Alaric’s POVI stood there, watching Theron retreat, his words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. His eyes had burned with something I hadn’t seen from him before—something raw, possessive, and filled with a jealousy that felt out of place coming from him. I had always known my brother had a temper, but this was different. This was... something else. He had spoken to her like that. My mate. And I could feel the anger surging in me, my wolf snarling, furious at how he had dared to speak to her like that, to treat her like she was beneath him.“Don’t listen to him, Elowen,” I said, my voice more forceful than I intended. The need to protect her, to shield her from the darkness of our past, was rising to the surface. I reached out, gently cupping her cheek in my hand, my touch tender but firm. She flinched, just a little, and it stung me more than I’d care to admit. But I understood. Theron had a way of manipulating people, even those closest to him. And I knew that, deep down, Elow
Theron’s POVI sat at the edge of the courtyard with Camille draped on my arm, her giggles grating against my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. The warmth of the sun filtered through the trees, but all I could feel was the fire raging inside me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them—her—kissing Alaric. My brother. My damn brother. My wolf growled low in my mind, pacing furiously. That should’ve been us. “Shut up,” I hissed under my breath, though the words were as much for myself as for him. Camille tilted her head at me, her lips curving into a pout. “What’s wrong, Theron? You’ve been distracted all day.” She leaned closer, her perfume too sweet, too cloying. I used to enjoy her attention, her flirty touches and empty words, but right now? It all felt like static. Because she’s not Elowen. My wolf’s voice was sharp, cutting through my thoughts like a blade.I clenched my jaw, my fingers twitching against my thigh. “Nothing’s wrong,” I said curtly, though my tone clearly betray
Theron’s POVI saw her in the hallway after class, her head bent low, her shoulders hunched as if she wanted to disappear. She was walking with that friend of hers, Lisa, the only person who didn’t seem to hate her. My chest tightened at the sight of her, and my wolf stirred immediately, clawing to the surface. There she is. Go to her. Fix this.I wasn’t sure what “fixing” it even meant, but I knew I couldn’t keep avoiding her. Not after everything I’d been feeling, not after the jealousy that had consumed me since the courtyard. “Elowen,” I called, my voice sharper than I intended. She froze, her hand tightening around the strap of her bag. Slowly, she turned, her eyes widening slightly when she saw me. Her fear hit me like a punch to the gut. Lisa stepped in front of her, glaring at me. “What do you want, Theron?” she demanded, her tone full of defiance. “Stay out of this,” I said coldly, my gaze fixed on Elowen. “I need to talk to her.” Lisa didn’t back down. “She doesn
Elowen’s POVThe next few days were a blur of avoidance. I stayed close to Lisa and kept my head down, doing everything I could to avoid running into Theron, Alaric, or Ranon. Every time I thought about the scene in the hallway—or the kiss with Alaric—my stomach twisted into knots. It wasn’t just the embarrassment or the whispers that still followed me in every corner of the school. It was the bond pulling me in three different directions, tearing me apart. My wolf whimpered constantly in the back of my mind, begging me to let her take over, to fix what she called the “damage” I was doing to our connection. But how could I fix anything when every encounter with the triplets left me feeling more broken than before? Lisa and I were walking to class one afternoon when it happened. “Hey, Omega,” a cold, familiar voice called from behind us. My stomach dropped. Lisa stiffened beside me, her hand tightening on my arm as we both turned. Theron stood at the end of the hallway, lea
Ranon’s POVThe common room of the packhouse was quiet, the air heavy with the scent of wood smoke and leather. Alisa leaned against the armrest of the couch, her long legs draped across my lap as she smirked at me. She always looked like she had the upper hand, her sharp features glinting with arrogance. "You're quiet tonight," she purred, twirling a strand of her golden hair around her finger. I leaned back, letting my head rest against the cushions, and gave her a lazy smirk. "Just thinking," I said, running my hand absentmindedly along her thigh. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Thinking about your precious little Omega?" she teased, her tone dripping with mockery. I chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "She's a part of the game, Alisa. Nothing more." Alisa tilted her head, studying me with sharp eyes. "Game, huh? You sure about that? Because the way you look at her sometimes..." I cut her off, my voice cold. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I told
Alaric’s POVI couldn’t take my eyes off her. She was sitting by the fountain, her back slightly hunched, her long hair falling like a curtain around her face. Elowen. The girl who was supposed to be my mate. But she didn’t look at me. Not once. It was like I didn’t even exist to her. I stood in the doorway of the packhouse, watching her from a distance. She was scribbling in a notebook, her shoulders tense, her gaze fixed on the pages. And the moment I took a step toward her, she tensed even more. It wasn’t the first time this had happened. Every time I tried to approach her, she seemed to shrink into herself, as if trying to escape me. The pull between us should have been undeniable—powerful, magnetic—but every time I tried to bridge the distance, she pushed me away with invisible walls. My wolf growled restlessly in my chest. Go to her. She’s yours. I resisted, fighting the urge to rush toward her, to grab her and demand that she acknowledge me. But I could see the way she
Alaric’s POVI pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. Her expression was still clouded with doubt, but there was something different in her gaze now. Something I hadn’t seen before. A flicker of hope, of belief, maybe even trust. It wasn’t much, but it was enough."Elowen," I murmured softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I know this bond is terrifying for you. I know it feels like it’s all happening too fast, but we don’t have to rush anything. I just want you to know that I’ll be here. Whenever you need me."Her lips parted, and for a moment, I thought she might say something, but she only nodded slowly, a faint tear lingering on her cheek. I wiped it away with my thumb, my heart aching as I saw how fragile she still was, how much pain she carried behind her brave facade.“I’m not asking for you to love me right now,” I said, my voice steady but soft. “I’m asking for a chance. A chance to show you that you don’t have to be scared of us—of me. I won’t force y
Alaric’s POV I could feel Elowen’s hand trembling in mine, but as I gently threaded my fingers through hers, I didn’t want to let go. It was a silent promise, a vow to show her that she wasn’t alone, no matter what anyone else said. We were walking away from the chaos, away from the whispers, away from the hurtful words that had been thrown at her. I could sense her reluctance, the fear that still lingered in her, but I wasn’t going to push her. I just wanted to be there for her, even if she wasn’t ready to lean on me completely yet. I kept my grip light, giving her the freedom to pull away if she wanted, but I didn’t think she would. She didn’t pull away. We walked in silence for a while, the only sound our footsteps against the pavement. I could feel her nerves, her heart beating a little too fast, and I hated that she was scared. But I knew that over time, I would make her understand that she didn’t have to be scared of me. When we reached my house, I stopped in front of the
Elowen’s POV The morning light streamed through the curtains, warming the room with its golden glow. I stirred in bed, the faint sound of birds chirping outside pulling me from my dreams. A gentle hand brushed a strand of hair away from my face, and I opened my eyes to see Alaric leaning over me, his expression soft and tender.“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.“Morning,” I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.Before I could fully process, he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. It was warm and unhurried, the kind of kiss that made me momentarily forget everything else in the world.“Stay here,” he said, pulling back just enough to speak. “I’ll bring you coffee.”I blinked up at him, my heart swelling at the simple gesture. “No, I’ll make coffee for us,” I insisted, sitting up and brushing the sleep from my eyes.He smirked, his hands slipping under the covers to grip my waist. “You? Make coffee? I’m not sure I trust you
Alaric’s POVHer soft whisper reached my ears, and it sent a shiver down my spine. Alaric. The way she said my name, laced with vulnerability and trust, made my wolf stir with satisfaction.I turned to her, my eyes locking onto hers. Her lips trembled slightly, her breath uneven. She was so close, and the mate bond pulsed between us like a living thing, demanding attention.“Elowen,” I murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She didn’t pull away; instead, her eyes fluttered shut.I couldn’t resist any longer. Leaning in, I captured her lips in a kiss, pouring everything into it—passion, possession, and something softer I barely understood myself. She gasped against my mouth, and I took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, my hand cupping her cheek as I tilted her head slightly.She melted into me, her arms wrapping hesitantly around my neck as the kiss grew more fervent. My wolf growled in approval, satisfied that our mate was responding to us.When we finally pulled a
Theron’s POV The night stretched endlessly as I sat in the shadows of my room, the scent of rain still lingering in the air. My wolf was restless, snarling and pacing within me. He had been furious ever since I’d seen Elowen with Alaric. She had looked so... content. I clenched my fists, the image of her smiling at him, leaning into his touch, searing itself into my mind. My wolf howled in protest. She’s ours. Not his. Not Ranon’s.But she didn’t see it. She didn’t feel the bond the way I did. Ranon’s words echoed in my mind, taunting me. She’s his mate now... maybe she deserves whatever Alaric has planned.A low growl escaped me. No. She didn’t deserve that, no matter how much she hated me, no matter how broken our bond had become. I stormed out of my room, grabbing my jacket as I made my way to the garage. The mansion was quiet, everyone lost in their own schemes and lies. As I climbed into my car and sped into the night, my thoughts were consumed by one name: Elowen. -
Elowen’s POV The next day, the Academy halls buzzed with their usual energy, but for me, it felt different. I walked beside Alaric, his presence a steady comfort. He didn’t say much, but his hand lightly brushed against mine as we walked, a silent reassurance. We entered the courtyard, where students were scattered around—some chatting in groups, others rushing to their classes. As much as I tried to ignore it, I could feel their stares, their whispers following us like shadows. “Look at her,” one girl murmured to her friend, her voice just loud enough for me to hear. “First, she’s the rejected Omega, and now she’s latched onto him?” Her words stung, but Alaric’s hand found the small of my back, grounding me. He leaned closer, his voice low but firm. “Ignore them. They don’t matter.” I nodded, though my chest tightened. It wasn’t easy to brush off the judgmental glares and biting comments, but Alaric’s presence made it a little easier. As we entered the building, I spotted Ranon
Elowen's POVThe kiss lingered between us, soft and tender, but with an intensity that was undeniable. Alaric’s presence seemed to engulf me completely, and for a moment, I forgot about everything—about the tension with Ranon and Theron, about the doubts and fears swirling in my head. There was only him and me, and it felt like a sanctuary in his arms.I leaned into him, needing the comfort of his touch, the warmth of his body pressed against mine. His hands gently cupped my face, his thumb tracing the outline of my cheek as if memorizing every inch of me.“Elowen…” His voice was a low murmur, filled with raw emotion. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ll never hurt you. I’ll protect you.”I closed my eyes, letting the sound of his voice wash over me, grounding me. But as much as I wanted to believe his words, the doubts still lingered in the back of my mind. The warning from Ranon, the way Theron’s anger had felt so real—could I really trust him? Could I trust anyone, after everything t
Alaric's POVThe tension in the room was thick, almost suffocating. Ranon’s words hung heavily in the air, and I could see the doubt flicker in Elowen’s eyes. That seed of uncertainty he had planted had taken root, and it tore at me. I hated that he was able to get to her, even just a little. She was mine, and I would do anything to make her believe in that.Her gaze shifted from the door where Ranon had left to me. The vulnerability in her eyes cut deeper than I wanted to admit. I hated the feeling of not being able to fix it instantly, to make her see that I was everything she needed. “Elowen…” I whispered, my voice soft but firm, urging her to look at me.She turned slowly, but there was still a wariness in her expression, something I hadn’t seen before. It hurt more than I was willing to admit, but I couldn’t let it show. I had to be strong for both of us now.I reached for her hand, gently pulling her closer. The moment she was within arm’s reach, I wrapped my arms around her wa
Elowen's POV The night passed in a blur, and I woke up the next morning feeling the weight of yesterday's conversation lingering heavily in the air. Alaric had promised me his love, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to believe him. But the words of Ranon and Theron echoed in my mind like a constant, nagging reminder. What if they’re right? What if I’m just a pawn in this game between them? I shook my head as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale, my eyes tired. I could still feel the warmth of Alaric’s embrace, his arms around me, as if he were holding me together. But I couldn’t help the creeping doubt that tugged at my heart. I had no time to linger on it. I had classes to attend, and life at the academy seemed to move on, despite the turmoil inside me. The moment I stepped into the hall, I was greeted by a familiar, but unwelcome face—Ranon. He stood across the hallway, his arms crossed, a smirk on his face as if he had been waiting for me.
Theron’s POV The Academy corridors were quiet, the faint hum of conversations in distant classrooms the only sound. I spotted Elowen walking ahead, her delicate figure framed against the sunlight pouring in through the windows. She seemed lost in thought, her head bowed as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. A part of me hesitated, my wolf clawed at me, demanding that I stay back, that I give her the space she clearly wanted. But I couldn’t. Not when I knew she was being manipulated by Alaric, my own brother. “Elowen,” I called out. She paused, turning slowly to face me. Her eyes met mine, and I felt the familiar sting of her disdain. “What do you want, Theron?” she asked, her tone tired and guarded. I walked up to her, stopping just a few feet away. “We need to talk.” She crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. “We have nothing to talk about.” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I know you don’t trust me, and honestly, I don’t blame you. But thi
Ranon’s POVI stormed down the corridor, my mind a whirlwind of anger and resentment. Her words echoed in my head, sharp and unforgiving. "Alaric loves me, and I love him. He’s everything you’re not, kind, patient, and respectful."Respectful? Patient? As if that’s what makes a true mate. She didn’t see it. She didn’t see me, the fire I could bring into her life, the passion that could consume her whole."Pathetic," I muttered under my breath, cursing her for the power she held over me. How could she choose him, out of all of us? Alaric, the golden boy who always played the hero. She didn’t understand that behind his perfect façade, he wasn’t as innocent as he pretended to be.My wolf snarled in agreement, growling, "She’s blind. But she’s ours."“She doesn’t want us,” I spat, shoving my wolf down.But I couldn’t stop myself. I turned on my heel, my feet carrying me back toward the library. I wasn’t going to let her walk away from me, not like that, not with those hateful words linger