The Triplets And Their Mysterious Mate

Monster

Calista POV

They were here because of me. I mean, they wanted to know who had heard my song. Were they really the enemy? I mean, why else were they looking for information on me? Why the hell did I say yes? Maybe it's good to stay close and see what they know. I mean, it has to be me they are looking for, but I don't control people. I've used my song a few times, just to stay hidden when someone gets too close. That's it. But I've always been cautious. I guess I need to learn more about what they are doing here. Either they are some of the ones who want to use me or they are the ones who want to kill me. But for now, it's clear they are oblivious to who I am. I would tell if they were fooling me.

"I'm going to book you a room now," Cade said to me.

"You can do it later, really no rush," I said, feeling a little uncomfortable that I even accepted their help.

"I think it's best anyway. We got you caught up in our trouble. I hate to say it, but those she wolves won't leave you alone," Cade said with a hint of exhaustion in his voice.

"I'm sorry. I made fun of the three of you over it at first, but that really must not be easy, having people, especially girls, all up in your business just because of a title. That's why I hate everyone. Well, almost everyone," I admitted, my frustration evident.

"I'm sure most will regret even trying when they find their mate. Many assume we have a perfect life because of who we are. They see the material things, but what seems to fly right past them is all the struggles and challenges our family has faced and continues to face. I mean, our parents, they're cool and all, they stress that we should do what makes us happy, so it's not like we're being forced or anything. But my brothers and I have a duty to protect more than others. We didn't really even want to come here, but then we caved since we said we could maybe have a little fun for a change. But with that, we still have our duty to uphold the job we have been given," Cade explained.

I looked out to the balcony. Dean was out there smoking, the faint scent of tobacco wafting through the air.

"Does he smoke often?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

"When he's upset," Cade responded, his gaze following mine.

"Is it my fault?" I questioned.

I don't know much about people. I mean, I can read when they're lying, but I don't spend enough time around them to really know how to act. I guess many say I'm good at toying with guys, but I'm not. It's just my way of being left alone since I can't really hold many conversations. I don't know what to say, what is right and wrong. I was not raised on land, and my time here has been bouncing around.

"No, it's not your fault," Cade said, but I don't think he was being honest.

"What about Tate?" I asked, pointing to the closed door.

"He's being a kid," Cade simply said. "I'll be back. I'm going to the reception desk. Make yourself comfortable," he said as he walked to the door. I felt awkward, something new for me honestly. I walked to the couch, and the bedroom door opened. I got a look from the angle I was at and noticed the bed. It looked like two large kings had been pushed together. Tate stood in the doorway.

"Your bed, it's huge. Wait, do all three of you share a bed?" I asked, a little shocked.

"Yeah, always have," Tate chuckled.

"What? Do you three cuddle each other?" I teased him.

"Why don't you stay and find out," he responded, moving closer. His eyes, they were brighter than his brothers'. Dean came in and looked at Tate, then moved in between him and me, causing Tate to growl. I mean, I'm used to werewolves from the club, but growling, not so much.

"Calm down, then I'll move," Dean said to Tate.

"I'm calm," he snapped.

"I think I'm going to leave," I said, not wanting any part of this. I really had no clue what was going on. I made my way towards the door, opened it, and left. I made it almost to the back entrance of the hotel before I heard someone behind me, causing me to turn to one of the triplets.

"Thanks for letting me stay for a little, but I really just want to call it a night," I said.

"Don't go," he said.

"Tate, right?" I said, and he looked at me surprised.

"You can tell us apart?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said.

"No one but our sister and parents can," he said, shocked.

"Why don't you want me to go?" I asked him.

"Something dangerous is out there. It's just not safe," he said.

"What's more dangerous than you three?" I joked with him.

"You really think we're dangerous?" he questioned with a smirk.

"No, you're innocent puppy dogs," I laughed, but he looked serious. "Okay, I'll stay if you tell me all about what you and your brothers are searching for here," I said as I stepped outside, holding the door and beckoning him to follow. He did and leaned against the building.

I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the crisp, slightly chilly air. "So your brother wants me to gather information about a lullaby," I questioned, my voice carrying with the gentle breeze.

"A siren, that's what we're searching for. They're dangerous," he explained, his words punctuated by the rustling of leaves nearby.

I furrowed my brows, curiosity piqued. "How so?" I asked.

"Legend has it that there's a rare siren known as a dark siren. Their voice possess incredible power, capable of luring people to their deaths and beyond," he explained.

"And what happens if you find this creature?" I inquired.

"We deal with it," he replied, his voice steady.

"How?" I pressed, my voice tinged with both curiosity and a hint of skepticism.

"We take them to a place where they can't cause harm. They are said to be sea monsters," he explained.

"Sounds scary," I remarked sarcastically, the corners of my lips twitching with amusement. "I'm not scared, but we made a deal, so I won't leave. Although I don't fully understand why you three want me to stay. I'm not exactly friend material," I confessed.

"I gave your brother one week, but don't get attached to me because once the week is over, that's it," I asserted, my voice firm yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

"What if I win you over as a friend? What then?" he questioned.

"You'll get hurt," I warned, the wind picking up, playing with my hair. "Look, you three are nice, so I'm trying to be nice in return. But please, don't get attached to me. I've turned down everyone because I don't have room for relationships, including friendships. I'll help out for the week, maybe even try to have fun with the three of you if that's what you want. But at the end, I have to leave. There is no other choice. I'm just being honest with you," I explained, the sincerity evident in my voice.

"Fair," he conceded. "But you have to look me in the eyes on the day you leave and say goodbye," he demanded.

"An odd request, but fine. I will," I agreed, as he opened the door, inviting us back inside.

"So you said you would have fun with us for a week," he teased, a playful tone lacing his voice. I instantly regretted my words. His eyes bright again like in the hotel room. Was this what happened when his wolf or dragon, or whatever it was, tried to take control? Just as the thought crossed my mind, Cade emerged from where he was, joining us in the moment.

"I have a room ready for you," Cade said to me. As he spoke, his gaze shifted towards Tate, who stood nearby. I could feel the tension in the air as Tate sighed, his frustration evident. Without a word, he turned and hurried out of the door.

"Best not to be alone with Tate, when he's like that," Cade warned, his voice tinged with concern.

"Like what?" I asked, my confusion evident. Cade sighed, his eyes meeting mine.

"If his eyes are bright like that, he is fighting for control," Cade explained, his tone serious. I looked at him, bewildered. "What do you know of shifters?" he asked.

"Not much," I confessed honestly, my voice tinged with curiosity. Cade motioned for me to follow him.

"Come back to our room, and I'll explain. Tate will be back; he knows he needs to calm down," Cade said as we made our way to the room. Once inside, I sank into the plush couch, feeling its softness against my skin. Dean entered the room, leaning against a nearby wall.

"I guess, first, Calista, what do you know of us?" Cade inquired, breaking the silence. I pondered his question for a moment before answering.

"You're mixed breeds," I replied. Cade nodded, a smile gracing his lips.

"Yes, we are dire wolf, Vampire, Phoenix, Fae, and dragon," he explained, his words painting a vivid picture in my mind. I couldn't help but make a playful comment.

"A petri dish full of surprises," I joked, eliciting a chuckle from Cade.

"Yeah, we are. We have a wolf, well, Tate and I do. But it's like a cross between a dragon and a wolf, hence why many call us dragon wolf. We inherited much from our parents, but one thing Tate struggles with the most is lack of control. Our wolves can be quite feral, so at times, they want to take control if we aren't doing what they want. Tate's wolf can be very pushy, so he really struggles to keep control. His eyes become very bright when that happens, indicating that he's fighting his wolf. So it's best to give him space when that happens. He won't get upset if you leave him; it may actually make him feel better, so he doesn't do something he'll regret," Cade explained.

As I listened, I couldn't help but recall the moment when Tate had grabbed me. His eyes were indeed bright, and now I understood that it was his wolf trying to assert control. I could relate in a way, even though I didn't possess a wolf. I struggled to keep my human form at times, especially when the call of the ocean became too strong to resist.

"Let me show you the room we got, and tomorrow, or at closing of the club, I'll take you to get your belongings," Cade offered, breaking me out of my thoughts. I hesitated for a moment before responding.

"You really don't have to. I'm comfortable going by myself," I said, grateful for his offer but also preferring to handle things on my own. I added, "I'd rather go alone. I mean, if I'm seen with you three, it will set your fan crowd off."

Cade nodded in understanding, acknowledging the validity of my concerns. I glanced at the time, realizing that it was probably safe to venture out now.

"I'm sure it's even safe to go now," I said. "You three have class tomorrow anyway, so I should stop bugging you," I added, wanting to respect their schedules and give them the space they needed.

"Fine, then let's all agree to meet up in the morning before we have class, let's say 9am," Cade said to me. "Your room is down the hall from ours, here is the key." He handed me the key, its cool metal pressing against my palm. "Thank you for agreeing to help and stay. I know it was a strange request."

I glanced at the key in my hand, feeling a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "Never stayed in a hotel, but the shower in your room won me over," I replied. The thought of warm water cascading over me was enticing. "I still feel a little awkward just taking a room from you three. I mean, my help can't be worth this cost, so I will give you the money I earn from my job to make up for some of the expenses."

Cade waved off my offer with a dismissive gesture. "No need. Consider this also putting up with the three of us, or more so our way of apologizing for causing trouble for you. Although, if you do get any trouble for being with us tonight, tell me and I will handle it, or one of my brothers will."

A chuckle escaped my lips. "I can handle any trouble. I may actually enjoy it," I said with a smirk. Pushing myself off the couch, I left the room. My choice to stay and give them this one week is either smart or stupid. I mean, they think I am some sort of monster. If anything, I can use this week to get them off my trail so that when I do leave, they are no longer trying to hunt me.