Ember’s POV

A shot rang out followed by a thud causing me to scream weakly as I turned to watch Ella fall down.

"Run, don't look back, or they will get you!" Ella cried out in pain, unable to move or make a run for it. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced them back. Taking a deep breath and not daring to look back in such a dire situation.

“You catch that bitch, KILL HER!”

 I was terrified, especially since I was heavily pregnant. I didn't want to be in this situation— it was almost too much to bear.

 What if my child ends up dying? What if I never get to hold it in my arms? The thought tore at me as I ran, knowing they wouldn't stop until they had me.

They chased me through the thick jungle, branches tearing at my skin, my breathing growing more ragged with each painful gasp. 

Ella's words echoed in my mind: Brandon really wanted me gone? He really wanted me to die? It seemed impossible.

 The Brandon I loved would do anything to protect me, but he was angry because he believed I killed his beloved father.

I was sure if I could explain the entire situation to him, there was a chance he’d understand and calm down. But as I ran, it felt like forever, and suddenly I had to come to an abrupt stop—I had reached a cliff. I looked down at the raging river below; there was no way I could swim.

I clutched my stomach, turning back to see the wolves walking towards me, baring their teeth, ready to kill. “I didn't do it…” I whispered, tears rolling down my face. I tried to step back but hesitated because of the cliff. “I didn't do it!” I cried out louder, hoping someone—anyone—would hear me. But they closed in, like hunters after their prey, and they weren’t going to back away anytime soon.

“It doesn't matter if you didn't do it, Ember, your fate is already sealed,” a voice suddenly through the link. I turned toward the sound and saw Brandon, spinning a small silver pistol in his hands, his expression wicked. “You're pregnant, Ember—should you really be running around like this?”

I moved to run when he said, “Stop right there, Nova! There is no running from your sin; you'd have to pay for your crime,” He growled, sounding so bloodthirsty that I felt fear trickle down my spine.

“HOW FAST CAN YOU RUN FROM ME?” His voice rang once again through the link. 

I could feel it…His Rage!

His Hate!

“Brandon…” I called his name. He flashed a small smile that made my skin crawl as he slowly walked toward me. I took a step back, careful of the cliff. 

“Brandon, you have to believe me—I could never do something like that. I'm not evil, and I'm not capable of killing your father.”

“He cared about me more than you know, and I would never do anything to hurt him,” I pleaded, desperate for him to believe me at that moment.

"We know you didn't do it, November. No need to try to explain yourself," a voice said from the shadows. I turned toward it and saw Emily coming from the thick forest, an evil smile on her face as she tilted her head to the side.

 "You are sweet, kind Ember, after all. Anyone who thinks you're capable of murder is stupid," she added. I was relieved, happy to know that at least someone trusted me.

"If that's the case, then please, let's just go home. I don't feel so good, and I’m so tired. Let's find out who did this together." But instead of agreement, Emily burst out laughing, and Brandon let out a small chuckle. 

They both stared at me like I was some kind of comedian who had just cracked the biggest joke known to humanity.

"There is no home for you, Ember, because you will die here," Emily said, and Brandon cocked the gun, making me jump in fear. I was confused, terrified. What was going on? 

"You still don't get it, do you?" Emily sneered. "Well, I don't expect you to—you have always been so stupid, so trusting and naive. We knew you weren't the one who killed the Alpha because we did it. We planned everything." My heart pounded in my chest as her words sunk in. What were they talking about? 

"Brandon and I have been in love with each other since we were young. Society might see us as siblings, but it doesn't matter—we're not related anyway," Emily continued, taking a deep breath as if trying to control her anger. "We decided to wait until Father passed away—he was old, after all—so we could be together. 

But then he brought you into the picture, the daughter of his late best friend he wants his son to marry, how disgusting" she spat, her voice filled with anger. "Why the heck was he forcing you to marry the man I love? You were my best friend; you should have said no!

"How would I have known?" I cried, tears brimming in my eyes. "How could I have known about your relationship when you never told me anything? How was I supposed to know you two were together?”

“ You were my best friend—we’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. How could I have known when you kept it all a secret?" My voice trembled. I still couldn't believe it, Brandon and Emily were lovers?

"It doesn't matter anymore," Emily said coldly. "We got rid of that annoying old man and framed you for it. He was old anyway—he should have died long ago. 

We were going to let the council take care of you, but since you have proven to be insufferable, we will have to do it ourselves." Brandon raised the gun, pointing it directly at me. My heart raced with fear as I looked between them.

"You are not the only one who’s pregnant, Ember," Emily said, placing her hand over her stomach. "I am too, and for my baby to be born safely, you and your baby need to be gone." 

I couldn't believe it, the betrayal cutting deeper than any wound. These were the people who meant the most to me, and just like that, they had turned on me. How could they be so cruel? How could they do this to me?

"Goodbye, Ember," Brandon said, his voice cold as he aimed the gun at me.

 "The bullet in this gun is laced with wolfsbane, so it should do the job." He paused, a wicked glint in his eyes. 

"Tell my father hello when you see him in hell." 

“Please Brandon, your child is innocent”

“That BASTARD can never be mine, you Slut!” His accusation rang out, followed by a loud bang, and in hope, my eyes widened in shock.

I stared at him in shock, tears streaming down my face as I struggled to comprehend the betrayal.

Instinctively, my hands went to my belly, as if trying to shield my child.

“Brandon?” I screamed as my foot lost its holding before it gave way for my body to fall backward into the water.

Death…I could almost taste it.

The pain in my chest was too much, though I couldn't tell if it was from the bullet or the betrayal.

 As I started sinking into the water, my mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. Why did this happen to me? 

Why did the two people I trusted most betray me like this? My fiancé and my best friend.

What kind of mother would I be if I didn't bring it into this world before dying a miserable death? I prayed to any god that might hear me—if I could just get one last chance to live for the sake of my child, I would do everything in my power to make sure those who betrayed me pay for their sins. I would see to it that they are punished severely.

"If I could get one more chance to live, I wouldn't spare any of them—not a single one. I just wanted to live for my child’s sake and punish those who dared to harm us.

 I just needed a second chance at life. It was as if my prayers were answered by a supreme being when I felt a strong hand grab my arm from above the water and start pulling me to the surface. 

At that moment, I was barely conscious, but as soon as that hand touched me, I began to feel strange. My wolf stirred within me as if she was about to burst out at any moment. 

It felt strange, yet familiar. She had been like this before, but I couldn’t remember when. And just as I was about to lose consciousness completely, my wolf whispered one last word, shocking me:

‘Mate…’

I slowly regained consciousness with a heavy pain in my chest, the pain unbearable. With a wince as I struggled to open my eyes but couldn’t. 

Where am I? 

The beeping sound of a hospital monitor filled my senses. I felt my wolf stirring within me as if trying to tell me something. 

After trying hard to regain full consciousness, I finally did, my eyes snapping open with a gasp.

The first thing I noticed was the high ceiling above me. My vision was blurry, but it soon cleared as I grumbled weakly, “I didn’t do it…” At that moment, I hadn’t fully regained myself, so my words came out without control. “I didn’t do it…” I repeated, feeling the pain in my chest increase.

Then my memories came flooding back—the betrayal— my death!. How could they have done this to me?

“You’re awake,” a voice said, shocking me. I turned my eyes towards the sound and saw a man sitting there, a magazine in his hand as he flipped through it. 

He was dressed in a suit but I couldn’t see his face.

 My heart leaped in my throat upon seeing them.

Another man sat nearby, wearing a cold expression as he stared at me.

The one staring coldly at me had black hair brushing gently against his face, his silvery eyes that complemented his perfect features boring into mine.

 I gulped just by looking at him. They both exuded an air of danger that sent chills down my spine.

 My wolf stirred within me at the  eye contact we made. Whether it was the fact that he looked gorgeous or the fact that he resembled a predator eyeing its prey, something about him stirred things within me.

The other man closed the magazine in his hands, and he looked similar to the one staring coldly at me. His hair was golden brown, complemented by his beautiful blue eyes. 

He had a calmer aura surrounding him. His features were also perfectly arranged on his face, from his eyes to his nose and lips. 

They were both a sight to behold—it was obvious the gods had taken their time creating something as beautiful as them. 

Were they even real, or had I lost my life and now I was in heaven being watched over by angels? I opened my mouth to speak, but the pain I felt was intense.

My wolf wouldn’t stop stirring within me, adding to my discomfort. I wondered what was happening. Why was she reacting to these two? Just then, my wolf whispered something that shocked me beyond words: *Mate…*

I looked at them in shock, wondering how that was even possible. How could one of these guys be my mate? I had a mate, but he brutally betrayed me. I had heard of second-chance mates, but that was a miracle—it barely happens to anyone.

 Was the Moon Goddess mocking me by giving me a second-chance mate? Was she mocking my suffering and the betrayal I had gone through?

*How can one of them be my mate?* I asked my wolf through a mind link, feeling very confused. There was silence for a while before she finally revealed something, dropping a bombshell on me: *One of them isn’t your mate…* She paused before adding, *Both brothers are…* I was shocked beyond words by what she said. What does she mean, both are? How was that even possible?

“Who are you guys?” I asked the pressing question. They looked at me for a while, not saying a word, forcing me to ask, “How are both of you my mates? That doesn’t make any sense.” I groaned in pain, trying to soothe my growing headache.

I didn’t miss the low growl that escaped one of the brothers.

“I’m Tyler Grey, and this is…” the one with the golden brown hair introduced, glancing at his brother before adding, “Alec Grey.” Tyler and Alec Grey… where have I heard that name before? I sat up straight, and that was when I noticed—my bump. 

It was gone. I placed my hand on my stomach as I looked at them, then back at my stomach. My eyes glistened with tears as I looked at them.

“My baby, where is he?” I asked, panic setting in. No, there’s no way I lost my baby. 

“Where the fuck is my baby?” I asked, my hands shaking as I pulled away the hospital sheet, ready to stand up, but Alec finally spoke, his voice powerful.

“Your babies are fine, and you will see them soon.” I froze at his words.

“Babies?” I asked, but they didn’t say a word. I held my head, feeling a growing headache, and just then someone entered the room. Upon seeing the two men seated opposite me, the person bowed and said,

“The doctors said we can see them now.” They looked at me, then back at him, dismissing him. Tyler then rose to his feet, walked towards a wheelchair, and wheeled it to me.

“The Moon Goddess really works in mysterious ways. One moment she tells us we are not destined to have a mate, and now she sends one,” he said, his eyes traveling up and down my frame before adding, “a very interesting one at that…”

“My baby. Take me to see my baby, I need to see my baby,” I said, panicking and trying to control my heartbeat. Alec looked at me before standing up. Just then, he walked toward me, making me panic. 

What was his plan? Before I knew what was happening, he leaned down, his face close to mine, making me gulp as I took in his features more closely. 

I couldn’t help but wonder how someone could look this good. His silver eyes bored into mine, his scent filling my senses. It was so intoxicating, and having him this close sent my wolf spiraling.

Without giving me time to speak, he scooped me into his arms, cradling me gently. I couldn’t help but stare at him as he slowly placed me into the wheelchair. 

Tyler then went behind and started pushing me out of the room. He wheeled me for a while until we finally arrived at the place where my baby or babies were.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I stared through the transparent glass. I placed my hands on the glass, seeing them in an incubator, looking weak and unhealthy. 

“They are all mine?” I asked. A doctor standing nearby said, “All three of them are. They were born almost three months before their due date due to the stress you endured.”

“ You are lucky the Lycan kings were here to help; things could have turned out very badly.” At the mention of those names, my ears perked up as I turned to look at them. No wonder their names sounded so familiar. 

They were the rumored ruthless and dangerous Lycan Kings of the south who had unleashed a bloodbath in the supernatural underworld, wiping out entire packs and rogue clans in a couple of minutes. 

How are they my mates?

What joke is this? 

How did they even save me? 

Was it one of them who grabbed my hands, preventing me from sinking to the bottom of the river?

The doctor didn’t stop there and continued, “Because your babies were born too early, they are having trouble breathing and are on machines to help them. Unfortunately, this means they are at high risk of not surviving.” 

At that moment, I nearly fell out of my wheelchair, my heart breaking into pieces. 

What have I done to deserve such a horrible fate? Can’t they just take my life and let them live? Why does this have to happen to me?

 “We are doing everything we can, but the next 48 hours will be critical in determining their chances of survival” the doctor added. 

“For the sake of your life, nothing must happen!”

I immediately started sobbing, unable to withstand the pain I was feeling.

“Yes…,” the doctor stuttered before walking away.

At that moment, I wanted to kill Brandon and Emily.

 I wanted to make them fight for their lives like my babies were. I wanted to do everything I could to make them pay, to make them suffer beyond words. I wanted to punish them.

“Who did this?” I heard Tyler’s voice.

“You should have let me go after them!”

“If the Moon Goddess is finally going to give us a mate, the best we can do is make whoever caused her pain live a life filled with torment,” Alec added. I sniffed back my tears, lifting my head to look at my babies through the glass again, right before Alec added, “Who did this, and tell us what you want.”

My fists clenched as I remembered the sound of guns laced with wolfsbane being fired at me.

 The smile on Brandon’s face as he watched me fall off the cliff. The way Emily betrayed me beyond words, lying about me in front of everyone. They not only endangered my life but now the lives of my babies. I can’t forgive them for that. 

They have to pay.

“I want to see them suffer for what they did to my babies,” I said, clenching my fists. “I want to watch them burn, watch them beg and fight for their lives just like my babies are doing right now.” I paused, taking a deep breath before adding,

“ I want revenge.”

Tyler's POV 

I sat beside her, watching her as she slept peacefully. Watching her sleep, I couldn't explain how I felt. I felt both happy and pissed at the same time. It made my chest ache and it felt like my heart would burst any minute.

We finally found our mate, one we were made to believe that we weren't destined to have. I should be happy and I am but it didn't quench the fury in my heart. 

How could any sane man do this to his mate? Have her battered up like this and treated like a dog. 

"I didn't do it, I didn't kill him," she whimpered in pain, restless in her sleep and I made to touch her, to comfort her. 

"I won't do that if I were you," Alec muttered, stepping into the room and I withheld my hand, frowning. 

"We both know that touching her in her sleep these past few days hasn't ended well for either of us. You'll only make her more hysterical."

I gritted my teeth in anger, my face clouded in anger as I watched her battle in her sleep unable to help her. I wanted to hold her in my hands, comfort her and tell her everything is going to be fine but I couldn't because of what her bastard ex mate did to her. 

"I hate what this is doing to her. I hate seeing her in pain, unable to do anything alleviate her pain. What kind of mates are we if we can't do anything?" 

"I hate it as much as you do Tyler and it's taking me every ounce of strength in my body not to storm into that pack and rip the head of everyone that made our mate and her pups suffer. They deserve to burn in the deepest part of her for putting her through pain," Alec growled, his eyes red and burning with fury. 

I know without doubt that Alec meant every single word he just said and I knew that he wouldn't hesitate before burning their pack to the ground but what was holding us back was her, our mate. She wanted to do things her way.

"Alec," I called calmly, facing him and he simply watched me, not replying.

"Why do you think we were mated to the same woman?" I blurted out, asking the one question that has been plaguing me for days. Alec's face crumpled into a frown and he walked towards the bed, taking a seat beside her as he cast his gaze upon her. 

"I don't know anything about mates Tyler. I'm the wrong person to be asking this question. The priestess would have a better explanation but one thing I know for sure is that the goddess decided to bless us with a gem. I don't know what she is playing at by making both of us her mates but I know our mates need us."

"But she hates us," I sighed sadly.

"Ever since she woke up she's been nothing but cold to us. Our touch repulses her and the sight of us disgusts her. She hates us Alec. How are we supposed to help our mate out when she hates us this much? It's been 2 days and she has refused to tell us her name or say a word to us."

"Tyler," Alec looked up, meeting my eyes, his face devoid of emotions. 

"Do you want to let her go?" He asked, taking me by surprise, I felt my wolf stir within me, offended by his question. 

Why would he ask me if I wanted to let her go? Why would I ever want to let her go when she is the miracle I've always wanted. 

A mate to call mine.

"Never!" My wolf growled, clouding my eyes with fury.

"I can never let her go! She is mine!" I deadpanned, taking control back from my wolf. I couldn't lose control here with our mate still sleeping. 

"I thought as much," he replied, nodding, making me confused. 

"You're right, she hates us. The sight of us disgusts her, our touch repulses her and she has refused to acknowledge us till now but it doesn't change the fact that she is ours and I'm never letting go of her!" He growled, his possessive side showing. 

"I don't know how long it's going to take for her to finally acknowledge me, acknowledge us but I'm going to wait and stay by her side till she finally sees me as her mate. I have all eternity and if it means waiting till the day after eternity, I'll wait. So think it through Tyler, are you going to let her go or wait till she finally acknowledges us?"

I turned towards her, watching her. The moon goddess finally gave me a mate, I'd be a fool to let her go. Alec was right, we had all eternity to wait and I was going to wait even if it takes forever. 

"I'm never letting her go Alec, she is the moon's goddess blessing to me, I'd be crazy to let go of the one good thing the moon goddess has done for us," I affirmed and Alec nodded.

"It will take time but we'll be here all the way."

Our mate stirred in her sleep, slowly opening her eyes. 

"Brandon," she whispered, staring at me and I frowned. 

Is that the name of the asshole that did this to our mate? I glanced at Alec, communicating with him quietly.

"Brandon, is that you?" She sat up, touching my cheeks and I sighed in relief, her touch alone calming my nerves but then the look on her face suddenly changed. 

"Betrayer! You hurt my kids! I'll kill you," she glowered and tried to lunge at me but Alec was fast enough to hold her down, stopping her from attacking me. 

"Put yourself together, that's Tyler not Brandon!" Alec yelled, shaking her out of her illusion.

"Alec," she whispered, recognition flashing in her eyes as she turned to me, accessing me. 

"Tyler."

"We're here for you, Ivy," I smiled, even though my heart hurts seeing her in pain. 

"Ivy? Who is Ivy?" She frowned, looking confused.

"It's the name we both came up with since you won't tell us your name," Alex replied, letting go of her once he was certain that she is calm now.

"My name is November, November Adams. You can just call me Ember," she said, frowning. 

A nurse cleared her throat behind us, interrupting us and we turned to face her, glaring at her. Ember was finally talking to us and the last thing we needed was interruption.

"I apologize for the interruption Alphas," she apologized, quivering in fear. 

"The boys-" 

"My boys, what happened to my babies? Are they alright?" Ember panicked, looking scared. Alec and I both held her hands, calming her down. 

"The boys are both out of danger at the moment but the doctor still has them under supervision to be sure they are truly alright," she replied , smiling and I watched Ember breathe out in relief.

"What about my baby girl?" 

The nurse's face changed in an instant and Ember noticed it. 

"I'm sorry-"