Mated to Triplet Alphas After Rejected by One

Chapter 3: Unexpected Sanctuary

Consciousness returned slowly, like wading through a thick fog. The first thing I became aware of was softness – an all-encompassing comfort that seemed to cradle my battered body. It was so different from the hard, unyielding ground of the cliff that for a moment, I wondered if I had died after all.

But no. The dull ache permeating every inch of my body was proof enough that I was still very much alive.

I forced my heavy eyelids open, blinking against the soft golden light that filled the room. Wait... room?

Confusion washed over me as I took in my surroundings. This was no hospital room, with its stark white walls and antiseptic smell. Instead, I found myself in what could only be described as a luxurious bedroom.

Warm, honey-colored walls stretched up to a high, vaulted ceiling. Ornate wooden beams criss-crossed overhead, casting intricate shadows in the gentle light. The bed I lay in was enormous, easily big enough for three people, with silken sheets and a plush comforter that felt like a cloud against my skin.

To my right, floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of a dense forest, the trees swaying gently in a breeze I couldn't feel. To my left, a crackling fireplace cast a warm glow across the room, the dancing flames reflecting off the polished wood of antique furniture.

This room... it was fit for royalty. Bigger and more lavish than even Lilith's room back home, and worlds away from the tiny space I'd called my own for so many years.

Where was I? How had I gotten here? The last thing I remembered was the cliff, the searing pain in my chest, and then... darkness.

I tried to sit up, to get a better look at my surroundings, but a wave of dizziness washed over me. Every muscle in my body protested the movement, and I fell back against the pillows with a soft groan.

"Hello?" I called out, my voice barely more than a whisper. It was all I could manage, my throat raw and parched as if I'd swallowed sand. "Is anyone there?"

For a long moment, there was only silence. Then, just as I was beginning to wonder if I'd imagined the whole thing, I heard the sound of approaching footsteps.

The door swung open, and I found myself face to face with three of the most striking men I'd ever seen.

They filed into the room one by one, each radiating an aura of power and authority that made my breath catch in my throat. These weren't just any werewolves – these were Alphas, or at least Alpha-in-training. I could feel it in the way the very air seemed to crackle with their presence.

The one in the lead was tall and broad-shouldered, with short, jet-black hair and piercing dark eyes that seemed to look right through me. His face was all hard angles and sharp planes, like it had been carved from granite. He moved with the fluid grace of a predator, every step purposeful and controlled.

Just behind him came a slightly shorter man with unruly brown hair and dancing hazel eyes. Where the first man's expression was serious, almost stern, this one wore a roguish grin that spoke of mischief and adventure. He seemed to vibrate with barely contained energy, as if standing still was a challenge.

The third man was the last to enter, and my breath caught in my throat as our eyes met. He was tall and lean, with long auburn hair tied back in a loose ponytail. But it was his eyes that captured me – a deep, soulful green that seemed to hold all the wisdom of the forest within them. There was a gentleness to his features, a quiet strength that contrasted sharply with the more obvious power of his companions.

"You're awake," the first man said, his deep voice rumbling through the room. "How are you feeling?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but all that came out was a dry croak. Immediately, the third man stepped forward, concern etched on his face.

"Here," he said softly, reaching for a pitcher on the bedside table. "Let me get you some water."

As he poured the water into a crystal glass, I couldn't help but notice the graceful movement of his hands. Long, elegant fingers wrapped around the glass as he held it out to me.

"Thank you," I managed to whisper, taking the glass with trembling hands. Our fingers brushed for the briefest moment, and I gasped as a jolt of... something... shot through me. It was like a warm current, spreading from that point of contact throughout my entire body. For a moment, the constant ache that had plagued me since waking seemed to recede.

I looked up at him, startled, and saw an answering shock in those green eyes. Had he felt it too?

"I'm Asher," he said softly, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "And these are my brothers, Lucian and Kael."

He gestured to the other two men, who were watching our interaction with varying degrees of interest.

"I'm Seraphina," I replied, my voice a little stronger after the water. "But... where am I? What happened?"

The first man – Lucian, I reminded myself – stepped forward. "You're in the Shadow Ridge Pack territory," he explained, his tone businesslike but not unkind. "We found you unconscious on the cliff at the edge of our lands. You were badly injured, so we brought you back here to recover."

The Shadow Ridge Pack. My eyes widened as the name registered. Even in my sheltered life in the Crimson Moon Pack, I'd heard whispers of the Shadow Ridge. They were said to be the most powerful pack in the region, perhaps in the entire country. Their Alpha was legendary, both feared and respected by wolves far and wide.

And now I was in their territory, their guest. Or their prisoner? A tendril of fear wormed its way into my gut.

"Don't worry," the second brother – Kael – spoke up, as if reading my thoughts. His voice was lighter than Lucian's, with a hint of laughter always lurking beneath the surface. "You're safe here. No one's going to hurt you."

"We will contact your pack," Lucian added. "Let them know you're here and recovering."

At the mention of my pack, a fresh wave of pain washed over me – not physical this time, but emotional. Memories of that fateful night came rushing back. Marcus's rejection. Lilith's betrayal. My parents' indifference.

"No," I choked out, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "Please, I can't... I can't go back there."

The three brothers exchanged a look, a silent communication passing between them.

"You don't have to go anywhere until you're ready," Asher said gently, perching on the edge of the bed. "But... may I ask why? What happened to you, Seraphina?"

There was something in his voice, in those kind green eyes, that broke down the last of my defenses. Before I knew it, the whole story was pouring out of me – the mate rejection, the loss of my wolf, the years of neglect and pain that had led me to that cliff.

As I spoke, I watched their expressions change. Lucian's face hardened, a muscle ticking in his jaw as he clenched it tight. Kael's usual grin faded, replaced by a look of outrage. And Asher... Asher just listened, his eyes never leaving mine, offering silent support and understanding.

When I finally fell silent, emotionally drained, a heavy quiet settled over the room.

"Those bastards," Kael muttered, breaking the silence. "How could they treat you like that? Their own pack member?"

"Some packs forget the true meaning of family," Lucian said, his voice tight with controlled anger. "They let politics and personal gain overshadow the bonds that should hold us together."

Asher said nothing, but he reached out and took my hand in his. That same warmth flooded through me at his touch, soothing the raw edges of my pain.

"You don't have to decide anything right now," he said softly. "But know this – you have sanctuary here for as long as you need it. We won't let anyone hurt you again."

I looked at each of them in turn – Lucian with his stoic strength, Kael with his protective fury, and Asher with his gentle compassion. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a flicker of hope in my chest.

"Thank you," I whispered, meaning it with every fiber of my being. "I don't know how I'll ever repay you for your kindness."

Kael's grin returned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, you could start by getting better," he said. "I am dying to hear more about this legendary white wolf we've been hearing whispers about."

I blinked, surprised. "White wolf? But I'm not... I mean, I've never shifted into anything but a normal gray wolf."

The brothers exchanged another of those loaded glances.

"Perhaps that's a conversation for another time," Lucian said. "For now, you should rest. Your body has been through a tremendous ordeal."

As if on cue, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. The brief conversation had drained what little energy I'd managed to recover.

"We'll let you sleep," Asher said, standing reluctantly. "But we'll be nearby if you need anything. Just call out, and one of us will hear you."

As they filed out of the room, I found myself already drifting off. But just before sleep claimed me, a stray thought floated through my mind.

That connection I'd felt with Asher... it was stronger, more immediate than anything I'd ever felt with Marcus. Could it be possible? After everything that had happened, could I have found my second chance mate?

No. I pushed the thought away. I couldn't let myself hope. Not again. Not so soon.