Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 73

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
*By R. Joseph*

—

Ignored desires and imposed obligations.

Zevran.

I jolted awake, my heart racing and an undeniable throb radiating from my groin that demanded my attention.

With a low groan, I shot up in bed, rubbing my face in an attempt to shake off the remnants of sleep. But as reality settled in, I froze in disbelief. It had all been a dream—a wild, chaotic, erotic dream that clung to my consciousness like a stubborn shadow.

Vivid images flashed through my mind, each one more tantalizing than the last. I couldn’t help but groan again as the memory of her creamy, glistening skin, slick with sweat, flooded my thoughts. It was impossible to forget the way her full, round breasts swayed with every thrust, a sight that had ignited a fire within me.

And those lips—plump and pink—parted in an O-shape each time I found that sweet spot deep inside her. My body still hummed with the sensation of her trembling legs wrapped around my waist, as if they were trying to ensnare me in a web of danger and ecstasy.

She was a siren… my siren.

But it wasn’t Chalice who had invaded my dreams; it was Leilani.

Cursing under my breath, I flung the bedcovers aside, my eyes widening in shock at the sight of my throbbing erection, straining painfully against the confines of my pants. It craved—no, it yearned—to be buried in the warmth that had enveloped me in that dream.

Yet, I pushed those thoughts aside, forcing myself to get through the morning in a daze. Minutes later, I stumbled into the breakfast room, only to be met by the sour expressions of my brothers, mirroring my own mood.

From their downcast faces and the peculiar way they shuffled, I instinctively knew they were suffering from the same affliction that plagued me.

But why now? Why us? And why Leilani?

“Earth to Zevran!” Caelum drawled from his seat beside me, his cutlery scraping against his plate as he turned to face me, annoyance etched on his features.

My hand hovered over the glass of water in front of me, but the effort to lift it felt insurmountable. I couldn’t even bring myself to touch the food laid out before me; my appetite had vanished completely.

“I’m on earth,” I mumbled, feeling a mix of irritation and confusion.

“You certainly don’t look like it,” he retorted, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. Yet, even he seemed off this morning—there was a noticeable bulge in his pants that he couldn’t quite hide.

“We’re heading to the hospital to see Chalice today,” Kael interjected suddenly, his tone matter-of-fact. “I’ve asked the servants to gather some gifts for her. Once she’s discharged this weekend, we’ll finalize our marriage rites.”

My eyes widened in disbelief at his words, the surprise crashing over me like a wave. One glance at Caelum confirmed he was in on this too. I frowned, irritation bubbling within me. “You guys have discussed this without me?”

“Yes,” Kael replied, letting his fork clatter onto his plate of scrambled eggs. “We have. And honestly, I don’t see why it’s such a big deal.”

“It’s a big deal because you didn’t bother to ask for my thoughts! You didn’t care to see if I even wanted to marry—”

“Marry Chalice?” Caelum scoffed, cutting me off with a dark chuckle. “Who else would we even marry if not her? Seriously, think about it.”

“She’s been promised to us for ages,” Kael added dismissively. “It’s only logical to make it official now. No one will be hurt by this.”

With every word they spoke, the metaphorical knife in my chest twisted deeper. I slammed my fist against the table, ignoring the chaos that ensued as several items toppled over. Caelum’s rice spilled, but I couldn’t bring myself to care.

“I know she’s been promised! I’m aware of all of it, but can’t this whole marriage nonsense wait a few more months? Why does it have to be so sudden? How long have you been planning this?”

“Since yesterday…” Kael replied nonchalantly, and I rolled my eyes, frustration boiling over.

“Yesterday!” I seethed. “You two decided to get married to her by the weekend? Just like that?”

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