The Triplets And Their Mysterious Mate

Mate

Cade POV

I guess you can say our mate has been on our minds for a long time. When we were younger, we worried about even being accepted. I mean, sure, the idea of being with a prince was alluring to many, but our mate had to accept all three of us. They had to be okay with being in a relationship all together, and for many, well, that can seem overwhelming.

I'll even admit I was mad at the moon goddess for some time. We were warned that it was likely we would have the same mate, and then, with the help of a family friend named Amaris, who was a witch, she used a simple spell to confirm that we would indeed share a mate.

I loved my brothers, but the idea of sharing a mate... well, it did upset me for some time since I questioned how one could love all of us like that. But then, over time, I accepted it. I know it will be a challenge at times since we will all want time with our mate, but we are going to make it work.

It did help witnessing our grandparents, since my grandmother Sage has two mates: my grandfather Zane and grandfather Alex. Although they are not siblings, it's just that the moon goddess believed my grandmother needed the support of two mates. They all love each other and work well together, but even they have admitted it takes extra work. My grandmother said she makes sure that they have time together and alone time to maintain balance, and that is something my brothers and I will have to work out, that is if we can even get Calista to accept us.

I am trying my best to keep my worries to myself to help calm Dean and Tate since they always look to me. They always say that I am the one with a level head, but I will admit right now, I fear she is not going to accept us. There is just something about her and the way that she acts that makes me think that. I mean, yes, she did say she was leaving in one week, and she has voiced that she does not want to hurt us. Tate and Dean, well, they think we can win her over, while I am not so sure we can.

I hope I am wrong, I really do, because I already feel a fondness for her. I want her to stay with us. However, there is an underlying fear within her, hidden beneath her tough exterior. I observed the way she glanced at us, her eyes filled with apprehension. She is constantly on edge, watching every move we make. It's the behavior of someone who is afraid.

We need to uncover the root of her fear if we have any hope of helping her. I should have anticipated that our mate would present a challenge. It seems to be a recurring theme in my family, where danger always plays a role. What makes Calista different is that we are unaware of the true danger she is currently facing.

Tate and I spent a considerable amount of time exploring the town, trying to detect the presence of demons through our senses. However, we knew they were skilled at remaining hidden, only revealing themselves when they had a target in sight. Eventually, we found ourselves at a secluded spot on the beach, where we caught a faint scent of them, likely from earlier in the day. The area was surrounded by rocks, and after a short while, Tate also detected the faint scent of Calista nearby. "She seems to be drawn to the ocean.

“This is where she encountered them earlier," Tate remarked. Based on her scent here, I can only assume that she was hiding from them.

"This place is conveniently located near her workplace, so maybe she came here to relax before starting her shift," I remarked.

"Yeah, but it does seem a bit strange that she just happened to be in the same spot as them," Tate replied, voicing my thoughts.

I nodded in agreement. "You don't think..." Tate began to say, but I quickly interrupted him.

"No, I don't believe she's what we're looking for. She's nothing like the descriptions in the books," I assured him.

"Okay," he simply responded. We continued scanning the beach for any clues. "It seems like they dropped some kind of potion; you can still faintly smell its scent," Tate observed.

"Gather some of the sand, and we'll send a sample to Amaris. She might be able to determine what they were up to," I instructed him. Following my instructions, Tate retrieved a small vial from our bag and carefully filled it with some sand.

"I doubt we'll find the demons here. They've probably left after using the potion and are now in hiding, waiting for its magic to take effect. For now, let's head to the pub and check on Calista," I suggested.

"Finally," Tate exclaimed as he stowed the vial in the bag and started walking fast towards the direction we learned the pub was located. I knew that's all he had been thinking about throughout our entire outing today. While I would have the sample rushed to Amaris, apart from staying vigilant and making inquiries, there wasn't much more we could do at the moment.

The pub was not far, just a six-minute walk away from our current location. Everything in the vicinity seemed to be within a fifteen-minute radius, except for the school.

Adjacent to the pub, a small convenience store caught our attention. Its display window showcased an array of items, including prepaid phones. Taking note of Tate's impatience, I suggested, "Go ahead into the pub. I know you can't wait any longer. I'll quickly grab a prepaid phone for Calista, so she has one of her own, at least for now." Tate nodded and walked away, granting me a brief respite from his presence.

Entering the store, a bell tinkled above the door, announcing my arrival. The scent of fresh merchandise and cleaning products wafted through the air. I made my way to the counter and selected a simple phone, completing the purchase. While not extravagant, this phone would suffice for the time being. It was compatible with our provider, allowing us to add it to our plan. I also intended to download a tracking app, enabling us to locate the phone. Though it was uncertain if she would always have it on her or if she would leave it behind, I felt compelled to make the effort.

I then made my way to the pub and entered, the sound of chatter and laughter filled the air. It was packed, every table filled, but I guess when it is the only sit-down joint around, that will happen. I quickly caught sight of Tate sitting at a table. Dean was there as well, and based on the small wait that I observed at the front, I could only assume Dean was here first. I am sure that annoyed Tate, but it was hard for us to stay away from our mate.

I walked over to the table and sat with them. Dean had a beer, and Tate had some sort of mixed concoction that smelled sweet. "What the hell did you get?" I asked him.

"Drink special, Calista is behind the bar," he said, causing me to laugh. He only got it since she was making it; he hated drinks like these.

"Better drink it then," I said to him with a smirk.

"I am, it's good," he said, putting the small straw in it up to his lips and taking a sip, hiding the sour face it was making him have.

"Maybe I should get you another one since you like it so much," I joked with him as Calista walked up to the table.

"So all three of you now, well, I guess it's good for business. Half the tables are watching you now," she joked. I looked around and noticed a few of the customers turning their heads fast to make it look like they were not watching. A good amount of them were werewolves; it was clear this town had a good population. There were humans as well, but it was clear most here knew who we were.

"So, are you three celebrities getting something to eat, or did you really come here just to drink and watch me? I'm sorry, but blood is not on the menu, but there is a feeder bar down the road," she said to us. "We will eat," I said. Tate and I could handle it.

"Alrighty then, let me grab you menus," she said as I reached my hand and stopped her from walking away.

"Please don't touch me here," she said, and I moved my hand.

"What else did you need?" she then asked.

"When are you off?" I asked her.

"10pm, I picked up an extra shift," she responded.

"Do you get a break and a free meal?" I asked her.

"Break, yes, and I am sure if I asked, I could get food, why?" she questioned.

"Put whatever you want to eat on our bill," I said to her.

"You don't have to," she said.

"Call it p*****t for dealing with us here because I doubt I can get those two to leave until your shift is over," I said, looking at my brothers.

"Fine, if you really want to stay, suit yourselves. There is a pool table and darts over there," she said, pointing to the area, and then she went and grabbed us menus and came back to the table.

"Thanks for putting up with us," I said to her before she left.

"Well, it is my job dragon wolf," she replied. "Now, tell me what I can get you to drink so I can get back to my other tables and the bar." Her voice was smooth, with a hint of weariness.

"Old fashioned," I said.

"Sure thing, I'll be back with that and to get your orders," she said, and walked away. I glanced at Dean, opting for a silent mental link instead of speaking aloud. "Learn anything more about her?" I asked him.

The clinking of cutlery and the low murmur of patrons surrounded us. "Yes," Dean replied through our mental connection. "Her old workplace said she was only there a few weeks before she skipped town. She seems to never give identification and always pays in cash. The owner of the restaurant she worked at was worried about her. Right before she left, some strange individuals were seen around, and for a few days afterwards. I think that confirms she is on the run and hiding." Tate joined our mental conversation. "Oh, she also had a water bottle with salt water. Not sure why, but she did."

"That's odd," I murmured as she returned to the table and placed my drink in front of me.

"You know what you want to order?" she asked, her voice slightly strained.

"Why do you have a water bottle with salt water?" I inquired, hoping to catch her off guard.

"Going through my belongings?" she laughed.

"No, I went to the club just to let the owner know you would be staying at the hotel, and he said you left your water bottle," Dean explained.

"Oh, I have it since I was testing the water. I am interested in ocean life, but certain spots here, I noticed the water seemed a little off, and the creatures don't tend to swim in those areas. I was curious, that's all," she said.

"Cool," Tate chimed in.

"Now, orders, I am busy," she demanded, and we gave our orders to her and she left. The bustling of the pub resumed, blending with the aroma of food. Either she was an expert at lying on the spot or she truly had a genuine fascination with the ocean. Perhaps that explained why she had been there earlier as well.

"She is going to be a hard one to figure out," I sighed, just loud enough for my brothers to hear me. We had our work cut out for us, but I was determined to uncover the truth. Just like my brothers, I refused to lose her.