Moonlit Shadow Pack
I didn't know how I managed to get down from the top floor. My heart is still beating wildly.
And how did he know about my birthday? Maybe he knows everyone's birthday. After all, he's the Alpha.
I searched for Jayden just like what the Alpha ordered. It didn't take long before I spotted the triplets at the training ground. Braden noticed me right away and waved.
The triplets almost looked identical. They were six years older than me, and they all had curtain haircuts. But it was easy to distinguish between them.
Jayden had wavy hair. He is eldest and the gentle one. He's usually quiet and often observe his surroundings. Braden, he have a curly hair and is the most playful among them. His brothers often joked that he was the male version of Sianna.
Then there was Hayden, the youngest. Some considered him the black sheep, we'll I can't blame them since his straight hair matched his typical bad boy image and mischievous demeanor.
Despite their differences, I knew they cared deeply for each other. Over the past three years, I'd witnessed how they always had each other's backs when problems arose.
"Hey, Guapa. Did you get lost?" Braden asked while flashing a perfect set of teeth.
"I'm looking for your brother" I replied following the Alpha's instructions.
"Ah, is this about last week?" Braden murmured gently.
"What are you talking about, Braden?" I asked, puzzled.
He straightened up. "Well, Jayden wasn't able to complete the task Primo gave him because he got distracted. He saw his mate." Braden explained with a shrug.
My eyes widened when his words dawned on me.
"He saw his mate? Where?!" I asked excitedly.
"Yes, Guapa. You know that when we see our mate, we literally drool like dogs. " he said and chuckles.
"Well, we went to the river that the three of us used to visit often. We were supposed to leave and follow Primo's orders, but Hayden and I noticed that Jayden seemed unease."
"His eyes darkened and his senses sharpened. He left us, so we followed him. That's when we saw him cornering someone on the rocks. We were stunned! And then we realized why he acted that way. I tried to calm him down but Hayden wasn't helping. So, I ended up biting Jayden. " Braden recounted and shake his head.
Braden's words left me gaping. I had read about werewolves and their mates. A red thread of fate connects the two of them. It is said that the bond between mates was strong and when werewolves found theirs, they became intense and aggressive. The urge to mark their mate was undeniable.
But you can end the bond by rejecting your mate or cutting the thread of fate. Doing so meant losing the ability to feel your mate's essence even when your mate is close.
But, cutting the thread that connects you with your mate have consequences. Once the thread is broken, you will start to feel an unbearable pain— like you are being torn apart. You will also feel empty and lifeless.
I remembered what happened three years ago in the Wyverlight woods. But it seemed impossible. I couldn't be mated with a werewolf. A werewolf having a human maye are very rare and almost close to impossible. So the pain that night couldn't have resulted from the thread getting cut.
I was lost in thought when Hayden suddenly tapped my forehead, making me jump. I hadn't noticed him approaching.
"A penny for your thoughts, diosa? It seems deep that you didn't even notice me. " he said with smirk.
My forehead furrowed upon hearing what he called me. Why did these three always call me with such endearments?
Jayden calls me ‘Belle'
"How's Jayden doing?" I asked after rubbing my temples.
"Well... after three days of being chained, he's good. " Hayden replied nonchalantly.
"Chained? What do you mean?" I asked with my eyebrows raised.
"You see, Diosa. Jayden's mate is from the Moonlit Shadows' Pack specifically..... from the land of Erion."
"Yes, yes! And our pack doesn't get along well. " Braden chimed in.
"Why? Did something happen between you all? Can't it be resolved?" I fired off a series of questions.
"That's not our story to tell, diosa. Alpha Primo might chained us next." Hayden shake his head.
I didn't ask any further questions. A minute passed and I saw Jayden in the corner. Jayden appeared to be trying to maintain a facade of normalcy but if you looked closely, you could see the exhaustion etched on his face. He was overworking himself. Perhaps as a distraction.
I informed Jayden that the Alpha was looking for him. He didn't inquire about the reason.
I didn't stay any further and bid my farewell to both of them since there are chores waiting for me in the kitchen.
°°°°°
"Hey, birthday girl! Do you have any plans for later?" Sianna asked while grinning. She had been persistently asking about my birthday plans.
Honestly, I didn't have any grand plans. A simple gathering with everyone at home would suffice. I grinned back at Sianna and shrug.
"Well, sis we should go out.... I hope that they will let us head to town. " she suggested, her expression turning into a slight pout.
"You know we can't. Night outings are against the house rules, Sia. " I reminded her.
Sianna stomp her foot on the ground while still pouting.
We started preparing foods for the pack until Aunt Dahlia arrived and informed us that the Alpha had arranged for a meal in the meeting room. The second and third in command members were joining him. It seemed like a private meeting.
After finishing our tasks in the kitchen, we then rested in the quarters.
There were about 20 normal beings residing in the quarters and each family have their own designated house. Sianna had mentioned that only a limited number of normal beings were allowed to serve in the pack.
"Kianna, Mom is going to autumnvale tomorrow to visit her friend. Want to come along? It's your chance to explore the town again." Sianna suggested.
I'd been to Autumnvale once before. It was the largest town in Artea it's where the pack often procured supplies. Sianna had also mentioned that some hybrids lived there.
"Sure, let's go together with Aunt. I'd love to wander around the town once again. " I smiled at her as I continued arranging the dishes.
Tomorrow is Sunday which means, it's our day off.
"By the way, here's my birthday gift for you." she said in a cheerful tone.
Sianna gave me a book. I am an avid reader and although there was a library in the pack house, our busy schedules rarely allowed me to visit. I hugged Sianna, expressing my gratitude.
As the night grew late, we decided to rest. My Grandma Marie crossed in my mind again. I hope she's in peace wherever she is.
Before Sianna headed to our shared room, I told her I will stay a bit longer to double-check the house's locks.
After ensuring everything was secure, I started walking toward our room. But, I stopped in my tracks when I saw Aunt Lily.
"Aunt Lily, are you heading somewhere? " I asked
"Kianna, why are you still awake. Oh, nevermind. I'm going to the greenhouse since I forgot to get the herbals that Doc Locke will use tommorow. "
Doc Locke is one the pack's doctors. Doc Locke is the one who checked on me when I was brought here.
" I'll do it instead, Aunt. You should take your rest. " I told her.
"Are you sure, Anna? " she ask with reluctantly.
" Of course. Where are the herbals placed? "
" It's in a box, Anna. It's the only box you'll see in the greenhouse. After you get it, just put place it in kitchen. I'll still need to wash those tommorow. " she replied.
I gave aunt Lily a nod and then left to get the herbs. I saw some sentinels patrolling while I'm heading to the greenhouse.
I found the box of herbs and bought it in the kitchen afterwards. I started walking back to the quarters. However, I halted when I heard voices in the hallway. I was supposed to ignore it but the Alpha's voice caught my attention.
"And now you're planning to leave. " the Alpha's voice carried a restrained tone.
"Please, I can't keep doing this, Primo. It's not fair. It's difficult for me!"
My brows furrowed. That was Jayden's voice, and he sounded... in pain.
"We don't have a choice. You know the Moonlit Shadow Pack won't allow it. They won't allow you two. " Primo responded firmly.
"What the hell, Jayden? Didn't we discuss this already?! You're really leaving?!"
I heard Hayden's angry voice.
"I hate to say this but the Alpha is right, brother. For now, let's think of other ways for you two to meet. " Braden said calmly. Unlike Hayden, Braden seemed more composed.
"For how long, Braden? Jayden is slowly losing it!" Hayden exclaimed. "Isn't there any other way, Primo? We can't let him continue being like this. " he added, seeking answers.
"They won't compromise unless we hand him over to them. It's either we give him up or nothing. " Alpha Primo replied.
"That's bullshit! It's been five years. If we surrender him, they'll punish him!" Braden's angry voice echoed in the hallway.
I'm getting confused. I know I shouldn't listen further but I can't help it. I should leave before they notice me. But Jayden's next words made me freeze.
"I don't want her to suffer like your mate, Primo."
Jayden's words hit me like a needle. Suddenly, I heard something shatter. Braden was cursing and Hayden was trying to calm the Alpha.
"DON'T DISRESPECT ME IN MY OWN HOUSE, JAYDEN! You know nothing!!" Alpha Primo growled.
"It's true! That night... on Liana's birthday. What you did... I know she felt it."
I don't understand fully, but Jayden's words left a painful ache in my chest.