Sacrificed To The Triplet Alpha Kings

Nicholas nodded. ”Agreed. We’re bringing in specialists, wizards who understand magic better than we do, to help Lilith learn to control her power. And as I said, the estate is being reinforced. No one will be in danger when the third bond completes.”

”And when will that be?” Elder Edward asked.

Nicholas looked at Lucian, then back at the elder. ”Soon. We’re running out of time. The curse deadline is six weeks away. We can’t afford to wait much longer.”

”Then I suggest you move quickly,” Edward said. ”And carefully.”

He turned and walked out of the hall, and slowly the rest of the crowd began to disperse. Some wolves left immediately, still looking uncertain. Others lingered, watching Lilith with a mixture of curiosity and caution. And a small group led by Agnes and Sera came forward to offer words of support.

But Lilith barely heard any of it. She was shaking, her hands clenched into fists at her sides, trying desperately not to break down in front of everyone.

Nicholas must have felt it through the bond because he dismissed the remaining crowd with a curt nod and then pulled her off the platform and out a side door into a private corridor.

The moment they were alone Lilith’s legs gave out and Sebastian caught her, pulling her against his chest.

”I’ve got you,” he murmured. ”It’s over. You did it.”

”They hate me,” Lilith whispered.

”They don’t hate you,” Nicholas said firmly. ”They’re afraid. But we’ll change that. We’ll show them they have nothing to fear.”

”And if I can’t control it? What if the power keeps getting stronger and I hurt someone?”

”Then we’ll deal with it,” Lucian said. ”Together. But you’re not doing this alone, Lilith. You have us. You have the pack....at least the ones who matter. And you have time to learn.”

Lilith wanted to believe him but the fear in the hall had been palpable. They were tolerating her because she was bonded to their Alphas. But the moment she became more trouble than she was worth, they would turn on her.

And there was nothing she could do to stop it.

Her phone buzzed in the pocket of her dress and she pulled it out with shaking hands. A call from Wren.

Lilith answered. ”Hello?”

”Lilith.” Wren’s voice was tense, urgent. ”We need to meet. Soon. Can you come to the café?”

”When?”

”Tomorrow? Afternoon?”

Lilith looked at Nicholas and saw him frown but he didn’t shake his head. ”Okay. Tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be there.”

”Good. I’ll see you then.” Wren paused. ”And Lilith? Be careful.”

The line went dead.

Lilith lowered the phone and looked at Sebastian. ”Wren wants to meet tomorrow.”

”About what?” He asked.

”She didn’t say. But she sounded scared.”

Nicholas and Sebastian exchanged a look and Lilith felt tension spike through both bonds.

”Fine,” Nicholas said finally. ”But you’re not going alone.”

”I’m not a child....”

”No. You’re our mate. And after tonight, after that meeting, you’re not going anywhere without protection.” His voice left no room for argument. ”Sebastian will go with you. He stays close but out of sight. Non-negotiable.”

Lilith wanted to argue but she was too exhausted. ”Fine.”

”Good.” Nicholas pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. ”You did well tonight. I’m proud of you.”

Lilith closed her eyes and let herself be held, and tried to believe that everything was going to be okay.

But in the back of her mind, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was coming.

Something they weren’t prepared for.

And time was running out.

***

Lilith’s POV

The café was quiet when Lilith arrived the next afternoon, only a handful of people scattered at tables nursing coffee and pastries. She spotted Wren immediately, sitting in the corner booth they always chose, her hands wrapped around a mug and her expression tense.

Sebastian was somewhere outside, keeping watch like Nicholas had insisted. She had argued about it all morning but Nicholas had been immovable. After last night’s pack meeting, after the fear and the petitions and the barely-concealed hostility from the elders, he wasn’t taking any chances.

Lilith slid into the booth across from Wren and studied her friend’s face. ”You sounded scared on the phone. What’s wrong?”

Wren looked up and Lilith saw genuine fear in her eyes. ”I’ve been doing some research. About your mother. About her family.”

”And?”

”And I found things, Lilith. Old records. Newspaper clippings from fifteen years ago about a family that disappeared overnight. No explanation. No bodies. Just... gone.” Wren pulled out her phone and started scrolling. ”Your mother’s maiden name.....I traced it back. And that family was connected to something. Something old and powerful and dangerous.”

Lilith felt her stomach tighten. ”Connected to what?”

”I don’t know exactly. The records are incomplete. But Lilith, I think your mother was hiding. From someone. And I think....”

”Mind if I join you?”

Both women looked up to find Mike standing beside their table, his hands in his pockets and his expression carefully neutral.

Wren’s face went pale. ”Mike. I didn’t know you were....”

”I figured you’d call her eventually.” Mike pulled out a chair and sat down without waiting for permission, his eyes fixed on Lilith. ”We need to talk. About your father.”

Lilith felt ice slide down her spine. ”What about him?”

”His death wasn’t ordinary, Lilith. I’ve been investigating it for weeks and I know....”

”I know,” Lilith interrupted. ”I already know his death wasn’t ordinary.”

Mike went still. ”The Blackwood brothers told you about their findings?”

”What?” Lilith frowned. ”What are you trying to say?”

Mike leaned forward, his voice dropping low. ”I’m saying you should ask them if they were there the night your father died, and also asked them how your father died.”

The words hit Lilith like a physical blow. ”What?”

”Mike, enough!” Wren stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. ”Enough with your nonsense. Don’t try to create enmity between her and her mates.”

Mike’s head snapped toward Wren and his expression darkened. ”Her mates?” He looked back at Lilith with something dangerous in his eyes. ”You mean you’re not only fucking them, but they’re your mates?”