We're Sorry...

Anaya's POV

I was not supposed to fluster after such an accusation was being thrown at me!, but I did. However, I still had to pretend though. "Excuse me?” The courage to pull free from him came and I embraced it. It was more like a jump than a walk away from him. “You brothers and your pride, ha! It will definitely be the end of you someday if you're not all careful." I scoffed, but then I was glad my breathing pace was coming back to normal.

Duke turned, piercing gaze still lingering on me. I didn't think he believed me, or at least his thick brows arched up high and questioning gaze doubted me. "Sure. Do whatever you like." He chuckled, actually pleased in himself! This must not be the first time he had worked out his charms on ladies. And I hated myself for not being strong enough!

Still on with the pretense, I moved away from him to admire another painting on the wall at the far opposite end. "So, you weren't able to sleep? Is that a normal thing for you or...just tonight."

He shrugged. "Why do you read? And how come you know stuff only brilliant people should know? Like smart brilliant people, not science and maths nerds."

I felt impressed and decided to brag a little. "I'm actually pretty invested in writing too. I have an outline of my very first book. This lady here, she'll be an inspiration for me." I noticed his expression darkened. What had I said wrong?

"That's good to hear." He only said, probably instead of a couple of harsh words.

"Why are you being nice to me?" I frowned as I asked.

Before he could say anything else, there was a knock on the door. It hadn't been shut so they just both walked in.

"We knew you were here, I just couldn't get that rosey scent out of my fucking head." This was coming from Darius, the one who hated me the most??

I gave an helpless smile. "Here's my cue to leave. Excuse me." Before I could leave, his towering stance dominated me, blocking my path.

Cute eyes were heavily fixated on me. "Are you still angry?” Dean said, his brows arching as he gave me a pity look.

I glanced at Duke, trying to understand if I was the only one noticing his brothers’ strange politeness, but he didn't look too surprised. "No, I'm fine. I just need to leave now."

Dean didn't speak much, that was how I'd known him for years now. But lately, it was like he had swallowed balls of confidence because he did not waste time before clearing out his feelings.

"You can leave now that we've arrived, but you were just fine with Duke being around, huh?" It came in a sassy demanding tone and I blinked back my shock.

"What? No, I just came here for...some milk. Duke just happened to be here, that's all." Was I defending myself now in the presence of my husbands? Damn, I wasn't loyal to any of them, why were they acting like this! "What are you doing down here?"

Dean still glared at Duke, almost like in anger. But Darius went on, "we couldn't wait till morning. Anaya dear, we want to apologize to you for all the bad things we've done."

"What? Oh. Wait, hold on...this is you apologizing? I don't understand? Am I going to die tonight? Are any of you going to die??"

Dean's firm expression did not change, Duke actually rolled his eyes and Darius only smiled. "Honey, honey! Listen, I understand how you might be feeling right now. But I just want you to forgive us, that's all. Have you taken time to think about our proposal last night?" Darius asked.

I felt goosebumps tingling in my skin as he spoke so softly. Damn it, never did I ever thought of the day the trio would apologize to me like this!

Dean came forward, "we're sorry."

"Yea, what he said." Duke chimed in, then got scolded by Darius. This was fake. I knew it, but why? They didn't even owe me a fake apology based on their pride.

"I need time to think about it." I muttered. Everything was still pretty confusing to me. It was times like this that I wished I had a mother to say things to. My dad was very dedicated to the good of the pack that we were never really close. But I still loved him.

"Is there anything to think of, baby? Come on, you don't have to leave, we'll be good to you. In public or not, Dean, go fetch her a glass of warm milk. And snacks," Darius turned to me again, "you'll need snacks, right?"

Before I could say anything, Dean quickly replied Darius. "I'll be right back."

"Why are you guys being all nice like this?" My question was coldly ignored by Duke, of course, but Darius took so much pleasure in giving me a reply.

"You're our mate. That's a defined thing that neither of us can change. Come with us to Beta Marcus party this weekend. As our mate." He proposed.

Beta Marcus was Sarah's father, and he was a pretty important man in the pack. Why would Darius want me there as their mate? Why would any of them want that?

"As I said, I'll think about it. Can I leave now?" I said firmly.

"Fine. You may leave if you want to. But stop by and take what Dean has gone to provide for you." Darius said. Now I started to doubt them again. Did they put something in the milk? There was no way I would be eating anything they gave to me, but I pretended and nodded to that before turning to leave.

A couple of days has passed, and I was still not used to this kind of friendliness I received from the trio. I tried to act along with their fake kindness, but still remained careful.

I was helping Luna Freya in the kitchen that Saturday morning in the kitchen. She was a pretty okay woman, smiling and gossiping with me as if we were friends.

"So, I never wanted to inconvenience you but how have things been going with you and the boys?"

I blinked, completely shocked by her sudden question. How are things going between us?? It's still been hellish!