Chapter 41

Beryl:

One afternoon, I was taking a stroll through the woods. I heard talking in the distance and went towards the sound. I stood hidden behind the tall oak trees, peering through the dense foliage at the distant figure of Amy.

The autumn leaves rustled under my feet as I moved closer to the open clearing where Amy stood, engaged in an animated conversation with someone I couldn't see. Suspicion gnawed at my heart, causing me to grip the rough bark of the tree trunk tightly.

Who is she talking to, way out here? Thinking to myself, I played out different scenarios in my mind.

Listening intently, I strained to catch the words carried by the breeze.

It was then that I heard it – a faint mention of Armand's name, followed by what sounded like talk of overthrowing him. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to piece together the implications of the conversation.

I knew Amy's motives weren't as pure as she would have us believe, but I never thought that she was planning something sinister. Determined to find out more, I trailed Amy discreetly, but I was careful not to let my presence be known.

As Amy moved further away, my instincts guided my steps, leading her to an encounter she hadn't expected. In a hidden part of the forest, I finally caught sight of Amy's conversation partner – a tall, muscular man I’d never seen before.

He had an unmistakable aura of power, and he was oddly familiar. I felt like I knew him, or a different version of him. As the stranger turned slightly, revealing a strong resemblance to Armand, realization dawned on I – this must be Bob, Armand's brother, of whom she had only heard of in rumors.

As they spoke, Amy's eyes flickered with a mix of determination and cunning, while Bob listened attentively. The pieces of the puzzle started falling into place in my mind.

Amy was trying to sow discord within the pack, possibly attempting to take over the throne. It was a dangerous game, and I knew she had to warn Armand.

I watched as they talked quietly for a few minutes. I strained to hear what they were saying, but I could only catch snippets and random words. I got a sense of discomfort while watching them. I could tell they were up to no good.

After the whispered together for what seemed like forever, Amy turned to go, leaving Bob standing alone in the clearing. He looked contemplative, so I dared to move forward.

Leaving the shadows, I approached Bob cautiously. "Excuse me," I said cheerfully, trying to sound casual, "I'm kind of new here to the grounds. Are you a friend of Armand's?"

Bob turned to face me, his piercing eyes assessing me. "You could say that," he replied cryptically. He watched me, recognition in his eyes. He must have heard of me as well.

I decided I needed to tread carefully here, since I didn’t know if he was a part of Amy’s scheming as well. "I heard people talking so I figured I’d come introduce myself. I thought I heard Armand’s girlfriend Amy for a minute. I guess I was wrong.”

I kept my cool, but looked around as though I was looking for someone. Bob's expression remained unreadable. "You’re mistaken. I haven't seen Amy around here today. Maybe it was the wind through the trees that you heard.”

"Hmm, I guess you’re right. Well, it was nice to see you. Have a great day.” I backed away from him, not willing to turn my back on him just yet. I kept the smile on my face, hoping he didn’t see through it.

Once I was at the edge of the clearing, I turned and ran as fast as I could back to the mansion. When I got back inside, I walked in to what seemed like the normal frustrated scene. The triplets were arguing again. About me.

I stood looking at them for a few moments, unsure of how to tell them what I’d overheard. When I finally found the courage to share what I had overheard with the triplets, their fierce expressions softened instantly.

Their rivalry momentarily forgotten, they believed the danger that Amy's actions posed to their pack, to their father, and to me. "One of us will be by your side from now on," I could feel Nicholas' ferocity, his voice low and commanding. Every moment. We will make sure you are safe. Always"

Cheney and Brian nodded in agreement, moving closer to me. I felt a surge of pride in my mates, knowing that our bond was stronger than any rivalry between them.

“What do we do?” I asked my mates, filled with fear. “Amy has gotten so close to Armand. She’s carrying his child. How is he ever going to believe us?”

Nicholas’ sighed, realizing the uphill battle we were about to have to face. “We need to find out what’s going on. We need to bring Armand proof, or he’ll never believe it. Their child complicates things, for sure.”

We went to my room, one place we knew Amy wouldn’t walk in and hear us, to discuss what we should do. Nicholas paced the room, hands on his hips, frustration on his face. “One of us has to stay with you, but we need to follow Amy, watch her every move.”

“We can take turns, shifts, or whatever.” Cheney was reclined on my bed, seemingly relaxed and calm, but the look on his face and the tone of his voice gave away how he truly was feeling.

“You’re sure she was talking to Uncle Bob? I didn’t even think he was in the country.” Brian was sitting next to me on the edge of the bed. “I’m sure. I talked to him.” I replied.

“You talked to him? Do you know how dangerous that was? They probably know we know now.” Nicolas’ voice boomed, and then quieted, fear for me replacing the initial anger.

He sighed again, slowing his pacing and stopping in front of me. Looking me in my eyes, he spoke to his brothers. “Brian, you take the first shift with Beryl. Cheney and I will find Amy and keep an eye on her. We’ll try to gather some information.”

Brian nodded and Cheney moved to get up, putting a hand on my thigh as he scooted past me. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.

Nicholas bent down over me and planted a firm, but soft kiss on my forehead. My mates. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of happiness and peace, knowing my mates were here and trusted in what I had seen.