Liya’s POV

“This tastes like shit!”

I jolted at the Alpha Wade's sudden thunderous voice that boomed, sending fear down my spine in the form of heavy shudders.

Throwing my eyes down to gawk at the floor while cowering by a corner, I noticed his dark gaze on me and it was every bit as distasteful as his tone depicted.

I had spent almost all evening in the kitchen, preparing dinner, rather than remaining in my room, resting from another detested day at school.

I wasn't sure if to feel extremely saddened by it or just ignore it. But I can be sure that right now, I can only lower my head and remain silent, even trying to breathe as lightly as possible. Once I make any sound, it will only bring about more dreadful consequences.

Without even lifting my head, I know that at this moment, my mother, just like me, is beside him, bowing her head. It was always like this, Alpha Wade'd say what he wanted to me and she wouldn't even move a muscle.

I figured she felt that doing all that would help her pretend like she wasn't witnessing anything, and that might help ebb the guilt.

And I also have to learn to face everything on my own, even if all efforts go in vain, to try not to let my heart shatter, and most importantly, to refrain from shedding tears.

“Get out of here!”

The roar sounded like my pardon. Without a second thought, I hurried out of the room, walking as fast as I could to my own room.

I gently closed the door and leaned against it, placing my hands on my chest, patting to soothe myself. It was only here that I dared to take deep breaths. 'It's okay, Liya. It will be over soon, just relax."

My life wasn't always this dreary, I was one the revered princess of Crimson lake pack, the daughter of the great Alpha Douglas.

But all that came to a harsh end on the night of my parent's anniversary.

Flashback

An attack was wedged by Alpha Wade and his triplet sons, and it took everyone by surprise.

My father died in battle, defending the one thing he loved and adored–his family.

I didn't play damsel in distress as per the wish of my father before he went out to fight, I had chosen to fight for my dying people and so had my mum.

I am Alpha's daughter, and it's impossible for me to be so weak that others would die for me while I survive!

But unlike fairy tales, bravery cannot conquer everything! I am just a girl who hasn't even acquired the traits of a wolf, not a match for seasoned soldiers.

Soon, I was knocked down, lying in a pool of blood.

At that moment, I had accepted my fate. At least, I would die in battle, a worthy Alpha heritress, making my father proud, right?

But the fate arranged by the Moon Goddess for me was far more tragic.

“Is she dead like this?“ A young voice echoed above me, slightly shocked, as if mocking my weakness.

Another, deeper voice said, “Whether dead or alive, take her back. She's the best trophy.“

Yet another, more frivolous voice chimed in, “Of course, a natural born whore.“

Three voices, similar yet distinct. Soon, I realized they were the triplet Alphas.

They approached, and hands quickly reached for my neck to confirm my life or death.

What should I do? They were going to capture me!

Just then, an unexpected voice came from nearby, “MATE!“

It was that damned intruder Wade's voice!

His second chance here? But... we had already relocated all the female tribe members. Only my mother and I remained.

Could it be...

No! Impossible!

“Ah, no! Let me go!“I don't dare think about it, but soon I heard my mother scream.

My god, how could this happen?!

The bastard's voice came, “You three, take that girl with you, come back with me!“

“No! Let go of my Liya!“ This was my mother's last attempt to protect me, but her command was useless. The triplets wouldn't see her as a stepmother, only hating her for replacing their mother, just like I hated their father!

But I had to swallow that hate, as I couldn't vent like them.

Flashback Ends

In this damn place, I was worse than a servant. Even my mother, she remained in eternal silence, ignoring all my pain.

I was worse than an orphan...

My room was my sole safe haven, a place where I could relax and let all the tension, anger and animosity roam free in the form of tears.

Stripping myself of my clothes, I grabbed my towel and headed into the shower, choosing to ignore my dreary reflection. I was incredibly pale with a few bruises and scars from all the bullying the triplets ensured I went through, both in school and at home.

My ginger hair was rough, lacking the shine it used to and my sea-green eyes were dull, having lost the vibrant edge they used to have.

I turned on the shower and stood under it for as long as I could with arms wrapped around my body, letting the sobs slip.

Only the four walls here understand my pain, only the warm water here can wash away my pain, my yearning for father.

“It's okay, Liya! We're leaving soon, very soon.“ I kept repeating this sentence, just like I did every day. But my tears were uncontrollable, and I hated myself for it. I couldn't understand why it had to be me! Why did the goddess punish me!

Long-forgotten fragile emotions invaded my mind and heart, causing me to lose track of time. I even didn't realize my hands had turned white and wrinkled from being soaked in water for too long.

It shouldn't matter, but here, everything I did was wrong. Even taking a longer bath was not allowed.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

“Hey! If you don't come out, we'll come in!“ Harassing voices came from outside, it was Gunter, the second among the triplets.

Damn it! They were here again!

I turned off the shower and grabbed my towel, wiping my body dry. “No! Don't come in, I'll be out soon!“

As soon as I shouted, the youngest Ryder's loud laughter came from outside. “Bro, you really understand women!“

They always enjoyed teasing me, never getting tired of it.

Opening my bathroom door, even though I was mentally prepared, I still felt my heart stop for a terrifying second.

Their eyes landed on me, the mischief swimming in them triggered my fight or flight.

I made to dash back into the bathroom but a strong arm around my waist stopped me and flung me against the bed in the next second.

My towel unfastened from my body from the effect of the forceful collision with the bed and my hair sprawled all over my face.

I scared looked up and found all three of them grinning at me with their eyes darkening as they dragged their orbs down my almost naked body.

I made to completely cover myself with the loosened towel but Ryder had leaned down and caught my hands while Gunter slid the towel away from my body, leaving me completely exposed to them.

“Damn, I could go all night staring at this.” The hoarse voice of Gunter as he leaned down to sniff my skin, had my body shuddering.

“So fucking sexy.” Ryder's strained tone caught my attention as I saw him keel in front of me, trying to pry my legs open.

“NO!” I struggled a little, despising how his touch lit my body ablaze and I would rather die than give him the satisfaction of knowing his touch affected me.

However, my struggle was in vain. I looked at the eldest of the triplets, Hunter, leaning against the door. He didn't come in but watched us with a serious expression, as if he was observing a serious fight.

He was always like that, never absent but never involved. At first, I thought he was different, believed he would save me, but that only proved how naive I was.

"What, you want Hunter's cock?" Gunter grabbed my chin, turning my face towards him.

I shook my head slightly, not wanting anyone. But now, I didn't know what to do; I was afraid of angering them.

Ryder, on the other side, echoed and mocked, "You think highly of yourself. Why would Hunter let a whore like you touch him?"

"Don't worry. We can fulfill your desires." Gunter said, and with that, he spread his legs, kneeling above me. His gray eyes were filled with desire, attempting to undo his sweatpants.

In an instant, fear engulfed me!

Why was this happening again? I was so close to being free! My savior was still waiting for me! I've truly had enough!

"Ah!!" I screamed with all my might, hoping that someone would hear and save me! "Help! Mom! Save me!"

I desperately wished for my mother to appear in time and shield me. Even that bastard Wade showing up would be better!

But there was no one.

"Stop them! Hunter! PLEASE! I'm begging you!" There was no choice; I had to appeal to the man at the door.

However, my voice seemed nonexistent to him. He just raised his eyebrow as if my plea was unbelievable.

It was useless. No one would save me.

I should have known...