Three Alphas One Mate

Five

Alexander's POV

Vanessa trembled beneath my hand as I held her close, my palm firm on her waist. She didn’t look fragile—not with those sharp green eyes daring me to let go, but I could feel her pulse racing under my fingertips.

A storm was coming. I could smell it.

Across the room, Benedict and Nicolas stood like beasts ready to strike, their rage battering me through the mindlink.

Take your hands off her, Alex, Nicolas snapped, his tone like a whip. She’s not yours. I won’t let you do this. Not this time.

My grip tightened. She's mine. You both know it.

Before Nicolas could respond, Benedict’s cold voice slid into my mind.

You had a mate, Alex. Isabelle. She’s dead. There are no second chances.

The words stabbed deep, ripping open woimds I'd spent eighteen months trying to stitch close. Losing my parents to the enemy ambush had been agony. Losing Isabelle, my soul mate. in the same blood-soaked night had nearly destroyed me.

I’d sworn I would never feel again. Never love again. Only hunt. Only kill.

And then this human girl walked in and shattered that vow with one glance.

My growl rumbled through the link. This isn’t about the past. Vanessa is mine.

Nicolas’s rage burned hotter. Funny, because my beast says she’s mine. So unless you want to fight me right here, back off.

I turned on him, my own anger coiling tight. You? The playboy who can’t keep his attention on anyone for more than a week?

He smirked, but there was no humor in it. Maybe I finally found someone worth keeping.

Benedict moved closer, his eyes like ice. You’re both jokers. I can scent her, too. She’s my mate.

Three claims.

Three alphas.

One girl.

The room went still, suffocating like the moment before a battle cry. My wolf surged forward, ready to tear them apart.

Vanessa stumbled back, breaking free of my hold. “What the hell is wrong with you three?” Her voice shook with disbelief. “You’re fighting like I’m some prize to be won instead of just letting me go.”

Her words sliced through the tension, grounding me for half a heartbeat. I forced my voice calm.

“It’s not that simple.”

She laughed, but it was raw and bitter. “not that simple? i didn’t come here for this!I came to—” Her voice cracked, and she shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I just want to leave.”

Her voice cracked on the last word. The sound gutted me.

Nicolas flinched. Benedict’s jaw tightened.

This wasn’t just about us anymore. That bastard Desmond had betrayed her—married our cousin, Isla, while stringing Vanessa along.

From the doorway, Vanessa's friend spoke softly. A tiny girl with blunt blond bangs and eyes so blue they looked almost transparent.

“Vanessa, maybe we should just… sit this out?”

“No,” Vanessa snapped, tears glinting in her eyes. “Not until I get answers.”

Benedict’s tone softened. “Then listen. Desmond lied to you. He never loved you. You were too naive to catch his lies.”

She rounded on him. “Don’t you dare speak like you know me.”

Her fire… God, it was intoxicating.

I stepped between them before Benedict could push her further.

“Enough. You’re under my protection until the full moon.”

“Protection?” She scoffed, her voice shaking. “From what? You three clawing each other’s eyes out over me?”

Nicolas crossed his arms, his dimple flashing in a mocking grin. “See, Alex? You’re scaring her. Maybe you’re the one she needs protecting from.”

I snarled at him through the link. Keep pushing me, Nicolas. See what happens.

His eyes glinted dangerously. Gladly.

“Professor Hale,” Vanessa said desperately, turning to the older man in the corner. “Please tell them we’re not whatever they think we are.”

The Professor sighed and stepped forward, already weary from the back and forth. “My alphas, she’s telling the truth. Vanessa is my student. She poses no threat.”

“Doesn’t matter,” I said. “Council’s orders; ritual first.”

She pressed a hand to her temple. “I just want to go home.”

“You will,” I said quietly. “But not yet.”

Nicolas chuckled, his sarcasm returning like a blade sliding free. “Since she’s stuck here, might as well make it fun. Stick with me, sweetheart.”

Through the link, my fury sharpened to a lethal edge. I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m not sharing her. Not with either of you.

Not happening, Nicolas shot back, his face flushing red.

Benedict’s voice went low and dangerous. Not this time. I’ve got nothing left to lose.

For a moment, the only sound was Vanessa’s ragged breathing.

Nicolas gave me a hard stare. Guess it’s showtime, brothers. May the best man win.

“Professor,” I said aloud, never taking my eyes off my brothers. “Keep her friend safe. Vanessa stays with me.”

I reached for Vanessa’s hand, but she ripped it back.

This was spiraling beyond my control. Three Lycan Alphas, one human girl, and a full moon ritual looming over us all.

I met my brothers’ gazes, my wolf snarling for dominance.

May the best Alpha win, I repeated through the link.

But as Vanessa’s tear-bright eyes locked on mine, a vow burned inside me, silent and unbreakable.

It wouldn’t be them.

It would never be them.