Chapter 34
1559 Words
Gwen
I woke to a faint warmth in the sheets beside me, like someone had just left. Cain’s scent lingered faintly, but the room was empty. I sat up slowly, pushing the covers off. My body still ached in places I didn’t like to think about, but I was getting stronger. Every day.
The triplets had stayed up late last night talking with me. We’d laughed a little. Avoided the harder topics. When I eventually nodded off, they’d all kissed my cheek or forehead, then left for their own rooms.
Now, the sun was slanting through my windows and my stomach rumbled. Tea, I thought. And something bready.
I threw on one of the oversized hoodies Cain had left for me—soft, dark gray, and worn in—and padded barefoot out into the hallway. The palace, or whatever you called this massive place, was confusing. I passed a gallery filled with portraits I didn't recognize, an empty sunroom, and then what might have been a library except the shelves stretched higher than I could see.
I was nearly ready to turn back when I heard voices. Familiar ones.
Cain. Cole. Cash.
I slowed, footsteps soft on the marble, and crept up to the partially open door. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop—at least not at first—but then I heard my name.
“…we can’t drop something like this on her now,” Cain said. His voice was tight, strained. “She’s still healing. She just got her wolf back.”
“She hasn’t gotten Akira back yet,” Cole said. “Not fully. But I don’t think lying to her will help with that.”
“I’m not saying lie,” Cain snapped. “I’m saying wait.”
“I think she can handle it,” Cash cut in. “She’s stronger than she looks. And if we want her to be Queen, she needs the full truth.”
There was a pause.
“Her father's signature is on seven transfer documents,” Cole said quietly. “Not just for the Middle Moon pack. For the IronClaw and SteelPaw trades too.”
Something ice cold slid down my spine. I pushed the door open without thinking.
All three of their heads snapped toward me. Cain stood. “Gwen—”
“Don’t,” I said sharply. “Don’t say it wasn’t what it sounded like.”
I stepped into the room, ignoring how it felt like the oxygen had been sucked out. “You found my father’s name on documents approving the sale of Omegas. And you were deciding whether or not to tell me.”
Cain’s jaw clenched. “We didn’t want to hurt you—”
I held up my hand. “I’m not made of glass. I’m not going to break just because the truth is ugly. I’ve lived ugly. I’ve survived it. You think I can’t survive a few papers with my father’s name?”
Cash’s face was unreadable, but I saw a flicker of guilt behind his bright green eyes. Cole looked down, frowning deeply.
“You’re my mates,” I said, my voice rising. “And I’m your future Queen. You don’t get to protect me by lying or keeping secrets. If I’m going to stand beside you, I need the full truth. Always.”
No one said anything.
“I need some air,” I muttered, turning on my heel and walking out.
I stormed down the hall, heart hammering. I didn’t want to cry. I refused to cry over them hiding something from me. But it burned. The betrayal of it.
Back in my room, I grabbed my phone and called the one person who would understand.
Jordan picked up on the second ring. “Hey. You okay?”
“Not really,” I said, pacing the floor. “The triplets—Cain—were keeping things from me. About the brothel. About my father.”
Jordan exhaled sharply. “You're kidding.”
“He signed documents, Jo,” I whispered. “He was part of it.”
There was silence on the line, then Jordan said softly, “Derrick and I are on our way to the Capital City Pack. We appointed a temporary Alpha for Middle Moon. I was going to surprise you.”
I sat down on the edge of the bed, my throat tight. “I miss you.”
“I miss you too. But Gwen? Don’t let them coddle you. You’re a damn queen.”
A tear slipped down my cheek, but I smiled. “Thanks.”
Cain
I found her sitting cross-legged on her bed, a book in her lap and a steaming mug of tea beside her. Her hair was a mess, and her eyes were red. I knocked gently and stepped inside.
“Hey.”
She didn’t look up at first, just flipped a page.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
She looked up then, sharp and guarded. “For what exactly? Lying, or assuming I couldn’t handle the truth?”
I winced. “Both.”
I moved closer, but not too close. “You have every right to be angry. We… I thought I was doing the right thing. But I forgot you’re not just my mate. You’re not someone who needs protecting. You’re someone who needs the truth.”
She stared at me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Don’t let it happen again.”
“Never,” I promised.
She set the book aside. “So. You said you had files? On the packs involved?”
I nodded and offered her my hand. She took it.
In the boardroom, the table was covered in maps and papers. Cole and Cash looked up as we entered, both clearly unsure where they stood. Gwen didn’t hesitate.
“I have information that might help,” she said, walking to the map.
She pointed to three territories. “IronClaw, StoneFang, and SteelPaw. Alphas Vincent, Rorik, and Dale. All ruthless, all paranoid, and all extremely loyal to Alpha Karl. They’ve been exchanging Omegas for favors for years.”
Cash stepped forward, eyes narrowing. “And you know this how?”
“My father trained me to memorize things,” Gwen said calmly. “Including the people he did business with. Even if I didn’t know what kind of business it was at the time.”
I felt something warm in my chest as I watched her—my mate. My future Queen. Sharp as a dagger and brave as hell.
“Let’s take these bastards down,” she said.
Gwen
The meeting in the boardroom had left me wired — and exhausted. I’d been too proud to show it, but as soon as we stepped into the hallway, the adrenaline began to fade. My arms ached, my brain buzzed, and Akira stirred weakly at the edges of my consciousness like a fading whisper.
Cain walked beside me, his hand gently resting on the small of my back like he needed to remind himself I was still with him. Cash and Cole flanked us, their presence solid, unwavering.
We were heading to the dining room, the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread drifting down the corridor, when I stopped suddenly. The three of them halted too, immediately alert.
Cain’s brows furrowed. “Are you okay?”
“I am,” I said. And I was — mostly. “But I need something from you.”
All three of them turned to face me. I could feel the bond humming between us, warm and electric. My voice came out quieter than I expected, but certain. “After dinner, I want to meet your wolves.”
Cain blinked. “Our wolves?”
I nodded. “I know they’re part of you. I want to know all of you. And…” I hesitated, swallowing the knot in my throat. “I think it might help me reach Akira.”
For a beat, no one said anything. Then Cole stepped closer, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You think seeing our wolves might bring her forward?”
“She’s… distant,” I admitted. “Since Justin. Since everything. But when I’m around you three, I feel her trying to push through. If I meet the other halves of you, maybe it’ll help her find her way back.”
Cash exchanged a look with Cain, then shrugged a little. “I mean, our wolves are ridiculously good looking,” he said with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood. “Couldn’t hurt.”
Cain chuckled, low and rough. “If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
He nodded, stepping in close enough for our arms to brush. “Then after dinner, we’ll take you to the clearing just outside the palace gates. It’s private, and safe.”
A spark of nervous excitement lit in my chest. “Thank you.”
Cole offered his hand. “Let’s get food first. You’ll need your strength if you’re going to meet our wolves.”
Cain smirked. “Yeah. My wolf thinks he’s a legend. He’s dramatic.”
“I’m already exhausted,” I muttered with a grin as we continued walking.
But deep down, a flutter of hope bloomed.
Maybe tonight, I’d see Akira again.
Maybe she’d remember how to run.
- Writer
