The Gala Decision
The four brothers stepped into the study where their fathers were waiting. The atmosphere was tense, but informal—a family meeting, not a boardroom.
"We're taking Kaylee to the gala," Kadeem began, voice steady. "She's our date, and we won't let anyone else take her."
Mr. Alex raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Looks like she's got all of you wrapped around her tiny fingers."
Kaden laughed softly. "You're not wrong, Dad."
Kayden, quiet as always, spoke up for the first time. "We're aware of the risks. The underworld will see her if she's there. But we'll protect her—every step of the way."
Mr. Michael leaned forward, serious now. "Remember, she's Blink. Dangerous, capable—but the underworld doesn't know her. Taking her to the gala exposes her identity. You understand what's at stake?"
"We do," Kadin said firmly. "And she can handle herself, yes—but we'll be there. Always."
Kadeem nodded. "Nothing will happen to her while we're around. She's our responsibility."
Mr. Alex smiled, a mixture of pride and amusement. "You boys really have no idea how much you worry me. But I guess that's what being wrapped around her tiny fingers does to you."
Kaden grinned. "Guess so, Dad."
Kayden's calm voice cut through the laughter. "We won't take any risks. She stays safe, or none of this happens."
Mr. Michael leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Just remember, Blink is strong, but even the strongest can't predict everything. You've got to watch her carefully. And you better not let the underworld catch even a hint of who she is."
The brothers nodded collectively, their faces firm. They didn't need to say "sir"—their bond with their fathers was strong, informal, and trusting. They all understood the weight of the situation, and the unspoken promise: no one would harm Kaylee while they were around.
The Brotherhood
After leaving their fathers, the four brothers retreated to Kayden's room. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken thoughts, but here, in their private space, there was room for honesty.
Kadeem leaned forward first, breaking the silence. "Are we just going to sit here and keep pretending this whole obsession thing doesn't exist? We all know how deep this goes."
Kaden nodded. "Yeah. I can't stop thinking about her. Every moment, every thought—it's all her."
Kadin added softly, "It's like she's always there, even when she isn't. And no matter what, we're drawn to her."
Kayden, unusually talkative, let out a quiet laugh. "She's… magical. Look at me—I became talkative because of her. More than obsession… it's everything. From the first moment I saw her, I knew she was… extraordinary."
Kadeem exhaled slowly, nodding. "Same here. Every time I see her, I feel… something I can't explain. Something I can't let go of."
Kaden ran a hand through his hair. "It's overwhelming, but I wouldn't trade it. She owns a piece of each of us, and yet… it doesn't make me resent the others. We're brothers, and that's what keeps it… bearable, somehow."
Kadeem gave a crooked smile. "Let's be honest with ourselves. This isn't more than obsession. We know it was lust at first sight—but this is way past what we thought it would be."
After a moment, Kaden nudged Kayden playfully. "Kay, I know she loves you the most, but we're never letting her go."
Kayden shook his head softly, a small smile tugging his lips. "I've never had it in mind to have her all to myself. If maybe she didn't like the four of you, I would have made her love us. I can't have her for myself. Remember… she's our first love, the first girl we're sharing. We broke our rules because of her. So how could I ever have her alone?"
"Kayden… do you regret having us as brothers? Or hate us for not letting go?" Kadin asked softly but pointedly.
Kayden's calm eyes swept over each of them, steady and unflinching. "Regret? Never. Hate? How could I? We're not four separate people—we're one. One unit, one bond. Being in love with her doesn't change that. It doesn't make me resent any of us, because we are each a part of me. How could I hate myself because of a woman?"
A silence filled the room, heavy but comforting. The weight of their shared obsession, their loyalty, and their unshakable brotherhood hung in the air. Kayden's words seemed to wrap around them like a shield, reaffirming that no matter what, they were inseparable—brothers first, protectors second, united in both love and life.
Kadeem finally broke the quiet with a small laugh. "Then I guess we're all on the same page. She's ours to protect—together."
Kayden gave a quiet nod. "Exactly. Nothing changes that. And nothing ever will."
The three brothers couldn't help themselves—they stood and pulled him into a tight hug, each pressing close in their usual chaotic but affectionate way.
"Let me go, you morons," Kayden said, grinning, trying to wriggle free.
"Shut up and enjoy our warmth," Kadeem teased, a mischievous smile on his face.
"You can be a silent idiot in front of everyone else," Kadin added, "but I know you. Hug me before I hit you on the head. Otherwise, we'll really take her away—you'll be left alone."
Kayden laughed and hugged them immediately, feeling the familiar comfort of their closeness. Soon, they collapsed onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, laughing, teasing, and acting like children again.
The Teasing
After a while, Kadeem smirked. "Alright. Let's settle this. Why are we actually obsessed with her?"
Kadin raised a brow. "Seriously?"
"Yeah. Count of three. No lies," Kadeem said.
"Fine," Kaden agreed.
Kayden sighed but stayed in.
"Three… two… one—"
"Her curves," they all said at once.
The room erupted in chaotic laughter.
"She's too damn beautiful," Kaden gasped, holding his stomach. "Like she was made just to drive us insane."
"And the way she moves," Kadeem added, waggling his brows. "Every step feels like she's tempting us on purpose."
Kadin smirked. "Her smile alone could ruin kingdoms."
Kayden finally shook his head, though his lips curved in the faintest smile. "We're hopeless."
"Hopelessly hers," Kadeem corrected.
The laughter filled the room, warm and wild, but it couldn't hold forever. Slowly, the mood shifted.
Sophia
Kaden's grin faded. His voice was sharp when he spoke. "What about Sophia?"
The laughter died.
"She's unpredictable," Kadin muttered, leaning back. "I have a feeling she'll show up for gala night. She always does."
"And she loves you," Kadeem said, looking at Kayden. "Whenever she's around, she doesn't like seeing anyone near you. She's clingy… annoying, even."
Kayden's voice went flat. "That's not love. That's obsession. And I made things clear before I started being with her—we set the rules. Remember?"
Kaden scoffed. "You think obsessed women follow rules? She's dangerous for our girl."
"I don't care about her," Kayden said coldly. "If she tries anything stupid, I won't think twice before feeding her to Kratos and Kali."
The three brothers exchanged glances. Kratos, their lion, and Kali, their lioness, were merciless in guarding what belonged to them.
"We have to tell Kaylee about this," Kadeem said. "Let's talk to Mom so she can tell us the best way to make her understand. Since she's female, she'll know how to approach her."
"Yeah, that's better," Kadin agreed, nodding.
"So… we're sticking to this?" Kaden asked.
Kayden's reply was calm but resolute. "Yeah. We handle it together. Always."
The Mothers
The four brothers strode into their mothers' study. Christiana was flipping through some books, Elizabeth leaning over her shoulder.
"And what do I owe this royal visit?" Christiana asked, voice teasing but sharp, eyes glinting with curiosity.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "It's hard to see them walk in without being called for. They act like they own the place."
Kadeem's expression didn't waver. "We didn't come for pleasantries. It's about Kaylee… and… her."
Christiana's smirk faded slightly. "Ah… that doesn't surprise me. You boys always have some mess to deal with."
Elizabeth glanced at her knowingly. "She… yeah, I guessed there'd be trouble. But go on."
Kadin leaned forward, voice low and serious. "We're worried she might show up at the gala. Kaylee doesn't know the full danger, and we can't risk her being caught off guard. She needs to understand the stakes—without panic, but with clarity."
Kadeem's eyes narrowed. "We're asking for your guidance, Mom. You know how to explain it to her so she understands without feeling threatened—but still knows how serious this is."
Christiana leaned back, her sharp eyes glinting. "You boys are hopelessly wrapped around her tiny fingers… but I get it. She's clever, but she listens when you show her the truth. I'll help you make her understand—carefully."
Kayden's voice was quiet but deliberate. "I think she'll be around for gala night."
The room grew tense. The brothers exchanged glances, each aware of the stakes.
Kaylee
Then the door opened.
All eyes snapped toward it. Kaylee stepped inside, her brow furrowed, her expression tight. No amusement, no smile—only a frown that immediately pulled the air taut with tension.
The brothers froze, alert and protective. Even Christiana and Elizabeth, playful just moments ago, sensed the sudden seriousness in the room.
Kaylee's eyes darted around, her frown deepening.
"And… who is she?" she asked, her voice sharp, demanding an answer.
The room froze. The four brothers exchanged quick, tense glances, knowing the weight of their answer could change everything.