REJECTED... THEN CLAIMED BY THREE ALPHAS

Chapter 6

Lyra

They were my mates? The question still left me all mixed up, and this was the first time I'd heard anything so weird. The Moon Goddess gave me three mates? None of it added up.

"Where are we? And who are these guys saying they're my mates?" I asked my wolf as I tried shifting away from the man gripping my hand.

My eyes fell on three good-looking men, and I could tell from their faces they were worried as they stared down at me. "Are you okay?" Vaelin moved in closer, but when he saw how I reacted, he backed off, letting me know he wouldn't come nearer unless I said it was fine.

"The guy sitting by us is Thorian, the Alpha of Moonveil Pack. He carried us here after we blacked out, and the other one's Soren—he's the second brother to Thorian. He's a doctor too, while Vaelin is the youngest brother," she explained.

"How'd this even happen? How did we wind up with three brothers as our mates?" I asked Nyssa again, but before she could answer, Soren jumped in.

"Good, you hungry? If you are, I can have the maids bring you something to eat." Vaelin asked, sounding all concerned, his eyes locked right on me.

"I'm not hungry, thanks." I finally said, still unsure about what they were up to. I stayed on guard with everything going on.

I saw Thorian, the oldest brother, staying quiet while his eyes tracked every little thing I did, like he was figuring out my thoughts or reading my moves.

"Well, I don't know how to handle this or what to say, 'cause this is the first I've heard of it. I can't wrap my head around having three mates, and you're all brothers." They all focused on me, waiting for what I'd say next.

"I rejected someone not long ago, so forgive me if I'm coming off cold to you guys. It's just, I'm not ready to mate with anyone yet after what happened last time." I said, dropping my head as those sad memories hit me again, how Kaelen used me. He'd taken advantage, and I'd been dumb enough to trust him. That revenge didn't feel like enough, and I wished I could make him feel the pain.

I tried checking their faces to see if they looked disgusted. I was used to judgment and bullying anyway, so I figured it'd be the same, but it surprised me to see only worry and concern there.

Thorian reached for my hand again, and this time I didn't pull away as he said words I never saw coming. "We're sorry you went through something that hurt so bad. Know that it's behind you now, and you can take your time healing from it. We won't push," his deep voice gave me chills. I could feel the power in him just from how he talked.

"We just hope you'll let us help mend that heartbreak it caused, and over time, you'll trust us or see us as worthy mates without second thoughts." Vaelin added.

"You should take your time to heal," Soren chimed in.

I hadn't noticed they'd gotten so close, standing right there with their eyes fixed on mine. Even sitting among these strong men, I didn't feel scared.

Those kind words from them started warming my heart for the first time. Nobody judged or questioned what I did; they all agreed to wait until I was ready to open up.

"I know you've been through a ton in your old pack, so we're thinking you should stay here a bit. Your injuries aren't all healed yet, and a new place might help with that. Trust us, nothing bad will happen to you here. You're safe and welcome." Soren suggested, and they all seemed on board with it. He kept going, promising I'd be protected in the Moonveil Pack.

I was lost in thought, not sure if I should take them up on staying, but I had no other place to go—I was totally alone until Thorian found me and brought me here. I wondered where I'd head if I left, 'cause I didn't want to drag them into my messed-up life. I knew the risks they'd face if I stuck around, but leaving meant being on my own again. I weighed it all when my phone buzzed loud.

Snapping out of it, I reached for the phone on the table and flipped it to check the caller ID. I gasped, my body shaking as the memories rushed back. How they just watched while those big guys dragged me from the room to the dungeon, where they chained me and beat me without mercy.

"What's wrong?" Vaelin came right over. He put his hand on my shoulder to let me know I was okay.

"No one's gonna hurt you here. Don't worry," he said in that calming voice.

"Try breathing and settling down. You still need to recover, so don't stress over small stuff," Soren's soothing tone eased me, and I leaned back slowly against the headrest.

"Whatever you need, just tell us. If you feel unsafe, say so, 'cause you're our responsibility now," Thorian said as he took my hand again, and I let him.

Looking at the three men, I started feeling stronger, unable to look away from their faces. I could see the real worry and care they had for me. For the first time since my pack sentenced me to death, I felt a gentle warmth in my heart that eased the ache inside.