Chapter 5

Lotus POV

I open my mouth to call out for whomever is on the other side of the door to stop, but even in my desperation, I can't make words leave my lips. Fear takes over, and I freeze, knowing the only thing between one of the Winter Alphas and me is a thin sheet of frosted glass.

The door creaks open, and one of them pokes their head through the door. It is Lennox or maybe Levi. I can't tell them apart, but I know it isn't Louis. He has a small scar just above his eyebrow. Whichever Alpha this is, he appears to be flawless.

I realize I am standing with my mouth gaping open as I peer out from behind the shower door. Closing both my mouth and the door quickly, I back myself into a corner of the shower.

The thundering of my heartbeat is all I can hear in my ears, and when the shower door slides open, spots fill my vision. I become unsteady on my feet and crumble to the floor. I gaze up and see a hand holding a fluffy, white towel out for me. My hands tremble as I reach for the towel, and whoever holds it lets go of it easily.

Slowly, I get to my feet and wrap myself in the towel. I inch the door open little by little, and see one of the Winter Alphas waiting for me. He is leaning against the sink with his brow wrinkled with concern.

"Are you okay?"

I cock my head to the side, not fully understanding the question.

He takes a step forward. "You were in the shower for a long time. Levi and I were beginning to worry about you."

My mouth drops open incredulously. I did not think they would be concerned about me. As far as I know, I am only meant to lie on my back and birth pups for them. Still, I am positive the only reason they haven't forced themselves onto me is that I am on my cycle.

A soundless gasp leaves my lips at the thought. Once again, I have forgotten important information. I squeeze my legs together, but it is too late. My eyes dart down at the floor, and a tiny bit of blood is trickling down my ankle.

Blood rushes to my face, and I try to turn away from Lennox. I listen carefully for the sound of him leaving, and when the door shuts behind him, I see a pack of feminine products on the bathroom sink. My eyes bulge from my head. I have never been given a luxury like this before.

Along with the products, there is a set of pajamas. I get ready and run a brush through my hair before stepping out of the bathroom.

All three of them are waiting for me. They are perched on the edge of the bed with their eyes glued to me. I let my eyes roam over them, trying to take in all the details to distinguish them from each other.

Louis has the tell-tale scar above his eyebrow. He is also broader in the shoulders than his brothers. Levi and Lennox are nearly identical, but Levi's hair isn't as dark as Lennox's. They let me study them, but eventually, Levi clears his throat.

"Now that we are truly alone, we would like to talk about your place here."

I step away from them as fear clogs my throat.

Louis jumps to his feet. "You misunderstand. We aren't going to harm you. We already explained that in the car."

Levi glares at his brother and continues to speak. "Unlike the other Alphas of the Crescent Realm, we do not believe in holding women against their will, but appearances must be made. The three of us will take turns sleeping in your room. That way, if the word gets to the other packs, it will be assumed that we are following our duties. Do you understand?"

I shake my head. I don't understand. Why wouldn't they want a breeder? I thought continuing their bloodlines was the most important thing to an Alpha.

Levi groans, running his hand down his face. "Not all of us are monsters, Lotus."

"I will be staying with you tonight," Lennox interrupts his brother. "Tomorrow will be Levi and then Louis the next. We will rotate in that manner until we can get you to safety."

My bottom lip trembles, and a tear drips down my cheek. I nod my head with understanding, and Louis and Levi get to their feet. The door shuts behind them with a terrifying click, and I am left alone with the oldest of the Winter Alpha triplets. He would not have been my first choice, but I don't think they considered giving me a choice in the matter.

I shuffle awkwardly from foot to foot, waiting to be told what to do next. Lennox pulls back the covers on the bed and gestures for me to get inside. I crawl into the bed, and he pulls the covers up over my chest. He hovers for only a moment before retreating to the couch in the corner of the room.

I lie on my back and stare at the canopy that covers the bed. My body is exhausted, but my mind will not shut off. My mind keeps wandering to the triplets and to my father. I can hear Lennox snoring on the other side of the room, and it reminds me of my father. Still, it isn't soothing enough for me to fall asleep.

I toss and turn, trying to get comfortable, but I can't seem to find a spot that feels right. It is because this isn't my home. The bed is too soft, and the blankets are too smooth. Quietly, I pull back the covers and get out of bed. Dragging the blanket with me, I curl up onto the floor. This feels more like the hard cot I slept on in my father's house. Eventually, my eyelids grow heavy and I slip off to sleep.