The Triplets And Their Mysterious Mate

Ride

Calista POV

I sprinted towards the vast expanse of the ocean, my eyes scanning the turbulent surroundings. The storm raging overhead created the perfect opportunity for me to slip into the water unnoticed. I had discovered a hidden spot here before, so I had to move swiftly, avoiding any detection. Months ago, I had come dangerously close to being discovered, but I managed to escape just in time.

Removing my pants, I tossed them onto the sand, feeling the gritty texture against my skin. Without hesitation, I plunged into the ocean, the crashing waves engulfing me. As the water enveloped my body, I felt a transformation taking place, my tail quickly emerging, propelling me forward. I swam deeper, marveling at the breathtaking beauty that should be my home.

However, my time here was always limited, and resurfacing proved to be a struggle. Although I yearned for freedom, I knew deep down that it was an unattainable dream. Though I may not wear physical shackles or be confined, I perpetually felt like a prisoner, constantly concealing my true identity. The fear of being discovered and captured haunted me relentlessly.

Curiously, I couldn't quite comprehend why I ran and hid in the first place. The truth was elusive, a mystery even to myself. I was informed that my voice possessed unparalleled powers, unmatched by any other siren. It was said that only one dark being existed at a time, and if I were to perish, another would not emerge for a thousand years. Some sought my demise, believing it would eliminate the risk entirely. Yet, there were others, even those who were not of my kind, who desired to exploit me. My mother had warned me about the potential destruction my voice could bring upon the sea and land.

Lately, I had contemplated seeking out those who wished to use me, offering them my cooperation. I harbored hatred towards everyone, or so I thought. But at the club, everything changed. That damned dragon wolf infiltrated my thoughts, disrupting my plans. Why did he have to be different? I should have stayed away, but an unseen force compelled me to return to him. And now, I find myself uncertain, my resolve wavering.

From the office window, I watched intently as Dean went outside earlier. Regret washed over me for not staying in my damn room, but curiosity got the best of me, and I ventured outside. Why the hell did I want to be around him, and even now, his brothers? There's this strange feeling, an inexplicable urge to get to know them, but I have to resist.

My mother always told me to trust my instincts, to listen when my soul speaks to me. She said that eventually, I'll find someone it calls to, and I shouldn't fear or hide from them because they're meant for me. But right now, I don't even know what I should feel, and I doubt it's what I'm feeling tonight. I think the alcohol has clouded my judgment, and I'm not used to men not hitting on me. Although Dean's eyes devoured my body, unlike every other man, he didn't say anything stupid. But what's bothering me the most is that I can't get him out of my mind.

It's funny because when his brother grabbed me, a part of me almost allowed it, which is not normal for me. Yet, his touch, well, it felt nice. "Snap out of it," I said to myself as I submerged in the water for a few more minutes before resurfacing and quickly shifting into my human form. Thanks to a spell I acquired from my mother, I could effortlessly shift in and out of a bikini. So, anyone who saw me coming out of the water would simply assume I went for a swim. It was fortunate tonight because one of the damn triplets followed me. I don't know how, but there he stood.

As his eyes locked with mine, he seemed startled to see me. Was it really just a coincidence that he was here, ending up at the beach in a bad storm and the exact spot where I was? "What the hell?" he exclaimed, running towards me. It wasn't Dean; I could tell. Nor was it the one who had grabbed me. Yes, they all looked identical, wearing the same clothes, but they each had a different scent. Not drastically different, but subtle nuances. Dean smelled like hot cocoa with a hint of smoke, the one who grabbed me smelled like roasted chestnuts, and this one, he smelled like a tantalizing cup of coffee.

"Are you crazy?" he yelled as he approached. "Did you really go for a f*****g swim in this weather?" His tone was sharp, but there was genuine concern in his voice. "You're getting in my car. It's not safe in this weather," he demanded.

"I'm a big girl," I said confidently."Thanks for your concern, but I will determine whether something is safe for me or not. And from the looks of it, no offense, but getting in a car with you may be the only danger here. I mean, come on, it's a little strange that you just so happen to be at the same spot I went to after the club."

He sighed, the sound mingling with the distant crash of waves against the shore. "I went searching for you," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of worry. "I asked around. A few people pointed me in this direction."

Curiosity piqued, I pressed on. "Do tell, why were you searching for me?"

"My brother messed up. He shouldn't have grabbed you like that. You ran off upset, and well, my other brother Dean was worried. So I offered to look for you and make sure you were okay," he confessed.

I scanned him over, taking in the dim glow of the streetlights and the faint scent of saltwater that hung in the air. I could tell when someone was lying, and this damn wolf was speaking the truth. "How very odd," I muttered under my breath.

"Why?" I asked.

"Not every guy is an ass. Maybe that's all you have experienced, but don't simply judge me or my brothers," he defended himself.

"Fair enough," I conceded. "I won't, since you are speaking the truth to me."

"Your cold," he said, his voice laced with concern, as he noticed me shivering.

I shrugged it off, mustering a weak smile. "I'll be fine, I'm used to it," I replied, trying to sound resilient. He extended his hand towards me, a gesture of warmth and comfort.

"Take my hand," he urged, his voice sincere. "I can warm you up, no cheesy pick-up lines, I have the power to do it." I hesitated for a moment, but then, like a fool, I reached out and took his hand. A wave of soothing warmth washed over me, as if a gentle sunbeam had wrapped around my body. It felt incredible, coursing through my veins, erasing the chill that had consumed me. I couldn't help but notice his eyes, a mesmerizing shade of gold, glowing with the intensity of his power.

"Thanks," I murmured, reluctantly releasing his hand.

"Will you let me give you a ride?" he asked. "If anything, it will put my brothers at ease on our birthday. You ran off because of Tate," he continued.

I looked at him curiously and asked, "So Tate and Dean and you are...?"

"Cade," he replied with a smile.

"Okay, Cade, only because it's your birthday," I said, following him to a jeep parked by the beach. The salty scent of the ocean filled the air as he opened the door for me. "Where should I take you?" he asked.

"The club," I responded. He seemed surprised and asked, "So you really do live there?"

"Who told you?" I asked.

"The bartender told Dean," he explained. "I'm not trying to push, since we are strangers, but are you okay? You're not in any danger, are you?" he inquired, his concern palpable.

I found his question odd and replied, "I'm okay. I just move around a lot, that's all." He dropped the subject, and the car fell silent for the remainder of the drive. When we pulled up, Dean and Tate stood outside the club, surrounded by a small crowd of girls.

I couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Kinda feel bad for you three," I joked, a smile playing on my lips. "They really don't leave you alone, a swarm of horny bees." He chuckled in response, the sound light and carefree.

"No, they don't. I ignore it, so does Tate. Dean, well, it gets to him," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation.

As he stepped out of the car, he walked over to my side, extending his hand towards me. I took it, not just to be polite, but also to irk the swarm of girls whose attention had shifted towards me. This was exactly why I always found myself in trouble. I should be avoiding attention like this, but the moment Cade helped me out, his brothers Dean and Tate came right over as well. I could practically feel the tension radiating from the she-wolves, some of them on the verge of exploding. I even heard one of them questioning who I was.

"I'm sorry, it seems like me helping may have only caused you more issues," Cade sighed, his voice filled with regret as he realized the obvious.

I knew I was going to face hell from the crowd, but I reassured him, "I can handle it." Although deep down, I knew I should be avoiding it altogether.

"Get back in the car," he suddenly said, catching me off guard. He leaned closer, closer than I was typically comfortable with. My heart skipped a beat, but I pushed aside any unease. "Don't worry, I'll bring you back when the club closes," he whispered, his words filled with assurance. Reluctantly, I agreed and got back into the car.

Of course, this stirred up the girls even more, their excitement reaching a fever pitch. Their voices merged into a cacophony of anticipation as Tate and Dean climbed into the backseat. Cade revved the engine, and in an instant, we were speeding off. "You can drop me off down the street. I really will be fine," I suggested, trying to be considerate.

"You said you believe me, right?" Cade said to me. I glanced at him, puzzled.

"So far, you have not lied," I replied, still unsure of his intentions. He explained, "I'm bringing you to our hotel simply to wait until the crowd dies down." As his eyes briefly met mine, he refocused on the road ahead.

"Okay, you're not lying," I acknowledged.

"Good, so you will come?" he asked.

"Yes," I responded, though I wasn't eager to get closer to these three individuals. I already felt like I had gotten too close. However, avoiding the crowd and attention seemed wise. I couldn't risk anyone discovering my true identity or spreading the word about my whereabouts. Despite my reluctance, I knew I was safest with them for now. But as soon as I returned to the club, I needed to pack and leave.

Suddenly, a piece of fabric was tossed into my lap as the car moved. I held it up and realized it was a t-shirt. I turned around to see Dean had pulled his own shirt off. "You're shivering. I can hear your teeth chattering from back here," he said matter-of-factly.

The shirt carried his scent, mingled with the smell of cigarettes. I thanked him and quickly pulled it over my head. Why did he have to smell so good? Why did all three of them have to smell so enticing? And what was it about me that drew them in? They could have had any girl in that club, yet it was clear they all wanted to be around me. I could see it in their expressions. Why did it have to be me?

The horrible thing was, I actually found myself wondering what it would be like to make friends with them or to let loose and have fun for the night. Leaning against the car door, I pondered, I'm leaving tomorrow, right? Maybe I could just loosen up for one night and see what having fun feels like. I mean, I'll never see them again, right?