arm through mine and gives me a knowing look. I feel instantly relieved as Birsha nods and we start to make our way in.

“Thank you.” I whisper to Mer and she simply nods and gives me a wink.

We walk into the castle into the foyer and I immediately notice the shine of the beautiful marble floors beneath my feet. I look around and see we are greeted by a row of staff all dressed in matching black and white uniforms. Around them are beautiful walls made of white rock that were left bare except for the main wall. The family crest was displayed proudly high above a massive fireplace with stairs on each side that circle around it. It is breathtakingly beautiful.

“The trip was long and I can imagine everyone is a bit jet lagged. So I feel it would be best if I show everyone the basic areas. Feel free to explore the rest of the castle and the grounds whenever you would like. Your rooms will all be in the west wing.” Birsha announces as he gestures to the right staircase. “Your bags are already in your rooms and each of you have your own personal butler.” He then gestures to the row of staff. Each one then takes that moment to either bow or curtsy and announce their name and the name of who they will serve.

I hear my name and look over to see a beautiful older woman who looks to be in her early forties. Her uniform was impeccable and I smiled at her flawless smile and beautiful dark black hair that was styled into a perfect slick bun. She looks like a woman who likes order. My kind of lady. Then I realize I didn’t catch her name. Shit.

“Your personal butler will take you to your rooms after the quick tour. Follow me.” Birsha says and everyone quickly follows behind him.

We follow him for less than thirty minutes as he takes through various halls that lead to the main kitchen and dining areas. He told us about the property and all the amenities it has to offer. Each area is decorated in a variation of warm colors and gold giving each room the feeling of warmth and luxury. We stop at a room that is filled with all sorts of computers and gadgets that look so high tech it looks like aliens could have made it. Everyone chuckles when Mer squeels, “Gadgets and fucking cool ones!”

Birsha smiles as she runs into the room and starts looking over some of the contraptions that were laid out. “This is the room where we build and hold the weapons as well as any electronic research. The database is available for anyone to use but know that everything is monitored for security reasons. The room is fire, bullet, and sound proof and extends to the lower level behind that door.” Birsha tells us as he points to a solid steel door.

“You all go ahead. I’m going to stay here for a bit and check out the hardware.” Mer says already distracted by one of the toys she found. Birsha nods and continues the tour before finally ending with us back in the front foyer.

“Dinner is at seven sharp and usually delivered to your room, unless otherwise instructed. Let your butler know if you have any requests. We can meet up in the morning for breakfast. Tonight I would like to celebrate. I have arranged an outing for us all. If there are any issues please let your butler know and we can address it. Otherwise I will see you this evening.” Birsha says as he looks around and we all nod in agreement. Then each butler went to their designated person and I can’t help but be impressed. How did they know who is who?

Just then the dark haired beauty came forward and curtsied before me. “My name is Esmerelda Lady Ali.”

“It’s nice to meet you but please don’t curtsy, and just call me Ali.”

“As you wish Ali. Please follow me.” She says with a soft but firm voice and I follow her up the stairs.

The stairs lead to a long hallway that is lined with doors on each side and Esmerelda tells me each one is assigned to the various guests Birsha has. We stop at the fourth door on the right and I gasp in amazement when she opens the door.

The room is painted all white with gold trim and a wall of windows overlooking the grounds. A large circular bed is in the middle of the room with white linens also lined with gold. Sheer white fabric falls from the ceiling and drapes the bed on each side making it look even more majestic. Around the bed are curved foot stools and small tables between each one.

She shows me the bathroom that has the exact same white and gold decor. The room has a large walk in tiled shower that has a massive claw tub against the wall. The shower was designed so that you could get out of the tub and immediately shower if you want. There are two showers heads on each side of the wall and I can’t wait to try them out.

Esmerelda quickly shows me where the toiletries are before leading me out to the next door. This time it’s the closet filled with a variety of clothes. Some mine some not and I look at Esmerelda in confusion.

“A man named Gin came in and added to your wardrobe, and then not long after Xei came in and did the same.”

I groan inwardly, “I see. Thank you very much.” I tell her and hope she gets the subtle hint that I would like to be alone.

“Of course. Birsha has planned a celebration tonight. Dinner will be served tonight at seven sharp then I believe you will be going out. I will come at six to help you get ready.” She states with a firm voice and a nod before leaving me alone in this huge room.

Before I know it Mer calls and says she will be coming with Esmerelda to help get me ready. I try to complain but she does her usual pout and whining until I give in with an exasperated sigh. I look around the room and while I should be excited by its beauty, all I can think about is the two men that will also be with us tonight.