Betrayed By Two Alphas:Bound By One Fate

Chapter 14

Aurora’s POV

I stared between Emette and the stranger beside him, blinking rapidly as if the scene would rearrange itself if I just tried hard enough.

“Emette… you have a boyfriend?” The words tumbled out, soaked in pure disbelief.

Emette’s face crumpled with worry. “I’ll explain. I didn’t mean for you to find out like this—”

“What the hell do you mean you’ll explain?” Damon cut in, his voice sharp with annoyance. “Why don’t you start by telling me who this woman is and why she was hugging you like that?” Anger rolled off him in waves, his jaw clenched tight.

I shot him a fierce glare. He looked ready to explode, and the aggression radiating from him made my stomach twist.

“Damon, not now,” Emette said firmly, shooting him a warning look. Shock flickered across Emette’s eyes before he turned back to me, softening instantly. “Aurora, please don’t be mad at me, okay?” He reached out and took my hand right there in front of his boyfriend.

I felt Damon’s burning gaze on us. My skin prickled. I pulled my hand away quickly.

“Emette,” I said, my voice quieter, a hint of fear threading through it, “I think you should explain to your boyfriend who I am.”

Damon’s shoulders were rigid, fists balled at his sides.

“Come here,” Emette coaxed gently. “You don’t have to get mad all the time.”

I watched, stunned, as the fury in Damon’s eyes melted away like it had never existed. One second he looked dangerous, the next he was walking over to Emette with a sheepish expression. Emette smiled at him, and the tension in Damon’s body eased completely.

“Damon, this is Aurora,” Emette said warmly, “my sister I told you about. We grew up together in the orphanage.”

Damon turned to me, and the man from moments ago completely vanished. A bright smile broke across his face, deep dimples carving into his cheeks. His entire presence softened, warm and unexpectedly charming.

“Aurora, I’ve heard so much about you from Emette. I wasn’t expecting to meet you today. Clearly, I didn’t make the best first impression.” He extended his hand, voice smooth and genuine.

A reluctant smile tugged at my lips. “I’m glad to meet you too.” I shook his hand, and his grip was firm yet gentle.

“He talks about how beautiful you are,” Damon said, still holding my gaze, “and I have to say… he wasn’t exaggerating.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. “Thank you. You’re also very handsome. I mean—you are… you’re…”

“We get it, Aurora,” Emette teased, chuckling.

I yanked my hand back awkwardly, embarrassed. Damon’s soft laugh only made my face burn hotter.

“Are you okay with this?” Emette asked, his voice suddenly laced with concern as he searched my face.

“Okay with what?”

“That I’m gay,” he said quietly, tension creeping back into his shoulders.

My heart squeezed at the vulnerability in his eyes. I stepped forward and took both his hands in mine.

“Oh, Emette…” I breathed, shaking my head. “Is that why you didn’t tell me? Because you thought I wouldn’t be okay with it?” My voice cracked with emotion. “Emette, you’re my best friend—practically my brother. Why wouldn’t I be okay with it? Anything that makes you

“I told him you’d be okay with it,” Damon said, his voice warm and smooth. “But he was stressing for nothing. He described the kind of person you are, and I already knew you’d understand.”

I couldn’t stop smiling. There was something almost majestic about Damon— the way his presence filled the room, calm and confident. No wonder Emette was completely in love with him.

“Aurora,” Damon called, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Yes?” I blinked, focusing on him again.

“I said you should live with us.”

My eyes flew wide open. “You want me to stay here… with both of you?”

“Yes.” He gave a small, almost shy smile. “And I might sound selfish for what I’m about to say, but… society doesn’t accept our relationship. If you’re here, it will…”

“I’d be your cover,” I finished softly. “A distraction so you two can love freely.”

“Aurora, I didn’t mean it like—”

“Of course I’ll do it,” I said, cutting him off with a bright smile that came straight from my heart. “Honestly, it would be exciting to live with both of you. This is exactly what I need right now — a fresh start. With you two, I’ll finally have a family again.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest as the words left my mouth. For the first time in a long while, hope felt real.

“I love you, Aurora,” Emette said, his voice thick with emotion.

“You can’t say that so loudly,” I whispered, glancing at Damon. He might find it weird.

“It’s okay,” Damon said gently, a soft chuckle escaping him. “I don’t find it weird at all.”

My cheeks heated. How did he—?

“I’m a little psychic,” he explained, eyes sparkling with mischief. “I can read what you’re thinking just by looking into your eyes.”

My mouth fell open. “That means you heard everything I was thinking earlier?”

“Yes,” he answered simply.

“Damon, don’t do that,” Emette scolded lightly, though amusement danced in his tone.

“Okay, this might be a problem,” I said, pointing at Damon. “Stay out of my head.”

“I will,” he promised, flashing that dimpled smile again. “Welcome to our little family, Aurora.”

“This is literally the best day of my life!” Emette exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over as he pulled me into a tight hug.

I hugged him back just as fiercely, unable to stop smiling. Only weeks ago I had been shattered, barely holding myself together. Today, even with pieces still broken inside me, I felt lighter. I knew it would get better.

It’s been over three weeks since I moved in, and every day still feels like a new adventure as I learn their rhythms and settle into this unexpected life. I’m loving it more than I expected.

Damon is often away, so Emette and I get plenty of time together, talking and laughing like we used to in the orphanage. But when Damon comes home… there’s no mistaking it. The loud, unrestrained moans that echo through the walls at night make it nearly impossible to sleep sometimes. I’ve taken to burying my head under the pillow, equal parts embarrassed and secretly amused.

This morning, I dragged myself out of bed, still feeling lazy and warm from sleep. I brushed my teeth, splashed cool water on my face, and padded downstairs toward the smell of breakfast, a small, content smile already playing on my lips.

“Good morning,” Emette greeted the moment I walked into the kitchen, his smile bright and warm. “Did you sleep well?”

I gave him a lazy look as I dropped into my chair, still half-asleep. “Can you both be a little quieter? Some of us are trying to sleep, and by ‘some of us,’ I mean me.”

Emette winced. “We’re so sorry, Aurora. We’ll be quieter. Damon is in his rut, so…”

“I get it,” I said, waving a hand as I reached for a piece of toast. “Just… tone it down a bit.” I took a slow bite, savoring the buttery warmth while fighting off another yawn.

“Damon and I are going shopping,” Emette said, eyes lighting up. “We want you to come with us.”

“Yes, come with us,” Damon added, his voice smooth and inviting.

I hadn’t been out in so long. The idea sent a little spark of excitement through me. “Okay,” I replied, a genuine smile tugging at my lips.

Breakfast passed with easy chatter. Afterward, I went upstairs, took my time getting ready, and slipped into a cute outfit. When I came down, both of them were waiting. I knew I’d probably end up playing third wheel, but I didn’t mind one bit. This life — even as the extra — felt a thousand times better than being Luna to an ungrateful pack that never valued me.

“Your outfit is beautiful,” Emette complimented as soon as he saw me.

“You look really good too,” I said, returning the smile.

Damon cleared his throat loudly, drawing our attention with a playful smirk. “Sit in front,” Emette told me. I understood and slid into the passenger seat. The drive to the store was filled with light music and laughter, and for the first time in forever, I felt light.

The store was luxurious — filled with expensive, beautiful things that made my eyes widen. We browsed together for a while before I wandered over to the ladies’ section. My fingers brushed over a stunning bag, the soft leather cool and smooth under my touch. Just as I was admiring it, another hand reached for it at the same time.

Our eyes met. The woman smiled politely.

“Can I have the bag, please?” she asked.

I nodded and let go, stepping back with a small smile.

“Babe, I want this one,” she called out sweetly.

My stomach dropped the second Lucian appeared beside her. He froze the moment his eyes locked on mine. Shock flashed across his face, mirroring the sharp twist of pain that slammed into my chest. All the memories of his betrayal rushed back — raw, aching, and suffocating. My fists clenched hard at my sides as anger and hurt burned behind my eyes.

The woman noticed his stare. “Babe, do you know her? You’re looking at her like you do.”

“Oh, I don’t know who she is,” Lucian said coldly, turning away like I was nothing.

The words sliced deeper than I expected. My heart squeezed painfully, and I had to fight the sting in my eyes.

“Baby, are you done?” a deep, familiar voice asked behind me.

I turned to see Damon approaching. Before I could process what was happening, he slid his arm around my waist and pulled me gently against him.

“Do you see anything you like, baby?” he asked, his voice warm and intimate as he gazed down at me with unmistakable affection.

My mind spun. What the hell is going on? But his touch was steady, protective, and strangely comforting in the middle of the storm raging inside me. I leaned into him just a little, letting his presence anchor me while Lucian watched from just a few feet away.