Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 48: The Race

Chapter 48: The Race

Olivia's POV

"That should never happen again. It should not happen again."

Those were the words I kept repeating to myself all day. I hated how my body reacted to their touch. It wasn't right—it should never feel like that again.

"But you know we can't control that," my wolf whispered gently. "Your body will always respond to their touch. That's the power of the mate bond."

Her voice only fueled my frustration.

"Fuck the mate bond," I snapped.

My wolf, sensing that I'm already pissed, decided not to talk more, leaving me to my anger.

"Luna, it's time for the race. Are you joining?" Lolita and Nora asked as they stepped into my chamber.

I sighed, feeling drained. I didn't have the energy for the night race, but maybe it would help clear my mind.

"Sure. Let's go."

I left the room, Nora and Lolita following behind. As we walked through the mansion, staff bowed their heads respectfully. Some did it naturally, having grown used to acknowledging my presence. Others? They were clearly forcing it.

Tonight was Race Night. A male and female would pair up and sprint through the woods. The first to return would

I was younger, I used to run these races with one of the triplets. They always let me win. But all of that ended the day my father was accused of stealing. Ever

gaze swept across the crowd, and I spotted Anita standing beside the triplets. She wore tight black leggings and a cropped blue top that left most of her stomach exposed. She was smiling—laughing even—at

with them—hell, I didn't care about that—but because she looked too happy. Too light. Too energetic for someone who had just lost a pregnancy a few days ago. I expected her to be mourning. Grieving. But Anita didn't look like a woman who had

was never pregnant," my

it. There had been blood. Still, something

not to let my emotions show as I stepped closer to the crowd, but my jaw clenched when Anita threw her head back and laughed at something Louis said. My chest tightened—not with jealousy,

as he approached, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Would you like

I blinked, startled. "Partner?"

your first race as Luna, tradition states that you get

too. Anita had her hand wrapped around Louis' arm now, like she belonged there. Like she wasn't lying, scheming, manipulating

scanned the crowd until my eyes

Jerek,"

forward with a warm, easy smile. "I won't go easy on you," he

it. But don't worry—I'll beat you, just

eyes. "Come on, Olivia. We were kids then. You can't compare

"Let's see about that."

it wasn't from the cold. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with anticipation. All around me, pack members began pairing up, laughing, whispering, some throwing curious glances

eyes on me, more than just the usual. I

Levi.

but I didn't need to be a mind reader to know he wasn't happy. His gaze lingered too long, burning