Her Given (Editing)

Chapter 34 - Pranks

Avelyn's POV

My birthday. I can't believe it's in three days. Time has flown by so slowly but also, somehow, incredibly fast. After my meltdown about a week ago, I've been a little distant. At least, I was at first. I know, I know, it wasn't their fault I was insecure about their love for me. I mean, that's all they've ever tried to prove to me--how deeply they care for me. But I couldn't help it; Mother's words just really got to me.

When I'd asked if they loved me, they were outraged and completely appalled. They insisted very flamboyantly that they loved me--something I'd already known, but I just had to ask.

They were so scared for me after I had my panic attack, and they didn't hesitate to reassure me how much they care for me.

And now I'm here, lying on Cole's chest between Ashton and Xavier, soaking in their warmth and contemplating my next course of action for the next three days while they sleep soundlessly.

I'll be eighteen, the legal age of freedom and passage, but I don't necessarily want to be free. Not if it means leaving my boys. Not if it means giving up the only things I've ever loved.

I'll be an official adult, but I'll still be grounded like a child, I'll love like a child--my heart completely taken by their's--and I'll cherish every second of it.

Children have it easy... most of the time.

And I want to live my newly-found, easy, carefree life for as long as possible.

"What are you thinking about?" Comes a raspy voice from behind me, husky from just waking up. Xavier. He snakes his hand around my waist, pulling himself closer to me. I sigh when my back meets his chest and I feel his warmth pressed against me.

Yup, I definitely never want to grow up.

"Nothing important," I answer, biting my lip and suppressing a shiver when I feel his breath agaisnt my neck. "Just my birthday."

"I happen to think your birthday is very important," he chuckles. "A lot can happen in one day." I blush at his innuendo.

"Yeah, I guess it can," I giggle quietly, trying not to wake the others up. "I can't wait to officially be your mate."

His grip tightens around me, and I find myself choking on my breath. "Me too. Honestly, that's all I've been thinking about since the moment I saw you drive up to the school in that sexy car of yours." I smile at his admission, wiggling out of his grip to turn around and face him.

God, he's so fucking beautiful. And I can't help but wonder how I ever got so lucky with finding them. His auburn hair is a mess atop his head, and I have to resist the urge to run my hands through it. Instead, I cup his cheek in one of my hands and smile softly at him.

"I love you, Xavier."

"I love you more, Avelyn," he says with a massive grin.

"Awe, what about me?" Cole's voice is suddenly heard, coming out in a whine as he shifts below me to sit up. This causes Ashton to wake up, too.

I turn to the blond haired devil. "Don't worry, Coco. I love you too," I giggle, pecking him on the lips. He smiles against the brief kiss, nibbling on my bottom lip for a moment before letting me go. "And you too, of course, Ash," I say, pecking Ashton on the cheek, making him pout.

"Why does he get a kiss on the lips and I don't?" I laugh at his question and his face that's pulled into a frown, leaning in to kiss him on the lips which makes his frown turn into a beaming grin.

"Love you, babygir-," Ash's voice is cut off by the rumbling of a stomach, and by the blush on Cole's cheeks, I'd say it belonged to him.

"Come on, ya big goof. Let's get you some food." He rolls his eyes at my teasing but follows behind me happily as I hop off the bed and make my way down the stairs, anxious to get some breakfast.