Chapter 4

LILY's POV 

I groggily opened my eyes and I found myself on a horse, moving.

"What just happened?"

"We have another mate!" Miky cheered happily.

"This one is more handsome and nicer," she added, and I shook my head, amused. She behaved this way with Astor until he embarrassed us.

"I see you're awake," he said, startling me.

"Yes…" I replied slowly. I was covered in manly clothes, making me warm and I could tell they were his clothes because they smelt like him. They offered me so much comfort and solace.

"I'm Marcus what's your own name?" He inquired.

"I'm Lily," I replied, and he smiled, repeating my name. I loved the way his lips moved as he called my name. His lips were in perfect sync with my name.

"You're my mate," he stated dominatingly, and my body shook in excitement at that.

"Where are you taking me?" I peered at him curiously, and he smiled.

"To meet my parents," he smiled in response.

"They need to know that I've also found my mate."

The way he called me his mate sounded possessive, like he owned me, and I loved it.

The route we followed started becoming more familiar as we journeyed further, and I frowned, realizing where we were headed.

"Did we really have to go back there?" I thought within me, glaring at the royal house, that I had just left some hours ago.

"Maybe he has some business there," Miky speculated.

I wondered what connection Marcus had with the royal house.

"What were you doing in the rain all alone?" He glanced at me worriedly to be sure I was okay before facing the front.

I grimaced, remembering how unfortunate I was with my parents. If I ever had the chance to choose parents, I'd rather be an orphan than choose them.

They were the practical definition of a disaster, not a parent.

"I don't want to talk about it," I replied dismissively, leaving no room for discussion.

"Sorry if I struck a nerve," he apologized, and I smiled. He's so sweet. Apart from Miky, I think he is the second-best gift the moon goddess has given me so far.

"It's alright."

We got to the house, and he scooped me into his arms, walking into the house with me in his hands.

"What connection do you have with the royal house?" I peered at him curiously, and he smiled.

"Brother," I heard the voice of the one person I hated the most and frowned.

"Astor," Marcus called in response, turning to face him.

"You!" Astor glared at me in hatred, and I glared back.

"Mate!" He called, gritting his teeth in anger as he tried to bring his wolf under control.

"There you are, brothers." Another handsome male walked in, and the moment he walked in, my heart clenched in excitement again.

"Mate!" we both yelled at the same time.

"What is going on here?" The Alpha thundered while walking in that instant.

I was married to the royal triplets.

Astor, Marcus, and Marco...

Anxiety raced through my heart as I faced the Alpha triplets. Astor squinted his eyes as his face contorted in disapproval.

"Astor, c'mon, she's not so terrible," Marcus stated, his voice tinged with amusement.

Astor made a snorting sound. "Not so terrible? She's a feeble, pitiful little creature. I can't believe I have to be with her.""

His words caused me to feel a sharp pain, making me feel ashamed as my eyes lowered. Marco repeated Astor's feelings, showing the same level of disgust on his face.

However, Marcus then spoke softly. "I actually find her lovely. I appreciate her attitude."

I had the courage to look up and meet Marcus's friendly gaze. A slight grin appeared on his face, and a glimmer of hope ignited within me.

I whispered my appreciation to Marcus, my voice almost inaudible.

Astor let out a snort. "You're only saying that to be kind, Marcus. You aren't truly sincere."

However, Marcus maintained eye contact with me, his genuine expression still on his face. "I stand by every word I say, Lily. You're our mate, and we'll figure this out together."

 The Alpha's powerful presence filled the room just as the tension between the triplets and me felt tangible. His sharp gaze surveyed the landscape ahead, his face growing more somber.

He snarled, his voice ominous and low, asking the significance of this situation.

Astor and Marco took a step back, lowering their eyes in surrender. Marcus remained proud, gazing directly at the Alpha.

"Did I hear someone mention this girl being a mate?" The Alpha questioned.

"Yes, father, she is our mate." Marcus spoke. "Astor and Marco don't want to accept her."

"And why would you?" He asked, staring down at me with disgust. "She is a deformed wolf and lacks the quality to be called Luna."

Again, I felt hurt by the choice of words the Alpha had used. It was inevitably clear that no one except Marcus liked me.

The Alpha narrowed his gaze; his eyes focused on me. "Lily, you will remain part of the palace, but I will not allow you to be mates with these three. You will fulfill a distinct role in this place. Do I make myself clear?"

"But father!" The Alpha's growl became loud across the chamber, sending fear across my skin.

"Don't you dare speak about this topic, son. My decision has been made and it's final."

I felt my heart pound as the Alpha's words lingered in the atmosphere. What other function could I possibly have other than being a mate.?

"Alpha, we've already declared her our partner," Marcus objected, regardless of the stares.

He fell silent under the Alpha's intense stare. 

"I will not be influenced. Lily, you must obey me or suffer the outcome. The outcome isn't something you want to wish for."

I gulped nervously, knowing my destiny was now set. I had no option but to follow the orders of the Alpha, completely under their control.