XERXES I clenched my jaw, the sharp pain from where Nasir’s punch had landed still searing through me. It wasn’t just the physical sting, though. It was the sheer shock that Nasir—of all people—had done that for Trinity. I wasn’t used to seeing that kind of raw emotion from him. I couldn’t help but admire the way he’d stood up for her, his rage boiling over. He had been so fierce in defense of Trinity, and somewhere deep inside, it made me feel something unfamiliar.I turned slowly to Xander, who was now standing beside me.“Did I mess up?” Xander sighed deeply, almost as if he could sense the storm brewing inside me. When he looked at me, his expression wasn’t the usual cool, calculated one I was used to. It was something else—more like pity mixed with a touch of disappointment. “Big time,” he said, his voice low, filled with something that almost sounded like regret. “Then how do I fix this?” I muttered, frustration spilling out.“You need to make it up to her,” Xander said, h
TRINITY The sun was beginning to dip behind the distant hills, casting a golden glow across the kingdom. I sat perched on the balcony, the cool evening breeze tugging at my hair, as I gently sketched the sprawling view before me. The castle spires in the distance, the winding paths of the village, and the lush green fields rolling toward the horizon—there was something calming about it all. My pencil move fluidly across the page, capturing it as best as I could.It wasn’t often I got moments like this, moments when I could just be, without any responsibilities pressing on my shoulders. The weight of the kingdom seemed far away as I let myself sink into the rhythm of drawing, my only focus was the lines and shapes forming on the paper.Then, a voice broke the silence."Trinity."I froze, my heart skipping a beat as my first instinct kicked in. My fingers curled protectively around my sketchbook. I could feel the warm pressure of the leather cover under my hand, a comforting grip as I
TRINITYThe scent of pine and cedar filled the grand balcony as I fell to my knees, my forehead pressing against the cold stone floor. My heart raced in my chest, not from fear but from the sheer weight of Alpha Nader’s presence. His aura wasn’t oppressive, yet it demanded submission in a way that was impossible to ignore. It was primal, instinctive.“Good morning, Alpha Nader,” I murmured, keeping my voice steady and reverent. “Forgive me, I did not know you would be here at this time.”“Rise, Trinity,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the crisp morning air like a blade. There was no malice in it, only authority softened by an underlying warmth. “There’s no need for you to bow like some peasant. Who knows, soon we might be family.”Family. The word hung in the air like a challenge, wrapping itself around my thoughts and constricting my chest. There has never been a point in my life I thought the Vale family to become mine. Hell, I didn't even see the Silvershades as my famil
TRINITYNasir’s deep voice carried over the quiet hum of the forest, a mixture of authority and calmness that commanded attention. "Trajectory isn’t just about throwing," he said, gesturing toward the knife in my hand. "It’s about understanding the path the blade will take before it even leaves your fingers. The weight, the angle, the releases everything matters."I nodded like I understood, but the truth was, I didn’t. Not really. I’d been at this for over an hour, and my frustration was mounting with every failed attempt. The bullseye etched into the bark of a sturdy oak tree mocked me, unmarred and perfect, while the rest of the tree bore the evidence of my failure knives embedded at random angles and distances.I adjusted my grip on the knife, its hilt slick with sweat, and took a deep breath. Control, not force, I reminded myself. I raised my arm, aimed, and let the blade fly.Thunk.The knife hit the tree, but not even close to the bullseye. Again.I exhaled sharply, biting bac
LIAMThe room was thick with tension, like the air before a storm. I sat at the head of the oak table, my fingers drumming a restless rhythm. Across from me, Nasir lounged in his chair, his posture deceptively relaxed. He didn’t even try to mask his smug expression, and it grated on me. I hated how casual he was acting after what he had just done. He put his hands on Trinity.And he dares to act like he despises her. My brother could be quite hypocritical, it disgusted me.Beside him, Xerxes looked like a bomb waiting to explode. His jaw was clenched so tightly I could see the veins bulging in his neck.We were supposed to be discussing pack business, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn’t stop thinking about what I’d seen earlier—Nasir kissing Trinity. The way his hands gripped her waist, the way she melted into him. It shouldn’t have bothered me. Trinity wasn’t mine alone. She was ours, a shared mate. Yet, betrayal simmered under my skin, its heat impossible to ignore.“The patrols
TRINITYThe hallway was quiet, save for the soft hum of the lights above and the faint echo of my footsteps on the polished wood floor. I wasn’t sure where I was going, only that I needed to clear my head. The last few days had been a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, anger, and something deeper I couldn’t quite name.And after that kiss with Nasir, I think I would need a lot more time clearing my head and processing my emotions. Never in my life would I have imagined Nasir and I in such an intimate position. What the hell am I even saying? I would have never imagined myself in such a position with any of the alpha triplets. And Alpha Nasir, the very one whose hatred for me holds no bounds, was the first to claim my lips. What an exhilarating moment that was… to have Nasir's lips on mine, to have him hold me close… I didn't know what that feeling was. I have never felt like that before. It was scary but exciting. My heart pounded so harshly against my chest, I thought it was going
TRINITYThe soft glow of my bedside lamp cast a warm light over my room, but it did little to ease the storm brewing in my chest. I sat cross-legged on the bed, phone pressed tightly to my ear as Cara’s voice filled the silence. Talking to her had always been a comfort, but tonight, even her usual cheer couldn’t drown out the turmoil I felt.“Wait,” Cara said, her tone sharp with disbelief. “You kissed Nasir? Trinity, you kissed him?”I groaned, pressing a hand to my forehead. “I didn't kiss him!”“Okay, so he kissed you?” she asked, and I pursed my lips for a moment.“Well, no. Not exactly…”“Then what the bloody hell happened?!” she snapped, impatience and curiosity in her tone.“Relax,Okay? I guess we kind of kissed each other? I don't know, it all just happened so fast,” I said all in one breath, placing a hand over my head. Care does not say anything and her silence scares me more than the kiss itself.Heaven knows what is going through that woman’s head.“It’s not what you thin
TRINITY The warm scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread filled the air, but it did little to soothe the unease simmering in my chest. I stood beside Lily in the kitchen, my hands idly resting on the counter as I half-listened to her explain a recipe. She was kneading dough with practiced ease, her movements steady and deliberate, as if the world outside this cozy space didn’t exist.“So, after you let it rise, you’ll punch it down and shape it into rolls. Simple, right?” she said, glancing up at me with a smile.“Right,” I replied automatically, though my mind was far from yeast and bread-making.Lily paused, her hands halting mid-motion as she studied me. “Trinity, you’re a million miles away. What’s going on?”I forced a smile, hoping it looked convincing. “I’m fine. Just… thinking.”“Uh-huh.” Her raised eyebrow said she didn’t buy it, but thankfully, she didn’t press further.Movement caught my eye, and my heart stuttered in my chest. Nasir strode past the open doorway, his dar
TRINITYThe cool evening air nipped at my skin as I stepped out of the stables, saying a quick goodbye to Xander. Despite his earlier antics, I couldn’t help but feel lighter after our time together. For once, my mind had been free of fear and worry—if only for a little while.But my brief reprieve didn’t last long.As I walked back toward the palace, lost in thought, I nearly collided with someone coming around the corner. When I looked up, I was met with Luna Mira’s cold, piercing gaze.“Oh, it’s you,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain.I stiffened, taking a step back. “Excuse me, Luna Mira,” I said politely, attempting to move out of her way.She didn’t budge. Instead, she crossed her arms and stared me down, her expression twisted in something that could only be described as contempt.“You should watch where you’re going,” she snapped. “Though, I suppose someone like you is always in the way, aren’t they?”My stomach churned at her words, but I kept my expression neutral.
TRINITYThe cool evening air nipped at my skin as I stepped out of the stables, saying a quick goodbye to Xander. Despite his earlier antics, I couldn’t help but feel lighter after our time together. For once, my mind had been free of fear and worry—if only for a little while.But my brief reprieve didn’t last long.As I walked back toward the palace, lost in thought, I nearly collided with someone coming around the corner. When I looked up, I was met with Luna Mira’s cold, piercing gaze.“Oh, it’s you,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain.I stiffened, taking a step back. “Excuse me, Luna Mira,” I said politely, attempting to move out of her way.She didn’t budge. Instead, she crossed her arms and stared me down, her expression twisted in something that could only be described as contempt.“You should watch where you’re going,” she snapped. “Though, I suppose someone like you is always in the way, aren’t they?”My stomach churned at her words, but I kept my expression neutral.
TRINITY The warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen as I stood beside Lily, who was patiently showing me how to perfect a new recipe. Her instructions were clear, her movements practiced, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I found myself smiling at something so simple. My hands were covered in flour, and I had managed to get some on my cheek without realizing it.Lily chuckled, brushing her own hands on her apron. “You’re a natural, Trinity. Just a little more kneading, and you’ve got it.”“I don’t know about nature,” I replied, laughing softly. “But this is fun. I didn’t think baking could be so relaxing.”“It’s therapeutic,” she said with a wink. “And it’s good to know how to feed people. You never know when you might need to charm someone with a home-cooked meal.”Before I could respond, the kitchen door swung open, and in walked Xander.I stiffened immediately.“Smells good in here,” he said casually, his hands stuffed into his pockets. His sharp
LIAMThe grandeur of the Northern Kingdom’s palace was undeniable. The towering arches, shimmering chandeliers, and opulent tapestries whispered of a wealth and history that rivaled even our own. We arrived to the sound of ceremonial drums and the welcoming smiles of the northern alphas, their warriors flanking the long hall in stoic formation.It was all very formal, too formal for my liking, but I played my part. As one of the three alphas of the Crimson Moon Pack, it was my duty to present strength and unity, even if my thoughts were elsewhere.“Welcome, Alpha Xerxes, Alpha Nasir, Alpha Liam,” the host said, bowing low. His voice carried the weight of respect and expectation.Xerxes, as always, took the lead, speaking in the deep, commanding tone that seemed to silence every room he entered. Nasir and I stood just behind him, nodding at the appropriate times, though my mind drifted to the one person who wasn’t here.Trinity.She should’ve been here. Not just because she belonged by
TRINITYThe morning air was crisp, carrying a light chill that made me pull my sweater tighter around me as I stood on the front steps of the palace. A sleek black car, not sure what brand it is But it does look quite expensive. It idled on the circular driveway below, its engine humming softly. I watched as the guards loaded the triplets bags into the trunk, my heart sinking with each passing second.The sun was just beginning to rise, bathing the palace grounds in soft golden light, but it did little to chase away the sense of dread that clung to me. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to find some semblance of comfort, but the growing distance between me and the triplets felt unbearable.Xerxes, Nasir, and Liam moved with the kind of efficiency I’d come to expect from them, but even they seemed slower than usual, as if they were reluctant to leave. Xerxes caught my eye first, his sharp features softened by an expression I couldn’t quite place. He gave me a small nod, and I no
NASIRThe air felt heavier as my brothers and I walked toward our mother’s chambers. Each step echoed in the silent hallway, a reminder of the weight of the responsibilities we carried. Liam glanced at me, his brows furrowed with unease. Xerxes strode ahead, his usual confident stride stiff with tension. We all knew this wasn’t going to be a conversation—it was going to be a command.This was The Luna Mira we are talking about here. She never asks, always orders and commands.When Xerxes pushed open the ornate doors, we were met with our mother’s piercing gaze. She sat behind her massive oak desk, her regal demeanor as commanding as ever. Her fragrance infiltrated my nostrils the second we stepped into the room. It was a sweet mix of lavender and vanilla.Scrolls and parchments littered the surface of her desk, each likely detailing some diplomatic affair or pack tradition. She was always fascinated with those.“Ah, you’re here,” she said, setting down a quill. Her voice was cool and
TRINITYThe training room stretched wide before me, its walls lined with racks of weapons ranging from gleaming swords to well-worn staves. The faint scent of sweat and steel lingered in the air, and the floor bore the scuffs and marks of countless sparring sessions. Standing at the center with a staff clutched tightly in my hands, I felt a bead of sweat roll down my back as the triplets circled me like predators sizing up their prey.“Loosen your grip,” Liam instructed, stepping forward. His voice was calm and encouraging, but his stance was firm. “If you hold it too tight, your movements will be stiff, and you’ll tire out quickly.”I glanced down at my hands, my fingers wrapped tightly around the smooth wood. Slowly, I adjusted my grip, loosening it as he’d said. When I looked back up, he nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.“Better. Now, let’s see if you can block.”Before I could prepare, Liam lunged forward, his movements fluid and precise. My heart raced as I instinctively
TRINITYThe sunlight filtering through the curtains woke me gently, but as my eyes fluttered open, a wave of confusion rolled over me. I was back in my room, tucked into my bed. The last thing I remembered was falling asleep by the creek, Xerxes by my side. Had he carried me back?I sat up slowly, my mind clouded with questions. The quiet of the palace felt heavy, almost foreboding. Pushing the thoughts aside, I got out of bed, dressed, and wandered into the halls.The corridors stretched before me, silent and empty, until I heard voices coming from the throne room. Curious, I followed the sound. The door was slightly ajar, and when I peeked in, I saw Xerxes, Nasir, and Liam standing in a tight circle, deep in conversation.I hesitated. Their conversation came to a halt and their eyes fell on me. It felt like I was intruding on something important. “Pardon me, I didn't mean to intrude,” I murmured, turning to leave.“Wait. Actually, we’ve been waiting for you,” Nasir called out, stop
XERXES The night was still and peaceful, the soft babble of the creek the only sound as I watched Trinity sleep. The moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting a silvery glow over her face. Her features were delicate, relaxed in sleep, a stark contrast to the guarded expression she wore during the day. She looked... serene, almost otherworldly, as though the chaos of her world couldn’t touch her in this moment.So this is what she looked like when she wasn't looking over her shoulder. I felt this strange sensation at the thought.Could it be guilt? I don't know. What I do know is that I should be able to protect her. She should feel safe here with me, not constantly threatened.I leaned back on my elbows, studying her. There was something about her that was quietly captivating—like a puzzle I didn’t quite know how to solve. She wasn’t what I had expected from the woman I thought would be my mate, and certainly not what I had wanted at first. But now... now I wasn’t so sure