Protected by Three Mates

Chapter - 3

Fiona – POV

The moment I heard that voice, my heart leaped in my chest, startling me enough to lose my balance and crash to the ground. Pain shot through me, but it was the sight before me that truly froze me. A figure emerged, tall and commanding—an alpha, a king. My mind spun as I struggled to my feet, but before I could regain my composure, he extended a hand toward me.

I refused to take it. Steadying myself, I narrowed my eyes and asked, “What does that even mean?” My voice was sharp, my body tense. “You said something, but it doesn’t make any sense.” I brushed dirt from my clothes, trying to ignore the tension in the air.

“Green eyes,” he answered, his gaze locking onto mine with a curiosity that unsettled me.

I stared at him, suspicious. “Is that all you have to say? Or are you here to apologize for how you were staring at me earlier?” My words were bold, though my pulse raced. I wasn’t afraid—at least that’s what I told myself.

He laughed, the sound deep and smooth. “Your courage, knowing who I am, is... impressive,” he mused, his voice lowering in a way that sent shivers down my spine. “But if you think I’m here to apologize to a weak human, you’re mistaken, darling.” He stepped closer, his voice a purr. “You think I follow you around in your dreams, apologizing? How sweet.”

The heat from his body was intoxicating, like the sultry air of a summer night. Before I could react, his hand cupped my cheek, the touch surprisingly gentle. I stiffened, glaring up at him with a fierce stare, but his fingers lingered, brushing my skin as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I spun away, determined to leave him and his unnerving presence behind. But he was faster, his hand gripping mine, pinning me against the cold stone wall. The air between us crackled with something electric as his face hovered just inches from mine.

“What the hell are you doing, you arrogant bastard!” I shouted, my voice breaking through the haze. The sound seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in, and he pulled back, his eyes dark with something I couldn’t decipher.

“I need to know your name,” he said, his voice rougher now, more desperate.

I scoffed, still seething. “You insult me, act like a complete asshole, and now you demand my name? You think just because you’re some kind of Alpha, I’ll fall at your feet?” My words dripped with defiance.

A growl rumbled low in his chest, but I stood my ground. His hand shot out, yanking me toward him until I collided with his broad chest. Before I could protest, a dark figure loomed behind me, a shadowed man with gleaming blades raised, ready to strike. In an instant, the alpha—Jasper, as I’d come to learn—moved like lightning. His grip on the assassin was merciless, a sickening snap reverberating through the air as the hooded figure crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

Jasper’s voice cut through the tense silence. “Fiona Jones?” His tone was less of a question and more of a confirmation, as though he’d known all along.

I blinked, my mind racing. “How... how do you know my name?” My voice was barely a whisper, confusion swirling with fear. But he didn’t answer. Instead, he turned his focus to the dead man at our feet.

Veronica’s panicked scream echoed from nearby, and I suddenly became aware that Jasper’s arm was still wrapped around me, holding me close. Eric and Veronica stood frozen, their eyes wide as they took in the scene.

“Let me go!” I demanded, struggling against his hold, but he wouldn’t release me. “You’re bleeding,” he muttered, his voice softer now. His hand touched my arm, and in an instant, the pain vanished, the wound sealing itself as warmth spread through my skin.

I looked at him, stunned, but he refused to meet my gaze. Eric, still in shock, asked, “What the hell happened, Alpha?”

Jasper’s expression darkened. “The slayer didn’t account for my presence. Fiona was the target.”

My breath caught in my throat. “Why... why would anyone want to kill me?” I asked, incredulous.

Jasper exhaled, his frustration evident. “I don’t know,” he admitted, turning to Eric and Veronica. “But I sensed the slayer, so I stayed cloaked until it was too late for him.”

Veronica broke the tense silence, her voice trembling. “Thank you, Alpha, for saving her.”

Jasper’s eyes flicked to mine as he responded, “You can call me Jasper, dear Ojos Verdes,” his voice teasing, wrapping around me like a seductive whisper. Despite my glare, warmth bloomed in my chest at his words, much to my dismay.

As I turned to retrieve my coat from Veronica, I asked Eric, “What about the body?”

He waved it off, trying to reassure me. “Don’t worry, Fiona. The shifter officers will take care of it.”

Fatigue hit me all at once. My body felt heavy, and before I could comprehend what was happening, darkness crept into my vision. The last thing I felt was Jasper’s strong arms catching me before everything went black.

---

When I opened my eyes again, the remnants of the dream still clung to me. My body was covered in goosebumps, and my heart pounded in my chest. Shaking off the lingering fear, I got out of bed and checked the time. I was going to miss class today. I didn’t care—I had more important things to deal with. I threw on a pair of black jeans and a yellow crop top, trying to steady myself as I glanced at my reflection in the mirror.

Mrs. White caught me in the hallway, her eyes full of concern. She insisted I eat something, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I quickly texted Veronica. I need to talk to you. Can we meet later?

Her reply came swiftly. 6 p.m. at the coffee shop. See you then, xoxo.