The Triplet Alphas' Forbidden Mate (Book 1&2)

Here is a tip, loser!

Emily's POV

The maids' quarters in the Shadowcrest packhouse were just as miserable as I remembered them—dimly lit, overcrowded, and suffocating. The air was thick with the damp scent of mildew and cheap detergent, and the single overhead bulb flickered ominously, casting uneven shadows on the cracked walls.

Cots were lined up along the walls, leaving barely enough space to walk. Everything about the place screamed neglect, but what choice did the slaves have? The room was tiny with bed spaces meant for twenty girls. Constant fights always broke out as the girls accused one another of either stealing or sabotage.

Although, it was not like my living condition was any better, I had a shabby apartment to myself too but at least, I didn't have to share my tiny house with twenty girls, all fighting for space and scraps of dignity. Small blessings.

If only Tessa was allowed more freedom, I'd love for us to live together.

"Tessa?" I called softly, weaving my way through the cluttered room.

I found her perched on her cot, her thick-rimmed glasses sliding down her nose as she adjusted her apron. When she saw me, her face lit up with a bright smile.

"Emily! Where the hell were you last night? I waited forever and you did not show up!" she said, grabbing my hand and pulling me down beside her. "You're not getting out of this one. Spill!"

I hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. The other girls were either napping or busy with their chores, but still, I lowered my voice. "Okay, but you have to promise not to freak out."

Tessa leaned in, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I swear on my favorite mop. Now, talk!"

I took a deep breath, my heart fluttering. "Caleb Blackthorne came to my house this morning."

Tessa gasped so loudly that I flinched. "What?! The Caleb Blackthorne? One of the triplet Alphas? Oh my Goddess, what did he want?"

I bit my lip, glancing at the floor. "He... he said I’m his mate and he broke up with Gina for me."

Tessa stared at me, her mouth hanging open. For a moment, she didn't say anything, then she grabbed my shoulders, shaking me. "You're mated to Caleb Blackthorne?! Emily, this is huge! This is—wait." She narrowed her eyes, studying my face. "Did he say mate as in singular? Or..."

I nodded, my cheeks heating. "All three of them," I whispered.

Tessa let out a squeal, bouncing on the cot like a kid on Christmas morning. "Oh my Goddess! I told you, Emily! I told you your life would change! And you doubted me! You are going to be the Luna of this Pack.”

"Calm down!" I hissed, grabbing her arm. "It's not like that. Caleb showed up with gifts—this scarf and a phone—but I don't know how to feel about it. Everything is happening so fast, and..." I hesitated, the weight of my curse pressing down on me. "And there's so much they don't know about me."

Tessa's expression softened. "Emily, they're your mates. If anyone can understand you, it's them."

"But they bullied me when we were growing up, how could I just forget about it all and move on?!" I sighed heavily, memories flooding my head.

"The moon goddess must have a reason for pairing y'all and in the mean time, you will find out, just focus on the good side for now." She offered me a kind smile and I nodded.

I wanted to believe her, but Lila's mocking voice rang in my mind. "Oh, yes. Tell them the truth, Emily. Let's see how long they stick around before they turn on you."

“Promise not to tell anyone until I figure it out.” My green orbs pierced her dark eyes.

"I promise, now let's get you ready," Tessa said, pulling me out of my thoughts. She rummaged through her small trunk at the foot of the cot, pulling out a dress and some makeup. "It's your birthday, and we're going to make you look amazing. The Alphas won't know what hit them!"

I could feel my wolf leaping excitedly. Never had I ever gotten a makeover. All my life, I have been plain old boring Emily Greene. Sweat began to pool on my palms, would this be a hit or a total disaster?!

Minutes turned into an hour of Tessa working so hard to turn me into a Cinderella with her magic wands posed as make up brushes and combs. My wolf was overly excited while I was so scared and nervous.

What if I turned out looking like a masquerade and Tessa would have to wipe it all off, realizing how much of a lost cause I was?

Tessa hummed as she worked, brushing my hair and applying light makeup. "I don't know how you've been hiding under all this hair," she teased, running a comb through my unruly red locks.

I groaned. "It's not hiding. It's... low maintenance."

"Low maintenance, my butt. You've been sabotaging yourself, Emily Greene. But not anymore." She stepped back, grinning. "There. Look at you!"

I turned to the cracked mirror hanging on the wall, hardly recognizing myself. My wild red hair had been tamed into soft waves, and my green eyes stood out against the subtle makeup Tessa had applied. The dress she gave me was a simple blue piece that hugged my figure without being too revealing. The soft fabric cinched at my waist, accentuating my petite frame, and flared slightly at the hem, showing off my long legs.

I held my breath, holding my face, I looked like a model. My insecurities vanished within the blink of an eye. I had no idea I had what it took to be that beautiful.

Tears welled down my eyes as I turned to Tessa. "Thank you!" I pulled her into a tight hug, almost squishing her while she giggled.

"Don't you dare cry, you would ruin the makeup," Tessa said, beaming. "Happy birthday, Emily."

I smiled hesitantly, feeling a flicker of confidence for the first time in ages as I pulled away from her to admire myself again but my joy was short-lived when the sound of heels clicked.

"Well, well," a sharp voice interrupted, cutting through the room like a blade.

I froze.

Gina.

She sauntered into the quarters like she owned the place, her high-heeled boots clicking against the worn floor. Her perfectly styled hair gleamed under the flickering light, and her eyes zeroed in on me immediately.

"Oh, look," she said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "It's the pack's charity case. Nice scarf, Emily. Did you dig that out of the donation bin, or did you steal it from one of the girls here?"

My stomach twisted, and I opened my mouth to snap back, but Tessa beat me to it.

"Why don't you mind your own business, Gina?" she said, standing up and crossing her arms.

Gina smirked. "Oh, I would, but it's so hard not to notice when someone tries to play dress-up and pretend they belong." She turned to me, her gaze narrowing. "Here's a tip, loser, no matter what you wear, you'll always be an ugly, pathetic omega."

My hands clenched into fists, but before I could say anything, a sharp voice rang out from the doorway.

"What is going on in here?"

The room fell silent as Luna Celeste stepped inside, her icy blue eyes sweeping over us. She was as stunning as ever, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and her designer coat perfectly tailored to her slender figure. But there was nothing warm or motherly about her presence. She radiated authority and cruelty in equal measure.

"Nothing, Luna," Gina said quickly, her tone suddenly respectful. "Just teaching these girls some manners."

The Luna raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to me and Tessa. "Hmm? Well, if you two have so much free time to gossip, perhaps you'd like to spend it cleaning the entire packhouse."

Tessa and I exchanged horrified looks. "But Luna—"

"No excuses," she snapped. "I want every surface spotless by the time the dinner bell rings. Understood?"

"Yes, Luna," we murmured in unison, our heads bowed.

As the Luna turned to leave, I couldn't help but glance toward Gina, who wore a smug, satisfied smirk.

Lila's voice rang in my head, dripping with mockery. "You really thought you could have a moment of happiness? Look at you, back where you belong. Scrubbing floors and being treated like trash."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

"Let's get to work," Tessa whispered, her voice trembling.

I could hear Luna Celeste talking in hushed tones with Gina who was now seated, crying. My ears perked, trying to find out what they were hiding. It could not be good.

I turned back to look and sure enough, Gina was plopped in a corner, her perfectly styled hair slightly out of place, tears streaming down her face. Beside her stood Luna Celeste, her expression cold but controlled as she patted Gina's shoulder.

"I know it hurts," the Luna said, her voice low and sharp. "But Caleb is... impulsive. He'll come to his senses soon enough. He always does."

"But what if he doesn't?" Gina sniffled. "What if he's serious about this... this girl?"

The Luna's lips curled into a thin smile. "He won't be. None of them will. Once I find out who this so-called mate is, I'll make sure she's dealt with. The triplets have responsibilities, and I won't let some insignificant girl ruin it, I just need to find the mate!"

My stomach churned.

Holy s**t! They were talking about me. Could my life get anymore complicated?!