A Breeder for the triplets

The Library

I tentatively open the laptop and find the FaceTime app. My family contact is there and I call my Mom. My breathing levels out as her face pops up on the screen. "I did it, Mom, I'm going to be able to help Ellie." Her face relaxes as she nods slowly.

"I so hoped it wouldn't come to this. Are they treating you well?" she asks with a slight tremor in her voice.

"Yes, so far they have. The house is lovely and I have freedom of movement and I can even buy clothes. I can talk to you and Ellie whenever I need to. I'm going to send most of my expense allowance to you every month for the treatment, so you can sign her up to the trial now," I confirm.

We talk more easily after that, and I even get to see Elouise's pale face on screen. "I miss you Eden, it's not the same without you here." My heart breaks for her, I always thought I would be the one making the biggest sacrifice, not giving much thought to how they would miss me. My eyes fill with tears and I have to end the call before they talk me into coming home.

I decide to head back to the library and find some books to read to pass the time. Once I get there the smell of the books calms me. I soon find a few that interest me, their titles and blurb calling to me along with their bindings and intricate leather covers. I sniff the pages of one, a hint of smoke blurring the edges of the scent. I turn my head at the last minute, catching Jaxon behind me, making me jump.

"You really need to stop sneaking up on me," I say.

"Sorry. I was just in here working and I didn't want to disturb you. I'll go."

"That's ok. You don't need to go, there's more than enough room for the two of us. It's a beautiful space."

"Thank you. Did you manage to order some clothes and things?"

"Uh, not yet, I don't really need much. I called my family, I'm so grateful to be able to keep in touch with them."

His brows draw together in a frown. "You don't need to worry about the cost of things, just order what you need. Or, if you prefer, you can make a list of things and let us take care of it for you. We want you to be well cared for."

Jaxon reaches out and takes the books from me, gesturing for me to sit on one of the couches. He sits next to me and sets the books down. His hand brushes against my thigh, his touch is warm and sends little tingles through my body. I can't help but press my thighs together to maximise the sensations running through me. His presence feels overwhelming, but not in an entirely uncomfortable way. I feel a strange mix of safety and danger in his proximity that I can't quite reconcile.

"Thank you for the offer," she says, her voice wavering slightly. "But I’m not used to relying on others for things like this. It’s…a little overwhelming."

Jaxon’s gaze softens, and he leans back slightly, giving her space. "I understand. But you're not alone here, Eden. You're part of something now, something bigger than either of us."

She frowns at his words, unsure of their deeper meaning. "Part of something?" she echoes, hoping he’ll clarify.

Before he can respond, the door to the library swings open, and another figure enters—a woman with striking features and a commanding presence. She looks between Jaxon and Eden with a knowing smile.

"Interrupting something?" the woman asks; her tone light but with an edge that makes Eden uncomfortable.

Jaxon stands up, moving away from Eden. "Not at all, Serena. We were just discussing how Eden is settling in."

Serena’s eyes narrow slightly, and she takes a step closer to Eden. "Well, I’m sure she’ll have everything she needs soon. You know how important it is for her to be...comfortable."

There’s something in the other woman’s tone that makes my heart race, though I'm not sure if it’s from fear or something else. Jaxon seems to pick up on it too, as he quickly interjects.

"Yes, of course. Eden, why don’t you take some time to read and relax? We can talk more later."

I nod, eager to escape the strange tension. As I settle into the couch with one of the books, I can't shake the feeling that something is off. I open the book and try to concentrate, but my mind is spinning with questions. What exactly have I gotten myself into?

As I try to focus on the words in front of me, I hear the low murmur of conversation between Jaxon and Serena. Their voices are too quiet to make out the words, but the tone is unmistakable—something serious is being discussed, and it likely involves me.

I feel a shiver run down my spine. I agreed to this arrangement for the sake of my sister, but the reality of the situation is beginning to set in. I'm in the beautiful Alpha house with three handsome strangers, but there’s an undercurrent of secrecy that I can’t shake. As much as I try to push it aside, the nagging feeling that I'm not just a guest here, but a pawn in a larger game, refuses to leave my mind.