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."

down my dress, I forced myself to look into my own eyes, finding the strength I needed within them. Enough hiding. Enough mourning. I had already spent a week grieving alone in my room, mourning the

reminding me of my duties as Luna—even if the pack didn't regard me as one. They

stray tear that escaped and headed

When I finally reached

with she-wolves, but one face caught my attention almost instantly, and that was Anita. She sat in the front row, her

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

for 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 fake Luna finally decided to show

ignored her, keeping my

how to greet your Luna, or has a cat stolen your tongue?" I snapped, my loud voice echoing through the

their reluctance. Of course, I

they forced themselves to their

they murmured in

on Anita. She was still seated, legs crossed elegantly, casually inspecting her perfectly manicured nails as if I didn't exist. A joke to her, thinking I was still that weak Olivia she

"Anita," I called, and the murmurs died down instantly. "Have you forgotten your place? Or are

a dismissive wave of her hand. "I don't see why I should. After

I could feel every gaze shifting between us, eager to see how I would respond. I took a step forward, my chin held high, and allowed a cold, bitter smile to curl

mere plaything. I, on the other hand, am the Luna. The queen of this pack. Their mate.