Chapter Four

SHANNON ~ POV

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It was late in the evening, and I was just settling into my bed when I heard the door suddenly creak.

I precipitously sat up in a panic, but a large masculine body pressed me down in obstruction.

I screamed alarmingly, stunned to discover that it was Jules as he crashed his lips on mine.

“Let go of—Mm!” I thrashed wildly, gasping.

But Jules was rough, and relentless.

Ignoring my resistance, he gripped my wrist with his manly hands and snared them above my head whilst he was kissing me hungrily.

My mind was pushing me to stop him before it became too late, but my body betrayed me. I was stunned to find myself unable to resist his kiss any longer, and soon I was swept up in the moment.

I kissed Jules back. My mouth willingly unfurled for him, and he profoundly explored.

Jules was my stepbrother. I knew what were engaging in was forbidden but it didn’t matter at that time.

I found myself returning his passion, and I could feel his desire growing stronger.

“Ohhh… Jules…” I unconsciously moaned, and that seemed to ignite the fire in him.

His strong, veiny, muscular hands belted around my small form with his large physique. I was mentally messed up with the thought of how much I was enjoying it, and I wanted more of him.

“Shit.” He growled into my ear, and I clung tighter as I mantled my legs around his midriff.

Just as things were heating up, Jules abruptly paused and looked at me, his brow furrowed with curiosity.

"Have you had a mate?" he asked, curiously.

I breathed uneasily because I was cut off guard by his question. “No," I answered, knowing it was the only thing I could say.

I knew that telling Jules the truth would only make things more complicated, so I lied.

His eyes searched mine for a moment, it made me become more uncomfortable so I avoided his gaze.

At that moment, we heard footsteps approaching the door, and Jules drifted out of bed.

Cole entered my room, his eyes narrowed at me

and his jaw set.

I tensed, feeling overwhelmed.

“Didn't I tell you that I was gonna deal with you later. I believe now is the time, bitch,” Cole scowled at me, his eyes blazing with anger.

Even though he was the youngest of the triplet brothers, Cole was the most temperamental.

Jules stood beside him, silent but just as intimidating.

My heart sank as both brothers stood in front of me while squirming under their dark gaze. I knew this was not going to end well, and my thoughts raced.

I was powerless so I braced myself for the worst.

“I telling you now, Shannon, you're not welcome here,” Cole snapped his teeth, he lunged forward and viciously yanked my hair.

I whined painfully, and I quickly cowered to the edge of the bed in fear, faraway from his reach.

“I and my brothers will never accept you, you're nothing but a stranger to us!” Cole was disgruntled.

Jules stood behind Cole, his eyes sneering at me.

As Cole attempted to do something rash again, the door flew open and my mother came in, a sudden look of concern emitted on her face.

The brothers froze as they saw her. Indeed, things were about to get ugly, but my mother’s presence made them quit.

Jules and Cole exchanged looks at each other, it was unreadable. Then, they slipped away.

I knew they stopped because they didn't want my mother to report to Robin that they were bullying me.

"Are you doing okay?" my mother asked, her voice concerned.

"I'm fine,” I replied, my voice shaking slightly.

My mother looked at me with a knowing expression. "Have you been taking your medication?" she asked intently.

I nodded, my throat dry. "Every day," I said.

I knew that taking my medication was the only way to control my wolf and prevent her from scenting freedom. My mother had always been strict about this, and I didn't know why. She had never told me why; but I knew there must be a reason.

"Good," she said, nodding in relief.

I felt bad that I had kept her in the dark; Mom had no idea that I had found my mate without her knowledge. Though it had ended badly, I had never told her about it.

I knew that my mother meant well when she said never to let my Wolf out. So from now onward, I will always try to heed her advice.

“Take care of yourself,” Mom patted my hair fondly, and then she left the room.

I wondered if she knew something I didn't. I felt a sense of unease, but I pushed it away.

Left alone in my room, I fell on my bed, weak and drowsy. I drifted off to sleep.

*

The next morning, I woke up feeling a little better, but still shaken by the events of the previous night.

I got up and took a shower, taking care to dress up before heading downstairs.

The pack maids and guards were everywhere, engaged in their daily tasks.

Jules and Cole were not in sight, so I believed they must still be in their room.

Suddenly, something crossed my mind; I hoped that by taking the initiative to make breakfast for the brothers, I could improve our relationship.

I hurried to the kitchen, thankfully it was empty so I set to work, making waffles, pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, and sausages. I brewed coffee and then arranged everything on the table, hoping that the brothers would appreciate the gesture.

Just as I was finishing up, I heard footsteps. It was —Jules and Cole.

They descended the stairs, and the look of surprise on their faces was noticeable. I could tell that they had not expected me to make breakfast for them. I smiled at them, hoping to break the ice.

"Good morning," I said, trying to sound bright.

But instead, Jules walked up to me and tried to pull my hairband off. I dodged him, but in doing so, I bumped into Cole, who took the opportunity to pull my hairband off.

I became annoyed, but I tried to stay calm. “Very funny, guys," I said, rolling my eyes. “Now hand it back to me.” I stretched my hand.

But the brothers were persistent, and I started to feel a little overwhelmed. I tried to reason with them, pleading with them to stop their game.

"C'mon, you guys," I said, trying to keep my voice light and calm. "I know you're just having fun, but this is getting a bit ridiculous. Can you just hand me back my hairband?”

Jules smirked and tossed the hairband to Cole, who caught it and tossed it back.

"Not until you catch it!" Jules said, his eyes glinting with mischief.

I sighed and held my hands up, trying to block the hairband from hitting me in the face. "Please!" I pleaded.

But they just laughed and continued tossing my hairband back and forth like a ball, using me as the net. It was all a bit much, and I was beginning to feel frustrated.

“Fine, take it if you want!” I scoffed, panting heavily as I decided to give up. I seethed back to the kitchen.

After I was done setting the table, the brothers settled down for their breakfast while they ordered me to wash the dishes.

I bit my tongue to keep from snapping at them. I went to the kitchen and washed all the dishes, trying to keep my cool.

However, by the time I was done, I returned to the dining room, only to find that the triplets had eaten all the food, leaving only a single pancake on the table. I felt unfairly treated.

I had worked so hard to make breakfast, only to be treated like a servant. I felt like breaking down but instead, I took a deep breath, I won't give them the pleasure of seeing I cry.

“Do you have a serious weight problem?” Jules suddenly said, his eyes traveling from my head to toe condescendingly.

Cole chuckled. “I can't imagine anyone wanting to be with a fatty like you,” he mocked.

The brother comments about my weight stung, but I refused to let them get to me. I knew they were just trying to get a rise out of me, and I refused to give them the satisfaction.

After all, I knew I wasn't fat but rather, I had an hourglass body with a slim figure waist.

I also knew that arguing with them would only make things worse, and I didn't want to jeopardize things, especially for my mother. Her happiness was far too important to me to let these two jerks ruin it.

And also, I understood how precious this opportunity was for her.

With a sigh, I headed back to my room with an empty stomach growling with hunger.

I thought about the future; I always longed for the day I graduated high school, and I would be able to go to college far away and finally have the freedom I craved. I could make my own choices and live my own life.

I just can't wait.