Fated to the Alpha–And His Triplet Brothers

Chapter 44: Danger

**~ Cayden’s POV ~**

I stood in front of her door, paralyzed by the sounds leaking through. Moans. Soft, desperate... familiar.

I didn’t know why it hit me like a blade between the ribs. She had chased me out like I was nothing. Like I wasn’t the damn father of the child growing inside her. Like our night didn’t mean everything. Still, I had no right to stand there, feeling offended.

I should leave.

But Ragnar—Ragnar had other ideas.

My wolf was howling beneath my skin, restless. His gaze had locked on her the moment we caught a glimpse through the half-open door. That nightgown clung to her body in all the right places—thin enough to betray the soft peaks of her nipples, delicate enough to leave every curve on display.

He wanted her. Desperately. He wanted to rip that gown off and take her again like we did that night wild, reckless, fated. The night that got us here.

But I and Ragnar made a promise to each other.

We would stay away.

My jaw clenched, and I forced myself to turn away. I had to go. I was halfway to my chamber when Leon intercepted me.

"Alpha," he said quickly, bowing his head. "Elder Obrian and Sir Claus called for a council meeting. They want all of us present."

I nodded. "Let’s go."

"But sir, Beta Caspian is also needed—you can go I’ll go get him." He said turning away

I paused, then placed a firm hand on Leon’s shoulder. "Caspian’s busy at the moment. I’ll take his place."

Leon blinked. "What?"

"I said let’s go," I snapped, and we turned toward the meeting room without another word.

The chamber was tense when we entered. Everyone was already seated—except Caspian, of course. I moved to my chair, scanning the room: Sir Klaus, Elder Gina, Leon, Aurora, My mother ... Obrian and the rest. Correct content is on NovelFire.

I leaned back, folding my arms. "What was so important that you called an impromptu meeting, Obrian? This better not be a waste of time."

He stood slowly, eyes gleaming with something between concern and conviction. "Thank you, Alpha, for giving me the floor," he said. "I have an observation I must share."

Before he could continue, Gina let out a sigh. "An observation? You called a full council meeting because of a feeling? Couldn’t you speak to one of us first before dragging everyone here?"

"I understand your frustration," Obrian said. "But I promise you—this isn’t a waste of time. I believe... Dahlia is alive."

Gasps echoed around the table.

"What?" mother choked out. "You saw her?"

But I feel her presence. I believe she’s been in the outskirts... and more than that, I think she’s been inside the High House.

into our home unnoticed? We all saw her die. She was

near the west wing. And then I found this." He reached into his robe and placed a small

was

other witches are allowed here. Aurora, do you recognize these herbs? Were they

carefully. Her brows pulled together. "No... I’ve

And not just any witch—these herbs are used for cloaking, tracking... and immobilization. All signatures

My stomach turned.

child. If

what you’re saying is true—then Hazel is in

stays here, she becomes a target. Her child—Our future heir is in serious danger. I suggest we send her

He added. "She’s powerful, and she

his throat. "That herb is enough proof for me. It’s witchcraft, without a doubt. But sending Hazel

"I agree," Mother added.

not asking," I said, my voice steel. "We’re doing this. That herb proves Dahlia is alive. Aurora, you’ll leave with Hazel. Tonight. You’ll be relocated to the Parkhouse far from New

Tonight? You’re just going to force

with my child," I growled. "I’m protecting them both. She

but I cut her off. "Are

down, defeated. "You,"

Then prepare. You

to stand and walk out

damn smirk slithered across O’Brien’s face—faint, like a shadow overlaid on

And that was enough.

forgotten the way he voted against me becoming Alpha. The way he avoided eye contact during my crowning. And

No. This isn’t concern.

This is calculated.

the herb. He spun the tale of Dahlia’s return. And now, like a loyal fool, I had gone along with it. My wolf, Ragnar,

him, he growled

was right. I’d been too eager. Too focused on protecting Hazel that I didn’t stop to question the source of the

was right. I should be overseeing this entire matter, not blindly following a shady bastard’s plan. If anything went wrong, it would be on me. If she

No. That wasn’t happening.

I stood, jaw set.

coldly, already storming

didn’t go

and like clockwork, O’Brien was the last to leave the council chamber. He didn’t head toward the

My eyes narrowed.

as I watched him move through the

And then he stopped.

of

Cyrius.