CHAPTER 40: 40. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES AND CHARLIE’S CHOICE

AT THE SAME TIME

MICHAEL

I sniffled, cheeks still damp, as the room’s weight finally started to settle around me. Zavier had one arm banded tight around my waist, the other brushing through my hair, murmuring soothing little sounds that had my wolf practically melting into a puddle. But curiosity, it was my downfall. My feet carried me toward the shelves, wobbling only slightly as I peeled away from his grip.

"Michael." Zavier warned.

"I’m fine." I lied, wiping at my eyes. "I just... want to see."

The shelves were filled with everything: books bound in silver threaded leather, moon carved toys that glittered faintly, even a few tiny boots lined with fur. My wolf pawed at my chest, ears flicking curiously. And then I saw it. A folded blanket. Small. Frayed at the edges. Pale blue with silver embroidery... and a faint scent, so old and faded it was almost nothing. Almost. My wolf howled, sharp and broken inside me. My knees gave out before I could stop them.

"That’s... mine." My voice cracked. "That’s my blanket. From when I was-"

I couldn’t finish. Tears blurred everything. Zavier was there instantly, scooping me into his arms like I weighed nothing, clutching me so close I could hear his heartbeat pounding like a drum. His wolf growled low, possessive and protective, curling around mine like armor.

"Breathe, fiery one." He murmured into my hair. "You’re home. You’re safe."

I clung to him, shaking, blanket still clutched in my fist. My wolf whined, then purred, giving in to his warmth. And then Zavier carried me straight to the bed. Not just a bed. The omega bed. It swallowed us whole, a mountain of pillows and blankets so soft it was like falling into a cloud spun from moonlight. Goddess wards hummed all around it, soothing and protective, thrumming against my skin like a lullaby.

Zavier laid me down gently, then immediately curled himself around me like a wolf claiming his den, chest pressed against my back, chin resting atop my head. His arms locked around my waist, possessive, steady.

"This is where you belong." He whispered.

My cheeks burned, my tears soaking into the silks. But my wolf sighed, content. I hated how right it felt. Of course, peace never lasted long.

"Aw." Adrian drawled from the side of the room, smirk practically dripping. "Look at you, snuggled up like a spoiled little prince. So cozy. So soft."

"Shut up." I muttered into Zavier’s chest.

But Zavier’s growl rolled low, silver eyes flashing.

"Watch yourself, Adrian."Zavier said.

Adrian only grinned wider.

"Relax, I’m just saying-"Adrian said.

Then, without warning, he flopped onto the bed beside us, arms wrapping loosely around me from the other side.

"WHAT?!" I yelped, face flaming.

Zavier snarled, muscles tensing like he was about to throw him across the room. But Adrian only smirked at him over my shoulder.

"What? Can’t let you hog all the royal cuddles, can I?" Adrian teased, cheek brushing mine. "Besides... your pup will need an uncle."

My wolf yelped. My face turned nuclear. Across the room, Terrence’s jaw dropped. Xavier’s hands twitched, fists clenching, eyes going sharp and dark. Both of them were seething.

"Unacceptable." Xavier muttered, ears pink.

Terrence growled outright.

"The hell is this circus?!"He screamed.

Charlie, of course, was delighted, clapping his hands like a little menace.

"Ohhh, look at that! Brother pile! Isn’t this the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?"Charlie said excited.

"Cute?!" I squeaked, struggling against two walls of alpha muscle pinning me on either side.

Rose covered her mouth to stifle her laughter, while Selene pinched the bridge of her nose like she was trying not to scream. The Goddess herself? She just cackled, radiant light flickering with every laugh.

"Oh, how long it has been since I saw alphas this hopeless!" She giggled. "Tripping over themselves for one fiery little omega. Delicious."

My wolf curled up, overwhelmed but, gods help me content in the middle of it all. My face burned hotter than the sun, but... I didn’t push them away. Because for once, I wasn’t alone. I barely had time to recover from Adrian’s reckless decision to make me the filling in his snuggle sandwich when everything... shifted.

One second Adrian was pressed against me, smirk hot on my neck, Zavier growling low and ready to launch him into orbit and the next, Adrian’s golden eyes flicked past me. To Charlie. His whole wolf snapped into place like a magnet, every ounce of alpha intensity zeroed in on my brother.

"Actually..." Adrian drawled, peeling himself off me. "Why waste my charms on royalty when I’ve got a saint omega grinning right there?"

Charlie blinked, wide eyed.

"Wait, me?"Charlie said.

"Of course you." Adrian purred, practically leaping across the bed like a golden comet, landing in front of Charlie with a grin sharp enough to cut glass.

"Unbelievable." Xavier muttered, dark eyes narrowing.

Terrence growled, arms crossing, storm-grey gaze locked on the same target.

"He’s not going to hog him."Terrence said.

And then like watching dominos fall, both alphas moved at the exact same time. Within seconds, all three were crowding around Charlie like moths to a flame. Adrian leaning in close with that shameless grin, Xavier calculating and intense as he brushed Charlie’s hand ’by accident,’ and Terrence looming protectively like he’d already claimed the spot. Charlie blinked again, then grinned so wide it was almost blinding.

"Ohhh... I like this." He said cheerfully. "All this attention finally, someone understands how perfect I am."

"Charlie-" I started, horrified.

"Big brother, hush." He cut me off, smirking. "Let me have my moment."

Zavier’s growl vibrated behind me, chest pressed to my back, but even he looked faintly amused watching the three alphas trip over themselves. Rose was doubled over with laughter. Selene stared like she was about to collapse from sheer disbelief. And the Goddess? She laughed so hard the walls shook.

"Ohhh, this is delicious!" She crowed, silver hair spilling around her. "Three alphas undone by one omega smile. Truly, the fates have blessed me with front row entertainment."

Adrian tilted his head, voice dropping low as his grin widened.

"So tell me, Saint Omega... which one of us do you like best?"Adrian said.

Xavier tensed immediately, silver eyes narrowing.

"Unfair question."He said.

Terrence bared his teeth.

"Don’t you dare answer that."He said.

Charlie only smirked, tilting his chin up like a king on his throne.

"Why choose?" He said innocently. "Maybe I want... all three."

The room exploded. Terrence sputtered. Xavier froze like someone had slapped him. Adrian’s grin somehow got even bigger, which I hadn’t thought possible and me? I threw a pillow over my head, groaning so loudly it might have echoed through the castle.

"My life is a circus." I muttered.

My wolf whined in agreement. By the time the chaos had reached its third round of alphas posturing, the Goddess wheezing with laughter, and Charlie looking smug enough to power the entire moon, I decided I’d had enough.

"Alright! Everyone stop flexing for five seconds before I set something on fire." I snapped, voice cracking halfway between exhaustion and outrage. Adrian froze mid wolf charming pose. Terrence, who had just lifted something heavy for no reason, actually blinked at me. Xavier pretended he wasn’t sharpening his glare and Charlie, Charlie just stood there looking way too pleased with himself.

"What?" He said sweetly, like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. "I didn’t tell them to start showing off, big brother. They just really want my attention."

"You literally told them they could all be your mates, Charlie!"I said happily.

He gasped dramatically.

"I was joking!"I said annoyed.

"Were you?"Charlie asked.

"Mostly!"I said. I pinched the bridge of my nose, groaning. "You can’t mostly joke about multi alpha relationships! That’s how wars start!"

He’s right, little moonbeam. Wars have been started for less handsome reasons."Godness said.

"See? Even divine beings agree with me!"I said angrily.

Charlie burst out laughing, shoulders shaking.

"Oh, come on, big brother, you should thank me. Without me, this castle would be boring."Charlie said.

Zavier, sitting calmly nearby, smirked and murmured,

"You sound like a royal already."Zavier said.

I glared at him.

"Don’t you start."I said.

Rose had her face buried in her hands, shoulders trembling with silent laughter. Selene was muttering prayers under her breath like she needed divine patience to deal with us all. Adrian leaned against a column, arms folded, watching Charlie with an expression that said I regret nothing.

"Perhaps, my lords and ladies, we should... rest."I said. "Tomorrow will be busy, and this amount of excitement might collapse the castle." Everyone went silent for a moment. Then, slowly, heads nodded.

"Rooms have been prepared." The Elder continued. "His highness Michael and his consort will stay in the moon chamber protected for blessed bonds."

"Wh- consort?!"I asked.

"The rest of you." The Elder said, ignoring my strangled noise. "Will stay in the east wing. Separate rooms. No fighting. No sneaking." He gave Adrian a pointed look.

Adrian grinned innocently.

"Who, me?"Adrian asked.

"Yes, you." Selene deadpanned.

As we all started dispersing down the hallways, I tugged on Charlie’s sleeve before he could scamper away with his trio of suitors.

"Hey." I said quietly.

He turned, golden eyes bright.

"Yeah?"He asked.

"Next time." I sighed. "Please try not to make three alphas fall in love with you before dinner."

Charlie just grinned.

"No promises."He smirked.

I groaned again, watching him disappear with a bounce in his step, Adrian close behind, Terrence glaring daggers, and Xavier walking like he was calculating everyone’s worth in heartbeats. Zavier slid an arm around my shoulders as we reached our own room, his tone soft and teasing.

"You know, you can’t control chaos, love."Zavier said.

"Maybe not." I muttered, exhaustion heavy in my chest, "But I can lecture it."

His chuckle was deep, warm, and when he kissed the top of my head, my wolf finally relaxed. Behind us, I could still hear the faint echo of Charlie’s laughter, the other alphas arguing, and the Goddess humming like she was already preparing more trouble for tomorrow. I sighed.

"This castle’s going to burn down before the wedding."I said.

Zavier smirked.

"Then we’ll rebuild it, with better locks."He said.

And for the first time that day, I actually laughed.