Three

Anastasia's pov

I bit my lip, watching with widened eyes as he grabbed my wrists and pulled me to his chest.

My face was so close to his now, I could see the smirk growing at the edge of his lips as he looked into my eyes, like he was searching for something.

"Follow me."

His expression was suddenly replaced by the same, forlorn cold one from earlier as he left me and started walking out of the room.

I could feel my heartbeat racing to ring in my ears as I composed myself, aware of how my whole body trembled and my whole being was intoxicated with the scent of him.

His strides were long, but soon enough, I was able to catch up with him just as he disappeared into a room and I followed, grunting as I pushed the large doors before I walked in to see...

The Lycan Triplets.

Standing before then now, my whole being froze at the sight of them, sitting behind their large table, their eyes, piercing and cold staring right into my soul.

Damien.

He was the eldest of the Triplets'. He was a large figure exuding a dominant aura that filled the room and weakened my knees from where I stood. His jet-black hair cascaded down his broad shoulders, framing piercing cold blue eyes that seemed to hold a thousand memories and souls of his past victims. His chiseled features were accentuated by a prominent deep scar that ran across his cheeks.

Draven was the middle brother. He possessed an air of enigmatic allure. He had this sexy, playboy aura to his dark, immense demeanor unlike Damien's whose aura was cold and mature. He had sleek, silver hair that cascaded down his shoulders framing intense blue eyes. These features were in great contrast to his skin, dark as fine marble. He looked the most Ethereal and beautiful, yet his eyes hiring into mine were cold and unsettling.

Darius was the youngest of the three but had a formidable presence exuding an aura of primal power. He had wild raven dark hair cut shirt to his neck accentuating sharp, piercing eyes, one blue and the other a teal color which was quite enchanting and mesmerizing, a unique feature of his that was hard to miss.

Their appearance alone was enough to break whatsoever will I had built up earlier, and I could feel my hands shaking as I stepped in, hearing the door click shut behind me.

It felt like I had entered hell and these men were the devil's incarnates.

"Is this some kind of a joke? A prank?" Darius spoke up first, a scoff leaving his lips as he glared hatefully at me.

"This thing is supposedly meant to bear our heir. The heir of Belthemore; our future child?" Draven's voice was cold, and the hatred in his deep voice resonated in the whole room. It didn't feel like a moment ago, we had met. Now, I could see the disappointment hidden deep in his eyes.

I felt my stomach clutch with fear as the men's eyes only seemed to grow colder. My wolf whimpered and withdrew.

I didn't know why, but the distaste, displeasure, and disappointment on their faces hurt me- I felt so embarrassed as I pulled the robe tighter around me.

Damien picked up a file sitting on the desk in Infront of him and flipped through it, leveling his eyes with the file and my figure.

He looked the most intimidating even though he had yet to say anything.

"Anastasia Ember. Daughter of Alpha Gregor and her mother Luna Athena..."

"Stepmother." I cut in instinctively before my eyes widened when he glanced up sharply and I realized what I did.

"What?"

I swallowed shakily, not knowing what to say.

"I believe you were asked a question, princess ." Draven coldly reminded me.

"S- she's not my mother. My mother is dead." I replied softly before lowering my eyes.

"It doesn't change the fact that you're weak. I can smell your wolf, but she's just too weak. Can you shift?" Darius asked this time, leaning forward on both elbows to impose a hardened stare on me.

Shift?

It's been a while since I shifted. I couldn't even If I wanted to. Due to malnutrition and abuse, my wolf was so weak that sometimes I was no less than an ordinary human.

In shame, I shook my head, lowering my eyes again.

"Are you sure she's his daughter? Or did they bring the wrong one to make a fool out of us? Did they think we wouldn't notice she's an imposter? I doubt she has her Alpha's blood. She's pathetic."

My heart felt like It was being strangled by their words. I've heard so many hurtful things from people for so long that I had built a thick skin towards their spiteful words, but right now, It's like their words could tear through the walls I had built up right into my heart.

For the first time In a long time, I hated myself.

"No..." I raise my eyes to meet Damien's eyes again. They were intense and intimidating, yet I couldn't look away. There was a sudden confusion in his eyes but it quickly disappeared like I hadn't seen It. "She's Anastasia. She's the one the Late Lycan King stated on his will before he passed away. She's our mate. "

Mate?

I was confused but too speechless to say anything.

"I feel nothing towards her. My wolf has been a lot quieter since she walked in. Other than resentment, nothing. This has to be a mistake." Darius snapped coldly.

"He could have picked anyone else. Why is someone so weak that she could be passed off as a human? We are the Lycan Kings of Baltimore. We are feared amongst even the most powerful Vampires and witches, and yet, a mere being has been fated to bear our heir?" Draven's voice sent chilled feelings running down my spine.

I was fated to them? By their late father, the Lycan King? But how? Why? Why me especially? And why do the Triplets sound like they had no choice? I'm not surprised they'd want to reject me but they're not doing it. It seems like they had no choice.

Damien pulled a drawer close to him and pulled out another document before setting It down. The entire time, I had not moved from my spot, scared to even go another inch close to them. They knew better than to even want to get any closer to me given the disgusted looks on their faces.

I didn't want this. I want a mate who would love me and show me endless happiness. Not one who would hate me. Am I truly cursed to never receive love?

"It doesn't matter. As far as she can bear our heir, there's no reason to complain any further. We have to obey our father's will or like the shaman said, we might never get an heir. She's our only choice " The last sentence was spoken with difficulty and resentment but I swallowed, saying nothing as he continued. "The contract will ensure she keeps to her part of the agreement and we'll do the same- for the sake of our future child."

That being said, he looked like he wanted to invite me over probably to sign the contract, but all of a sudden, Draven cut in with two cold words that had blood draining from my face.

"Strip. Now"