Astrid
As soon as we entered the dining room, the Alphas were already seated, having their dinner. When they saw me approaching, Aiden nudged Zane. Zane looked like he was about to retort, but when his gaze landed on me, it softened. It surprised me because, in the few days I had spent with them, Zane had rarely shown any hint of softness beneath his Stoic exterior.
His eyes lingered on me, making me feel awkward. I quickly turned my gaze away, but that didn’t stop him from letting his eyes trace lines on my skin.
As we got closer, Sienna pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down to join the dinner.
“You look beautiful, Astrid,” Aiden commented with a smile that reached his eyes. I should have been angry at him for what he did to me earlier, but after Roshan's apology, I reconsidered. Besides, they are triplets, born on the same day; of course, they would support each other before supporting anyone else.
I ignored his comment and asked for stew for my chips.
Before Sienna could get it, Zane quickly grabbed the stew and passed it to me.
“Here,” he said, looking away.
Was he trying to be romantic? If so, he was terrible at it, I thought, taking the stew from him.
We resumed our dinner in silence, but that didn’t stop the brothers from stealing strange glances at me. It made me uncomfortable, and I hurried to finish my food, eager to escape this uncomfortable situation.
Just as I was about to wrap up my meal, Roshan stood up and left, followed by Aiden, and finally Zane. I was surprised by how quickly they all left, especially after they had been watching my every move so intently just moments before.
That was strange.
I finished my meal and got up from the dining table, leaving Sienna and the maids to finish tidying up. As I made my way back to my room, the dimly lit hallway felt strangely quiet. Just as I was rounding a corner, a hand suddenly grabbed me, pulling me into the shadows. Before I could even think of screaming, a hand clamped over my mouth, seizing back every word that wanted to come out of my mouth.
My heart raced, and I struggled against the grip, only to realize it was the maid who had attended to me earlier in my room… Aria? Her eyes were wide with fear, her expression seemed urgent.
"Shh," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Don’t trust Sienna. She’s not who she seems to be."
Her words sent a chill down my spine. I opened my mouth to ask what she meant, but before I could get a word out, we both heard footsteps approaching. Aria's eyes widened in panic, and without another word, she released me and darted away, disappearing into the shadows.
I was left standing in the dark corner, my breath caught in my throat as the footsteps drew closer. My mind raced with questions. What was she talking about? What’s wrong with Sienna that I didn't have to trust her?
Just as I was lost in thought, the footsteps grew closer, and their owner appeared.
“Astrid?” Aiden called, surprised to see me.
“What…what are you doing here?” he stuttered. I quickly composed myself and began to walk away, ignoring his questions.
“Astrid, wait,” he said, grabbing my wrist and stopping me in my tracks.
“I know you're angry at me for ignoring you, but I didn’t mean it that way. I was confused and didn’t know what to do,” he admitted, sounding frustrated with himself.
“I’m sorry. Sorry I failed your trust.”
I sighed. Getting angry wouldn't solve anything, and besides, this was exactly what I had expected. They’re triplets, born on the same day. If there was anyone he could trust, he would pick Zane before me.
I turned to him, seeing how genuinely sorry he looked. I sighed again.
“You don’t need to worry about it. I’ve forgiven you,” I said. He immediately embraced me, and I could smell his scent—a mix of pine and something uniquely his. The warmth of his embrace took me by surprise, and for a moment, I let myself relax into it. It was comforting, despite the turmoil of emotions inside me. But then, a strange feeling crept in—a desire, a longing I hadn’t felt before.
Quickly, I gently pushed him away.
“Well, I have to go,” I said, and ran off before he could stop me.
I rushed up the stairs and stopped at the door of my room. What the hell was I thinking? Am I starting to become addicted to the idea of being with them after what happened? I thought, steadying my breath before opening the door. But who I saw inside made me stop in my tracks.
“Hi, Astrid,” Zane greeted, standing up from my bed. I slowly shut the door behind me. What was he doing in my room?
Before I could ask, he suddenly went down on one knee, taking me by surprise.
What was he doing?
He held my hand and looked deep into my eyes.
“I know I was rough with you, but I promise I’ll be gentler next time,” he said, smiling awkwardly. I stared at him, unsure how to react. Was he trying to apologize?
Realizing what he said, he slapped his forehead and cleared his throat, trying to start over.
“I mean, I’m sorry for earlier,” he said.
I looked at him, still unsure of what to say.
“Okay…you’re forgiven,” I finally managed, and he immediately jumped up, embracing me and patting my back.
“I promise to be more considerate,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
I nodded, but that strange feeling returned, stronger than before. My whole body felt like it was on fire.
Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed him, taking him by surprise. He quickly responded, taking over the kiss with a passion that left me breathless.
When we finally broke apart, he looked at me, concerned. “Are you okay?” he asked, but I shook my head.
“I want you to make me feel good,” I whispered, the words surprising even me.
He stared at me with widened eyes. “Are you sure about this, princess? Because if I start, I won’t be able to stop.”
His voice held a warning, but I needed him now more than ever.
“Do it. Make me feel alive,” I urged.
A smirk played on his lips as he guided me to sit on the bed before kneeling down and lifting up my dress.
“I’m going to make you moan,” he said, and a shiver of anticipation ran down my spine.
“Do it,” I urged again.
Hurriedly, he slid my panties down and pressed his lips to my core. “You’re already wet, sweet,” he groaned between my legs.
“Just get on with it!”
His tongue moved against me, sending waves of pleasure through my body. I felt like I was flying as his tongue worked its magic, exploring every inch of me.
Just then, the door snapped open, and Roshan and Aiden walked in.
“What the hell are you doing?” Roshan yelled.
“I thought you came here to apologize, not to sleep with her,” Aiden added, his voice filled with disbelief.