Fated Under the Full Moon: Love Between Enemy Packs

Chapter 6: Morning

The alarm rang precisely at 6 AM, jolting me awake. I had barely slept, my mind churning with memories of the previous night. Despite the fatigue, I clung to my morning routine as a lifeline, a ritual of precision and control that was as vital to me as the air I breathed.

I slid out of bed, the chill of the floor biting at my feet. My room, bathed in the gentle light of dawn, was a testament to order and discipline. Maps of our territory and portraits of past Alphas adorned the walls, their gaze a constant reminder of the legacy I was bound to uphold.

I quickly dressed in my running gear, the snug fabric a comforting embrace. Stepping outside, I was greeted by the serene silence of the forest. The morning dew clung to the foliage, and I inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp, fresh air. I began my run, the rhythm of my footsteps on the dirt path a soothing cadence in the stillness of dawn.

After my run, I moved on to my pull-ups. The cold iron bar was a welcome challenge. Each pull was an exercise in endurance and strength, my muscles burning with exertion. I pushed myself harder, driven by the need to stay at my peak.

Satisfied with my workout, I returned inside for my skincare routine. The mirror reflected a determined, composed version of myself. I meticulously cleansed and moisturized, each step grounding me in the present and sharpening my focus for the day ahead.

A long, hot shower followed, the steam enveloping me and easing the tension from my muscles. As the hot water cascaded over me, I let my thoughts clear, the routine providing a mental reset.

Refreshed and dressed, I turned to my desk, where a stack of Post-its awaited. Each note represented a day’s tasks—meetings, decisions, training sessions. I scanned them quickly, mentally organizing the day’s agenda.

With everything in order, I headed to the grand hall for breakfast. The long table was set with an array of tempting dishes, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked bread filled the room. Normally, this was my quiet time, a moment for strategizing and preparing for the day.

But today, as I entered the room, I stopped short. My father, Alpha Raphael, was seated at the head of the table, his usual authoritative presence enhanced by the triplets—Robert, Maximus, and Julius—sitting beside him.

My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly masked my surprise, straightening my posture as I approached the table.

“Good morning,” I greeted, trying to keep my voice steady even as my mind raced. Why were they here?

The triplets looked up, their expressions inscrutable. My father sipped his coffee, his gaze calm but unreadable.

“Vittoria,” he said, his tone authoritative yet calm. “We have a lot to discuss today.”

"Sure," I mumbled, trying to maintain composure as the coffee was placed in front of me. A cappuccino with almond milk, topped with a delicate swan in the foam. I usually appreciated such artistry, but today it seemed a fragile distraction from the storm inside me. My eyes flicked between my father and the triplets, who were far too at ease at our table.

“I thought it would be nice to show the boys around our pack lands today. Would you care to join us?” Raphael’s tone was casual, but there was an underlying weight to his words.

“Cappuccino with almond milk? You have got good taste,” Julius’s voice suddenly slipped into my mind, soft and disconcerting.

I froze. What? Julius was communicating with me telepathically? That wasn’t supposed to happen—was it? My heartbeat quickened, not just from the shock but from the realization that my private thoughts might no longer be private.

*Relax, Princess,* came Maximus’s voice through the mind link, laced with amusement. *We’re not here to invade your thoughts... unless you want us to.*

I gripped the edge of the table, trying to maintain a neutral expression. Inside, my wolf was practically purring with pleasure, but I needed to stay in control.

*Don’t worry, Vittoria,* Robert’s voice was softer, more controlled, yet intense. *We’ll respect your privacy... but it’s nice to know we can reach you, isn’t it?*

My mind raced. How was I supposed to manage this? The idea of them reading my thoughts was both thrilling and terrifying. I took a deep, deliberate breath, trying to focus on the breakfast before me.

*Mind your manners, boys,* I projected back with as much authority as I could muster. *This is still my pack.*

A ripple of surprise flowed through the link, and I could almost hear the smirks forming on their faces.

*Yes, Luna,* Julius replied, his voice tinged with playful submission.

Maximus chuckled. *We wouldn’t dream of overstepping, Princess. Just don’t forget we’re here to stay.*

Robert’s presence lingered in the back of my mind, a steady pulse that made it difficult to stay irritated.

I cut off the mind link with a mental snap, needing to regain my focus. I had to stay composed, especially with my father scrutinizing me.

"Vittoria?" my father prompted, still awaiting my response to his invitation.

“Of course, Father,” I said, finally managing to spread the blueberry jam across my toast without trembling. "I’d be happy to join you."

Despite my calm words, I couldn’t shake the feeling that today’s tour would be anything but ordinary. And judging by the heat lingering in the back of my mind, I knew the triplets were anticipating something more than just a simple tour.