CHAPTER 4 - REOCCURRING

Chapter 4

I followed her obediently, anticipating the fate awaiting me behind the grand doors. Stepping inside, my heart seemed to pause for a moment as my eyes locked onto them.

Three finely sculpted pieces of art, they appeared identical, each donned in different outfits. It felt as if I were gazing at the same masterpiece with subtle variations.

Perfectly styled chestnut brown hair, straight pointed noses and well chiseled jawlines, they looked like artifacts from Greek mythology. I never thought anyone could surpass Chester's looks, but these three individuals had truly outshone themselves. Comparing them to us mere mortals, their beauty was incomparable.

"Ever been told it's rude to stare?" One of them reprimanded me, prompting me to lower my gaze instantly. Unaware that I had been fixated on him, the truth was I couldn't help but have my eyes on all three of them.

Fiddling with my hands, I attempted to calm my racing heart. Their presence made me nervous, and I couldn't prevent the perspiration that dampened my dress from behind.

"So, what's the solution and who's your tag along, mother?" Another man, whom I hadn't noticed earlier, inquired of the woman I had followed into the room.

"She's Hermione's closest mate and I think she'll be perfect for the role." The woman I accompanied replied.

"Ok, then I guess Ava has got this figured out, Alphas. I think we should proceed with the preparation already; the ceremony has long begun," an older man spoke, his commanding voice making me realize that the other three were triplet Alphas.

"Uncle Astor, is this really the best option?" One of the Alphas asked the older man, his face etched with worry as he held a stressor in his hand.

The elder gentleman who was just referred to as Uncle Astor nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders and shook his head in a dismissive manner as he consumed the contents of the whiskey glass in his hand.

"We must devise an alternative plan, and time is of the essence at this juncture. I hadn't anticipated this from Hermione, but she has already taken action, and we must strive to maintain the integrity of our family name above all others. Canceling the event is not an option we can entertain," he sighed, conveying a sense of fatigue.

The elder gentleman approached me and scrutinized me for a brief moment. My heart raced within my chest as I fretted over the possibility of my disguise being unveiled. "Alpha Dante, given that our criteria extend beyond mere aesthetic appeal, I believe she serves as an ideal replacement," he remarked discerningly.

What?!

Despite their lucid conversation, the dialogue sounded foreign to me, as I couldn't connect with the names or the event they discussed. All I had intended was to sneak in, grab some food to ease my hunger, and continue with my dreary existence.

However, it seemed the fates had a different plan in store. Who was this Araya, and why did everyone mistake me for her? The mystery deepened, leaving me bewildered.

"What are you called?" The Alpha who had reprimanded me earlier was now the one questioning me, A smirk played on the side of his lips. I paused for a moment, contemplating what response to give, when Ava nudged me slightly.

Arya or Reign? I had to decide quickly.

"Araya Alpha, my name is Araya." My response rolled out of my lips before I could stop it.

""Seems good to me, Zephyr. What do you say?" Alpha Dante asked my inquisitor.

He scarcely nodded absentmindedly before delivering his response. "I'm cool with the proposal, although you should still seek his approval," Alpha Zephyr remarked, gesturing towards the final Alpha who had maintained a subdued demeanor throughout, his countenance displaying stoicism.

"Axel, what's your stance on this?" Alpha Dante inquired of the plain-faced Alpha. Tension lingered in the room as everyone awaited his response.

"Tell me, are you prepared to undertake this task?" Alpha Axel inquired, his voice carried a chill and was imbued with authority, causing a slight shiver to run down my spine.

Though I had no inkling of the task ahead, I nodded eagerly, perhaps a touch too hastily, prompting Alpha Dante to burst into laughter. "Yes, Alpha, I am more than willing to offer my assistance to the Royal family," I replied earnestly.

"Well, shall we raise a toast to our impending victory?" The young man chimed in with excitement as he poured himself a glass and swiftly consumed its contents.

"Nerson! Not today, your step brothers need you sober and active if we're going to pull this off successfully" Ava queried him.

"Alright then! Get her dressed already so we proceed with the process," Alpha Axel spoke to no one in particular.

"I'm sorry but I'm yet to know what it is that you ask of me." I confessed, feeling the weight of the enigmatic responsibility bearing down upon me, an insurmountable burden impossible to disregard.

"You are to serve as a replacement for your friend, that's all," Ava replied nonchalantly.

"I'm yet to comprehend your meaning, Ma'am," I replied, aware of Alpha Axel narrowing his eyes at me. I sensed the potential folly of my question, but without knowledge of who my friend was, I felt compelled to ask.

"Do you truly require me to state the glaringly obvious?" Ava's glare conveyed her dissatisfaction and slight irritation. "You are to marry the Alphas in her place within the next 30 minutes. Is it clear to you now?"

Of course not! I was going to do no such thing.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but I cannot consent to marrying the Alphas. You may need to seek an alternative solution," I responded calmly, though internally, the thought of their proposal stirred turmoil within me.

I was definitely not going to make the same mistake of being a substitute bride for the second time.

"Hey, it's not that deep. It's just a contract for 24 hours and we pay you off. Here are the details." Alpha Dante clarified as he passed a document to me.

Despite my initial inclination to refuse, upon considering the offer, I surrendered to the fate the moon goddess had seemingly destined for me. Desperate for a place and means to survive, I reluctantly accepted the reality that rejecting their offer would leave me with no other recourse under the moon's light.

"Just 24 hours?"

"Yes," Alpha Zephyr and Alpha Dante chorused.

"I'll do it." I answered.

"Who wouldn't?" Alpha Axel said, rolling his eyes before walking away.