Their Little Wolf

Chapter Three

I trembled as the Trios’ eyes bore into mine. I expected ridicule and rejection, but instead, they all gazed at me with fierce intensity. I didn’t know whom to look at; their eyes made my heart race and my thoughts spin. I dropped my gaze, their scents filling my nose as they mixed, threatening to break my desire to run.

I tried to move further away from Sebastian, hissing in pain when my leg ached, stopping me from going far.

They all watched me, their focus snapping at my injuries.

“Ariella,” Heath’s voice was laced with worry. “You should let us take you to the hospital,”

I shook my head, glancing down at the superficial wounds, knowing I’d be fine if my Wolf was strong enough in a few days. The bleeding had stopped, and now the subcutaneous and dermis layers had to reform- there wouldn’t even be a scar.

Plus, the thought of Doctor Alexa’s harsh words floated to the front of my mind.

I shook my head again. “I'm fine," I muttered, shuffling to try and stand properly - unsure if I wanted to leave or get comfortable.

Warrick's eyes narrowed when I wobbled, stepping forward and reaching for me. A rush of warmth flooded my cheeks as he took my hands in his, helping me to my feet. He reached up to caress my face, seeming drawn like a magnet, and I stilled. A small gasp left me at the fire of his caress.

Feeling the warmth and safety his touch brought- I nuzzled against his hand, his eyes burning with possessive fire at the action.

"As long as you're not in pain," Warrick rumbled, his thumb gliding over my skin, and I found myself shaking my head.

Heath and Sebastian closed in, their movements synchronised as they flanked me, as they had before, their hands reaching to touch me.

My breath caught when all three touched me, my skin igniting with sparks and flames of desire, pulling me in three directions.

"Little wolf," Warrick whispered, his breath tickling my ear as his hand glided across my waist. I found myself leaning into his chest without realising it.

My mind tangled, rational thinking and the bond warring inside of me.

"Wait-" I hesitated, tensing in their arms as they surrounded me, the serenity overtaken by panic and suffocation.

Warrick's eyes tightened, seeming to understand. His voice was low and edged with guilt. "We're sorry—for everything, Ariella." He gently stroked my jaw with his thumb, tender and possessive.

Seb's hands grazed the other side of my hip, tender but firm, a ripple of arousal shooting through me as he squeezed me gently, his fingers pressing into my hip.

"You've always driven our Wolves mad. Now I know why," Warrick continued in a murmur, his voice a rough rasp as he inhaled my scent again, now more potent and defined. I could see his eyes darken to a deep black, and a low growl escaped his lips, sending a wave of panic through me. Without thinking, I scrambled away from him, my heart racing as I tried to run for some kind of safety, my eyes locking onto Sebastian's unmade bed - the furthest I could get without jumping out the window.

"Wait, baby, don't!" With Alpha's grace, Sebastian moved swiftly, blocking me and extending his arms to his bed.

The look of guilt and shame in his eyes made me stop.

"You can hide in the corner, but..." he glanced back at his bedding, his expression tight. I felt confusion cross my face until the breeze from the open window swept the room, and I smelt a fifth scent.

Heavy and sweet, my heart twisted when I realised what it was.

Another She-Wolf's arousal.

It came from Seb's bed.

I couldn't stop the welling of tears as I looked at him, feeling something akin to betrayal. He growled to himself, shame darkening his eyes as he turned and yanked the blankets and sheets off the bed, the sudden movement making me squeak in surprise. His concerned eyes met mine, flickering with complicated emotions. He wrapped the crumpled fabric around his large arm and strode purposefully to the window.

The night air rushed in as he threw the bundle outside with a determined flick of his wrist. His chest heaved with barely contained emotions as he turned to me, the moonlight casting a silvery glow over his tanned skin and rippling muscles. His bright eyes remained fixed on me, a deep sadness etched across his face.

"I'm sorry—" he started, taking a cautious step toward me, but he hesitated, his expression searching mine for any sign of acceptance or understanding. "I should really learn to clean my own sheets, but I'm worried I'll f**k it up - break a machine or something," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck, an awkward smirk pulling at his lips as he tried to break the tension and emotions.

Seb had always gained my forgiveness the easiest - usually through self-deprecation.

I choked back a laugh, ignoring Warrick and Heath's annoyed and stunned expressions. I found myself reaching out for Sebastian.

"I-It's okay," I murmured, his eyes lighting up. He took my hand, stepping closer to me, and a small smile tugged at my lips. "I don't trust you with the school washing machines either," I admitted.

Seb grinned, his hand wrapping my waist to pull me against him, frowning when our skin met. "Baby, you're cold." He noted before looking down, his eyes darkening when he realised I was still completely naked.

I blushed and quickly pulled away from him, covering myself as best I could, and my eyes darted around the room, looking for something better.

"Princess," Heath called me softly, drawing my attention to Warrick as he tugged off his shirt. His muscular torso revealed as he approached me, his movements confident and commanding.

"Arms up, little one," he grunted, his voice deep and gravelly, echoing with authority.

I followed his command, feeling a warmth spread through me. I felt the wave of tender emotions swirl as Warrick carefully dressed me. He leaned down and captured me with an intense Alpha's stare that sent a shiver down my spine.

"T-thank you, Alpha," I whispered, my voice barely escaping my lips, small and timid.

His eyes narrowed, reflecting a mixture of frustration and desire. "Warrick," he corrected me firmly but gently.

Panic surged within me as I instinctively shook my head. He was my Alpha—at least until he chose to mark me—and I feared the implications of someone overhearing me call him that.

Warrick’s hand gripped my chin, firm yet tender, holding me in place as he saw the turmoil in my eyes. "We'll make it up to you, Ari. We're so sorry for everything we did," he whispered, his voice dropping to a low, sincere timbre that made my heart race. "I'd mark you now if you’d let me."

The question spilled from my lips before I could stop myself. "You want me?"

As soon as the words left me, their faces transformed; a complex mix of hurt, longing, and simmering anger flickered across their features.

Lingering near the doorway, Heath was the first to speak, his voice almost a whisper. "I know I do."

Our eyes locked, and I saw the softness in his expression, a contrast to the intensity of the moment.

Seb moved beside me, his hand running across the small of my back, drawing my attention. "I do as well," he admitted, his eyes shining as he looked down at me - like I was the most precious thing.

Warrick glanced at his brothers, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "We all want you, little Wolf. You're ours; you have been for a while," he declared, my breath catching in my throat. His smirk turned into a grin. You're the only one who didn't know it."

Seb chuckled at my stunned expression, Heath giving me an almost apologetic smile.

Warrick’s focus shifted back to me as he searched my face. "You need sleep, little wolf," he declared finally, pulling me away from my racing thoughts. A slight smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, adding a more playful undertone to the atmosphere. "Whose room are you sleeping in?"

Without hesitation, both Heath and Sebastian replied. "Mine."

They glared at each other, a shine of possession being shared between them.

Warrick gave a slight growl, looking at them both.

They fell silent, ducking their eyes, realising he wasn't asking them.

They muttered a sorry - to me.

Warrick ignored them, stroking my cheek and pushing my hair back, his eyes falling on me. "Where do you want to sleep, baby?" He asked, a smirk on his lips again as my mind raced.

I couldn't wrap my head around sleeping in Sebastian's room—not while it smelled like another woman. And being in either Heath's or Warrick's room —my stomach tightened, and I blushed.

Sebastian's grin turned to teasing, smelling my arousal at my thoughts.

Another reason his room was off limits until I could stop the devilish thoughts his smirk brought to me.

I looked away, an answer finally spilling from me. "My room."

They all narrowed their brows in disapproving.

Warrick sighed, reaching out, and I was suddenly cradled in his arms.

I squeaked, looking up at him, but he ignored me.

He tucked me in close, walking for the door.

He stopped momentarily at Sebastian's open closet, grabbed a folded-up jumper and continued out of the bedroom.

Ignoring Heath and Sebastian calling out to him, asking what the f**k he was doing.

He continued walking, his head high and eyes set down the hallway.

I found myself curling into him. His warmth and comfort were incredibly soothing, and I started to fall asleep.

"Hey, little wolf?" Warrick's deep chuckle woke me, making me look around to see I was sitting on the sink of his ensuite.

He had a pair of sweats and socks, along with Sebastian's jumper, waiting beside me.

He stepped away, seeing I was awake and cupped my cheek. "Have a shower. Let me check your leg, and then we'll walk you to your room, okay?"

I blinked but nodded. "Yes, Alpha."

He scowled at me but left me in the bathroom, silently closing the door behind him.

I scowled back through the closed door.

I used the showers in the training field gym; why should he be surprised I won't start calling him Warrick?

Just because he was my mate didn't mean he and his brothers hadn't spent the last three years bullying, teasing and belittling me that this whole place hadn't gone out of its way to remind me of my status amongst the Pack.

The only people who ever showed they cared were my adoptive family—Beta Zane, his wife Reyne, and their twin sons, Elijah and Jackson. They were my best friends, the next Betas of our Pack. They all raised and protected me. Beta Zane was a proud and protective man who kept me out of harm's way and taught me to defend myself well enough against it.

I showered quickly, not letting the surroundings or the wonderful smell of hazelnuts distract me.

I hesitated when I stepped out, realising Warrick hadn't left me a towel.

There was only his, though untouched; it felt odd using it.

I went to start dressing when a minor knock came at the door.

I expected it just to open, but the knock came again after a moment of silence.

Warrick's voice called, pitched with concern. "Ari? Are you okay, baby?"

My heart fluttered - he never called me Ari.

I stepped to the door, opening it enough for Warrick to see me.

I blushed, seeing him smirk at me. "I-I need a towel-" Warrick lifted a fluffy pink towel into view, a small embarrassed chuckle leaving him as I realised it was my towel.

"I thought you'd prefer yours," He simply said as I took it.

"Thank you," I muttered, taking it and closing the door quickly, overcome with the need to show affection.

Like taking him in my mouth on the bathroom floor.

I shook my head of the thoughts, ignoring the heat that flooded my cheeks and thighs and dried off.

A jumper from Sebastian's, pants from Heath, and Warrick's shirt and socks sat on the sink, a small smile playing on my lips as I pulled them on. They were enormous on my petite body, but they were incredibly snug and smelt like the most amazing, serene escape.

When I finally exited the bathroom, I found the triplets sitting around Warrick's bed in the corner of the room.

Warrick was the only one standing. Sebastian lay back with his legs bent over the edge, and Heath rested his arms on his knees, wringing his hands together.

They all looked at me, making me freeze on instinct.

I clasped my hands and ducked my eyes, remembering Warrick's list.

I shyly pulled the hem of the jumper up and tugged the side of my waist pants down, turning to show him my side.

I squeaked as hands suddenly grabbed me.

Warrick crouched at my hip, his hands moving the clothing to examine the dermis layer beginning to heal.

Sebastian and Heath watched me from his bed, their eyes dark, as they waited for their brother's damage assessment.

I shivered when his fingers trailed the claw marks, a small smile playing on his lips as he glanced up at me, seeing me bite my lip.

"It'll be back to perfect by morning," he purred, leaning forward and kissing my hip.

A whimpered left me, a desire to flood me at his touch as he kissed again.

I moved away, my Wolf snarling at me when I saw the hurt look in Warrick's eyes, his hands lowering slowly.

He watched me, raising to his feet, his eyes pinning me with a swirl of determination and possession. "Heath will walk you to your room," he gritted.

I shrank, unsure why, other than my Wolf begging me not to leave him, any of them.

I ducked my eyes, bit my lip and forced a nod.

My Wolf cried, my heart twisting painfully.

She whined when my legs shook, trying to urge me towards the bed. I resisted her; a part of me was still terrified that this was a cruel joke.

They'd find me unworthy and reject me.

The brothers shared a look, their brows narrowing with emotions.

Heath slipped off the bed, reaching out for me.

I reached back on instinct, letting him take my hands and pull me into a comforting and gentle hug.

"We want you to stay," Heath's usually sweet voice came out rough, with a dark edge that scared and excited me. His warmth enveloping me as he embraced me gently. He leaned back, looking at me with dark eyes, his hand pushing my hair from my face. "But, we know you need time...we won't force you, little wolf." He said, his voice soft and assuring, going to pull away from me.

A whine left me, panic flooding me, and I tugged him instantly back to me.

He let me, smirking at my childish action.

Heath chuckled, tapping my chin with affection that warmed my heart. "We're not going anywhere." His grin was so convincing and charming that my heart softened, and I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face into his chest.

His breath caught, his heart thudding in his chest unevenly for a moment before he relaxed into me.

He held me for a few moments, the warmth of Warrick and Sebastian suddenly surrounding me. Their hands touched me softly, pulling me away.

"Come on, sweet girl," Sebastian chuckled, making me raise my head and open my eyes, not realising I was falling asleep again.

I blinked sluggishly, Sebastian leaning down and chuckling, his nose brushing against mine.

I froze, my Wolf yipping as I realised he was nuzzling me.

I found myself letting go of Heath, only to wrap my arms around Sebastian's large shoulders, letting him pick me up and loop my legs around his waist.

He sighed contently, his arms circling my tiny waist as he hugged me. "You smell so good," he whispered against my neck, his nose trailing patterns as he smelt me.

I giggled sleepily, a lustful growl leaving Sebastian, and he suddenly tugged my hair, making me look up at him.

His eyes were obsidian. "f**k, that noise is worse." His hips moved, his hand on my back moving to my ass, and I felt the hardness of him pressed against me.

My eyes flared, finally realising what he meant.

His canines extended as he licked his lips, his eyes pinned to a spot of my neck.