All Chapters of Bullied By My Four Mates: Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

The weight of responsibility settled between my shoulder blades like an old friend as I walked the corridor toward Ava's office. Snow drifted past the tall windows, fat flakes swirling in the bitter wind—much like the thoughts circling in my mind. I didn't want to leave, not when we'd only just found our rhythm again, not with the festival approaching. But the messenger's words echoed in my ears: a northern pack cut off by the storm, families huddled in darkness, supplies dwindling. I flexed my fingers, feeling the phantom touch of Ava's skin, already anticipating its absence. Hermes paced restlessly within me, his anxiety feeding mine as we approached the heavy oak door that led to our Queen.*This is necessary,* I reminded myself, though the words felt hollow. The palace around me hummed with festival preparations—servants hung evergreen boughs along the banisters, the scent of cinnamon and clove drifted from the kitchens, and distant laughter echoed from the great hall where decora

I stood by the enormous window in the great hall, watching snowflakes drift like fragments of stars against the darkening sky. My breath created ghostly patterns on the glass as I pressed my palm against its cold surface, feeling the bite of winter even through the castle's thick walls. Four days since Theo had left. Four days of sleeping in a bed that felt too large despite still having three kings to fill it. Four days of Artemis pacing restlessly in my mind, missing Hermes with an ache that mirrored my own. The Christmas decorations around me—pine boughs heavy with crystalline ornaments, red ribbons cascading from chandeliers, candles flickering in evergreen wreaths—seemed to mock me with their festive cheer. What was Christmas without all five of us together?*He'll come back,* Artemis insisted, though I could feel her doubt curling beneath the words like smoke. *Hermes promised.*"Promises can't clear twenty-foot snowdrifts," I murmured, my finger tracing the path of a single sno

Lana worked in silence for a moment, setting the chocolate-dipped pastries on a cooling rack in perfect rows. Then she looked up, a hesitant smile touching her lips. "Would you like to try something? It might help, at least for a moment.""Always," I replied, grateful for the distraction.Her smile widened slightly as she reached beneath the counter and produced a clean plate. With careful movements, she arranged an assortment of tiny pastries and biscuits in an artful display, then placed a small pot of the chocolate sauce she'd been using beside them."I've been experimenting with a new chocolate dipping sauce," she explained, sliding the plate toward me. "It has a hint of orange and cinnamon, with just a touch of chili for warmth. The kitchen staff have been my guinea pigs all day, but I'd value your opinion."I picked up one of the tiny pastries—a delicate puff filled with what looked like cream—and dipped it into the chocolate sauce. The moment it touched my tongue, my eyes widen

A comfortable silence settled between us, full of shared history and unspoken love. My father had been our rock after mum died—steady, strong, never letting his grief overwhelm his devotion to raising us."Actually," I said, breaking the silence, "I was hoping you might visit after Christmas. For New Year's. All of you… you, Ava's parents, Alpha Marcus and Luna Amelia.""We'd love to," he replied without hesitation. "It's been too long since we've seen you all. This winter's kept everyone close to home.""Tell me about it," I sighed, glancing out the window at the endless white landscape. "We've been fighting these storms for weeks. Theo's up north helping with emergency relief.""Marcus mentioned that. He's been coordinating support from our end as well." There was a pause before he added, "If we come for New Year's, we'll have to bring Jamie too. The little monster doesn't like any of our babysitters."I chuckled at the mention of Alpha Marcus and Luna Amelia's son. Jamie Hughes, fi

Oscar, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. "I should come too. I can help with the medical team."I turned to him, surprised. Oscar's skills lay more in diplomacy and morale than emergency response. His suggestion was born of loyalty, not practicality."No," I said firmly, reaching for his hand. "I need you here." *I need someone here,* I didn't say.Theo echoed my sentiment through the phone. "Oscar, you're more valuable at the palace right now. The festival preparations can't stop just because we're dealing with this crisis. Our people need that hope, that normalcy."Oscar nodded reluctantly, squeezing my fingers. I could read the relief in his eyes—not because he didn't want to help, but because the thought of leaving me with only Callum during the Christmas season had clearly troubled him.We spent the next several minutes discussing details—exactly what supplies were needed, which wolves should join the expedit