7: Fears

Gianna’s POV

The days passed with a surreal ease, like I’d woken up in a life I’d dreamed of but never dared to believe could be mine. Each morning, I’d wake up to the quiet of the palace, the sun filtering through my windows, casting everything in a warm, gentle light.

My own beautiful room.

The Alphas took turns joining me for breakfast, sharing stories from their lives and listening to mine with genuine interest. It makes me nervous that they are this interested in me but I knew this was what mates are supposed to be like.

It was strange, finding comfort in a place so unfamiliar, with people who felt both new and achingly familiar at the same time. There was something unique in each of them, yet they shared that fierce protectiveness, that devotion.

For me.

Kane was the steady, calm one, his presence always reassuring. Klaus had a teasing smile and a way of lightening any moment, while Keith’s gentleness softened the edges of my own fears. I feel like a newborn around them.

But as days turned into a week, there was an unspoken tension building, a quiet acknowledgment of the bond we shared. It wasn’t just emotional, it was physical too, a pull I could feel as strong as the heartbeat in my chest.

I could sense it every time one of them held my gaze just a little longer, or brushed their hand over mine as they passed by. It was an energy between us, like a low, steady hum that never quite faded. And I knew they felt it, too.

Then one evening, as the four of us sat by the fire, sharing a comfortable silence, Kane’s gaze met mine, a flicker of something deeper in his eyes. He reached across, taking my hand gently, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles over my skin.

It shoots something straight to my core. It feels soooo good.

“Gianna,” he began, his voice soft yet carrying a weight of importance, “we’ve all been talking… and we feel it’s time we talked to you about our bond.”

My heart fluttered, the excitement mingling with a hint of nervousness. I swallowed, feeling the warmth of their attention settling on me, the firelight casting soft shadows on their faces.

Klaus leaned forward, his gaze holding that playful spark but also something tender. “We want to make sure you’re comfortable. That you’re ready. And that when the time comes, it’s because you want it.”

“We don’t want you to feel pressured, Gianna. This bond… it’s a gift, and it’s as much about your comfort and readiness as it is about ours. When we mate, it’s a choice, a step we take together. Nothing has to happen until you’re certain.”

I blinked, feeling my cheeks heat as I absorbed their words. The very idea of bonding with them, of sealing this connection with a physical union, was thrilling but also overwhelming.

I knew what it meant to mates, the unbreakable connection that came from marking, from completing the mating bond in every way. It was something sacred, and once done, it would be forever.

But three of them? My heart raced at the thought. The pull I felt toward them was undeniable.

Seeing the hesitation in my eyes, Klaus’s hand reached over, cupping my face with such tenderness that my heart stuttered.

“We’ll take things as slow as you need,” he murmured, his voice a low, soothing promise. “You’re our mate, Gianna. That means we’re here for you, in every way you need us. No matter how long it takes.”

Kane’s hand tightened around mine, his thumb still moving in gentle circles that sent a comforting warmth and electricity through me.

“We wouldn’t do anything to make you uncomfortable. This bond means just as much to us as it does to you. And when you’re ready… we’ll be ready too.”

A part of me wanted to trust them, to let go of the doubts that had clung to me for so long. The memories of rejection, the pain Eliot had left in his wake, those wounds still lingered, even if they were starting to heal.

But these men… they were different. They had proven their gentleness, their patience. And as I looked into their eyes, I saw sincerity and reverence, a respect that made my heart feel lighter.

“I…” I took a shaky breath, gathering the courage to speak. “I do want this. I want to feel that bond with you. It’s just… all so new. But you’re right. I don’t want to wait any longer than I have to.” I gave a small, nervous laugh, glancing down as my cheeks flushed. “It’s like a part of me already knows I belong with you.”

Keith reached over, brushing a gentle hand along my cheek, his touch warm and reassuring. “And you do. You’re safe here, with us. This bond… it’s a choice, like we said. But it’s also a promise, to care for each other, to protect one another. We’re in this together, Gianna.”

I took a deep breath, looking from one to the other, the warmth of their gazes wrapping around me like a protective hug.

And in that moment, I felt something shift inside me, a release, a letting go of the fears I’d been holding on to. I could feel the excitement building, a longing that was as much emotional as it was physical. I wanted this. I wanted them.

I gave a slow nod, my gaze steady as I looked into Kane’s eyes, then Klaus’s, and finally Keith’s.

“I’m ready,” I whispered, the words feeling both freeing and terrifying.

They each let out a breath, their expressions softening with relief and anticipation. Kane’s hand tightened around mine, and he shared a look with his brothers, a quiet understanding passing between them.

“We’ll take good care of you,” he promised, his voice a low, gentle murmur. “Every step of the way.”

Klaus’s hand found my waist, his fingers brushing over the fabric of my dress as he turned me to face him. His gaze was intense, filled with both possessiveness and a quiet hunger.

“You’re our mate, Gianna. We’re going to cherish you, protect you, make sure you know just how much you mean to us.”

Kane moved to my other side, his hand coming up to cup my face as he tilted my chin up gently. “If you feel uncomfortable at any moment, all you have to do is tell us. We’ll stop.”

Keith’s fingers brushed over mine, a grounding, gentle touch that made my heart swell with both anticipation and warmth. My nipples hardened as he wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

They surrounded me, their warmth cocooning me and I felt a certainty settle in my chest. These men weren’t just Alpha kings, they were my mates. They were my second chance, my beginning. I won’t let my fears ruin me.