Chapter 36

Nicholas:

The day of the party arrived. We’d planned it down to the toothpicks on the table, and I was pleased with how well it had turned out. Trying to decorate and plan in the same house Beryl was living in was a pain, but I hoped it would be worth it.

Tiny lights twinkled in every corner of the room. There was a long table against one wall loaded with all of Beryl’s favorite foods and drinks. Another table nearby held gifts from all the werewolf families and her friends.

I stood in the dimly lit room, nervously adjusting my masquerade mask. Tonight, was special and needed to go perfectly. We’d decided on a masquerade party, hoping it would bring joy to the birthday girl. We agreed no full masks though since our issues with the vampires were still unresolved.

As guests began to arrive, I kept my eyes out for Beryl, I had told her to dress up for a fancy dinner with us and our father. The party was going to be a shock.

Finally, I felt her getting closer, and watched as she entered the room. Everyone shouted, “Surprise!”. My eyes were only on her radiant smile as it illuminated the room.

The way her eyes sparkled with joy and excitement made my heart race. In that moment I wanted nothing more than to make her happy and protect her from any harm that may come her way.

Cheney, Brian, and I approached Beryl; smiles on all our faces. The look of joy and delight on her face was worth every effort we had put into planning this celebration.

Throughout the evening, I found myself constantly drawn to Beryl's side, engaging her in conversations and sharing lighthearted banter.

Every time I tried to express my true feelings the words managed to become stuck in my throat. Fear gripped me, the fear of rejection or the possibility of ruining this beautiful night.

The party was a huge success if Beryl’s reaction and the laughter coming from her every few minutes was any sign. Every time I heard that incredible sound, my heart slammed against the inside of my chest. I had to tell her. Tonight.

I saw her alone, near the food, standing there smiling, and I mustered up my courage, determined to seize the opportunity. “Hey, can we talk for a second?” She smiled up at me, “Of course.”

I led Beryl to a quieter corner of the room, away from the crowd. “Thank you. This is incredible. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” She was beaming, light seeming to radiate from within her.

“You deserve it. After everything you’ve been through. What we’ve put you through...” I looked down at my feet, ashamed at the way I had treated her before.

“I need you to know...” I looked back up into her eyes, and darkness engulfed the room. The sudden power outage startled everyone, causing an eruption of startled gasps and nervous laughter.

Beryl:

This had been the most amazing night. Surprise, joy, and excitement engulfed me as I entered the grand hall filled with my friends and the ones I had come to consider as my family.

The masked figures, dancing and mingling, added an air of mystery and enchantment to the ambiance. Tonight, my 20th birthday, turning out to be extraordinary. I was overwhelmed with happiness, the alcohol in my cup making me warm and tingly.

Throughout the evening, l felt a magnetic pull towards Nicholas, Cheney, and Brian, the triplet brothers who had become such an integral part of my life. Their presence gave me a sense of warmth and security, and I couldn't help but wonder what the future would hold.

Every time I looked his way, Nicholas’ eyes were on me, and each time it made my heart skip a beat. His eyes held an intensity that hinted that he had something he needed to say. I found myself longing to unravel the layers he guarded so closely.

As the night unfolded, I reveled in the attention the brothers showered upon me. We danced together, twirling and swaying with each of the brothers in turn. We shared laughter and exchanged stolen glances that sent shivers down my spine.

The bond that we had always obviously shared seemed to tighten, drawing us towards one another involuntarily. I yearned to explore it more.

After a while, I found myself alone, watching the ones I cared for enjoy themselves. Nicholas approached me, and guided me away from the bustling crowd, leading me to a secluded corner. His fingers warm on my skin sent tingles down my spine.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and my heart raced, wondering what he had to say. I eagerly awaited his words, hoping he would reveal the feelings I had begun to suspect he held for me. Each of the brothers attitudes had changed towards me recently, but especially Nicholas’.

“Thank you. This is incredible. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” I didn’t know how to truly express to him how magical the night had been.

“You deserve it. After everything you’ve been through. What we’ve put you through...” He looked down, shame crossing his face. My heart thudded in my chest.

“I need you to know...” The sincerity in his eyes as he looked back up at me was overwhelming. The room went black and all around me sounds of shock and nervousness filled the room.

“Shit...” He whispered into the blackness in front of me. “You ok?” He sounded genuinely worried. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw the worried look on his face. “Yeah, I’m fine.” I was breathless at the closeness of him.

I felt them behind me before Cheney spoke. “Power is down throughout the city, the weather must have knocked it out.”

Their heat was intense, their closeness making my heart pound. “Are you ok?” Brian asked me this time, his voice soft. I looked into his face, seeing true worry there. I reached out and took his hand, electricity sparking between us.

“I’m great. This has been one of the best nights of my life.” My voice was quiet as I looked between the three of them. All I saw looking back at me was concern and desire.

My already pounding heart seemed to want to pound out of my chest. My own desire must have crossed my face, because the triplets nostrils flared, and they pushed in closer.

Cheney reached out and grabbed a passing guard. “Get rid of the guests, tell them we appreciate them coming, but the party is over.” He spoke gruffly, never taking his eyes off me.

As the room around me emptied, all I could think of was the triplets eyes on me. In a haze of alcohol and passion, their hands were on me, and I faded into feelings of pure pleasure.