CHAPTER 3

- MY MATE ARE ALPHAS

I groggily opened my eyes, the world still blurry. Closing them again, I waited a moment before daring to reopen them, greeted by the sight of a middle-aged lady seated across from me.

"You're awake," her voice drew nearer as she approached, but I couldn't muster the energy to keep my eyes open. I wondered why I hadn't simply passed on to the Nine Dimensions, ending my suffering and disastrous life.

"How is she doing?" A deep voice broke through my thoughts, and I struggled to identify its owner.

"Yes, Alpha. But she hasn't fully regained consciousness yet," the lady replied, prompting me to open my eyes once more.

Before me stood a tall, elegant man, his black jacket failing to conceal his muscular frame. He was undeniably handsome, surpassing any male wolf I had ever laid eyes on. Was he even real?

"Your name?" His voice sent shivers down my spine as I struggled to respond.

"Uh, erm…" I stammered, scanning the luxurious, neatly decorated room. Sitting up, I furrowed my brow. "If you brought me here to warm your bed, you might as well throw me into the slave dungeon!" I blurted out, retreating as his imposing figure made it hard to breathe.

"Bed warming? Is that how you see yourself?" He stepped closer, and I fought the urge to flee. There was something about him that left me weak-kneed.

His darkened eyebrows, finely sculpted jawline, and those lips—when he spoke, my mind went haywire.

"Take her with you, clean her up and make her presentable. She reeks!" he commanded before leaving the room.

His words crushed me, shattering my pride and emotions.

"Follow me," the maid-like lady instructed, and I gracefully complied. She led me to a bathroom, lingering in the doorway. "Get rid of that stench. The Alphas don't tolerate anyone smelling like a rotten egg," she chided, rolling her eyes.

I savored the luxurious bath, the scent of roses and minerals, a rare indulgence.

Dressed in a fine garment, I was warned to behave as I prepared to meet the Alphas.

"If you ever meet their gaze, it's over for you," the lady cautioned, sending my heart racing as I imagined the worst possible outcomes.

As we ascended the stairs, I marveled at the opulence surrounding me—the expensive decor, the intricate sculptures, the divine paintings of gods and Lycans that captured my gaze.

Upon reaching our destination, Miss Mortica rang the doorbell, and almost instantly, a maid greeted us, ushering us inside.

"Hello, Miss Mortica," the maids greeted respectfully.

"Take her to the Alpha," Miss Mortica instructed, pushing me forward.

Feeling nervous and apprehensive, I clutched the hem of my dress, biting my lower lip.

"Follow me, miss," the maid said, leading me into the main chamber. She halted at the doorway, gesturing for me to enter. I hesitated briefly before stepping inside.

The room was filled with an intoxicating scent, so enticing and invigorating. Taking in the aroma, I pressed my legs together, perplexed by the allure of this captivating fragrance.

"Come on in, darling," a voice beckoned as I ventured further into the room.

Damn it! I was rendered speechless—two incredibly attractive men stood before me, their sculpted abs on display as if they were models in a magazine.

"Good afternoon, Alphas," I greeted, cautiously meeting their gaze, only to be met with stern expressions.

"What is your name, child?" the one who approached me first inquired.

"Ashley. My name is Ashley, Alpha," I replied, receiving a smile from him while his brother seemed less pleased.

"We are Lucas and Simon," he introduced, and I nodded in acknowledgment.

"We're rejecting her!" Simon, the seemingly disgruntled brother, declared bluntly, causing me to furrow my brow as I looked up.

"Reject? Are you saying you're my mate?" I questioned, my voice barely above a whisper.

Simon scoffed loudly, setting down his glass of wine before advancing toward me. I instinctively retreated, backing into the wall behind me.

"Isn't it obvious? Who would want a weak omega wolf like you?" he spat, and I blinked back tears, feeling the sting of his words.

"Easy, Simon. You're hurting her," Lucas intervened, earning a glare from his brother.

"Hurting her? We're the ones who've been hurt! Look at her—she's a slave, neither beautiful nor attractive, weak and so... irritating!" Simon retorted, his words cutting deep as tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

Clutching his fists, he smirked. "Are you crying? We're supposed to be the victims here," he sneered.

"Do you have a wolf? Do you possess that connection?" Lucas inquired gently, and shame washed over me. I had failed my mate—I lacked a wolf, and to compound matters, I was an omega.

"Well..."

"Yes or no!" Simon's voice pierced the air.

"I don't," I confessed, sinking to my knees. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry I'm such a weak wolf."

"Can you be any more pathetic? What kind of mate have we stumbled upon? Wolfless, unattractive, and even a slave! We're rejecting her, and there's no room for negotiation," Simon declared firmly, while Lucas regarded me with pity in his eyes.

"Please... don't... please don't do this to me," I pleaded, my heart wrenching with unbearable pain.

"Please do what?" Lucas's tone was ice cold, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized me.

"Lucas, can't you see how much she's hurting? She's fragile," Simon taunted, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.

"Don't tell me you're actually considering this rubbish. We have a destined mate waiting for us. Let's choose her instead, I assure you, Veronica is far superior—she's beautiful, a princess. She's a much better match than this... this good-for-nothing!" Simon's words cut through me like a knife, each one leaving a deep wound in my heart.

"Please... don't reject me... it's too much to bear..." I pleaded, the pain becoming unbearable with each passing moment. But with every word I uttered, Simon’s disdain for me seemed to intensify. His expression turned colder, his eyes narrowing in contempt.

"Let's talk about this later, Ashley. Return to your room," Lucas said, and I slowly stood, wiping away my tears.

"Yes, Alpha," I replied, bowing my head as I left their chamber. Even as I closed the door behind me, I could still hear their voices and Simon's strong opposition to accepting me as his mate.

When I reached my room, thoughts of the girl my age crossed my mind, lifting my spirits momentarily. She hadn't told me her name, and now we were separated.

"You there!" Miss Mortica called out, and I turned to face her.

"Where do you think you're going? To relax on that fancy bed? As if your dirty body is worth it!" she barked, leaving me speechless.

"I'm sorry," I apologized meekly.

"Apologies won't change a thing. Come with me to the kitchen; you have work to do," she commanded, and I followed, despite the pounding headache I felt.

In the blink of an eye, a week had passed in the pack house. I was settling into my morning routine: cleaning the kitchen, tending to the backyard, and washing countless dishes every day.

What hurt the most was not laying eyes on either of the Alphas. The uncertainty gnawed at me. Would they reject or accept me? Who was I kidding?

No one on this earth would accept me as their mate, not after enduring ridicule and slavery.

"Are you watering the ground or the plants?" Miss Mortica's sharp voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I flinched, stumbled, and accidentally splashed water on her, causing the hose to burst and drench us both heavily.

"Forgive me, Ma'am!" I begged as Miss Mortica continued to berate me, her anger escalating until she slapped me three times, causing me to fall to my knees.

"Enough!" Lucas's commanding voice boomed, and Miss Mortica stepped back, startled. Through my tears, I looked up and managed a weak smile, gazing at my mates.

As usual, Simon's expression remained cold and disapproving. His jaw clenched, hands tucked into his pockets, as he stared at me with indifference.

"What's going on?" Lucas questioned, turning to face Miss Mortica, his tone firm.

Miss Mortica, sensing the shift in attention, quickly lied, "It's nothing, Alpha. Just disciplining her for her negligence in her chores."

Lucas's gaze narrowed, but he seemed to accept her explanation for the moment. "Discipline her appropriately, but no excessive force," he warned before turning his attention to me. "Are you alright, Ashley?"

I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. They streamed down my face as I struggled to speak. "N-no, Alpha," I managed to choke out, my voice trembling. "I'm not alright.”

"Lucas, we have issues to handle. I'm not going to stand under this hot sun because of a slave," Simon said, disdain evident in his eye roll as he walked away from the scene.

"You don't have the right to touch her, Morticia," he said, leaving with his brother.

"You wretch! Do you think the Alphas are going to protect you? Wait until their fated mate comes tonight!" She rolled her eyes before departing.

I was speechless for a moment. Chosen mate? Did that mean they were going to reject me all along?

I looked up and screamed loudly, releasing my pain and frustration.

"Please, Mother of All, don't let my mates reject me...please!" I prayed, hoping for a miracle. Judging from Simon's expression, he hated me so much that it consumed him.

Finally, the night arrived sooner than expected. The pack house buzzed with music and people's conversations.

I served drinks to the guests while discreetly searching for one of the Alphas.

As I moved through the crowded room, my heart raced with anticipation and anxiety. Every glance, every whispered conversation seemed to hold a clue to my fate. Would I be accepted by the Alphas, or would I be cast aside like an unwanted relic?

My attention was diverted when the Alphas showed up, looking stunning and handsome. I would describe them as Greek gods.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Moon Fest. My brother, Lucas, and I are delighted you came,” Simon spoke calmly, his voice carrying authority and power.

I watched as other Alphas observed him gently, nodding to what he said and even clapping.

“We want to use this opportunity to tell you all that you've seen our fated mate!” Simon said, and my heart sank.

Was he going to accept me in public? I watched him with anticipation and anxiety.

“Veronica Norway!” Simon said, and the tray of wine in my hands fell and broke into pieces.

“Lies! I'm your mate, not her!” I shouted, hoping he would accept me and let go of Veronica’s hand, but that was quite the opposite.

“What!? How dare you speak, slave, when I'm talking!” Simon said, walking towards me. He grabbed my neck, tightening his grip. I felt suffocated, choking as tears rolled down my eyes. “Did you think I was going to accept you? You disgusting creature!” He whispered, and I gave a sad smile.

“You're afraid people would judge you? What difference are you with me? An Alpha getting intimidated by what his pack members think of him!” I said, venom dripping from my tone.

“Shut it! Get me the whiplash!” He ordered, and the guards came forth within seconds.

“Simon, that's uncalled for!” Lucas said, and Simon scoffed.

“She deserves her punishment, she's so stupid. How on earth would the moon goddess pair them up!” Someone in the hall said, and murmurs spread.

The whiplash landed on my back, and I screamed loudly in agony.

“Stop it! You cannot treat our mate like this!” Lucas growled, coming in between. He held my hands, and immediately I felt safe in his embrace.

“Our mate? I'm definitely rejecting her, and so are you!” Simon retorted, and Lucas smirked deviously.

“You don't control me, Simon. Reject her at your own cost. And to the pack members, she, Ashley, is my fated mate, and I would appreciate it if you all were nice to her!” Lucas said, leaving with me.

Not what I had expected, especially this drama. But never in a million years did I think that Lucas would save me or stand up for me.

“Are you hurt?” Lucas questioned, and it was then I realized we were already in his room.

It looked nice and smelled lovely. I couldn't hold back; I moaned softly, and he smiled.

“Is there something you need? Be assured I won't reject you, though you're wolfless and very pathetic, still, I fancy you,” He smiled, brushing my cheek slightly.

At that moment, I forgot everything that had happened. Lucas looked so good and handsome to be my mate. Even I think I don't deserve him.

The way he giggles catches me off guard. However, my stomach grumbled, and he narrowed his eyebrows.

“You're hungry?”

“Yes, I am…” I muttered, and he nodded. He looked at my thighs and back to my lips; I felt his eyes were electric. When he kissed my neck, I wanted more of him.

I fell into his charm as he kissed me slowly, his hands running through my thighs.