Sera's POV
Elder Thorne's words echo in the sudden silence: Three days. Come willingly, or we send Enforcers.
Three days until the Moon Council decides whether I deserve to exist.
The three Alphas stand protectively around me, forming a living barrier between me and the shocked crowd. Through the mate bonds, I feel their emotions like they're my own Kade's cold fury at the threat, Ryker's barely contained violence ready to explode, Asher's sharp intelligence already calculating options and strategies.
It's overwhelming. Too much. I spent twenty-three years feeling nothing but pain and hunger, and now I'm drowning in the emotions of three powerful males who claim some cosmic force tied them to me.
Leave my territory, Father says, voice shaking with rage and fear. He's talking to the Alphas, trying desperately to regain some authority, some control over a situation that's spiraled completely beyond him. All of you. Now.
Kade doesn't even look at him. We go where our mate goes.
She's not your mate! Victoria shrieks, her careful composure cracking completely. Magic crackles around her hand switch blood giving her power that normal wolves don't possess. She's a cursed abomination! The prophecy warned
Ryker takes a threatening step toward her, and his wolf surfaces eyes flashing pure gold, Alpha power rolling off him in waves. Call her that again. Not a question. A promise of violence.
Victoria goes pale, the magic around her hands sputtering out. She's powerful for a witch, but an enraged Alpha is something else entirely.
Asher puts a calming hand on Ryker's arm, the gesture practiced like they've done this before. Easy, brother. She's not worth it.
Brother? These three know each other?
I shake my head, trying to clear it. Too much is happening too fast. I need air, I say, pushing past them toward the shattered windows.
Glass crunches under my bare feet. I don't feel it Celestial healing works too quickly for such minor injuries to matter.
The three Alphas follow, of course. Because apparently having personal space is no longer an option.
You can't go to the Council alone, Kade says once we're outside, away from the crowd but still within earshot of wolves with supernatural hearing.
Watch me.
They'll kill you. His voice is flat. Certain. Like he knows this from experience.
Maybe. But that's my choice.
Asher steps forward, green eyes soft in a way that makes him seem less dangerous than the other two. But I can feel the power coiling beneath that charming exterior. We're trying to help.
I don't need help. I don't need mates. I don't My voice cracks, betraying me.
Everything crashes over me at once. The betrayal. The humiliation. The transformation. These strangers claiming me like I'm property to be divided among them.
I hate that my body responds to them. Hate that the mate bonds make me feel safe despite everything. Hate that I want to lean into Ryker when he moved first, wrapping his massive arms around me without asking permission.
But I'm so tired of being strong. So tired of pretending I'm okay when I'm shattered into a million pieces.
The bond flares. His emotions flood through concern, protectiveness, understanding that runs bone deep.
Let it out, he rumbles, voice gentler than should be possible from someone so dangerous. You don't have to be strong with us.
Kade's hand finds my back, steady and warm. Asher brushes silver hair from my face with surprising tenderness.
They don't make empty promises. Don't tell me everything will be okay. Don't pretend they understand what I've been through.
They just stay.
And somehow, that's enough to break the dam.
Sobs tear free twenty-three years of pain finding voice. Every beating. Every cruel word. Every moment I believed I was worthless because that's what everyone told me.
Ryker holds me tighter but not too tight, reading my body's signals perfectly. Kade and Asher keep their hands light, offering comfort without demanding anything.
When the crying finally stops, when I've soaked Ryker's shirt with tears and snot and probably ruined any chance of making a good impression, I pull back.
Sorry. I
Don't apologize, Kade says firmly, ice blue eyes intense. Not for feeling.
We're here, Ryker adds, voice still gentle despite his fearsome appearance. For as long as you need us.
Even if you never accept the bond, Asher finishes. We're still here. That's not conditional.
I look at each of them, really look. And through the bonds, I feel the truth of their words. See past the surface to the damaged souls underneath.
Kade cold exterior hiding devastating loss. He's built walls so high even he can't find the way out anymore.
Ryker dangerous and violent on the surface, but underneath, a gentleness he's terrified of. Guilt over something in his past that haunts every moment.
Asher charming and seemingly carefree, but carrying a curse that's slowly killing him. Self-sacrifice so ingrained he doesn't know how to accept help.
They're all broken. Like me.
Maybe that's why the Moon Goddess chose them.
Three days, I finally say, voice hoarse from crying. I need to figure out what to do.
We help you, Kade states. Not an offer. A fact.
Together, Ryker agrees, his amber eyes steady and sure.
But first, Asher says, glancing at my bare feet, you need rest. Food. And shoes. He almost smiles despite the tension. Definitely shoes.
Despite everything the fear, the uncertainty, the impending doom I almost laugh.
A throat clears behind us.
We turn to find Caleb Cross standing there, Damien's younger brother. He's always been quieter, kinder, overshadowed by his more ambitious sibling.
Sera, he says carefully, respectfully. I need to apologize. For my brother. For everything. I should have helped you.
You were a kid, I tell him, exhausted. We both were.
So were you. His voice is firm. Sad. What Damien did was unforgivable. What Victoria orchestrated was monstrous. If there's anything I can do to make it right...
An idea forms. Dangerous. Possibly stupid. But potentially perfect.
Take care of the Omegas, I tell him. The weak ones. The ones who can't protect themselves. Make sure no one else goes through what I did.
His eyes widen. You're... you're giving me responsibility?
I'm giving you a choice. Be better than your brother. Be better than my father. Protect those who need it.
I will, he promises, and I feel the sincerity through my newfound ability to sense truths. I swear it.
He leaves, purpose in his stride.
The three Alphas watch this exchange with interest.
You're not interested in revenge, Asher observes.
Oh, I'm interested, I correct. But revenge for its own sake is empty. Change real change that matters more.
The Council won't see it that way, Kade warns. They'll see a threat. Someone who could upset the entire power structure.
Then maybe the power structure needs upsetting, I counter.
Ryker grins, fierce and approving. I like her.
Come on, Asher says, pulling out his phone expensive, top of the line. Let's get you somewhere safe while we plan. There's an inn between our territories. Neutral ground. You'll be protected while we figure this out.
Where are your territories? I ask, realizing I know nothing about these men who claim to be my mates.
North, Kade says. Nightshade Pack. We control the mountain regions.
West, Ryker adds. Storm born Pack. Coastal territories. We're... we have a reputation.
East, Asher finishes. Silverclaw Pack no relation to your father's pack, different bloodline. We're researchers, scholars. Less focused on warfare.
Three different Alphas from three different territories, each powerful enough to rule alone. All bound to me through some cosmic joke or destiny or curse.
This is insane, I murmur.
Welcome to our lives, Asher says with a wry smile.
We start walking toward where their vehicles are apparently parked. The three Alphas have brought contingents of their best warrior's protection and show of force combined.
I spot the cars expensive SUVs, nothing flashy but clearly top quality. Kade gestures to his. You'll ride with me.
Why? I challenge.
Because I'm the least likely to lose control if you're in danger, he says bluntly. Ryker's berserker rage is unpredictable. Asher's curse makes him physically weaker. I'm the safest option for protection.
Honest. Direct. No games.
Fine.
I climb into Kade's vehicle. The interior smells like pine and winter his scent. The mate bond hums with approval.
Ryker and Asher follow in their own SUVs with their warriors. A convoy of wolves, all because of me.
In the car, Kade doesn't push conversation. Just drives, his hands steady on the wheel. The silence is surprisingly comfortable.
Why did you come? I finally ask. When you felt the bond?
His jaw tightens. I didn't want to. I don't believe in fate or destiny. I've built my life on control, on never depending on anyone or anything.
But?
But the bond pulled harder than anything I've ever felt. He glances at me briefly before returning eyes to the road. I couldn't ignore it. Tried for about thirty seconds, then my wolf took over. I didn't have a choice.
Do you resent it?
I don't know yet, he admits. Ask me in a few days when we're not running from the Council and you're not processing trauma.
Fair enough.
What about the others? Why three? I press.
No idea. One mate bond is rare but happens. Two is documented but extremely uncommon. Three? He shakes his head. There are legends. Old stories about Celestial Wolves bonding to multiple Alphas as anchors for their power. But I thought they were just that legends.
Everything about me is apparently legendary, I say bitterly.
Everything about you is extraordinary, he corrects. There's a difference.
The drive takes hours. We cross from pack territory into neutral lands, then further into the mountain regions. Finally, we arrive at an inexpensive looking, isolated, perfect for hiding.
Kade pays for three adjoining rooms without hesitation. My room is between his and Ryker's. Asher is across the hall.
Strategic. Protective.
Eat, Kade says, handing me a bag of food his wolves procured. Then sleep. We'll talk in the morning.
What if I can't sleep?
Then I'll be right through that door, he says, pointing to the connecting door between our rooms. And I'll listen until you do.
He leaves before I can respond.
I eat alone in my room. Shower. Put on clothes Asher somehow acquired in my size. Collapse on the bed.
But sleep doesn't come. Every time I close my eyes, I see Damien's face. Hear Victoria's lies. Feel the curse breaking.
Through the wall, I sense Kade on the other side. Awake. Alert.
A knock on the connecting door to Kade's room.
I'm fine, I call out.
You're not sleeping. I can feel your distress through the bond.
Damn the mate bond.
I don't need you.
Silence. Then: I know. But I'm here anyway. If you change your mind.
I stare at the door for a long time.
Another knock. This time from Ryker's door. I'm not good with words, his rough voice carries through. But I've had nightmares too. Sometimes being alone makes it worse.
Across the hall, Asher's voice drifts through my main door. If you won't let us comfort you, at least let us tell you stories until you fall asleep. We'll bore you into unconsciousness if necessary.
Despite everything, I almost smile.
These three powerful Alphas, ready to fight the world for me, offering not dominance or control but comfort in whatever form I'll accept.
I open the door to Kade's room. Just a crack.
He's sitting in a chair by the window, still dressed, clearly not planning to sleep. I'm not letting you in here, I say.
Okay.
I don't need comfort.
Okay.
And this doesn't mean anything.
His lips twitch. Almost a smile. Understood. Would you like me to tell you about the most boring pack politics meeting I've ever attended?
I find myself sitting in the doorway between our rooms. Not in his space. Not in mine. In between a perfect metaphor for where I am right now.
Ryker appears in his doorway too, sitting on his side. Asher, hearing movement, comes to sit in the hallway outside my main door.
They talk. Not about serious things. Asher tells ridiculous stories about Moon Council politics and ancient wolves who couldn't find their own tails. Ryker shares training disasters that ended with someone accidentally shifting in the middle of a formal dinner. Kade describes the most tedious contract negotiation in the history of pack law.
Their voices wash over me, steady and safe.
For the first time in twenty-three years, I feel protected.
I fall asleep in that doorway, caught between past and future, between fear and hope.
When I wake at dawn, I'm in my bed. Tucked in carefully. A note on the nightstand in Kade's precise handwriting:
You fell asleep. Ryker carried you to bed he has the gentlest touch despite appearances. We stayed until we felt you calm through the bond. Sleep well.
My chest tightens. When was the last time anyone took care of me?
Never. The answer is never.
I get up. Shower. Dress in the clothes Asher left comfortable jeans and a soft sweater that somehow fit perfectly.
When I emerge, all three are waiting in the hallway.
Morning, Asher says cheerfully. We got breakfast. Hope you like pancakes.
We eat together in Kade's room. It's weird. Domestic. Four powerful beings sitting around like normal people, sharing a meal.
We need to talk about what happens next, Kade says eventually, ever practical.
The Council, I acknowledge.
I know someone who can help, Ryker offers. Elder Thorne
The one who just threatened me? I interrupt.
No, a different Elder Thorne. There are several. This one is Magnus Thorne, a scholar on the Council. He's studied ancient wolf history for fifty years. If anyone can help you prepare, it's him.
Will he help?
He's been searching for proof that Celestial Wolves existed for decades. Meeting you would be his life's work validated. He'll help.
I consider this. When?
We can reach him today. But first Ryker hesitates. You need training. You have immense power but no control. Without proper training, you could accidentally hurt someone.
The truth of this hits hard. I remember making Father drop to his knees. It wasn't intentional was just... existing.
I could hurt you? I ask quietly.
You couldn't hurt me even if you tried, Ryker says. The mate bond won't allow it. Try. Use your power on me. Right now.
What? No, I can't
Trust me.
I reach out with my power that Celestial authority that compels submission. Touch Ryker's will. Try to push.
The mate bond flares between us. My power bounces back harmlessly.
See? Ryker says gently. The bond protects us from each other. And we protect you.
Through the bonds, I feel their absolute truth. They'd die for me. Would take any pain meant for me. Would burn the world if it meant keeping me safe.
It's terrifying and comforting in equal measure.
Okay, I hear myself say. I'll train. I'll meet this Elder Thorne. I'll prepare for the Council.
Together, all three say.
Together, I agree.
Three days until the Council decides my fate.
Three mates who refuse to let me face it alone.
And power I'm just beginning to understand.
The real journey starts now.