Fated to the Alpha–And His Triplet Brothers

Chapter 40: Old friend.

*~Unknown~*

Finally, I was back in New Orleans.

After all these years of staying away, I had secretly hoped the city would ignore me as I stepped over its border but no, the familiarity gaped at me like a leech. It had changed, yes, but the buildings were the same. Upgraded buildings, brighter lights, but the old magic still pulsed under the surface.

I stepped into a nearby bar, lifting my chin slightly, the brim of my hat shading my eyes, my arm curled under the weight of my long, heavy gown. As I entered, silence swept the room. All eyes turned to me—mostly male. Mostly wolves.

They stared until I took a seat at the bar. The bartender came out, wiping his hands on a towel, and his scent hit me instantly wolf. Another one.

"Hey, beautiful. What do you need?" he asked, eyes flicking over me with that familiar predatory flirtation.

"Just a drink, please," I said plainly, scanning the bar again. No witches. Strange.

Back in my day, New Orleans was alive with both wolves and witches, like blood and bone. Now? Only wolves.

A sudden shriek sliced through the air beside me.

I turned. A woman stood trembling, a knife clutched in her hand. Four male wolves faced her. One of them growled, "Don’t you know witches are no longer allowed here?"

Another barked, "Alpha Cayden told us—if we see a witch, we kill."

"You and your coven rejected his offer to be tamed," the third one spat.

"Please... don’t kill me. I have a daughter," the woman begged, voice shaking as much as her blade.

They laughed at her. "Aren’t you supposed to cast a spell? Make us fall over?" one mocked.

"I could try, but I can’t take on all of you," she said weakly. "You’re wolves. I’d only make it worse."

She sobbed. "Please... I swear, I’ll leave. Just let me live. My daughter needs me."

"Oh, she laughed about leaving before coming here," one snarled, and then—it happened.

One grabbed her throat.

Another sank his teeth into her neck.

They drained her, laughing while the light vanished from her eyes.

I watched, emotionless. Cold.

And then I turned to the bartender. "Did you mix my drink?"

"Uh, yeah. Want it with a little bourbon?"

"Sure," I said. "I’m a little thirsty."

He looked at me again, this time more suspicious than flirtatious. "Huh. I thought you were a witch, you know. But seeing you watch that and not even flinch... You must be a wolf."

"Are you here to serve drinks or interrogate me?" I asked coolly.

He raised his hands, smirking, and went to grab my drink.

I stood and walked toward the wolves still cackling over the witch’s body. My fingers trailed across the bar as I approached, hips swaying slightly. I adjusted my gown, pushing my breasts up more prominently. Eyes snapped to me.

One approach. "Hey, gorgeous," he purred, taking my hand and kissing my fingers. "You look beautiful."

I smiled. "I’m looking for a room. Somewhere to stay the night. Can

Though I share with my

heads

started walking. They followed behind like dogs. The bartender called out behind us, "Ma’am,

to follow or serve drinks?" I asked

yanked off his apron,

Perfect.

me into a run-down inn, and I made sure to jam them all into one room. Once inside, I locked the

No boxers. Typical.

"Versa," I muttered.

All of them turned—obedient.

gasped.

surprised by what more I am,"

Their eyes widened.

"No... no way..."

softly, "Don’t talk while

half of my face shifting—fangs,

who bit the witch. I drank all his blood, ripped

Then the bartender.

Then the others.

finished, I pulled out my handkerchief, wiping the blood from my

need to be reminded of

on. My thirst

home. The beginning

me as I walked, my silhouette dancing across the cobbled streets.

still looked the

memories. So

car parked in

The door opened.

Marcus.

me. His eyes turned—not to me but to the passenger door, which he opened for

Can you believe Cayden chased me out

sorry," Marcus said gently. "A

before! He told me to leave!" she

Then she stepped out.

His wife.

twisted. Rage,

life I should’ve had

Scrrrr

the car, invisible to them. Only I could read

"It’s time, old friend."

"Versa," I whispered.

hidden code for the

Without delay, I went.

a cave. A cloak was laid outside for me, but I

candles surrounding them, and also placed on

face, kept me hidden. Whispers rose as I approached the center. I could feel their curiosity—wondering if I was truly

I reached the middle.

Pulled off my hat.

Some gasped, some shivered.

forward,

Lilith.

"I thought you