Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 39: Respect

Chapter 39: Respect

Olivia's POV

It has been a week since I got the news of my father's death. My mother claimed she kept it from me because she knew I wouldn't be able to handle it, and maybe she was right. But that didn't make the betrayal any easier to swallow.

She also told me that the triplets had no knowledge of my father's death—that it was their father, the former Alpha, who had given the order. And deep within my heart, I hated him. I hated him for condemning my father to death. How could he order the execution of a man who had been his closest ally? His strongest and most loyal warrior?

For the past week, I had locked myself away in my room, drowning in grief, mourning the man who had been my protector, my guide—my father.

I had not seen the triplets in all that time. Not Anita either. And I was grateful for it. But my solitude had come to an end. Today, I had to resume my duties as Luna, even though the pack refused to see me as one.

Standing before the mirror, dressed in a simple black gown, I stared at my reflection and inhaled deeply. My once-bright eyes were dull, swollen from the countless tears I had shed. My cheeks were hollow from the days I had spent barely eating. But I couldn't afford to appear weak today.

"Are you nervous?" my wolf asked.

I exhaled slowly. "Not really."

I had already spent a week grieving alone in my room, mourning the loss of my father—the man who had given everything to this pack, only to

with anger and pain, but I couldn't stay locked away forever. My mother had practically dragged me out of bed this morning, reminding me of my duties as Luna—even if the pack didn't regard me

stray tear that escaped and headed for

through quicksand, my feet heavy with reluctance. When I finally reached the grand doors, I hesitated, swallowing down the tightness in

instantly, and that was Anita. She sat

her. Of course, she would be front and center—acting like she was the Luna. I forced myself to hold my head high and moved further

me on the stage, I caught Anita's mocking smirk and heard her whisper to one of her friends, loud enough for me to hear, "I guess the

keeping

or has a cat stolen your tongue?" I snapped, my loud voice

the hall, and I could feel their reluctance. Of course, I wasn't who they wanted as Luna, but they had

to their feet, bowing their heads in begrudging

Luna," they murmured

seated, legs crossed elegantly, casually inspecting her perfectly manicured nails as if I didn't exist. A joke to her, thinking

my voice loud enough to carry through the entire hall. "Anita," I called, and the murmurs died

even bother looking up, just gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "I don't see why I should. After all, I'm the Alphas'

I would respond. I took a step forward,

but a concubine—a mere plaything. I, on the other hand, am the Luna. The queen of this pack.