THE PRINCESS' SEVEN MERCENARIES | CEVANS!VARIOUS X READER

“Thank you, Curtis,” your angelic voice rings above him and a heat sweeps across his cheeks when he feels your soft hand touch his shoulder in thanks. “You’re very kind for taking time out of your day to help me,”

“No problem,” he takes your hand as he slowly gets up and opens the door for you. He’s flattered at your sincerity and avoids your beautiful eyes to gather himself. Being a guard, he has to be on high alert, he can’t get distracted, even if it’s you. He doesn’t forget to bring his packed lunch, specially prepared by your kind hands, “Walk in front of me. I’ll tell you where to turn,” being behind helps give Curtis a better perspective of your surroundings, meaning that, should any danger come at you, he’ll see it quickly and can jump to action in good time.

Along the walk, you’re much happier with having someone to accompany you. It doesn’t feel as lonely and Curtis certainly helps you feel much safer too. His insistence on you staying ahead of him was also a familiar stance. Your late father walked in the same formation with his most trusted guards and some of the knights patrolling the castle would sometimes tail you like this between your posts. Everyone insisted on treating you as the princess you truly are despite the queen’s firm mistreatment of you. Feeling another wave of gratitude for the gruff man, you turn around and smile brightly.

“Thank you again for doing this,” he grunts in response, staring ahead as you giggle softly and continue forward.

Who knew that a seemingly abrasive person with stormy eyes and a weathered appearance could look so cute with a hint of rosiness in his cheeks?

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

Most of the day has passed with much better progress than the previous and the men regrouped to have lunch together before brainstorming their next plan of action. Steve aimed to begin those new plans today as well if time permitted it. The plan only needed to be thoroughly thought out. If not, today can end after plans are briefed and they can go home to rest for the night.

“Huh? The food is still warm?” Andy comments and immediately looks towards Jake, who’s already examining the lunchbox with curious but elated eyes.

“...She’s really something!” Jake laughs with his head thrown back, “It’s a simple enough enchantment, nothing harmful,” he begins to explain, “anyone can imbue it into an innate object but I’ve never seen anyone make it last more than an hour. It’s been longer than that now, assuming she made these just before we got downstairs for breakfast.” there’s a moment of silence, not only for your wondrous abilities but in appreciation for the thoughtfulness behind your actions. Not everyone can enchant objects willy-nilly. It takes a lot of control and power, so for a sweet omega like you to do something as remarkable as this just to ensure they have a warm lunch was touching. “She really does have a high affinity for magic…”

“Truly an angel,” Ari comments, his smile growing wider when he reads the surprise note in his lunch box. Everyone else begins to read their notes too and coo at the realisation that, not only were the lunches named, they were named with the personalised note hidden inside. They look over one another’s shoulders to see if they somehow got the same prettily written words but no, everyone got a different note. They weren’t incredibly long notes, just sweet, thoughtful greetings. But it made all the difference.

“I hope this fuels your day!” Jake grins brightly to himself, carefully setting aside the note to rub his hands together, “hell-yeah it will!” he immediately begins to devour his lunch and groans at the delicious taste.

“Eat well and stay strong! …” Lloyd purses his lips and rolls his eyes but doesn’t make any further comments. He looks down at his bulging bicep and smirks to himself before beginning to eat. He’d rather focus on the small boost to his ego than the softening of his heart.

“Made with care, just for you,” Andy reads aloud, his features softening as he hears your sweet voice read the message to him in his head. You’ve just made his day. He tucks the note away for safekeeping and begins to eat, savouring every bite like he promised.

“Enjoy this small break! You’ve earned it,” Steve smiles warmly to himself and nods. It feels nice to be thought of and cared for. And that’s how he felt reading your message. As the captain, he’s often looking out for his team much more than himself so this rare reversal was heartfelt in the best way.

“Something sweet for someone even sweeter,” Ransom grumbles and scoffs, ignoring the blush on his cheeks as he pockets the note, “she’s fucking ridiculous,” biting into the fried chicken sandwich was comforting and it was hard to disregard the pinch in his heart over such a simple gesture and the thought that you wouldn’t be there when they return home today.

“Here’s something to keep you going! You’re doing great!” Ari coos and presses the note to his lips, “I want to marry her….” he mumbles the sentiment mostly to himself but the group look up with alarmed expressions and even some envy. Sensing their slight displeasure, he chuckles and shrugs, “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought of making her our omega and formally creating a pack? She’s perfect.”

Steve shakes his head with a firm look as Andy’s eyes become distant, “No. I’m not risking the safety of an innocent omega. Our job doesn’t allow for that. It’s not happening,” As the captain, his voice was firm but with a hint of remorse buried beneath. Steve knows the group’s desperate need to form a complete pack but it wasn’t a good enough reason to endanger your life. You’re too innocent and sweet to be associated with rouges like them.

There was a brief silence.

“...but this assignment pays very well at the end, maybe when it’s all over…” Jake muses, his eyes filling with an optimistic glimmer as he turns to Steve. The captain doesn’t know what to say; their magi-genius has a point. That’s why they were so eager to take on this laborious mission in the first place so that they could finally break out of their employment and live for the first time.

“Don’t be stupid,” Lloyd speaks gruffly after swallowing his mouthful of mini croquettes, “she’s already gone. There’s no getting her back,”

“It’s a real shame,” Andy adds, looking at Lloyd, carefully observing his avoidant eyes and rigid posture. “She was a treasure,”

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

Curtis does a good job of directing you to where you need to go. With his directions, you managed to find a main path past the tree line. It was a little ways further from where their cottage could be found and you never would have happened upon it if Curtis hadn’t been with you. It was peculiar, however, that they didn’t have a beaten path leading them to the main road but you brushed it off. Curtis was very clear on that type of information being confidential.

Looking up at the blue skies and the crawling white clouds, you take a moment to appreciate the peace. Freedom from the castle was bliss despite your stolen succession, rendering you unable to lead your people. This reality simply couldn’t be fought, however… the queen was too powerful.

THUNK!

Your ears perk up at the noise and turn to face Curtis with a questioning look. There weren’t any suspicious movements in the forestry around you so why did such a distinct sound occur?

“Keep going, the village isn’t too far away now,” Curtis nods with his head down the path. His nonchalant nature calms you and you easily get back on track.

THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!

There it was again! But in quick progression this time. You keep walking but look over your shoulder at Curtis, who was already looking off the path, through the shrubbery. He knows you’re silently asking for some sort of answer.

“I think I saw a little squirrel race past,” Curtis grins toothily in an almost menacing way as he seems to have made eye contact with something in the shadow of the trees. One hand is stuffed in his trouser pocket while the other is clenched around something that he occasionally rolls about in his clenched palm, “It's a greedy little thing that was carrying too many nuts and kept dropping them.” you giggle at his commentary and return your attention to the path ahead.

THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!

There’s that squirrel again… you think to yourself with a soft smile. The image in your head is too adorable and almost makes you dismiss the gradual spike of alpha pheromones in the air, though it doesn’t completely escape your notice. “Curti–” the large man comes up to your side and places his big hand on the small of your back.

“Keep going,” he orders casually and ignores your lingering worry. You’re familiar with this type of scent, it’s the same sort of musk that emanates when an Alpha’s protective instincts are aroused. Curtis looks over his shoulder on both sides and appears to be panting from his heightened senses but there were no signs of danger around. Silently, you move Curtis’ hand from your back and hold it in yours. The gesture makes him visibly relax and he looks at you with warmth in his eyes. You smile at him and look forward once more, deciding that it’s best to stay oblivious to his strange behaviour.

Curtis was grateful for your silent acceptance. He didn’t want to explain knocking out all seven hidden bandits attempting to rob you from the shadows with the small rocks he had scooped up from the beaten path.

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

Reaching the village brought such relief that your stomach immediately began to grumble. Curtis’ hardened gaze softens and regards you with sympathetic eyes.

“Would you like to share my lunch?” he offers, “You made it after all,”

You shake your head and lead him to a nearby bench in the town square, “I want you to have it. It was made specially for you. I’ll get something from one of the food stands nearby,” before he could protest, you were already making your way to a skewer food vendor.

Curtis commits to your request and opens his lunch box, humming at the warmth it still held but pauses when he sees a small note written in the prettiest and most elegant writing he had ever seen. It was fancier than Ransom’s or Lloyd's.

“A good lunch for an even better person,” he smiles at your sweet words. He’s really going to miss you when you’re gone. Once you return with your meat and vegetable skewers, you both begin to peacefully eat lunch together, sitting side-by-side.

The peace is interrupted, however, by a rowdy shout not too far away. Looking up, you both spot a very disorientated man stumbling out of a pub. He’s almost pushed to the ground by the pub owner, who snaps in displeasure at him, commenting on disorderly behaviour. He can only be deemed an alcoholic by his level of drunkenness so early on in the day. In the scuffle, however, the drunken man easily spots your beauty through his drunken haze. He whistles brazenly and begins making his way over with two left feet. Alarmed from the display, Curtis stands to attention, covering you with his much larger frame.

“Wot a pretty lady!” the stranger’s attempt to be charming only makes the hairs on your arms rise and your eyes widen in panic. “Wot’s yer name?”

“Back. Off.” Curtis growls at the inebriated man but is ignored with a flippant scoff. His attention returns to your terrified figure again but before he can say anything, Curtis has grabbed him by the back of his collar and forcefully yanked him away from you. Befuddled, the man collapses and wails dramatically from his fall to the cobblestone floor. Onlookers have no sympathy for him, however, only shaking their heads at his embarrassing conduct.

The drunk man realises he’s not getting any help and rises in anger. “Dat’s not reyt! Ye can’t just do dat ta me!” He shouts and lunges for Curtis who handles him as if he was a limp doll. The brawl isn’t much of a violent spectacle seeing as how much stronger Curtis is compared to the man. However, that didn’t mean the drunk didn’t put up a decent fight, he was disoriented but there was still strength behind his punches as well as the pathetic jewellery he wore. Hard and pointed, his obnoxious cross necklace managed to cut open Curtis’ knuckles but that was something he was used to. He could fight through the pain easily, unlike the drunk. In no time at all, the man is pathetically out-cold on the cobblestone floor and Curtis is huffing in anger. The look of your frightened face unable to escape his mind.

Twice. You’ve been endangered twice and it’s only past noon. If he hadn’t been there, who knows what would have happened to you? Just the thought enrages him. He doesn’t even realise the extent to which his violent pheromones have spiked until you’re leading him away from the town square, your hands ever gentle and soft as you guide him to sit against a tree with his legs outstretched before him.

Slowly, patiently, you kneel between his outstretched legs and guide his face to one of the glands in your neck. You concentrate on releasing as much of your calming pheromones as your regulator jewellery allows while your spare hand gently pats the back of Curtis’ head. Even through his cap, he can feel your comforting warmth and the closeness allows him the privilege of indulging in your lovely fragrance.

He calms in a matter of seconds but he isn’t eager to distance himself from you. Rather, he brings his arms up to wrap around your waist and pull you closer. He’s hardly been exposed to such a gentle touch, let alone a comforting embrace. He wants to relish in the moment for as long as you will allow him to.

“A-are you feeling better now Curt?...” He responds with muted affirmation and you sigh in relief, “That’s good,” you want to give him time to pull away whenever he wants so you continue petting his head through his cap and kneeling in his embrace.

Curtis has never felt so peaceful before. He even feels lightheaded. It’s not the off-putting kind, however, he likes the embrace of this one. Primarily because it smells like you and feels like you — sweet, gentle and aromatic.

“I’m sorry for causing so much trouble…” you suddenly voice with an incredible amount of sorrow. Curious, Curtis leans back to look at you with questioning eyes.

“It’s not your fault,” he says firmly.

“But I–”

“No no,” he tries to calm you by reaching his hand up to cup your face, only to frown when you notice his bleeding knuckles and gasp, panicked.

“You’re hurt!” you cradle his hand in yours as if the slightest movement could worsen his injury. “I’m so so sorry, Curtis…” tears well up in your eyes.

“I’m taking you back,” Curtis announces, rising to his feet and easily bringing you up with him.

“Wh-wha–?”

“I’m taking you back to the cottage, you’re staying with us. I can’t trust that you’re free from danger out here,” His guard instincts are acting up and his protectiveness over you has risen to astounding heights. You’re an easy target despite your affinity for magic. Curtis has sampled the overflowing kindness in your heart he can’t risk you displaying that to people who don’t deserve it.

“But I can’t—”

“What are your plans?” If you have a solid, organised plan of action in mind, he may be willing to let you go but if nothing is definite, he’s taking you back to the cottage until you have one.

“I… I don’t know…” that seals the deal and Curtis takes your hand to lead you back home.

𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧

The day’s mission was a success. Ransom was able to enter the VIP suite and mingle with other aristocrats, feeding back the conversations via Jake’s magi-tech recorders. Andy actively helped supply Ransom with cue lines from their remote location and managed to gather more intel than they could have hoped. This prompted Lloyd and begin background research on their new target location: the castle. It was going to be an arduous undertaking but they had finally gotten somewhere. Rather than generalised investigations, they can finally focus their efforts and work more efficently.

However, despite all the success, the walk home was a silent one. The mood didn’t match the day’s prosperity. Everyone had an idea of the potential cause, and several were rather confident of it, however, that didn’t mean it was so easily fixed. You were already gone by now and there was no way of getting you back.

Steve surveys the group as he follows them from the back. He specifically examines Ransom and Lloyd. The two were the most hostile of the idea of you staying at the cottage, however, after eating the lunch you had carefully prepared for them and reading your sweet note, there was a noticeable shift in their demeanour whenever the subject of you came up.

This was going to be a bit of a sore spot for everyone, even Steve. And, although he likes to think he knows his group relatively well, as their captain, this time, he cannot confidently bring himself to conclude how long it’ll take for everyone to get back into the normal flow of things. Will they ever? You’ve already made such a big impact on their lives despite your interactions amounting to below 24 hours.

“It’ll be back to stale bread and cold sandwiches by the time we get home…” Jake muses forlornly as he raises one hand and examines the lunch box he had brought with him that day. Clicking his tongue, Ransom slings his arm over Jake’s shoulders and gives him an assuring nudge.

Lloyd looks away, his hands buried deep in his pockets but he inevitably sighs and turns to glare at the ground instead. He’s frustrated and confused. He’s glad you’re no longer going to be in their home, his territorial alpha instincts kicking in the instant Jake had notified the team of an intrusion the previous night. Now that you were gone, that dominating urge has been quashed. But that’s left him with something even more annoying and Lloyd doesn’t want to admit it.

“We’ll just have to make do,” Ari hums, “at least we had the pleasure of being taken care of by such a cute omega,” he smiles beneath his beard at the memory of your sweet face and warm kindness, “it’s more than we deserve,” Lloyd grunts instinctively but doesn’t let on if it was out of agreement or annoyance. He won't stand for being teased.

“Curt should be home already. Hopefully, he has good news for us too,” Andy comments, already knowing what he plans on asking Curtis about your departure. “Though I doubt he’s cooked us dinner at all,” the rest of the group chuckles lowly at the statement. Everyone knows the walking disaster that was Curtis whenever it came to anything in the kitchen. He’s so bad when at cooking that it’s more laughable than it is concerning.

Breaking through the treeline, the group immediately see their quaint cottage with its warm light filtering through the curtains and windows. They trudge over the small wooden bridge and visibly relax at the idea of being home. It had been a long day, where, despite the success and the lovely lunch they had, they were still rather exhausted by the events. They couldn’t wait to step inside, dress into their casual clothes and tuck themselves in for the night. Closing in on their front door, they catch a peculiar sight: the image of billowing smoke coming from the chimney. They look at each other with concern. Curtis doesn’t dare tamper with the kitchen appliances so what’s that smoke for?

Very odd. The group turned to Steve, who gave them a reassuring look, “Let's have some faith in Curt,” their senses hadn’t picked up on anything particularly dangerous and sniffing the air, they were greeted by a delicious aroma.

“You think Curt finally managed to make something edible in the kitchen?” Ari teases, earning a chuckle or two.

“What a miracle that would be,” Ransom laughs, rolling his neck with a tired sigh. In an organised huddle, they clamber into the front entrance and begin to take off their shoes, placing them back where they had been neatly stacked that morning.

“We’re home, Curt,” Andy announces, stepping into the living room only to pause at the sight before him. The kitchen lights were filtering in through the open archway connecting the two spaces and the stoves were at work cooking up a delicious-smelling meal, even one of the ovens were on. However, it wasn’t the working kitchen that made Andy pause, it was the image of you kneeling at Curtis’ feet, your long skirt pooling around you as you examined and nursed his flayed knuckles.

“Wh-what are you still doing here, Angel?” Ari asks in disbelief as he and the rest of the group move into the space with the same shocked expression. They weren’t expecting to see you so soon. So pleased, the sight of you even made their heartbeat spike.

You give them a sheepish look before focusing all your attention on Curtis’ injuries, “We ran into some trouble at the village and Curtis ended up getting hurt,” your voice trembles near the end and Curtis is the only one who can see the glittering tears that well up in your eyes.

Cupping your cheek, Curtis fondly moves his thumb over the soft skin of your cheekbone and gently coos to keep your tears from spilling over. Although you looked beautifully pitiful, the image made his heart pound — he’d never had such a precious omega cry over him before; he felt honoured.

“Curtis?” Steve’s voice was firm, wanting an explanation as he stepped up to the front of the group.

“She’s not safe out there. She’s staying with us.” Curtis muses softly, never taking his eyes off you as you lean into his touch and whisper an apology into his rough palms. Distracted by your sweet image, Curtis doesn’t register Lloyd stomping over and pulling you up by your wrist. The sudden action makes you yelp and the hard clench of your eye muscles pushes the pent-up tears over your waterline.

Lloyd growls at your weeping image and you think you’re about to face his wrath for your extended stay. A weak apology begins to stutter from your lips as you observe the fury in Lloyd’s ocean eyes. However, you’re dumbfounded when the alpha suddenly turns his aggression to Curtis. “You. Let. Her. Get. Hurt?!”

Ransom steps up as Lloyd holds you to him by your waist, “You’re supposed to be the guard of the group! What happened?!” These two were the most antagonistic towards you and to see their sudden rage at you potentially being harmed was too shocking to comprehend.

“I’d never let her get hurt! There’s not a scratch on her!” Curtis defends, rising to his feet. Not only was he angry at Lloyd’s roughness with you but he was insulted at the fact that his skills were being doubted.

“No! Curtis did nothing wrong!” you protest, launching yourself from Lloyd’s grip and falling into Curtis’ arms, “He saved me! He did nothing wrong…” You press your tearful face into the mercenary guard’s broad chest to muffle your sobs of guilt. “Please apologise to him…” your plea was so soft, so genuine and so pure that Lloyd felt compelled to oblige. Only… he’s never apologised in his entire life. Neither has Ransom

Steve tilts his head at the stunned alphas. He wasn’t going to say anything to lift your plea from them. You’re right, after all. It wasn’t fair for them to question Curtis’ skills despite the danger you were subjected to that day. Judging by the injuries Curtis sustained, he had protected you fiercely and kept you perfectly safe. Now, he was doing his due diligence by returning you to their cottage for your safety. Beside him, Jake grins cheekily and Ari snickers under his breath.

“Well, boys?” Andy prompts smugly, “Curtis deserves an apology, our angel said so,”

Swallowing their pride, Ransom and Lloyd return their gaze to Curtis, only to have their attention stolen away by you. Peering over your shoulder from Curtis’ chest, you look at them with tearful eyes, appearing ever so sweet and graceful despite the tears that spill past your lashes.

“I’m sorry, Curtis,” Ransom blurts and Lloyd looks to him incredulously.

‘What was that?!’ Lloyd seems to ask with his eyes.

‘Beautiful things make me weak,’ Ransom responds silently with his own gaze.

With a groan, Lloyd returns to look at Curtis only to find himself becoming hostage to your sweet, pleading eyes. No wonder Ransom found it so easy to apologise, “I’m sorry, Curtis,” The mercenary guard couldn’t believe his ears, and neither could the rest of the team. If you could tame their most adverse team members, perhaps it was worth having you around.

“Forgiven.” Curtis promptly states when you tilt your chin up to look at him and he’s rewarded with your radiant smile. To avoid making a fool of himself, Curtis looks to Steve, “She doesn’t have a solid plan yet. She should stay here until then,”

Steve nods simply, “It’s not a problem to me,” everyone casts their silent vote as Steve looks at each of them separately. The election was unanimous and everyone was happy to have you over for as long as you wanted.

“Yes! Can you keep cooking and preparing lunches for us?” Jake practically bounces in place once Steve gives the go-ahead.

“Of course!” you chirp, beaming at the men, “It’s only fair. In fact, I have Curtis’ favourite foods cooking as thanks for saving me,”

“Lucky dog,” Ari teases, sending Curtis a wink and, although the man’s face remains stoic, his cheeks become a pleasant pink hue.

“It smells divine, what is it?” Andy asks as everyone slowly makes their way to the kitchen after you finish dressing Curtis’ knuckles.

“Shepherds pie and chicken stroganoff with homemade pasta,” you announce and step up to the stoves to check on the meal. Again, you remind everyone to wash up while you get everything set. Lloyd stays behind again but not from suspicion, he just finds you fascinating. You managed to make him apologise and it wasn’t as humiliating as he originally thought it would be. He wonders what else he’d be willing to do for you.

When everyone is fully settled around the dining table, freshly washed and starving for a hearty meal, dinner begins. However, Jake is too impatient for dessert. “What are we having? For dessert that is?” The table playfully roll their eyes at his over-enthusiasm but all out of fondness.

“Well, Curtis said the only sweet things he likes are fruit and said peaches were his favourite so I made peach and blueberry cobbler,”

“Yum!” Jake expresses, already drooling over dessert through his mouthful of pasta.

“Peaches eh?” Ari chuckles and shoots Curtis a wink over his glass of water. The comment makes Lloyd snort as Steve shakes his head. Andy chokes on his food and Ransom smirks slyly to himself. Curtis, bless him, turns a bright pink.

“Peaches are tasty,” he comments thoughtlessly and realises he’s not helping himself.

“The tastiest,” Ransom teases and Lloyd hums in agreement. All eyes were on Curtis as you look on at their exchange curiously, there’s something underpinning the conversation that you can’t quite understand…

“Oh!” Jake cuts in oblivious to the sexual innuendos being passed about the table and Steve, once again, is grateful for his nature, “Can you make apple pie?”

“Yes, why?” you smile, fully distracted from the ‘peaches’ exchange.

“Because it’s our captain’s favourite!”

Meeting Steve’s eyes, your face fills with warmth, “Then I’ll be sure to make some soon,” Steve smiles and can’t help the pink hue that touches his cheeks.