Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 148: On Heat

Olivia's POV

It was 6 PM, and I could already feel my body reacting strangely. A sudden wave of heat washed over me. Discomfort prickled beneath my skin, and my nipples were already painfully hard. I swallowed hard as I curled into the bed, my heart pounding. I could feel it… my heat was coming. Soon, I'd lose control—and heaven help me, I didn't know if I'd survive it.

The door creaked open. Terrified, I looked up to see who it was, and a rush of relief hit me when I saw the maids step inside. They gave me a polite smile I couldn't return before they walked over.

"We're here to dress you and take you to the Alpha," the older one said.

I swallowed again, my throat dry.

Slowly, I shook my head and began backing up on the bed until my back hit the wall. "No… I-I don't want to see him."

The younger maid frowned, her hands holding a red dress that made my stomach twist. "You have to," she said softly, almost apologetically. "He said you must be brought to him before the moon rises."

My heart slammed against my ribs. I could already feel the ache starting in my lower belly, the warmth spreading through my core like wildfire. The room felt too hot, my skin overly sensitive. Goddess… it was happening faster than I thought.

"I'm not going," I whispered, shaking my head again, this time more firmly. "Tell him I said no."

The older maid sighed. "We don't have a choice. He gave strict orders. And if you don't come with us willingly… the guards outside will make you."

Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I was tired. Tired of being powerless. Tired of being dragged around like I was nothing.

"I'll scream," I said, my voice shaking. "I'll fight."

"You can try," the older maid said, almost sadly. "But that heat coming on… it's going to get worse. You won't even be able to resist him. And he knows that."

They stepped closer.

I slapped their hands away. "Don't touch me!"

The younger maid flinched, then dropped her gaze.

"Fine," I snapped. "I'll go. But I'll dress myself."

They both looked surprised, then nodded.

I grabbed the dress from her hand. Even touching it felt like betrayal to the triplets, like silently agreeing to be a sacrifice. Turning my back to them, I slipped it on with shaking fingers. My body was on fire, my limbs trembling, and I could barely get the fabric over my skin.

I didn't check the mirror.

didn't care how

I might have to sleep

strap over my shoulder. Her eyes swept over my shaking form. "You look like you're being led to be sacrificed,

even know who this man is. What if he hurts me? What if…" My voice cracked.

in firmly, sounding

trembled. "You say that like you're

the younger maid added. "He's not cruel. And

I frowned.

people well. Be

my head. "Lucky to be bought like cattle? Lucky to be offered up during my heat to a

They didn't answer.

rubbed my fingers over the choker wrapped around my neck.

maid's lips twitched into something close to a smile. "He is. He just

My eyes widened. "Thirty-five?"

They both nodded.

seems I was right

years older than me," I whispered. Goddess. It hasn't even been three months since I turned eighteen. "Damn… he doesn't look it.

I said

a man, his age… he did look damn

chiseled jaw. That raw, masculine face. I hated myself for thinking it, but something about him

I decided to risk it. "You two… you've worked here

younger one said, her

The Alpha, I mean. What about his mate?

changed, frowns etching

to speak about that," the older maid said gently but

What kind of man

a soft knock at

younger maid turned

moved

I didn't feel ready.

Not even close.

straightened my back and followed them anyway.

heart pounding. Every step toward his room made the heat between my legs worse. My body was burning up;

was already

brushing against the thin fabric of the dress. I wanted to

I had

me a small nod, then pushed it open. Warm light spilled out into the hall. I could smell

said gently. "He's