Rejected By Mate, Claimed By Triplets

Chapter 4 A Gift

Cassandra’s POV

Age - 12 years old

“Wow it’s so beautiful,” I said as I looked at myself in the mirror. The dress that Luna June gifted me was so pretty that I couldn’t help myself but admire it. My mother had passed away shortly after my birth, and my existence was not appreciated by my father, for him, I didn’t exist. June had come into my life as a savior, adopting me and treating me like her own daughter. Her love and care were the only lights in my world, and I cherished the life I had with her.

Currently, I was in June’s room, trying up the dress she bought for me for my birthday.

“I hope you like this Cassie,” June chuckled as she entered the room. I twirled for her as I grinned.

“Yes, it makes me look like a real princess.” I smiled at her.

“Oh, but you are a real princess,” she says as she starts braiding my hair.

“I don’t think so.” I replied honestly.

“Did you show it to your father?” she asked.

I shook my head in response.

“But why?” she asked, even though she knew the answer.

“You know why. He doesn’t like me.” I whispered, I nervously played with the threads of my dress.

“That’s not true my dear. He loves you, he loves you a lot. But you know his mate died and this made him a little bitter. You should not leave him when life has become harder for him. You are not that type of a kid,” she assured me in a sweet voice.

“But,” I said but then looked at June’s hopeful eyes.

I sighed in defeat.

“Okay, only because you want this.” I said to her, but in reality, I wanted him too. He was my father.

With a quick hug, I left June and headed back to my house.

As soon as I entered my house I noticed my father was drinking, again.

This was not an unusual scene for me. I took a few steps in front of him, hoping that he would just ignore me like he usually does, and somewhere I was afraid he would do that. My heart thudded in my chest and fear gnawed.

But to my surprise, his eyes landed on me, and in his gruff voice he asked me, “Where did you get this dress from?”

I was taken aback, afraid that the answer might anger him, but I answered him nonetheless.

“L…Lu…Luna, gave it to me.” I whispered, the nerves got the better of me.

He beckoned me to come closer to him, and when he raised his hand to touch me, I flinched thinking that he was going to push me away, but to my surprise, he took me in his arms..

I had never felt my father’s touch and even though I liked it, for the best of the time I was shocked and the other I was afraid. I was too stiff in his hug but I remembered June's words, urging me to show love and compassion during his time of grief. So, I made an effort to hug him back, despite my lingering fear.

My father appeared to be taken aback by my actions. His eyes held a complex mix of emotions that I had never seen in them before. The dim light only illuminated half of his face, and I could see a hint of his old coldness returning.

“In a few days, there will be your mother’s death anniversary. Don’t come near me during that period of time.” He ordered me, his voice sent chills down my spine. This was the man I knew, this was my father and not the one who embraced me.

I looked at him with anger and stormed out of the house. This was what I got by showing him that I cared for him. I didn’t care for him, he could get lost for all I cared.

Just outside the door, I bumped into a hard chest.

"You're too hasty and adventurous, little one. You should have been more careful." Landon’s voice reached my ears as he held me by my hand.

I looked at him, he was two years older than me and always there for me. June told him to protect me and he has been doing that since then. Blood rushed to my cheeks when I saw him.

He grinned at me, while nudging me. His warm hands were much bigger than mine, but fit perfectly in his.

“Come, we made the cake for you. Me and my mom even made your favorite sauce, it was a hassle to begin with but later I got a hang of it.” he patted my head.

I followed him to his house and there was a cake waiting for me. Landon lit the candles and I watched the flickering flames dance in the dim light.

“You will stay with me forever? Love me?” I asked innocently.

Landon grinned at me, “Promise.” he said and urged me to make a wish, and I closed my eyes, a mixture of emotions flooding my heart.

Even though my father's love was absent from my life, I had June and Landon, who had shown me kindness and care. With all my heart, I made a wish, silently hoping that they would remain a part of my life forever, providing me with the love and support I so desperately needed.

I needed their love like fish needed water and I wished for the moon goddess to give me just that.

Landon and June.

I wanted them to be with me forever.