Theron 's POV I entered my mansion, the familiar scent of polished wood and leather greeting me. The quiet was comforting, but something was off. As I walked toward my room, I found the door slightly ajar. The soft light from within illuminated the space. I stepped inside and froze. Sarah was sitting on my bed, looking effortlessly beautiful in her short dress. Her eyes met mine with a soft, almost teasing smile. “You’re late,” she said with a wink, her tone playful. I couldn't help but appreciate her presence—there was something comforting about her, something that filled the room with warmth. I found myself stepping closer, my footsteps slow, deliberate. “Had some things on my mind,” I said quietly, my voice betraying the weight of the day. She tilted her head, watching me as I took a seat beside her. The tension I had been carrying seemed to lift the moment I was next to her, but I still felt something nagging at me, something that didn’t sit right. I took her hand in mine,
Elowen's POVThe drive to the academy was different this time. Alaric sat beside me, his presence calming, yet there was a strange excitement in the air. The morning fog clung to the trees, the silence between us almost too perfect. I could feel his gaze on me, but I couldn’t bring myself to meet it. It felt like everything had changed in the past month, like the world had tilted just enough to make everything seem new and unfamiliar."You okay?" Alaric’s voice broke the silence, low and soothing. He reached over, his hand brushing against mine. I felt the spark of connection instantly, the bond pulling me closer despite the confusion in my heart.I nodded, though my mind was far from calm. A part of me still couldn’t believe that I was going to live with him now. It was a step I never thought I’d take, but after everything that had happened, after the way he’d cared for me when I was broken... I didn’t know how to say no. “I’m just... processing,” I said quietly, my eyes still focus
Elowen’s POVI started walking toward my room, my mind buzzing with everything that had just transpired. The mansion felt colder than before, the tension from the dining room clinging to the air. My heart was still racing from the confrontation, but as I took a step toward the staircase, I felt a hand gently wrap around my wrist, stopping me.“Wait,” Alaric’s voice was soft yet firm. I turned to face him, and his deep eyes, filled with warmth and reassurance, instantly soothed some of the chaos in my heart. He stepped closer, the faint scent of coffee and cedarwood surrounding me.He reached up and cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin. “I’ll take care of everything, my love,” he said, his voice steady, like a calm amidst the storm. “You don’t need to worry about them. I’ll handle Ranon and Theron.”I felt my breath hitch as he leaned down, pressing a tender kiss on my forehead. His touch was gentle, and yet it carried so much promise and protection that my chest
Elowen’s POV The tension in the air was suffocating. Even in the safety of my room, I could feel the heated confrontation downstairs echoing in my chest. I sat on the edge of the bed, my knees pulled up, trying to focus on the faint sound of rain tapping against the window. But my thoughts kept spiraling. They’re fighting because of me again. I hated it. The mate bond that tethered me to the triplets felt like a curse. I didn’t ask for this, for the overwhelming pull or the chaos it brought into my life. My fingers gripped the comforter tightly as my mind wandered to Alaric. He was the only one who made me feel safe in all of this madness. The sound of footsteps on the stairs pulled me from my thoughts. My heart jumped. Was it Alaric? Before I could get up, the door opened, and there he was. His expression was calmer than I expected, but there was a storm in his eyes that he tried to mask. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, closing the door behind him. I nodded, though my th
Elowen’s POV The next morning, I woke up to the soft hum of birds outside the window and the comforting scent of Alaric lingering in the room. For a brief moment, I let myself enjoy the peace. The storm of emotions from yesterday seemed like a distant memory, but the reality of the situation was quick to return. I sat up, running a hand through my tangled hair, and stared at the sunlight spilling through the curtains. Alaric had stayed true to his word, protecting me from his brothers. Yet, the lingering tension in the house was impossible to ignore. A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I tensed, but Alaric’s familiar voice called out, “It’s me.” Relief washed over me as I got up and opened the door. He stood there, dressed casually in a dark shirt and jeans, holding a tray with breakfast. “I thought you could use some fuel,” he said with a warm smile, stepping inside. “You didn’t have to,” I murmured, but my stomach betrayed me with a loud growl. He chuckled, settin
Elowen’s POV The rain continued to pour, soaking through my clothes and plastering my hair to my face, but I didn’t care. Standing here in Alaric’s arms, the world around us seemed to fade. It was just him and me, the steady rhythm of the rain, and the warmth of his presence against the cold. His forehead rested against mine, his breath mingling with mine, his hands firmly gripping my waist as if he were afraid to let go. I could feel his heart beating against my chest, strong and sure, a stark contrast to the wild fluttering of my own. “You’ll catch a cold,” he said again, his voice a soft rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. I laughed quietly, my hands clutching the damp fabric of his shirt. “You’re the one keeping me out here.” “I can’t let go,” he admitted, his voice almost a whisper. “Not when you’re finally here, looking at me like this.” His words made my chest tighten. “Like what?” “Like you trust me,” he said, pulling back just enough to search my eyes. “Like
Elowen’s POV The academy halls buzzed with the usual morning chaos, students rushing to their classes or catching up on gossip. I clutched my books tightly to my chest, trying to stay invisible as I navigated the familiar paths. Despite the warmth of Alaric's presence in my life, the academy still felt like a battlefield where judgmental stares and whispered rumors followed me everywhere. I had just rounded the corner when I collided with a firm chest. My books tumbled to the floor, and my heart sank as I looked up to find Ranon towering over me, his sharp gaze pinning me in place. "Elowen," he drawled, his voice low and laced with something unreadable. "Ranon," I said stiffly, bending down to gather my fallen books. Before I could reach for them, he crouched, his hand brushing against mine as he picked up one of the books. His touch was brief, but it sent an uncomfortable chill down my spine. "Still avoiding me, I see," he said, standing and handing me the book. His smi
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
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