Reverse Harem

The day of the Christmas party had started like any other. Lena woke up to the sound of her alarm blaring, the gray skies outside her window mirroring her mood. The excitement that had once surrounded this event was gone, replaced by an ache that hadn’t dulled since Jackson’s apology three days ago. “I’m sorry, Lena,” he had said, avoiding her gaze. “I didn’t mean for this to happen, but... she’s my mate. You understand, don’t you?” She hadn’t understood then, and she still didn’t. The concept of mates was sacred in their world, an unbreakable bond chosen by the Moon Goddess herself. But understanding didn’t make it hurt any less. Now, as Lena walked through the gymnasium doors, she forced herself to smile. Her crimson dress hugged her frame perfectly, and her mother had even braided her dark hair into an intricate updo. She looked every bit the part of a girl ready to have fun, but inside, she felt hollow. She spent the first hour lingering near the refreshments table, sipping on watered-down punch and dodging concerned glances from her friends. They didn’t know what to say to her. What could they say? She had been humiliated, abandoned for a destiny she couldn’t compete with. “Lena, come dance!” one of her classmates called out, but she shook her head, offering a weak wave. As the night dragged on, her attention was drawn to the mistletoe tradition. It was supposed to be lighthearted fun—an excuse for students to steal kisses under the festive sprig. But tonight, it felt like salt in the wound. “Lena,” a deep, familiar voice interrupted her thoughts. Her breath caught as she turned to see Ryker standing before her. His broad shoulders were emphasized by his fitted black shirt, his silver tie catching the glimmer of the Christmas lights. His stormy gray eyes bore into hers, and for a moment, she forgot how to breathe. “Ryker,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “What are you doing all the way over here?” he asked, tilting his head. Before she could respond, Ryder appeared at her side, his presence just as overwhelming. “We couldn’t help but notice you were all alone,” he said, his voice smooth and teasing. His blue tie matched the sharp glint in his eyes, and his easy grin made her heart race. River was the last to join, his playful energy like a spark in the air. “Can’t have that now, can we?” he said, his green tie slightly askew, giving him a roguish charm. Lena blinked, her mind racing. It wasn’t uncommon to see the triplets together, but having all three of them focused on her? That was unheard of. “I—I’m fine, really,” she managed, though her voice wavered. Ryker smirked, his gaze dropping to the mistletoe. “Doesn’t look like you’re fine to me,” he said, stepping closer. The crowd seemed to part around them, murmurs spreading as the triplets guided her beneath the mistletoe. Lena’s cheeks burned, her pulse pounding in her ears. “Let’s give them something to talk about,” Ryder said with a wink. And then it happened. Ryker leaned in first, his lips warm and commanding, leaving her breathless. Ryder followed, his kiss softer but no less electrifying. Finally, River’s kiss was playful and lingering, as if he enjoyed the game more than anyone. When it was over, Lena was left staring at them, her mind blank. “What... what just happened?” she managed to whisper. Ryker grinned, his voice low and velvety. “Something tells me your night just got a lot more interesting.” As the triplets exchanged knowing glances, Lena realized one thing: her life was no longer her own. Something bigger was at play, and it all started with three unexpected kisses under the mistletoe.