THREE HEARTBEATS

She was a tall and striking woman with generous curves and flawless skin. But today, her attractive appearance and brightly colored gown made her feel self-conscious the moment she entered the large hall, and all eyes turned to her. "Excuse me, ma'am," she muttered, squeezing past a very large woman who seemed to be blocking the way on purpose and hurried towards some empty chairs at the far left side of the hall. It was only when she was seated in one of the plastic chairs that she finally released the breath she had been holding. Like the rest of the pack members, she clapped when Alpha was invited to the podium, but she had no idea what he had just said. 'Goddess in heaven, let this be over soon,' she thought to herself, her breath catching as her eyes fell on the alpha twins. She had seen them several times before and had been in close contact occasionally. They went to the same college and became friends during their final year exams. A few weeks after graduating, Roger asked her out, and they dated for a few months until it ended badly. Since then, she had come to believe they were nothing more than spoiled brats who loved every woman in a skirt. Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted her wandering thoughts from behind. "That's our sister over there." "Who?" "Regina." "Your sister, not mine. She was adopted and has no Lindsey blood in her." "Come on, Jenny. We were the only family she had, remember?" "And I will always hate myself for that." "I thought she wouldn't come for the program." "Did she have a choice?" "I wouldn't if I were her." "Mom will fry her for dinner." "Come on, let's go sit close to her." "Sounds great, Benny. At least I’ll have someone to tease until we’re called to the podium." Regina held her breath as the two younger ladies sat beside her. They were her younger twin sisters, and they hated her with a passion. "Hey, ugly face ." She turned toward Jenny, the most troublesome of the twins, winked, and offered a weak smile. "Hi, Regina." "What's up, Benny?" Regina looked at her younger sisters and wondered how their relationship had turned so sour. Growing up together, their parents favored the twins and ensured they received the best of everything, while Regina was made to serve them. Whenever she complained, her foster mother would remind her how she had saved her from the dumpster where she would have perished from cold and hunger. Twenty-six years ago, Henry Lindsey was coming from the mine when a baby's cry caught his attention. After searching the nearby bush, Regina was found. He informed the necessary authorities and was given the right to take care of her. Henry carried her home and gave her to his wife, who accepted and saw her as her daughter. Two years later, Helena Lindsey delivered twins, and Regina was immediately relegated to the position of the family maid. Jenny leaned closer to Regina and asked, "Are you jealous that we will be introduced as the pack Luna and not you?" Regina chose to ignore her. She knew Jenny was looking for a fight, and she wasn't in the mood to indulge her. "It's okay, Jenny. You snatched Roger from me. No need to rub it in my face." "I didn't. Roger dumped you when he met me." As Jenny's betrayal flashed through her mind, Regina hissed and turned her gaze back to the podium. Four months ago, she invited Roger and Roland to her birthday party, only to be shocked when she found Jenny sitting on Roger's lap by the end of the evening. Even when he claimed it was a misunderstanding, she broke up with him and distanced herself from her sisters. Today, she only returns home because her mother insists she attend Jenny and Benny's introduction as the pack Luna. "Do you ever think Roger would marry someone like you? Someone so plain with no family or wealth?" "We were doing fine until you shamelessly threw yourself at him." Jenny shot her a murderous look and raised a hand, ready to slap Regina, but her sister intervened. "Come on, Jenny, keep it together. We will soon be leaders and can't be seen fighting in public." "You'll regret speaking to me like that." Regina was about to respond to Jenny's threat when a loud voice boomed from the front. "Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby invite Alpha Rutherford to step onto the podium." Alpha Rutherford was an older man with a tuft of white hair and a large smile. He waved for several seconds before saying, "I have held this position for thirty-three years, and you have all remained faithful and loyal to me. I appreciate you for this." A round of applause erupted in the auditorium, continuing for several minutes. Rutherford signaled for the twins to step forward and resumed his speech: "Today, I hand over my position as the pack Alpha to my sons, and I command you all to show them respect as your leaders and protectors." He paused to wipe a drop of sweat from his forehead with a white handkerchief before continuing, "Thank you all once again." The Alpha's twins were tall, handsome, and muscular, with striking chiseled jawlines and deep-blue eyes that seemed to hold untold tales and secrets. Their eyes sparkled with mischief and intensified by healthy, glowing, sun-kissed skin and slightly tousled dark brown hair that gave them a rugged yet refined look. Their expressions glistened with excitement as they were invited to the podium. Thank you. We are glad today finally arrived. It's been our dream to lead the pack like our father and our forebears. Please rest assured that you are receiving nothing less than the best from us," Roger, who was at the front, delivered his speech, bowed mildly, and stepped back. "Before I make my speech, I would like to invite our Luna to the podium. They are the best of us, and together, we will be leading this pack. Please step forward -," Roland paused his speech, feeling a sudden rush of adrenaline that was followed by a strange sensation in his body. This made him mind-link his brother, 'What's going on, Roger? I am feeling lightheaded and can hear some fluttering in my chest.' 'I feel like that as well. Have we been poisoned again?' 'Doubtful. This is a sweet and exhilarating feeling that -, oh my goodness! I hope that is not what I am thinking?' 'What are you thinking dude? Please tell me what is going on.' 'Can you feel that strange scent?' 'Yes. What could be the reason for this?' 'The curse is broken, and our mates are here.' A few steps away, Regina's eyes suddenly popped out when a fresh fragrance filled her nose. A smell so sweet that she inhaled deeply and then opened her mouth to drag in a mouthful. A moment later, her heart skipped a beat, expanded, and then contracted, making her shake violently. Without being told, Regina realized what was happening to her. 'My mate is here.'