Within their dreams (Reverse Harem)

Chapter 33

Ivy's POV

"Boo."

"Ahhh!"

Terror creeps up my throat and I fumble in the darkness for the light. Two shadows lurk in the corner of my room. The light flickers on and the panic turns into relief at my mates staring back at me.

"What the hell are you doing!" I whisper, my eyes flicking to the closed door behind me.

"We wanted to see you." Owen strides towards me, arms outstretched but I sidestep him, looking away.

"You saw me earlier."

"We wanted to talk to you without people hoovering over us."

"I'm tired." I am, my muscles ache in agony. Surprisingly, Simon went easy on me today but I'm exhausted all the same. I assume it's his way of rewarding me for my good behaviour while the princes visited. His demeanour changed after they left like I'd passed some test I didn't know was put in front of me. He didn't even chain me to the bar on the ceiling today. Instead, we sat across from one another. I held my hands out, palms up as he siphoned my magic from me. His hands were cold and as my magic flowed into him, the iciness seemed to invade my skin like a disease, a chill that I still feel lingering. Despite his version of kindness, siphoning the energy from my body feels awful, but I can't let the pain show on my face. And instead of crawling into my bed like I've been dreaming of for the last two hours, I now have to put on a brave face and act like I'm not ready to collapse.

"We can keep you company while you sleep." I sigh, walking over to the dresser to get out of the sweat-soaked clothes that cling to my body.

"How'd you even get in here without being caught."

"I have some friends willing to turn a blind eye." Leo remains across the room as he speaks, leaning against the window frame casually, one leg crossed over the other.

I spin around, shoving a baggy shirt over my body and fold my arms across my chest.

"You decide to do that now? Not when I first arrived here." I roll my eyes, walking towards the bathroom.

"I wasn't sure we'd be welcome." I raise a brow, scoffing.

"And," Owen adds, walking over to me and cupping my cheeks to tilt my head up towards him. "We got worried when you blocked the mate bond. I just wanted to make sure you were okay." He scrutinises me, his brows furrowed.

"Are you okay, baby?" His fingers stroke my cheeks so softly that my eyes flutter closed. I breathe in his familiar scent, letting it wash over me like a comfort blanket. When I open my eyes, I can't bring myself to lie to him. His eyes are so full of concern, of a love that I never thought I'd experience. But I also can't tell him the truth yet either. So instead I rise on my tiptoes and brush my lips against his. If he thinks it's a distraction tactic, he doesn't object. He moans against my lips, his hands tangling in my hair as my fingers close around his biceps, feeling him flex under my touch. His lips are soft against mine, the taste of his tongue teasing me making my tastebuds hum. His lips leave mine to leave a blazing trail down my neck. I shudder against him, my eyes rolling back.

I glance over at Leo, our eyes locking. His gaze is heated, but he stays where he is. I've felt conflicted about Leo since I got here. I resent him for letting Simon bring me here, but I can't push down the love I still have for him. As we stare at each other, I give a slight nod, letting him know I want this. He wastes no time, striding over to me and taking a spot at my back. His hands trace my hips, playing with the shirt that covers me. He tugs it up and I obediently raise my arms and let the material flutter to the floor.

"I've missed you so much," Leo murmurs against my skin, nipping my pulse. I take a sharp inhale of breath, letting myself relax in his hold. I came here so angry at him for not fighting harder, but seeing him here now, feeling the slight hesitance in his movements like he's scared I'll push him away makes me realise just how much I've missed him. My body hums from their touch, melting away the sleepiness I felt earlier and reminding me of how good it feels to be in their arms.