Fated and Claimed by Four Alphas

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~Neil's POV~

I sat in the backseat of my black Range Rover Jeep, fingers drumming absently against the leather armrest while my driver idled quietly up front.

The air was chilled, but not unpleasant. Rhys's residence stood calm, nestled in the arms of the Winter District's richer mountainside.

And yet, the tension clinging to my skin from earlier still hadn't shaken off.

I'd been kicked out.

Well—not exactly thrown, but the energy in that house might as well have had signs flashing: UNWANTED.

People don't kick me out. They are thrilled just to have me come over.

I leaned back with a sigh, my gaze fixated on the house door. My mind wandered to her again, to Spring.

That sharp tongue, the blazing eyes, the way her hand left a sting on my cheek and an imprint on my mind.

She wasn't like most girls I'd met. She wasn't impressed one bit, and that made her unforgettable.

Before I could spiral deeper, the sound of an engine caught my ear. Rhys's familiar car pulled up, and I stepped out of mine immediately.

"Dr. Rhys," I called, straightening my shirt as I walked forward.

"Neil?" Rhys's brows shot up as he approached. "You're still here? Wait, what are you doing outside the house? I thought Spring said you were inside."

"Well… Your siblings kicked me out," I shrugged.

Rhys sighed and gave a tired chuckle. "Oh." The way he rolled his eye stold me they do that often probably or their behaviour wasn't shocking to him. Come in."

He got out of his car, locked it with the press of a button and then headed for the front porch.

I followed behind him, watching from behind as he unlocked the door, and as soon as it swung open, a soft yelp echoed from inside.

Rhys tensed. "Spring?"

My brows shot up. These brothers were awfully protective of her, and I wasn't surprised. I could see why, but I also wanted to gauge Rhys' reaction.

After all, his girlfriend, River, was someone I knew too well.

Rhys moved fast, stepping inside. I followed close behind, curious—and secretly excited. A reaction like that? Oh, I couldn't wait to see her face again.

Unfortunately, Eryx was the first thing I saw instead.

The jealous brother. The rabid wolf guarding the door to a treasure he couldn't even claim.

Still, I didn't mind playing with fire.

I heard their little siblings squabble with Rhys scolding Eryx, and I had a hard time holding back my laugh, but I managed. And when the air settled, their eyes landed on me.

There was tension in the air—unspoken questions. Glares exchanged like secret daggers. Rhys, ever the peacekeeper, clapped his hands.

"Alright, let's sit. Let's just talk."

He turned to Spring. "Spring, please bring us a glass of wine."

Eryx immediately cut in. "I'll do it."

I smirked. "No offence, but I'd rather not be poisoned."

Rhys groaned, rubbing his temple. "Gods, help me. You two… Aish."

He left for the kitchen without another word.

A few minutes later, he returned with a gold tray carrying four glasses and a bottle of wine. He poured and passed them around without waiting for protest.

"See, not poisoned," Rhys pointed out as he took a sip from his.

I took mine with a polite nod.

"I brought the gifts," I said smoothly, slipping into casual charm. "They're in my car. Father wanted to come himself, but..."

"You know I wouldn't dream of asking Senator Vance to step away from his duties just to thank me," Rhys interrupted.

"Exactly why he sent me. A token of gratitude. I hope you'll accept it... unlike some people." I let my eyes flick to the bouquet I had brought earlier, still sitting abandoned on the chair.

Spring scoffed loudly.

Eryx's glare could've curdled wine.

Rhys, again, tried to ease the tension. "Why don't you bring the gifts in? Eryx, help him."

That got a reaction.

Eryx blinked. "Me? With him?"

"Got a problem? Or scared I'd turn back and go after your sister?"

"Sneaky lizards like you sure as hell can do anything. So, I'm not surprised, but I'm not scared. Rhys' here. Besides, Spring is more than capable of reminding you of that earlier slap."

"A slap?" Rhys massaged his temples. "You two just go and try not to kill yourselves while you're at it."

Rhys gave Eryx a pointed look. "Please."

Eryx grunted and stood. I followed him to the door, silence hanging heavy between us.

We didn't speak until the cold air hit our faces.

Then, just as we reached the car, he snapped.

"Stay away from my sister."

I paused and glanced over at him. "Jealous?"

He blinked. "What?"

I chuckled, tapping the trunk. "You heard me. Jealous because I have a better chance chasing your sister than you, her actual brother, do?"

The shock on his face was a beautiful thing. I leaned in slightly, maintaining a low tone. "I caught you looking at her when she spoke about her breast size and hips. You don't just care like a brother. You like and want her."

"You're seeing things," Eryx spat.

"Am I?"

Before he could answer, the trunk popped open and the driver handed out the packages—elegant boxes wrapped in navy and gold.

"There's more," the driver added.

Eryx gave a grunt and grabbed some while I took the others. We walked back inside without another word.

Once in the living room, we set the gifts on the twin glass tables. Spring stared, clearly surprised.

I grinned at her. "Exactly the reaction I wanted."

Rhys thanked me politely and excused himself to call my father. That left us in a room full of awkward energy.

Spring kept her eyes on the boxes while Eryx hovered like a bodyguard. But I? I was already piecing things together.

The spark in her eyes. The sharp wit. The intellect. The face.

There was no way any guy wouldn't want her.

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I took it out and checked the caller. Andy's name flickered on the screen.

I stepped toward the dining area and took the call.

"Boss," Manager Andy's sharp voice spoke. "I found her."

My heart kicked once. "Where?"

"Winter Estate. House 10. Mountain top. Last house on the street."

I froze. My eyes slowly widened.

That was this house.

I pulled up my old message thread with my father. I checked the address just to be certain.

The same.

My eyes darted toward the living room.

"So... Solstice is here," I whispered.

My gaze darted around as my mind immediately started working out its wonders.

"And there's only one girl living under this roof with that kind of intellect and a genius for a brother."

The memory of Eryx and Spring flashed before my eyes, and I chuckled internally.

My grin stretched slowly as my head tilted a little to the side.

"Is Rhys protecting Solstice or…?"

I couldn't quite piece that together, but it was either that Rhys knew and was covering up for her, or he didn't know and was played as well.

The corner of my lips lifted so slightly, I felt my insides jubilate.

"Bingo, Spring. Found you."