Chasing Aledwen: A Paranormal Reverse Harem Novel (Fated Seasons: Spring Book 1)

by Laura Greenwood

  Bringing forth the birth seemed to be surprisingly easy once she’d been able to access the magic. All she’d had to was place her hands on the stone and the magic had rushed through her, filling every corner of her mind.

  And now it was flowing out of her again. Towards the human world where it would herald the blooming of flowers, and the birth of new creatures.

  Slowly, and a little disappointingly, the magic started to fade away. While she knew it had to happen, that didn’t stop the sense of loss she was feeling. But then again, she’d be feeling exactly the same in another year’s time, when she had to perform the Birth again. And every year up until her future daughter turned eighteen and would take over the role.

  Tomorrow, she’d meet the autumn and summer Queens. She’d tried to get the winter Queen to visit too, but apparently she was sick. Which was concerning to say the least. Paranormals shouldn’t get sick at all. Even if they were missing their magic like the winter royals were.

  The magic of spring faded away, leaving Aledwen naked in the middle of her throne room and surrounded by people. Though she soon felt a soft robe being pressed around her shoulders. She leaned back into the giver, taking a deep breath and snuggling into his warmth. It was definitely one of the twins. Cyprus if she had to bet. She wasn’t completely sure how she was able to tell them apart. They were completely identical. And yet she definitely knew which one of them was which.

  “Thank you,” she said, only receiving a nod in return. Definitely Cyprus then. He only seemed to talk when they were alone, or just with her other mates.

  “The Birth is complete,” the Master of Ceremonies called out, and the fae around them cheered. Most likely because another party was about to begin.

  Aledwen almost rolled her eyes. All the partying really wasn’t her thing. If given the option, she’d rather just retire to the library and talk with her mates. Especially as there were other, important things for them to deal with.

  “Have you heard anything from your brother?” she asked Fane, once she was sure there wasn’t anyone left listening.

  “Not yet, but it’s only been a day. I suspect we’ll hear from him in another two or three.”

  “When he notices the magic is gone?” she clarified.

  “Yes. I’m not sure how he even holds it, or how often he checks on it. I can’t say I’ve ever tried to steal magic before,” he replied.

  “No, me neither.”

  Fane chuckled. “And let’s hope we don’t have to deal with bound magic again.”

  “We better not,” Drey replied. “Besides, you may have bigger issues to deal with.” He looked in Brandon’s direction, and the shifter tried to look innocent, but failed miserably.

  “What did you do?” Aledwen asked, slightly exasperated.

  “How do you feel about family dinner?”

  Epilogue

  While it was nice not to be royal for a while, Aledwen was more nervous than ever as she waited outside the smart looking house with the twins on either side of her. Both Drey and Fane had wisely decided to stay back at the palace. Throwing in the fact that Aledwen was in a relationship with not just their sons, but two other men too, would likely be too much. Particularly for people that had a hard time accepting their daughter was with a bear shifter.

  Brandon rapped smartly on the door, before opening it anyway and walking in.

  “That’s always been our family way,” Cyprus said when he saw the confused look on her face.

  “Alright then.”

  “You ready?” he asked, slipping his hand into hers and giving it a squeeze.

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  She didn’t want to admit it, especially as she knew it was really important to them. But she was nervous. She’d never had to meet the parents before. Mostly because she’d never been in any kind of relationship. Just had a few fun nights.

  The decor was modern, but timeless, and she wasn’t surprised to see photos of the twins and their two sisters adorning the walls. Apparently, the eldest wouldn’t be here today. She was busy doing something with her children. Aledwen liked that. Family should always come first.

  “Aledwen, right?” A redhead that looked a lot like the twins greeted her warmly, and it took her a little longer than she’d have liked to recognise the woman as Arabella. Even if they had been introduced once before. Cyprus and Brandon gave their sister a quick kiss on the cheek, before disappearing further into the house, leaving the two women alone. Most likely on purpose.

  “Yes.”

  “It’s lovely to meet you properly. I see you’ve managed to tame my brothers.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far.”

  Arabella laughed lightly. “I’m not sure, I haven’t seen Cyprus this relaxed in years. He couldn’t stop talking about you the other day.”

  A blush rose on Aledwen’s cheeks. She knew exactly what that compliment meant. Especially as Brandon had told her Arabella was the only person Cyprus had actually talked to. Before her anyway. The thought of which just filled her with pride.

  The other woman began to lead her down the hall, past a photo of what must have been the Reed parents.

  “Arabella...”

  “Hmm? Call me Ari,” she corrected her. “Everyone else does, it’s just easier.”

  “Ari, do your parents know about our...situation?” She grasped at words, not quite knowing how to describe what she had with her men. They really should make a term for it. Then again, maybe they had in fiction.

  “I don’t think so. They know Cyprus is bringing someone, but I don’t think they’ve ever twigged that he and Brandon have done the sharing thing.”

  “So they’ve done it before?” Aledwen’s curiosity was piqued, and she longed to know more. Though this was probably something she should be hearing from the twins and not their sister. Maybe.

  “Yes, though it went a little wrong, hence why Cyprus is...well, Cyprus.”

  “I’m sure they’ll tell me one day,” Aledwen said diplomatically, hoping it would convey to Ari that she wasn’t going to pry until the men were ready for her to.

  “Oh they definitely will. But there’ll be a lot for you to learn now. They told me one of your other mates is a dragon? That’s going to be a lot of new skills.”

  “What do you mean?” She was slightly alarmed. What new skills could the other woman possibly be talking about.

  “Shifting?”

  “I’m not a shifter.”

  “Not yet, no.” Ari laughed a little, but not unkindly. More in a couldn’t-believe-no-one-had-said-anything way. “If you’re mated to three shifters, then you’ll gain shifting powers. And I must say, I’m fascinated to see how that one turns out. Will you just be a fox or just a dragon? Or some weird dragon-fox hybrid? Oh the possibilities!”

  “A dragox?” Aledwen asked, bewildered.

  “If that’s what you’re going to turn out to be, we’re definitely coming up with a better name for it,” Ari said, giggling slightly, and infecting Aledwen with the same joyousness.

  “Oh definitely, that’s a rubbish name. But it sounds better than fogan.”

  “You’re right, I’ll have to give you that one.”

  The two women entered the dining room, still both giggling away.

  “Mum, Dad, this is Aledwen. Aledwen, this is my Mum, Diana, and my Dad, George.”

  Aledwen thought it was a little odd that it was Ari introducing the her to them, and not one of the twins, but she went with it. Maybe this was their way of easing them all into the multiple mates thing.

  Dinner went surprisingly well, unless she counted the surreptitious touches the twins kept giving her under the table. Whoever had decided to seat them on either side of her, hadn’t taken into account that the two of them would do just about anything they weren’t supposed to.

  Even so, it was making her smile. That, and the fact her men were right. She and Ari really did get on well. She was impressed by the female shifter’s intelligence, and the fact she held suc
h a high position politically.

  “Have you ever thought of trying for a position on the High Council?” Aledwen asked before taking a bite of the delicious dessert Diana Reed had made.

  “Yes, but I don’t think it’s for me. A lot of shifters still need me, and I don’t think I could abandon them.”

  “Not yet, anyway,” her mate, Bjorn, added with a smile. “Just wait another few years and she’ll have changed her mind.”

  “Bjorn,” she scolded, but the adoring look on her face said everything. There was a lot of love between the two of them. Aledwen wondered if it was just as obvious between her and the twins.

  No. Not love. None of them had used the word yet, and she wasn’t sure she was actually ready yet. Soon though. Definitely soon.

  “So, what is it you do, Aledwen?” George Reed asked, and she almost choked on her mouthful.

  “I’m a fae Queen.”

  “And what is that, dear? Some kind of performer?” Diana asked.

  “Mum!” Brandon protested.

  “No, it’s being the Queen of the fae. The Spring Fae to be precise.” Aledwen took another bite of pudding, hating the way this conversation was going.

  “But you’re so young.”

  “Yes, there was an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to my coronation.”

  Both of the older Reeds looked a little skeptical, but she was fine with that. They’d son learn she wasn’t joking. Probably around the time their future grandchildren were born, and they came to the palace to celebrate.

  “Where did you meet Cyprus?” Diana changed the subject.

  “At one of the balls,” Aledwen answered.

  “Oh.”

  “I’m going to clear the dishes. Brandon, want to help?” Ari half-asked, half-demanded, before jumping to her feet and starting to collect the dishes.

  “Sure.” He got to his feet and leaned towards Aledwen, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Her eyes half-closed, and a satisfied smile crossed her face. She definitely liked her men’s affectionate sides.

  “What is going on here?” Diana demanded, her voice stern, and kind of a little scary.

  “We’re clearing the dished,” Ari pointed out dryly.

  “She’s Cyprus’ mate.” The woman sounded outraged, and Aledwen had to remind herself to breathe so as not to lose it herself.

  “I’m both of their mates,” she said softly instead.

  “That can’t be possible.”

  “Why not?” Aledwen asked. “I certainly feel the bond as strongly with Brandon as I do with Cyprus, and vice versa.”

  “Because it’s wrong.”

  “Why is it wrong? If they feel it for me, and I for them, then it’s nothing but right.” She could feel her magic rising up inside her, but had to squash it down again. Losing it now definitely wouldn’t be good. After all, she’d only just gained it full stop. She certainly didn’t have any control of it.

  “It...I...it....”

  “Let’s just go, Dwen,” Brandon suggested, gesturing to his brother.

  “I-”

  “No, don’t bother,” Brandon told her, just as Cyprus slipped his hand back into hers. He always knew just the way to do that which would offer her comfort. “Mum, Dad, I know this may be hard for you, but it’s the truth. Aledwen is both of our mates, and we’re both happy with that. You know where we are when you can accept that.”

  Aledwen watched the assembled family’s faces, surprised to see remorse flicker over George’s face so quickly. Less surprisingly, Ari and Bjorn looked equal parts amused and proud. It was Diana that concerned her. There was a clear look of disgust on her face.

  Better not tell her what she’d been up to with her twin sons then.

  “Thank you for a lovely dinner,” Aledwen said graciously. “I hope to see you again soon.” Hopefully with a little more understanding about the relationship she was part of.

  “Please, Dwen, let’s go.”

  The twins all but dragged her out of the house, before both turning to face her.

  “We’re sorry,” Cyprus said. “I didn’t think they’d be quite that bad.”

  “Me neither,” Brandon added. “Please don’t think we’re like that.” Their eyes both pleaded with her to understand, and her heart went out to them. How could she not understand. She felt the truth of their words as much as she heard them.

  “I know. So long as we have each other, it’ll all be fine.”

  “Very much so,” Cyprus said, leaning forward and kissing her chastely, before pulling back so Brandon could do the same.

  “It’ll all work out in the end,” Brandon added once he’d pulled away.

  Yes. It would. Even with all the challenges ahead of them, Aledwen knew it would all work out. She had her men by her side after all.

  The End

  But worry not! This isn’t the end of Aledwen’s story. There’ll be two more books of her coming later in the year! You can sign up here to get an email when the next Fated Seasons stories release. But until then, why not try Fated Seasons: Winter, starting with Saving Eira.

  Author’s Note

  Thank you for reading Chasing Aledwen, I hope you enjoyed it! As I mentioned in my dedication, I really want to thank my readers for this one. I messed up pretty big (hence releasing in February and not in January like originally planned), and yet you not only stuck by me, but supported me.

  I also need to thank Skye MacKinnon, Kelly Stock/Bea Paige, Arizona Tape and Gina Wynn. You guys have made an unbelievable difference to my writing journey, and I really do feel far less helpless knowing I have you guys to help and support me...and to write with, let’s not forget that!

  So, a note on Fated Seasons! This is a twelve book reverse harem series, split into four. By season believe it or not! Chasing Aledwen is the first book of Fated Seasons: Spring, with two more to come. Fated Seasons: Winter has also started, with Saving Eira, with the second and third winter books coming soon!

  You can sign up here to get updates on Fated Seasons books and side stories (but just those linked to the Seasons!):

  http://www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/fated-seasons.html

  (p.s. If you’re intrigued about the Reed twins’ sister, Arabella, you want to check out The Vixen’s Bark)

  About the Author

  Laura is a USA Today Bestselling author of paranormal romance, and a lot of other stuff, including fairy tales, fantasy, contemporary and reverse harem. She can’t decide on much!

  When she’s not writing, or doing authory things, you’ll find her reading, cooking or baking...more or less successfully.

  You’ll also discover that she is a massive fan of random facts, and will talk about them for ages if you let her...so maybe don’t.

  Stalk Links:

  Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/authorlauragreenwood

  Facebook Group: http://facebook.com/groups/theparanormalcouncil

  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laura-greenwood

  Website/Mailing List: http://www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramg1406/

  Other Books by Laura Greenwood

  Listing all my books takes ages, and I won’t subject you to that! So I’ll just be listing the first in series!

  Other Paranormal Reverse Harem

  Fated Seasons: Winter > http://books2read.com/SavingEira

  Ashryn Barker > http://books2read.com/ShatteredIllusions

  Seven Wardens (co-written with Skye MacKinnon) > http://books2read.com/fromthedeeps

  For more reverse harem titles: http://www.authorlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/reverse-harem.html

  Other Paranormal Titles

  The Paranormal Council > http://books2read.com/thedryadspawprint

  Thornheart Coven: http://books2read.com/witchspotion

  Beyond the Curse: http://books2read.com/awakening1

  Twins Souls (co-written with Arizona Tape): http://books2read.com/soulswap

  For more books: http://www.autho
rlauragreenwood.co.uk/p/fantasy.html

  And if you’ve read all mine...

  Why not try some of my friends’ paranormal & urban fantasy titles…

  Gina Wynn

  Ho Ho Hocus > http://books2read.com/hohohocus

  The Virgin’s Destiny > https://books2read.com/virginsdestiny/

  Kelly Stock/Bea Paige

  Sisters of Hex: Accacia > http://books2read.com/accaciascurse

  The Soul Guide > http://books2read.com/thesoulguide

  Skye MacKinnon

  Daughter of Winter > http://books2read.com/winterprincess

  The Drowning > http://books2read.com/polardestiny

  Ruined Hearts > http://books2read.com/heartoftime

  Arizona Tape

  My Own Human > http://books2read.com/myownhuman

  Triple Threat > http://books2read.com/dannysdance

  My Winter Wolf > http://books2read.com/wolfswhisper