Note: This is book 2 of Her Triple Alpha’s Revenge. You can read as standalone but it will spoil parts of book 1.
Ruby POV "Ruuuuby!" My mother's voice pierced the air for the tenth time this morning, her frustration practically shaking the walls. You'd think being ten minutes late was some kind of world-ending crisis. "I'm coming, I'm coming!" I yelled back, rolling my eyes as I put the finishing touches on my pixie cut with a single purple streak in the front. Short black hair wasn't just a style; it was a statement, and you couldn't just walk out looking like a mess. "She thinks the King and Queen actually care what she looks like," my step-sister hissed to the other two harpies. They weren't really my sisters; none of us were blood-related, but surviving near death together apparently made us family. Or so the world thought. The world was wrong. My three "sisters" were inseparable, a trio of toxic clones. Me? I was the outlier. The weird one with purple eyes and hands that occasionally shot out dangerous light. "A gift from the moon goddess," they said. It's more like a curse. I stood up, giving my pink lips a final pat before admiring my reflection. I was hot, and I knew it. Not that anyone in this pack seemed to care. "You're just jealous because they love me and don't even look at you twice." I let my gaze trail up and down Sheila's body. "Not that there's anything worth looking at, anyway." I giggled as she huffed in irritation. "Mom! Ruby's being mean to us!" Sheila whined, descending the stairs. At the bottom of the staircase, my mother waited, one hand on her hip, her scowl firmly in place. "Please, Ruby, no fighting today. I'm begging you." Her big brown eyes fluttered at me, pleading. She was terrified that the Queen might think she was a bad parent because of all the trouble I'd caused. "They started it," I muttered, shooting her a defiant look as I brushed past. I loved her more than anything, would jump in front of a silver blade for her, but I was young and scarred by years of bullying. I couldn't see then how much she'd sacrificed for me. "I'll be outside. Try not to take forever. We're already late," I added, a hint of demand in my tone. I could practically feel her shaking her head at me as I walked away. I was a handful, but my parents loved me regardless. "This is going to be a long ride," I heard her mutter under her breath. I smirked as I stepped outside. It might be a long ride, but the destination was worth it. Not only would I see my aunts and uncles, but my best friend, my only friend, was coming home from Alpha Academy. Sebastian was the one person in this world who let me be myself. He was like a brother who knew all my secrets and dirty little affairs. We were both outcasts, though he was praised for his oddities while I was scorned. We'd leaned on each other throughout our childhood, and I never thought I'd miss him as much as I had this past year. As I propped myself against the car, absentmindedly fiddling with my black and pink nail polish, I felt a strange presence nearby. The aura was almost suffocating, wrapping around me like a thick fog. My feet moved involuntarily toward the street, my eyes scanning the road for this mysterious stranger. My heart pounded, a drumbeat of anticipation. No one had this kind of power except the royal family. 'Maybe it's our mate,' my inner wolf, Scarlet, purred in my head, urging me to seek out this stranger. She was the troublemaker that made me do the ridiculous things I did. 'Impossible, Scarlet. It's not a full moon,' I replied, annoyed by her constant wishful thinking. But secretly, I wished it, too. I longed for that one soul to be bound with mine, like my parents or the King and Queen. Their love was the stuff of legends, and they were downright cruel for setting such high expectations for the rest of us. Since the moon goddess abandoned our world, fated mates had become nearly impossible to sense until they were marked. Occasionally, the bond would intensify during a full moon, but we all feared that without the goddess, fated mates would become nothing more than fables, stories of epic love that no longer existed. "You look lost, little wolf," a deep, husky voice said behind me. I spun around to see him tall, dark, and so damn dreamy. My body trembled, my mind fogged, and my skin burned under his gaze. "Me? No, I—I live here," I stammered like an idiot, my voice annoyingly squeaky. "Here?" He glanced at my house, then back at me with crystal-clear eyes, blue and grey, as if they could see right through me. "Interesting." "Not really." I frowned, following his gaze to my house. Just a typical neighborhood in the South, nothing special. "I'm looking for Luna Kiera. Do you know where she lives?" he asked, dead serious. Who didn't know where our Queen lived? "Uh, the Queen? Are you seriously asking that?" "The Queen? That's unexpected. What about her mates? They're all alive and well, I presume, Kings?" "Of course. Where have you been?" "Sorry if I seem odd to you. My manners, where are they?" He extended his hand. "My name is Gabe. I grew up in a place not well known, far from here. We didn't have houses like this. It's actually quite beautiful." He looked around, genuinely awed by the flowers, sidewalks, and homes. My hand met his, and a surge of power shot through me, setting my body on fire. My eyes widened, my pulse racing. 'Has to be our mate!' I shouted to Scarlet. 'I wish. He's damn sexy, and I bet his wolf is powerful. Don't let go of him,' Scarlet urged, practically drooling. Gabe watched me with a curious smile as I stared at him, completely dumbstruck. He was sexy, alright. "Do you have a name?" he chuckled. "Oh! Yeah! My name... my name..." I trailed off, staring at the ground. What was my name again? "Shit! Sorry, uh, Ruby. My name's Ruby." I sounded like a complete idiot. Normally, I was sharp, quick with a retort, a total bitch. What was this man doing to me? "Are you sure? You seem unsure," he teased, those blue eyes dancing with amusement. "I'm sure," I replied, smiling up at him. I could get lost in those eyes forever. "Well, Ruby, it's nice to meet you. Can you tell me where I can find Luna Kiera, your Queen?" "She lives up north. We're headed that way, actually. Her son, Alpha Sebastian, is coming home, and there's a celebration." Once I started talking, I couldn't stop. "A celebration. Looks like I arrived just in time. Could you..." He tried to pull his hand from mine, but I tightened my grip, refusing to let go. He chuckled, realizing I was already half in love with him. "Could you give me directions?" His thumb traced circles on the back of my hand, sending shivers down my spine. "Yes, of course," I replied, my voice dropping, eyes peeking out from under my long black lashes. The longer we stood there, the more my desires raged inside me. I wanted him, and so did Scarlet. I gave him directions and even told him where to find a car. The journey to the North could take days, weeks on foot. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Ruby." He lifted my hand to his lips, planting a lingering kiss that made my heart skip a beat. He was damn charming, and worse, he knew it. "The pleasure was mine. When you get to the North, if you find yourself lonely, ask around for me. Just say you're looking for the girl with purple eyes, and anyone can point you in the right direction." "Is purple uncommon?" He asked, genuinely curious. "Yeah, in our part of the world. Most people think it's unnatural, even hideous." "I think your eyes are majestic. A beauty that no one could surpass. I'll find you in the North. I promise you of that," he said with such certainty, his voice a low, husky drawl. Then he leaned in, and my eyes fluttered shut, desperate to feel his lips on mine. Instead, he brushed my cheek with a kiss, pulling away just as quickly. "See you soon, Ruby. The girl with purple eyes." He winked and walked away. I sighed, watching his gorgeous figure disappear down the street. I only knew his name, Gabe, but I was already crushing on him like a schoolgirl. I prayed we'd cross paths again. Scarlet was practically howling inside me, begging to be set free to chase him down. Goddess, being a werewolf was hard, especially an unmated one. "Are you coming or what?" Sheila snapped at me. "She's such a freak, Mom. I don't know how you love her." She climbed into the car, slamming the door shut. Mom yelled at her, reminding her to watch her manners or she wouldn't be going to college far away. I prayed she would go. Sheila was the one person I hated most in the world. "Ruby, is everything okay?" Mom asked, coming up beside me. I was still standing in the middle of the street, lost in thoughts of Gabe. "I don't know. I just want to get home," I sighed, a strange uneasiness settling in my stomach. I missed the North, but home was where Sebastian was, my best friend, the one person who made me feel like I belonged. "Let's go, sweetie. Try to ignore your sister. She's weak to peer pressure, but I promise she'll grow out of this childish behavior." "I don't think Sheila will ever change, Mom, but it's okay. I don't care what she thinks. Never have." I shrugged, climbing into the car. I immediately put on my headphones, tuning them all out. Just a little longer, and I'd finally be back where I belonged.Sebastian POV"Good! That's what I like to see." My trainer clapped me on the back, ignoring the blood dripping from my mouth. I had just finished my last battle, the final test to prove myself as Alpha, and I couldn't wait to leave this place behind. I didn't exactly want to go home; too much pressure and uncertainty awaited me there, but after a year of nonstop fighting, I was done.As the future Alpha of not just my pack but all the lands of the North and South, I was expected to be strong, fearsome, and dominant. But I didn't feel any of that. Sure, I was built like a beast, just like my fathers, but my soul was all my mother's. I hated fighting, cried when my people were hurt, and even got physically ill when I had to yell at someone. Pathetic, right? Not exactly the qualities of an Alpha or a man.My parents showered me with love and attention, my siblings clung to me like I was some kind of rock star, and my pack looked to me as their fearless leader. I had to be all those thin
Ruby POVI was so happy Sebastian was finally home. I cried for days when he first left, even though I acted like it was nothing big when saying goodbye to him. It was hard for me to show my feelings completely. Most of my life, people feared me and even tried to harm me. Sebastian was the only one who looked at me like I wasn't some freak. "You look like a slut." Shelia walked into my room in a yellow frilly dress."You look like a damn bumble bee. What are you trying to attract, honey or a man?" I rolled my eyes at her, my hands pushing up my tiny breast in a dark purple dress I wore. My boobs were so small I barely had anything to show off."At least I don't need to stuff my bra to look like a woman." Shelia puffed her chest out, her large knockers nearly bursting from her dress. She was actually very pretty, but she dressed ridiculously, and that voice of hers was like nails on a chalkboard. Five minutes alone with her and the boys went running. "Whatever! Get out, loser." I sho
Sebastian POV"You excited, sweetie?" My mom pinched my cheek, and I sighed. I was a mama's boy at heart, but Luna Kiera could be a bit much. I don't think she realized I grew past eight years old. Despite being twice her size, she still treated me like a child."Yes, of course. This is my pack and home." I gave her a smile, hiding the weight of what the night would bring. Not only was I being celebrated with the intention of soon taking over our pack as Alpha, but tonight, I also planned to tell Ruby the truth.I was in love with her, desperately and wholeheartedly. In all my nightmares, there was one constant, one shred of hope and goodness: Ruby. She would always appear at my darkest moment. When I had given up on myself, relinquishing my soul to the evil that lived within me, Ruby would appear. At first, she was just a child, a little girl with red bows in her long black hair. She would speak to me so innocently, forcing me to realize who I truly was. She gave me the courage to f
Ruby POVThe grand celebration in the North was, as always, a spectacular affair under Luna Kiera's meticulous care. She spared no expense and had a knack for keeping the crowd entertained. Light flurries of snow added a magical touch to the fading sun, music floated through the air, kids raced across the frozen lake, and families reveled in the many games and booths. It was like a carnival, complete with an ice rink, food trucks, hot chocolate, and laughter echoing everywhere.For the first hour, Sebastian and I raced around the grounds, competing fiercely in everything from milk jug toss to cornhole. He looked dashing in his black suit, with a dark purple handkerchief that matched my dress. He always made these small gesture to remind me I wasn't alone. Sebastian was the best friend anyone could ask for, but he was also the future King, and duty inevitably called.As the evening wore on, he made his way around the grounds, greeting and chatting with families. Meanwhile, I spent the
Sebastian POVThe night started out like a dream. Ruby and I ran around the elaborate party my mom had thrown in my honor, but my focus was entirely on her. I wanted nothing more than to spend time with my soulmate.When I showed her my purple tie and handkerchief, she melted right before me. I knew how hard it was for Ruby to feel accepted and that she appreciated how I always showed her she was never alone. I just hoped that tonight, I could show how much I loved her. Eventually, my dads came to drag me away, reminding me I wasn't just some kid at a party. I had obligations to my people, people who came out to celebrate my return. I knew it was wrong to ignore them all night, so I reluctantly left Ruby's side. "Meet me at midnight by the Mirror Lake. I have to tell you something important, ok?" My eyes pleaded to her. The way her purple iris shined into mine was mesmerizing."Okay," she replied, looking at me curiously. "Everything okay?""Yeah, it's good, really good. I'm just gl
Gabe POVI cursed myself the whole journey to the North for bumping into that little minx. I knew the moment I caught her scent, she was mine, but I didn't want her. I was here for one reason: one person. I left my home and grueling days of torture and deceit to complete my true destiny. First, I needed to kill the Queen. That bitch had it coming for the scraps she threw our way while her pack bathed in glory. The houses these people lived in were ridiculously beautiful. Beds of colorful flowers, bright paint on the siding, smooth roads to play on. It was sickening comparing all this to what little we were given.Then, I needed to find my true other half, the one who would complete my soul and grant us the power to rule this world as it was meant to be ruled.But the moment I arrived in the North, her scent hit me again, sending my wolf into a frenzy. I was at some elaborate, frivolous celebration for their so-called prince. A prince in a land of werewolves? What a joke. We were Alph
Ruby POVFor hours, I sobbed alone in the shadows of a random alley, the cold seeping into my bones as despair wrapped around my heart. I felt utterly lost, terrified, more alone than I'd ever been. How could this have happened? I had been marked by a bastard Alpha, a cruel, unfeeling man who wanted nothing more than to use me. My soul was now bound to someone who had no intention of loving me, no desire to cherish the bond we were cursed to share. How could I have been so foolish?In a daze, driven by desperation, I found myself running toward Mirror Lake, the one place that still held a shred of comfort for me. Sebastian had asked me to meet him there at midnight. I was unsure of the time but held onto a sliver of hope that he would come. I needed him now more than ever. He was my best friend, the future King; he could force Gabe to reject me, couldn't he? But as I paced the snow-covered ground, the minutes felt like hours, and the hope I clung to began to crumble.Scarlet whined in
Sebastian POVMy eyes teared, watching my blood-stained hands in horror. I completely lost control! My pack's blood was on my hands, my father's blood. Something primal rose inside me, fading my true self into the background. I only desired to rule them all, to watch them suffer. This couldn't be real."I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." A tear fell down my cheek, seeing my three dads standing before me with mangled faces. They were already healing, but the bones I broke would take a few hours."You're sorry!" River roared. "You're fucking sorry? We need a hell of a lot more than I'm sorry, Sebastian.""I... I don't know what to say. I lost control." I flipped my hands back and forth. All my wounds healed, and even the bones I had broken were mended back together."Relax, it's no big deal. He's just a kid." The man I beat to a pulp slowly stood, his face unrecognizable from the beating I gave him. He, too, was already healing, but I knew by the way he winced it was incredibly painful. "No big