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?"

"No. But I feel her presence. I believe she’s been in the outskirts... and more than that, I think she’s been inside the

witch of our time waltzed into our home unnoticed?

sensed. Yesterday, near the west wing. And then I found this." He reached into his robe and placed a small bundle of dried herbs

scent was unmistakable.

Aurora. "No other witches are allowed here. Aurora, do you recognize these herbs? Were they used by

leaned forward, inspecting them carefully. Her brows pulled together. "No... I’ve never used this combination

just any witch—these herbs are used for

My stomach turned.

child.

you’re

presence. If Hazel stays here, she becomes a target. Her

added. "She’s powerful, and she can cloak

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

"I agree," Mother added.

is alive. Aurora, you’ll leave with Hazel. Tonight. You’ll be relocated to the Parkhouse far from New Orleans. No

to force her to go? Without even telling

growled. "I’m protecting them both. She doesn’t get a

mouth opened to argue, but I cut her off. "Are you working for

looked down, defeated. "You,"

Then prepare.

and walk out when

damn smirk slithered across O’Brien’s face—faint, like a shadow overlaid on his skin. No one else seemed to see it.

And that was enough.

clenched. O’Brien was shady. He had always been shady. I hadn’t forgotten the way he voted against me becoming Alpha. The way he avoided eye contact during my crowning.

No. This isn’t concern.

This is calculated.

to send Hazel away. He presented 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, snarled inside me. The hairs

him, he growled in my

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

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

No. That wasn’t happening.

I stood, jaw set.

disposed," I announced coldly, already storming out before anyone

didn’t

didn’t head toward the entrance like a man ready

My eyes narrowed.

pulse hammered as I watched him move through the halls like he’d done

And then he stopped.

front of

Cyrius.