Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 395: The Act

Chapter 395: The Act

Olivia’s POV

The car ride was quiet, Frederick sitting beside me with a strange calm that unsettled me more than his rage ever did. When we arrived at the estate, music and laughter spilled into the night. The birthday celebration was in full swing—nobles mingling in fine silks and jewels.

The moment we stepped into view, all heads turned. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Frederick’s hand brushed my back, possessive, guiding me forward. "Walk with me," he said smoothly, his pride radiating like fire. "Let them see you."

I gritted my teeth, forcing a soft smile onto my lips. My wolf snarled at his touch, but I composed myself, forcing out a smile.

As we moved through the hall, I caught sight of Selene. She was across the room, dressed elegantly, her posture poised. She held a glass of wine in her hand, laughing softly with the birthday celebrant—a noblewoman she clearly knew well. But her eyes weren’t truly on the party. They flicked, just once, toward me. Toward us.

The bond between my mates and me buzzed faintly in my chest. I knew they were watching, waiting, trusting this plan to unfold.

Frederick didn’t notice her at first. But fate—or maybe Selene’s subtle game—ensured their paths crossed. She brushed past him with a polite bow, her hybrid scent faint but distinct. Frederick’s head snapped toward her instantly.

I felt it. His desire. His hunger.

Selene dipped her head again, murmuring a greeting, before slipping away like it was nothing. But Frederick’s eyes followed her retreating figure, lingering, calculating.

I swallowed, my stomach twisting.

It had begun.

The trap was working.

"You like her."

words slipped out of my lips as my gaze was fixed on Frederick, whose gaze had been glued to Selene since she

his

pretending to be jealous. "You’ve been staring at her

annoyance and amusement.

shot back, my jaw tight. "But I’m the special one,

his eyes. He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice. "Are you

me, joke on him to think I would ever be jealous of him

annoyed. "The triplets would never look at another woman.

pride clearly pricked by the comparison. But before he could reply, the

a slow smile curving his lips. He extended his hand

"Dance with me."

me wanted to refuse. To spit in his face. But I forced my wolf down, plastered on a smile, and slid my

playing her

a thousand watching eyes, I realized something terrifying—his smile

For once, his movements weren’t harsh or demanding—they were smooth, steady, almost tender. His gaze never

his voice low

my wolf pressed down. "You say

because it’s true. You glow, Olivia. And it kills me to think the triplets are the only ones

but I kept my expression

darkened, his tone shifting, heavy with unspoken meaning. "Am I? Because when I look at you now, I don’t see the woman who spits fire at me. I see the

pulled me closer, spinning me into a graceful turn before I could answer. His breath brushed my ear as he whispered, "Do you know what I envy most about them? Not their power. Not their pack. It’s the fact that when they reach for you, you don’t pull away. You

furious at the dangerous intimacy of his words. But beneath it, my mind screamed a reminder—this was the game. Keep him hooked. Act along. Still, the sincerity

really like you, Olivia..." he