3. Stepbrothers?....Mates?

MIRANDA

Friends?

Is he kidding me right now? What insane friends is he talking about? 

If he knew what those monsters he has for kids did to me, he wouldn't have made that statement.

Please, there is no way those guys are going to be my stepbrothers. I can't even think of looking them in the eye after I told myself I would do anything to avoid running into them again.

"No, we weren't exactly friends. I just... I knew of them, you know? The 'O' Trio was kind of famous around school." I paused, trying to choose my words carefully. "I'm just surprised, that's all. I didn't realize they were your sons."

That was the only response I could find to give to him. 

My body feels as if broken ice blocks were poured over me, and my chest beating tremendously.

I remember them threatening me not to tell anyone about it, or else they would make my life even worse than this. They don't mind doing the things they did to me after we graduated from high school, after all their dad owns the school, I mean now it all makes sense.

"Don't worry, you guys will be fond of each other."  

"Hope everything is okay, Miranda," my mum asked, looking curious as she gazed at me from head to toe. 

I stammered, "Of... of course, Mum, you can carry on. I... I accept him as my step dad already." I faked a smile. 

Their dad seemed like a jovial person, imagine the most dangerous Lycan King smiling and kissing my mum's forehead right in front of me.

My mum was so happy to hear my approval. It would be selfish of me to be the reason they called off their engagement.

"So that means we are moving in today?"

"Of course. You will spend a night at my place with Miranda, then we’ll move out of this city, where she will further her studies."

He spoke so modestly in his husky voice as they continued to talk. I didn’t really listen to what they were saying; my mind drifted to the amusing fact that my former bullies were going to be my stepbrothers.Though it’s nice that he would be the one sponsoring me at the university.

We went to the dining table as they continued their lovey-dovey conversation, also asking me questions like about my favorite meal and all that.

"I have a surprise for you, Miranda. I will be expecting you soon at my pack,” he said.

Okay, that was a great start, so I wondered what kind of surprise it would be. It seemed my mum knew about the surprise as she kept nodding her head and then soon he walked out of our home.

Stella gazed at me and then dragged me by my hand, she opened the door of my room and went straight to my wooden cupboard and opened them.

"I know, sweetheart, that you accepted him because of me," she said as she began pulling out all my dresses, carefully folding them and packing them into my luggage.

"Mom, let me do that," I insisted.

She stopped and placed her hands on my shoulders, concern etched on her face. "Please, I want you to behave yourself, okay? Why were you staring at him like that? What if you scare him off?" 

I sighed rubbing my shoulders with my hand, maybe the best thing to do was just let go of the past and it's also best that I won't inform her about them, she would possibly get worried. "Please don't get me wrong and I'm sorry, I'm also happy for you, okay? He seems like a good man, and from what I'm seeing, he would do anything to protect you. But what happened to his wife?"

"She died immediately after giving birth to the triplets," she replied solemnly.

So they had been without a mother from the very beginning. I had thought she had died recently and that's why he was getting re married.

Nothing was said anything further as we continued arranging my belongings together,  I can't believe I'm about to leave this Texas city, thinking I would forget my trauma, only to realize they are coming along with me.

*********

I glanced up at the sky, which was already getting dark. As the evening drew near and the air brushed against my face, I closed my eyes, reflecting on my dreams – the dreams I had been struggling to accomplish, which were now finally going to be accomplished, without the need for further struggle.

As we arrived at his mansion, my eyes widened in awe at the sheer beauty and meticulous decoration of flowers that adorned the surrounding grounds, my eyes drifted to the large architectural swimming pool well symmetry and have a mirror shaped view.

We walked through the gates as two uniformed maids spotted us and swiftly relieved us of our luggage. 

"Welcome, our future Luna," one of the maids greeted my mother warmly. "Our king is waiting for you inside."

We reached the wide, lavishly furnished parlor, and I couldn't help but admire the moon goddess statues placed in each corner of the parlour and also the large—Sized Television placed on the wall mounts.

"My family are here!" Lycan Zephyr announced jovially, spreading his arms wide to gather us both into a warm embrace.

Gosh, I'm feeling a bit uneasy inside. Why do I have this sudden urge to use the restroom now?

"I've already told my sons about your arrival, so they'll welcome you with open arms," he said, his eyes moving to both Stella and I.

"Uh, Zephyr, would it be alright if I use the restroom?" I asked politely.

He chuckled. "Of course. If you go upstairs, the first room at your left is the guest room which will also be your room, You can use that restroom."

I nodded and hurried up the stairs, my stomach starting to hurt. Thank goodness the door was open. The room had a lovely, alluring scent. I wonder what kind of air freshener they use, I could also spot my luggages already placed at the side of the big-sized bed.

There is also a statue of moon goddess painted in ash at the side of the TV, he's really mesmerized by moon goddess.

After taking care of my business, I stepped out of the room. Then realized, that intoxicating scent wasn't coming from the room at all.

The amazing scent filled my nostrils, and I couldn't help but close my eyes, trying to pinpoint where it's coming from. Strawberries, roses, and blueberries - the aroma was so strong, unlike anything I had ever experienced before, it feels as if I'm perceiving different scents. Suddenly, my wolf stirred within me.

"Mate! Mate! Mate!" She screamed. My wolf continued jumping, but then she paused. 'THREE MATES?'

What? How could that be possible?

"You!"

 I heard a manly voice as I immediately opened my eyes only to find three tall, young men standing before me, shock written on their faces, even mine too.

My heart raced as the truth sank in. Oliver, Owen, and Orion? My mates? No. This couldn’t be real. 

“Not just one, but all three of them?” I whispered, disbelief flooding my veins. 

I took a step back, my mind racing. How could moon goddess do this to me? Memories of their taunts echoed in my mind, shoving me into lockers, laughing as I cried. 

These couldn't be my mates atleast not these men, of all people, maybe moon goddess was playing a prank because...no.

"Wait... Is she our stepsister? Miranda?" one of them, whom I recognized as Orion, asked with a hint of shock in his voice.

"Not only that, she is also our mate," Oliver responded, scoffing.

"I could actually feel the bond, Moon goddess can be quite tricky in making an omega of all species as our mate" Owen exclaimed as Orion nodded in agreement.

"Long time no see, Miranda," Oliver said, a smirk playing on his lips as he stepped closer to me. "I wanted talking to you at the bar, but you ran away. I'm sure you ended up losing your job which serves you right"

I know I'd definitely lose my job but that wasn't the problem, these were the last people I ever wanted to be mated to. How could moon goddess do this to me?

I clenched my fists tightly, ready to launch a punch at his face. There was no way I was going to accept these monsters as my mates, I must reject them, we can't stay as mates because there are the worst creatures one could think of as mates.

 "There's no way I'm going to accept you all as my mates, It's either you all reject me or I do it myself. I'd rather reject you Lycans and die a painful death as an omega than-"

Before I could complete my statement, I felt his hand grabbing me by the waist, about to react when then he pressed his lips against mine.