Fated To The Triplet Alphas

Episode 1

Scarlett's standpoint.

“You're a curse, Scarlett. A plague. How many more need to die before you see you, don't fit here?”

The words stuck in my head, reminding me constantly of what I was. My teeth clenched while my claws dug into the bark of an old oak tree. The late morning moon hung above, painting the forest in silver light. It could've been a beautiful dawn. For me, though, it became just another ugly reminder of my cursed life.

"You'll never find true love, Scarlett. You're cursed, remember?" The words echoed in my head, a painful reminder of my past.

I stood alone in the forest clearing, my heart heavy with memories of lost mates. The air was thick with the scent of pine and regret. Sweat dripped down my forehead as I faced my invisible opponent —the wind itself.

"You're wrong, I whispered to the voice taunting me. “I'm not cursed. Just... unlucky.”

The second I said it, I knew I was lying. How else do you explain four mates dead? Each one falling in terrible ways, each worse than the last.

With a fierce growl, I lunged forward, my fist cutting through the air. The trees around me whispered their secrets, but I was too focused on my training to listen. My muscles burned with exertion, a welcome distraction from the ache in my chest.

"Again," I muttered to myself, resetting my stance. The forest floor was soft beneath my feet, the earth cool and damp. I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs with the crisp morning air.

As I prepared for another attack, a twig snapped behind me. In an instant, I whirled around, my body tense and ready for a fight.

"Who's there, Scar!" It was Jake, one of the younger pack members. He held up his hands in surrender, a lopsided grin on his face. "Didn't mean to startle you."

I relaxed my stance, but only slightly. "What are you doing out here, Jake?"

He shrugged, his sandy hair falling into his eyes. "Just watching. You're incredible, you know that?"

I turned away, uncomfortable with the compliment. "I'm just training."

"Yeah, but the way you move..." Jake trailed off, his admiration clear in his voice. "It's like you're dancing with the wind itself."

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Trust me, it's not as poetic as it looks."

His expression softened. "Is this about... you know, the curse?”

I stiffened, my jaw clenching. "There is no curse, Jake. It's just a stupid rumor."

But even as I said the words, doubt gnawed at my insides. Four mates, four tragic endings. It was hard to believe it was just coincidence.

He took a step closer, his scent — a mix of earth and youth — filling my nostrils. “Scar, you don't have to be alone, you know. The pack-"

"The pack whispers behind my back," I cut him off, my voice sharp. "They call me the Black Widow, the Mate Killer. Don't pretend you haven't heard it."

Hurt flashed across his face. "Not all of us believe that. Some of us see how strong you are, how much you've overcome."

I turned away, unable to bear the sincerity in his eyes. "Strength doesn't matter when everyone you love ends up dead.”

The forest seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the distant call of a lone wolf. Jake remained silent, probably searching for the right words to comfort me. But there were no right words, not anymore.

Finally, he spoke. "Alpha Emerson wants see you. That's why | came to find you."

I nodded, grateful for the change of subject. "I'll be there soon.”

As Jake walked away, he paused and looked back. "For what it's worth, Scar, I think you're the bravest wolf I know."

His words hit me like a physical blow. Brave? Is that what they called it when you were too scared to let anyone close?

Once he was gone, I sank to my knees, the damp earth soaking through my clothes. The scent of moss and decay filled my nose, reminding me of life's inevitable end. I closed my eyes, allowing myself a moment of weakness.

Images of my past mates flashed through my mind. Liam, with his kind eyes and gentle touch, ripped apart by rogues while trying to protect me. Ethan, strong and fierce, falling from a cliff during a hunt gone wrong. Peter, killed right in front of my eyes by some strange rogue pack. And finally, Caleb, poisoned by a rival pack, dying in my arms as I watched helplessly.

Each memory was a knife to my heart, the pain as fresh as the day it happened. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my _ palms until I felt the sting of broken skin.

"Never again," I whispered to the forest. "I won't let anyone else die because of me."

With a deep breath, I pushed myself to my feet. The Alpha was waiting, and I couldn't afford to show weakness. I brushed the dirt from my clothes and started towards the pack grounds.

As I walked, the forest came alive around me. Birds chirped their morning songs, small animals scurried through the underbrush, and the leaves rustled in the gentle breeze. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.

The pack grounds soon came into view, a collection of houses nestled in a large clearing. The smell of breakfast cooking made my stomach growl, reminding me that I'd skipped my morning meal to train.

Pack members milled about, some heading to their daily tasks, others gathered in small groups, chatting. As I passed, conversations hushed, and eyes followed me. I kept my head high, ignoring the whispers that trailed in my wake.

"There she is..."

"The cursed one..."

"Poor thing, all alone..."

Each word was a stab to my heart, but I refused to let it show. Instead, I focused on the largest house, a mansion, at the center of the grounds — the Alpha's home.

Before I could reach it, a small figure barreled into me, almost knocking me off my feet. I looked down to see Lily, one of the pack's youngest member, her arms wrapped around my waist.

"Scarlett!" She exclaimed, her face beaming up at me. "Will you teach me to fight today? Please?"

For the first time that morning, a genuine smile tugged at my lips. "Not today, little one. I have to see the Alpha."

Her face fell, her lower lip jutting out in a pout. "But you promised!"

I knelt down, meeting her eyes. "I know, and I'll Keep that promise. How about tomorrow?"

She considered this for a moment, then nodded solemnly. "Okay. But you have to pinky swear!”

With a chuckle, I linked my pinky with hers. “I pinky swear."

As Lily skipped away, I felt a warmth in my chest. It was moments like these that made me feel like I still belonged, curse or no curse.

Taking a deep breath, I climbed the steps to the Alpha's cabin and knocked on the door.

"Come in, Scarlett," Alpha Emerson's deep voice called from inside.

I entered, the scent of leather and old books enveloping me. The Alpha sat behind a large oak desk, his silver hair and lined face a testament to his years of leadership.

“You wanted to see me, Alpha?" I kept my voice respectful, my posture straight.

He nodded, gesturing for me to sit. As I did, I noticed a familiar letter on his desk, a mating bond letter.

“Scarlett,” he began, his voice grave. "The pack is holding a mate bonding ceremony tonight."

My heart sank. I knew where this was going. Alpha Emerson continued, his eyes searching my face. "Normally, as one of the fiercest warriors of our pack, you would be expected to attend. However, given your... history, I wanted to discuss it with you first."

I swallowed hard, pushing down the panic rising in my throat. "With all due respect, Alpha, I don't think it's a good idea for me to go."

He leaned back in his chair, his face unreadable. "And why is that?"

"You know why," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "The curse-"

"There is no curse, Scarlett,” Alpha Emerson interrupted, his tone firm. "You've suffered terrible losses, yes, but that doesn't mean you're cursed.’

I shook my head, frustration building inside me. "Four mates, Alpha. Four mates, all dead. If that's not a curse, I don't know what is."

He sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. "Scarlett, you're one of the strongest wolves I know. You've faced more tragedy anyone should have to bear, but you're still standing. That's not a curse, that's strength." His words made my chest tighten.

"Strength doesn't bring back the dead.”

"No," he agreed softly. "But it does honor their memory. Do you think your mates would want you to live the rest of your life alone, afraid to love?"

I stood up abruptly, unable to sit still any longer. "It doesn't matter what they would want. They're gone, and I'm still here. I have to live with the consequences of my choices."

Alpha Emerson watched me pace, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and sadness. "Scarlett, attending this ceremony doesn't mean you have to find a mate. But it would be good for you to see that love isn't something to be feared.”

I stopped by the window, looking out at the pack grounds. Wolves went about their day, laughing, talking, living. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine being part of that again — having someone to share my life with, to love without fear.

But then the faces of my lost mates flashed before my eyes, and the fear came rushing back.

"I can't," I whispered, more to myself than to Emerson. "I won't risk anyone else's life."

I heard him stand, his chair scraping against the wooden floor. He came to stand beside me, his presence comforting despite my inner turmoil.

"The choice is yours, Scarlett,” he said gently. "But remember, a life lived in fear is no life at all."

I turned to face him, my decision made. "I appreciate your concern, Alpha, but | won't be attending the ceremony.”

He nodded, disappointment clear in his eyes. "If that's your choice, I'll respect it. But Scarlett, promise me you'll think about what I've said."

"I will,” I lied, knowing that my mind was already made up.

As I turned to leave, Alpha Emerson called out one last time. "Scarlett?"

I paused at the door, looking back.

His eyes bore into mine, filled with an intensity that made me want to look away. "You can't outrun fate forever. Sooner or later, you'll have to face your fears."

A chill ran down my spine at his words. I nodded stiffly and left the cabin, my mind whirling with emotions I couldn't quite name.

As I stepped outside, the morning sun warmed my face, a stark contrast to the cold dread settling in my stomach. The pack grounds buzzed with activity, but I felt more alone than ever.

The acrid scent of fear clung to me as my legs carried me through the pack grounds back to forest, each step purposeful yet hesitant. Branches scratched at my skin, leaving thin red lines — a physical reminder of the emotional turmoil within. The cool morning breeze whispered secrets as I emerged onto the familiar grounds of the Pack's training area, mercifully empty.

With trembling hands, I stripped off my clothes, letting them fall to the dew-dampened grass. The shift began, an agonizing shift that never dulled no matter how many times I endured it. Bones cracked and reshaped themselves, my skin prickling as thick, midnight-black fur erupted from every pore. My senses sharpened — the musty scent of decaying leaves, the distant cry of a diural bird, the taste of copper on my tongue from where I'd bitten my lip.

As the transformation completed, a low, rumbling growl escaped my throat. Strength surged through my newly formed muscles, raw and primal. This was my true self — not the weak, sobbing human girl, but a creature of instinct and strength. The contrast of my existence weighed heavily; in this form, I was free, yet forever chased by the curse that defined me.

With a snarl, I launched myself at the training dummies. My razor-sharp claws tore through the thick fabric and straw innards as if they were paper. Each savage swipe represented a different demon — loneliness, fear, the crushing weight of loss that seemed to follow me like a malevolent shadow. The violence was relieving, allowing me to channel my chaotic emotions into something physical, something I could see and feel and destroy.

When I finally stilled, chest heaving with exertion, the training grounds resembled a _ battlefield. Shredded dummy parts littered ” the earth like creepy snowfall, deep furrows carved into the soil from my relentless assault. Sweat matted my fur, the tang of it mixing with the metallic scent of the torn targets.

As the rush faded, reality crashed back upon me with the force of a tidal wave. No amount of destruction could change what I was — a cursed wolf, doomed to lose everyone I dared to love. The shift back to human form was excruciating, my overtaxed muscles screaming in protest as bones and muscles rearranged themselves once more.

I had barely finished dressing when the sound of approaching footsteps sent a jolt of panic through me. My body tensed, bracing for another confrontation with a Pack member eager to remind me of my outsider status. But the voice that called out wasn't angry or accusatory — it was filled with curiosity, and carried an unsettling note of familiarity that made my heart stutter.

"Hello? Is anyone there?"

I froze, my mind racing. That voice... it couldn't be. And yet, something deep within me stirred in recognition, a mixture of fear and hope blooming in my chest.

"I know you're close," the voice said again, closer now. "I can sense you."

Every instinct screamed at me to run, to avoid the potential heartache this encounter could bring. But my feet remained rooted to the spot, defying logic and self-preservation. Slowly, as if in a trance, I turned toward the source of the voice.

A figure emerged from the treeline. He was tall and powerfully built, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through me. But it wasn't his striking appearance that made my breath catch in my throat.

It was the pull. That inexorable, magnetic force I'd felt only four times before in my life. Each instance had ended in tragedy, leaving me more broken than the last.

His eyes locked with mine, widening in recognition. He felt it too — the bond snapping into place like a rubber band we stretched to its limit, connecting us in ways that defied explanation.

"No," I thought, panic rising like bile in my throat. "Not again. I can't go through this. I won't survive it this time."

But Fate, it seemed, wasn't done toying with me yet.

He took a step closer, one hand outstretched. "I've been searching for you," he said, his voice soft but filled with certainty. The early morning sun caught the curve of his jaw, highlighting a small scar - a imperfection that only seemed to enhance his otherworldly beauty.

In that moment, I felt the course of my life shift once more. For better or worse, I couldn't say. The air between us crackled with potential energy, heavy with unspoken questions and the weight of destiny.

My heart pounded a frantic rhythm against my ribcage as I struggled to find my voice. When I finally spoke, the words came out as barely more than a whisper, sealing my fate:

"Who are you?"