Rejection...

Third POV

Duke's gaze was so cold towards Sarah that she flinched right on that spot. "Please. It was a mistake--"

"From now on, your lives will become miserable. Take it from me." Darius threatened. "You may be pardoned right now because Anaya is fine, but mark my words, the next time this happens, that'll be the end. For all of you!" Darius's voice was so bold that the ladies began to shake in fear.

Dean did not spare his ex-girlfriend either. For some reason, they all had been bothered about Anaya, even though neither of them wanted that feeling. Maybe it was the mate bond?

"We're sorry--" Sarah tried to say but was yelled at by Duke. "Get lost, all of you, get out right now!"

This was a pretty big deal for Sarah and her minions. Their lives were officially over if the Golden Alphas could be mad at them like that? What if they no longer wanted to be friends? That would make them losers now, more than they already were after being dumped by the hottest boys because of that charity thing named Anaya! She decided to run away quickly before the boys would get even more upset.

Duke heaved in a deep breath, Darius shook his head in disappointment while Dean smacked his lips. But all in common, there was a breath of relief now. Sensing her in danger had been terrifying and they had all rushed down there with the idea of protecting her from whatever threat had been there. When they turned to Anaya, she was seen glaring at them with raised brows like something bad had happened just to them.

"What...what was that all about!" Anaya demanded. She didn't understand what was going on, and funny enough, she didn't even know how to react to this strange behavior from the trio.

Duke looked as shocked as her especially, Dean blinked and Darius paced around. Darius took it as an opportunity to speak, but he had no business with Anaya. Not yet, "let's talk. Anaya, you wait right here." He ordered, then walked away from the midst. Duke followed behind, leaving Dean behind who kept a close watch on Anaya. She nearly saw a tiny bit of affection before he too turned to leave.

“Okay. Who's going to tell her how hot she looks right now? It's not just me, is it?” Duke commented and saw Dean grinning in agreement. However, Darius snapped.

"Will you two shut up? Duke, keep a close watch on her and make sure to alert us once she turns to leave." He said as soon as they'd all gathered. His breath was rough as he was trying to be calm.

"How is she so...scary now?" Dean couldn't help but ask, scratching his head.

Duke's face hardened. He was the only one facing Anaya while his brothers were facing him. It was true. He didn't understand Anaya's sudden change, but somehow, he didn't think he minded. Why wasn't he as angry as he wanted to be?

"That's right. And we need to remind her about how powerful we are. Just so she knows never to mess with us again!" Darius said.

Duke scoffed. "Yea, that's why we're here whispering instead of talking in her presence?"

"Who are we even kidding? She's probably hearing everything we're saying now." Dean added. "Either way, she's our mate now so I guess we have to be nice to her?"

"What's that now, is Dean secretly crushing on her already?" Duke grinned, teasing Dean. Deep down, he felt a pang of jealousy.

"No. That's not it," Dean replied calmly. "What is your plan then, huh? Abandon her? Keep mistreating her?"

"Why can't we do that! She's not so special anyway, is she?" Darius shot back.

"The elders, what do you think they'll say? Dad and mom too? Dean is right. She's our mate and there's nothing we can do about that--" as Duke was explaining, Darius cut him off.

"This is pointless! You know what, I'm going to march right towards her now and put her in her place!" Darius said with a determined face.

Duke's brow was slightly arched as he pointed towards Anaya. "Right, you should probably go do that right now because she's leaving."

Anaya's POV

I increased my pacing, hurrying back to the house as fast as I could. Something in my heart was off, I knew it. My wolf knew that as well.

"That was scary, scary good..." She said, and I shivered at that thought.

"Yea you're right. But why? Why did that feel so fucking good, standing up for me like that!" I rolled my eyes, not understanding my feelings at all. But I knew everything was only just new to all of us! Once this settled, no. After tonight, we probably would all resume to our lives where they would continue taunting my poor life!

Behind me, I heard Darius's voice thundered as he called my name. Damn it! Fear crept through my insides, but something in me decided not to show any of this fear. What was the worst they could do? Kill me? They wouldn't...

"Are you deaf!" His voice was in a booming tone. Suddenly, he caught up with me and gripped my hand tight, forcing me to turn around.

I raised my head up, glaring at him face-to-fucking-face. This caused him to frown for a while, but he shrugged it off and went on. Duke and Dean were behind now.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Are you suddenly forgetting your place now as our little charity? Where's this arrogance coming from?" He demanded, his hand holding my jaw firm.

I yanked his hand off, caressing my face. There. Apparently, the rest of them would only stand still and not have my back now.

"Nothing is wrong with me. And stop touching me like that, it's rude." My fist was a ball of rage. Funny enough, Darius bursted out in a chilling cold laughter.

"Can you boys believe her?" He turned to his brothers, but they weren't reciprocating his shitty behavior. Then he turned back to me, "shit has happened. So here's what will happen. You are our mate. At least in public. You will walk side by side with us, and let us flaunt you to the pack. But once we're alone, we're your Alphas. Dare speak to us in this bratty manner, and we'll teach you a big lesson. You understand!?"

I alternated gazes between Dean and Duke but they said nothing. They had all planned this ridiculous plan?

"All my life, I wondered what it would be like finding my mate. And not only was I cursed by the moon goddess for making you trio my mates, I even have to pretend to be your mate for community sake?" I scoffed in disbelief.

Maybe this was it. I was eighteen already. My parents had fucking died, and my life was already as shity as it could be. What was the point? Did it make any sense to actually remain with them when I could just...leave??

"This isn't any negotiation, girl. You don't have any choice." Darius frowned.

I shook my head, "this isn't happening..." The words came as a soft whisper. Then louder now, "and what if I refuse?"

Their eyes widened in shock. I could see anger stirring up in Darius's eyes. "What did you say??"

"What if I say...no. What if I don't want to be your charity slave anymore? Huh!" I shot back, making my body position forward like I was a threat. "Huh!"