Fated and Claimed by Four Alphas

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~Neil's POV~

Andy asked something, but I didn't hear it. Instead, I thanked him.

"Thanks for your hard work. I'll take it from here."

I ended the call and turned, walking back toward the others. As soon as the bright lights from the chandelier hit my face, my eyes immediately locked on hers.

Spring looked up from her seat on the couch.

And I smiled softly, genuinely, because in my head several thoughts and plans were being concocted.

"Now, I want you exclusively as mine even more."

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~Spring's POV~

Neil stepped back into the living room, the sound of his shoes echoing faintly against the floor.

His expression was relaxed, even pleasant, as if he hadn't just disappeared to take a suspicious call.

His gaze locked on mine like he had never looked away.

And that smile.

It wasn't just the flirtatious curl of his lips anymore. It was possessive, too calculated to be charming.

I straightened in my seat, arms folding over my chest instinctively as I tilted my chin, schooling my features into indifference.

Don't give him what he wants. Don't react.

Rhys walked into the living room as well.

"Your father is pleased."

Neil gave a nod and smiled.

Rhys glanced between us, oblivious as always, and clapped his hands softly. "Neil, you've been standing this whole time. Come on, sit. Make yourself comfortable. You're a guest in our home."

Neil gave a slight bow of his head in thanks and took a seat—of course, across from me, where he could stare as much as he pleased.

"Beautiful house," he said, eyes scanning the marble floor, the grand staircase behind us, and the gold trimmings along the cornices. "MSpring's POV (continued)

Neil stepped back into the living room, the soft click of his shoes against the floor echoing faintly in the open space. His expression was relaxed, even pleasant, as if he hadn't just disappeared to take a suspiciously long call.

His gaze locked on mine like he had never looked away.

And that smile.

It wasn't just the flirtatious curl of his lips anymore. It was possessive—too calculated to be charming. I straightened in my seat, arms folding over my chest instinctively as I tilted my chin, schooling my features into indifference.

Don't give him what he wants. Don't react.

Rhys glanced between us, oblivious as always, and clapped his hands softly. "Neil, you've been standing this whole time. Come on, sit. Make yourself comfortable. You're a guest in our home."

Neil gave a slight bow of his head in thanks and took a seat—of course, across from me, where he could stare as much as he pleased.

"Beautiful house," he said, eyes scanning the marble floor, the grand staircase behind us, and the gold trimmings along the cornices. "Traditional or classic, but refined. I assume the architectural work was Rhys's taste?"

Rhys chuckled lightly. "You assume correctly. Eryx wanted modern minimalism. But I prefer the kind of place that feels lived-in, rooted. Family warmth and all that."

Neil nodded appreciatively. "Would you mind showing me around? I'd love to see how you've arranged the place. I might steal some design ideas."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

"Stealing ideas is the least of what this creep is trying to steal."

Rhys blinked, surprised by the request, but quickly nodded. "Sure, why not? I can show you the ground floor, kitchen, office, gym, lounge… the upper floors are bedrooms, so I'll leave those off-limits for now."

"Understandable," Neil replied smoothly, standing again and adjusting the sleeves of his white-striped shirt. His wristwatch glinted under the chandelier.

Rhys gestured toward the left hallway, and the two began walking off.

But Neil paused.

He glanced back over his shoulder, his eyes finding me again. That smile hadn't left his lips. "Coming, Spring?"

I blinked.

Was that a joke?

"No," I said flatly, not moving an inch. "I don't do house tours with strangers."

Eryx smirked beside me. "She also doesn't do creeps. Go enjoy your walk."

Rhys exhaled sharply. "Eryx."

"What?" he grumbled, slouching deeper into the couch.

Neil chuckled lightly as if the jab hadn't stung. But his eyes glittered with interest. "That's alright. I'll win her over eventually."

"Try it and lose your teeth," Eryx muttered under his breath.

I almost smiled.

Almost.

The two disappeared down the hall, and the second they were out of sight, I sighed and flopped deeper into the cushions.

Jade stirred in my mind.

"He's way too smug. And that fake niceness? He's dangerous, Spring. I don't like him."

"That makes two of us," I whispered back. "He knows something. I could see it in his eyes. That phone call, that smile? He must have found something he was looking for. Or someone."

"Should I trigger a mental link with the others? Kael or Tyrion?"

"No," I said after a pause. "Let's wait. I don't want to draw attention yet. I need to know what he's planning before I burn him."

Jade huffed. "Ugh, I hate waiting."

I agreed.

Minutes ticked by. Eryx remained beside me but eh didn't utter any word. He was watching the hallway like a wolf ready to spring at the slightest noise.

I glanced at him. "Thanks… for earlier. For having my back."

He shrugged. "Always. You're my sister."

"…Right," I said, softly.

His eyes flicked to me but before either of us could break the silence further, we heard footsteps returning.

Neil and Rhys had finished their tour.

Their voices floated into the room before they did.

"Your office is incredible," Neil was saying. "The books, the sketches—Dr. Kaine, you really are more than a surgeon. You're a scholar."

Rhys laughed. "I just like to keep busy."

As they entered, Neil's eyes went straight to me again.

That damn smile.

"I look forward to the next visit," he voiced for everyone to hear, with the audacity of a man already confident there would be one.

"We'll see about that," I replied in a clipped tone.

Rhys moved toward the door to walk him out. Neil turned once more, and his final glance lingered on me a bit longer than expected.

"Beat it, Neil," Eryx growled from where he sat.

Neil's smile blossomed. He waved and walked out.