Chapter 39

After the triplets left me alone in the room, I laid back down and stared at the ceiling for a few moments. What had we all done last night? My confusion and worry ran through me, but the tingle of pleasure was still there on my skin.

All I knew for sure was that all of us had connected on a deeper level than any of us had planned. I knew deep within myself that each of these werewolf brothers were, indeed, my mate.

After laying there and gathering my thoughts, I slowly stood up, aware of the soreness between my legs. I made my way to the shower and let the warm water wash over me, clearing my mind, and cleansing the blood that proved I was no longer a virgin.

The time alone helped me fully understand the potential issues that were ahead of me. I knew the brothers could be combative, and I had a sense that I was about to head into a minor warzone at breakfast.

As I started down the stairs towards the dining room, I could already hear their raised voices. “No, she’s MY mate.” Nicholas was growling.

Muffled replies and sounds of scuffling made me quicken my pace. When I entered the room Cheney and Nicholas were toe to toe, aggression radiating from each of them. Brian was nearby, with a look of rage on his face.

Nicholas’ anger was seething. “You can't seriously think she’d want you, Cheney. You’re nothing but trouble.” He shouted into Cheney’s face.

Cheney laughed, humorlessly. “Oh, please! Like you're the epitome of perfection, Nicholas. At least I know how to have fun. When’s the last time you laughed about anything? She’d die of boredom with you after a day!”

Brian, even though the anger was still present on his face, tried to calm the situation. “Guys, can we just calm down? This isn’t the time for this.”

Nicholas turned to Brian, his frustration clear in his voice. “Oh, so you're on Cheney's side now? I thought you were smarter than that, Brian.” Brian sighed and rolled his eyes at Nicholas, who growled in response.

I’d had enough. I wasn’t sure what all we had done the night before, but I knew the connections we had made were worth more than the ridiculousness that was happening in front of me now.

“Enough! This bickering needs to stop. I appreciate your concern, Nicholas, but I think you know that I can make my own decisions. This isn’t just between the three of you. I’m standing right here.”

Cheney smirked, trying to provoke Nicholas further. “Looks like Beryl prefers a bit of adventure. Something you could learn from, big brother.”

Nicholass face reddened, his wolf eyes glowing with anger, his voice trembling with restrained fury. “You have no idea what you're talking about, Cheney. You're just too reckless to understand what it means to truly care for anyone.”

I shook my head, knowing that the two of them would always have some kind of rivalry. Brian stepped between them, trying to defuse the situation a bit. “Guys, stop! This isn't helping anyone.”

The room falls silent for a moment, each brother struggling to find a way forward. I knew their relationship had always been a bit tense, but I also knew that they depended on each other more than anyone else.

Trying as gently as I could to bring them back together, I made eye contact with each of them. “Listen, I appreciate your concern, all of you, but this is my choice. I value each of you, but I won't let your differences tear us apart. Can we find a way to respect that?”

Nicholas’ anger softened as he looked at me, seeming to realize the gravity of my words. We were in this together, whether we liked it or not. Cheney sighed, still defensive, he still began to show a hint of vulnerability. He grinned sheepishly at me.

The tension in the room, which had become nearly overwhelming, was starting to seep away. That changed drastically and became worse as their father's booming presence entered.

“What do we have here? Are the three heirs of our pack, fighting over a single mate?” He chuckled to himself as he sat down to eat breakfast.

Nicholas steps forward, his voice firm with determination. “Father, I admit that I was hesitant to accept it at first, but Beryl is destined to be the future alpha king’s mate, father. She deserves the strongest of us by her side, and that is me.”

Cheney growls in protest, his eyes blazing with rivalry. He pushes forward. “I'm just as strong, Nicholas. I won't let you claim her without a fight. I have just as much claim to her as you.”

Brian steps up, his tone more reserved yet resolute. “Father, I understand their desire, but we must remember that Beryl's heart and happiness should come first.”

The pain I had felt, listening to Nicholas and Cheney discuss me as though I was some prize to be won, softening. My appreciation for Brian grew immensely.

Armand chuckled, a deep rumble that filled the room. “Ah, the fire of youth. Competition has always been a part of our nature, my sons. It's what drives us to be stronger. This will be good for all of you.”

I interjected, my voice filled with both uncertainty and longing. “But... I thought... I belong to all of you. We are mates, bound by destiny. Isn’t that what you told us Armand?”

Armand's eyes twinkled with wisdom as he looked back at me. “You speak the truth, my dear. The bond between you is unbreakable. Yet, the path to unity is through challenge and growth. And a little competition never hurt anyone, eh?”

Nicholas, Cheney, and Brian exchanged glances, a mixture of determination and worry shared between them. “If it's what you want, Beryl, then I'll prove I'm worthy.” Nicholas spoke to me through gritted teeth.

Cheney snarled at him, baring his wolf fangs. “I won't hold back either. Beryl deserves the best. I’ll prove who that truly is.”

Brian’s head and shoulders sagged, and he sighed. “If I must fight to win you, so be it.” He looked back up, directly into my eyes, and the ferocity in his face took my breath away. “But I promise this won't be easy.”

Armond’s look of pride and humor made my stomach hurt a bit, and I dreaded what this competition would mean for the four of us. “Very well, my sons. The path to power lies in embracing competition. May the best wolf win.”