Avenging The Triplet Alphas
Chapter 4

Arielle's

POV

The next morning, I eventually forced myself out of bed and into the bathroom to take a long shower to soothe my aching muscles before coming down for breakfast. Alpha Ethan or Ethan as he preferred me to address him, wasn't present in the dining room. The kind old lady whose name I had come to know as Luciana apologized on his behalf for not being present during breakfast and I could feel my insides melt. Were they this kind to strangers? I felt appreciated and cared for but surely she has other pressing matters to attend to rather than doting over her like a little child, she could handle herself. "Luciana, can I ask you a question if you don't mind?" I said, pausing mid-way. Breakfast consisted of bacon and eggs with several slices of cheese and pancakes.

"You can, child. Is there something you need?" There was concern etched on Luciana's face as she stared at me, eager to hear what I had to say.

"Does pregnancy get easier with time?" I began, nibbling on my bottom lip. "I'm young and I have no idea about what to do."

Her hand covered mine, I looked up to see her smiling affectionately at me.

"You have nothing to worry about, child. I'll make sure you're well taken care of here, I promise."

"Thank you." I felt my eyes water as she assured me. I couldn't remember the last time I felt totally at peace like I was now.

"You're welcome. The doctor would be coming to check on you after breakfast." She patted my hand before pushing her chair back and standing. "I have to oversee a couple of things in the house."

I simply nodded as she walked out of the dining room, leaving me to finish my breakfast.

I've been putting up a strong face but inside I was raging with hate over how the Van Tyson triplets had disgraced me and I wasn't going to let it slide. They weren't just going to use me as they pleased and toss me out like a rogue just before our wedding. It had taken me a while to figure it out but I decided I was going to make my first move very soon, they weren't going to get away with no matter how powerful they might be. I would need all the power and influence she could garner before coming up against the Van Tysons and being mated to a powerful Alpha like Ethan would provide me with everything I needed.

I finished with my meal and retreated to my room for the entirety of the day, only appearing for dinner. I spent most parts of the night in the dressing room afterward sharing a bottle of wine and rolling in fits of laughter with Luciana and a couple of the servants before retiring to my room for the night.

The next morning came around again but instead of going down for breakfast, I decided to stay in bed until I felt better. It was supposed to be my wedding today and here I was on a bed in the home of an Alpha that saw it fit to rescue me from the jaws of death. "Is there anything I can get you, Arielle?" Luciana asked as she knocked twice before entering my room.

I smiled at the woman who had now become somewhat of a mother to me.

"I won't be coming down for breakfast this morning, I changed my mind. I feel a little bit under the weather so I would like to spend the day and have my meals brought up to me if that would be possible, please."

"Do I need to ring the doctor?" Luciana asked, concern laced in her voice as her eyes roamed over me lying on the bed, blankets drawn up just under my chin.

"You don't need to do that," I quickly replied, preferring to bask in my solitude without any third party intervening. "I'll be fine, I just don't want to be around a lot of people today."

"Okay, child. Do you have any special requests for breakfast?"

"Just the usual, thank you." I smiled at her, signaling the end of the conversation.

I let out a sigh as Luciana shut the door behind her. It was going to be a day filled with pain and regret. Tears welled up in my eyes, my chest tightened with grief as I recounted the painful experience, my spirit shattering once more. I felt a profound sense of loss, not only for the love I once believed I had found but also for the future I had envisioned as I cradled my stomach and unborn child before falling into a deep sleep after hours of sobbing into my blanket.

***

It was midnight already. Jana had returned to my room two hours earlier to help me get ready for my wedding to the Van Tyson triplets alongside her seamstresses and a couple of other servants. I was forbidden from lifting a finger for myself by Jana who issued me a stern warning and I resorted to staying still unless I risked drawing the ire of the women helping her dress up.

At the stroke of midnight, I was standing at the entrance of the hall already adorned with palatial decorations with cascading floral arrangements hanging from every side of the grand room, sparkling white chandeliers hung high above with delicate draperies completing the settings designed to evoke an atmosphere filled with love and warmth. A group of violinists was positioned at a corner, setting the tone for the exchanging of vows that were about to take place.

As the wedding ceremony began, the violinists started fiddling with a rendition of classical music, the guests seated on either side of the hall turned their gaze to the entrance where I stood, a bouquet clutched to her chest. I looked breathtakingly beautiful in my exquisite gown as I glided past the several rows of chairs towards the aisle, her steps slow but graceful as fixed her eyes on the triplets standing under the floral pavilion as she made her grand entrance.

At the end of the hall, the Van Tyson triplets stood proudly in their finest suits as they watched each of my steps keenly. I could sense each of them feeling rather differently from the other but they all shared similar intentions and the same joyousness. As I approached them, I locked eyes with each of them once again. I could feel the intensity of their gaze as they didn't miss any step or movement I took. I had a feeling that I wasn't mistaken, there was a primal need behind the intensity of their stare, it was almost as if they hungered for me as much as I did for them. I looked away for a moment, trying to stop myself and my lewd imaginations from running riot. Feeling the heat creeping up my cheek, I quickened her steps up the stairs as fast as I could before stopping in front of them and one synchronized motion turned towards the officiant, who guided us through the sacred vows of mating and marriage as each one of us said our vows before they were bonded together with a cloth to signify the creation of the mate bond before finally being pronounced married and mated till we took our dying breath.

The guests watched on with mixed emotions on their faces as the couples professed their love for each other and made a vow to always remain devoted till the end of time.

Our voices were fierce and filled with love and the promises of devotion as our vows echoed around the hall, enveloped in honesty and clarity as the guests seated in the room were serenaded with the intimacy we created.

I was stunned at how they managed to convince everyone present that they were madly in love with one another despite the gulf between our statuses in society. They were the attraction of the entire pack, the princes treated with respect and fear by everyone else in the pack, while I was the b**t of many of the jokes and bullying in school until the Van Tyson triplets claimed me as their mate in front of everyone at the cafeteria.

Curious and cautious over how it would turn out, I allowed myself to embark on this new adventure, guided by the faint whispers of hope in her heart that I was finally deemed worthy enough to be loved. The triplets, Jonathan in particular, had proved to be different from the others I had encountered before-patient, understanding, and genuinely interested in getting to know her on a deeper level.

As I continued to let my guard down, their connection blossomed. They laughed together, shared intimate conversations, and discovered shared passions. The past year had been the best year of her life and finally, she was theirs for life as they were hers. The ceremony ended with a chorus of applause and cheers from the crowd below. Amidst the hollering and cheers, Loki announced a gala would commence immediately to celebrate the wedding ceremony and the noise grew even louder.

Within a matter of seconds, the grand hall was transformed into a space for merriment and celebration as the reception began in earnest, swinging with full force. Guests danced as the violinists serenaded the crowd, laughter echoed around the room and the sound of clinking glasses filled with champagne filled the air as guests were seated around different tables filled with delicious cuisines.

"Come on, Orfilia," Loki whispered into her ear over the loud noise. "We have a couple of guests we want to introduce you to."

"I don't think I'm in the mood to fake smiles at your people who hated me just a little over a year ago, I'd like to skip that part of this ceremony if possible."

"You haven't gotten over it yet? No one would dare mess with you now, my love." Loki cooed, hoping she would change her mind.

You're throwing me into the spotlight for nothing." I sighed, folding my hands across my chest.

I turned her head towards him, Elijah and Jonathan were standing a few meters away from them engaged in a conversation over something I couldn't make out just yet.

"You need it-" Loki began again but I raised her eyebrows, cutting him short, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"I don't see how this is going to be beneficial to me. I'm not interested in making friends, Loki. I'm sorry."

"What's the matter, brother?" Jonathan asked from behind Loki, Elijah joining him at his side.

I smiled, the trio was here to change my mind. How grand and appealing.

"She prefers not to partake in the mandatory practice of greeting the guests," Loki said, turning towards his brothers.

"Did you tell her what both parties stand to lose if Father gets to hear of this?" Elijah asked, rubbing his temple. "Trust me, Arielle, you won't get anything good from going against his wishes."

"Arielle," Loki began in a gentle yet commanding tone. "Look at me."

I couldn't help but turn my head towards him, where he stood flanked by his brothers.

"It isn't a request but we would hate to start on the wrong foot. So I am imploring you before you reject to join us, listen to what Jonathan has to say then you can decide if you want it or not. He has a lot of affection for you and I'm hoping he will get through to you."

I nodded before looking towards Jonathan.

Jonathan took my silence as his cue to speak.

"Your years of being bullied in school and the pack are over. You're now the Luna of the Silver pack, you're now powerful and untouchable. No one would dare harm you as long as you belong to us, I assure you of that with my life.

He finished and waited for my response.

"I know that, Jonathan," I replied, standing up and smoothening her hands down her dress. "I just wanted you to calm my nerves."

"Good. Now if I may?" Jonathan offered her his arm and a bright smile which momentarily disabled my defenses and gratefully clung to it.

"So who are we going to see first?" I asked, the tension that had me in doubt easing away rapidly.

Jonathan turned towards me, his eyes dark with hate as he glared at me.

"This marriage cannot be consummated,"

"What are you talking about?" I asked, shock rippling through my body, I turned to look at Loki and Elijah who both wore matching looks with Jonathan. The entire hall had gone dark and silent, I couldn't see anyone else aside from the Van Tyson triplets. "You're not worthy to be our mate!" They yelled angrily in unison.

"No, no, no!" I cried out and bolted up from my bed, panting hard with tears streaming down my face as the door to my room was flung open and Luciana came rushing in alongside Ethan.

My body continued to rack with sobs as I tried to make sense of the nightmare I just had. It was the second one within a short period and it brought back the pain of what I could have had.