Mated to the Triplet Alphas Chapter 143: Island Escape

Just as I was about to take a sip, a hand reached out and plucked the glass from my fingers. Startled, I turned to find Leo standing beside me, a raised eyebrow his only expression.

“I don’t think so, sweetheart,” he said, lifting the cocktail to his own lips and draining it in one swift motion.

“Leo! I was going to drink that,” I protested, watching him place the empty glass back on the bar.

His eyes locked onto mine, a mix of concern and amusement present. “Did you forget something important?”

I stared blankly for a moment before the realization hit me. Pregnant. I was pregnant. Heat flooded my face as I remembered that alcohol was off-limits for now.

“Oh,” I murmured quietly, feeling foolish. “I completely forgot.”

Leo’s expression softened. “Good thing I was here then.”

“Thank you,” I said sincerely, grateful he’d stopped me before I made a mistake. “I suppose I’m still getting used to the idea.”

“Understandable. You’ve had a lot on your mind.” His gaze flickered to the dance floor, where guests were still celebrating. “Speaking of which, where have you been hiding? I looked for you earlier.”

I shifted uncomfortably, knowing my absence hadn't gone unnoticed. “I was just... around.”

Leo snorted. “Around? Try again, Hazel. You disappeared with the triplets for nearly an hour.”

“I didn’t think anyone would notice,” I admitted, unable to meet his eyes.

“I always notice when you’re not in the room.” His voice lowered, becoming more intimate. “I find myself watching you whenever you’re around.”

My breath hitched at the sincerity in his tone. Leo had always been hard to read—sarcastic and aloof one moment, surprisingly warm the next. But at this moment, the genuine emotion in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Leo...” I began, unsure of what to say.

He stepped closer, placing one hand on my waist. “I couldn’t help but notice all three of your husbands got to dance with you tonight.” His lips quirked into a playful smile. “Seems unfair that I didn’t get a turn, being your fourth mate and all.”

The tension between us dissipated, and I found myself laughing. “Well, we can’t have that, can we?” Taking his hand, I led him toward the dance floor. “Come on then.”

As Leo’s arms encircled me, I couldn’t help but notice how natural it felt to be held by him. Different from the triplets, but no less potent. We swayed together with the music, neither of us speaking for several moments.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he finally said, his eyes taking in my slightly disheveled appearance with a knowing glint. “Even if you do look thoroughly... celebrated.”

I blushed furiously. “Stop it.”

His low chuckle vibrated against my chest where we pressed together. “Just stating facts, sweetheart.”

+++

The next morning, we departed Emberfang precisely at dawn.

I stifled a yawn as I boarded the yacht, still tired from the wedding festivities that had gone late into the night. After that, there had been hours of travel, and I hadn’t slept properly during the journey.

“Coffee?” Liam materialized beside me, offering a steaming travel mug.

“You’re a lifesaver,” I said gratefully, accepting the drink.

Lucas and Liam were at the helm, diligently running through pre-departure checks. Levi was lounging on a deck chair, sunglasses already in place. And Leo stood by the railing, surveying the boat with an air of reluctant admiration.

“First time on a yacht?” I asked, joining him.

“First time invited to the ‘exclusive’ Sullivan island getaway too,” he replied, his tone casual but with a hint of an edge. “Funny how things change.”

The engines roared to life, and soon we were slicing through the waves, leaving the mainland behind. I sat beside Leo, enjoying the sea spray and sunshine. Occasionally, one of the triplets would join us, stealing a kiss or draping an arm around my shoulders before returning to their tasks.

As we neared the private island, I couldn’t help but be awestruck by its beauty—pristine beaches, lush vegetation, and a magnificent modern villa perched on a gentle incline.

It was exactly as I remembered it.

“Impressed?” Leo inquired, noticing my wide-eyed gaze.

“It’s paradise,” I admitted. “You’ll understand when you see it.”

As we docked, Leo let out a low whistle. “I have to say, cousins, your family certainly knows how to flaunt their wealth.”

Levi snorted. “You’re welcome to head back to Emberfang if it’s too much for you.”

Before Leo could reply, Levi wrapped an arm around my waist, drawing me close. “If you leave, my brothers and I would be more than happy to have some private time with our mate.”

He leaned in, clearly intending to kiss me, when Leo’s hand darted out, pushing Levi back.

“Not happening,” Leo stated firmly.

I couldn’t help but laugh at their childish bickering. “Boys, play nice.”

A small staff greeted us at the dock—a butler and two maids who efficiently collected our luggage. As they headed toward the villa with our bags, Liam clapped his hands together.

“I say we hit the beach,” he suggested, blue eyes bright with excitement. “It’s almost sunset, perfect time for a beachside barbecue.”

“That sounds amazing,” I agreed enthusiastically.

“Everyone gets a job,” Lucas said, already organizing in his head. “Levi, you’re on drink duty. Liam can handle side dishes. I’ll prep the meat. Leo...” He hesitated.

“I’ll man the grill,” Leo offered, surprising everyone. “I’ve been cooking for myself since I was a kid. Unlike some people,” he added with a pointed look at the triplets, “I didn’t grow up with a personal chef.”

“And Hazel?” Liam asked.

“She can help me,” Leo said before anyone else could claim me.

Within an hour, the beach was transformed. Levi had set up a bar area complete with non-alcoholic options for me. Liam was arranging a table with salads and sides. Lucas had finished seasoning various cuts of meat and was now supervising the fire pit that Leo was tending.

I approached with a platter of vegetables for grilling. “Where do you want these?”

Leo glanced up, the firelight casting interesting shadows across his face. “Bring them here. I’ll show you how it’s done.”

I set the platter beside the grill and picked up a skewer, beginning to arrange pieces of bell pepper, zucchini, and mushroom.

“Not like that,” Leo said, shaking his head. “You need to consider cooking times. Put the denser vegetables together so they cook evenly.”

I frowned down at my skewer. “What’s wrong with how I’m doing it?”

Instead of answering, Leo stepped behind me. His chest pressed against my back as he reached around, his hands covering mine on the skewer. His warmth enveloped me, and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

“Let me show you,” he murmured, his breath tickling my ear as his body molded to mine.