Lucy's POV

I fell to the ground after reading this, I was shattered and tears gushed out of my eyes. My whole body shook like I was having a fever. I remained on the floor for as long as I couldn't take note of until I received a knock on the door.

“Could that be him coming back for me?” I muttered as I rose to my feet. I really longed for him after giving him my virginity and sharing my first wolf bond with him. I couldn't let him go like that, that even when he rejected me and I felt his wolf had left me, I couldn't reciprocate it. I rushed towards the door wishing it would be him, I'm ready to take him back a thousand times but when I opened the door, my heart sank.

The hotel staff.

“Good morning, ma'am. You booked just a night and so far your time has elapsed thirty minutes ago. Hope all is well?” They asked, seeing the tears in my eyes. “We saw your partner leaving so early.”

I didn't say a word but went inside and packed my undies, stuffing them into my bag. I reached out for my phone and the paper on the table. It was the last thing I could ever want to go with, Eric's rejection letter but I wanted something that will remind me of his beauty, his gentleman attitude and understanding.

I left the hotel, signing out at the reception.

While taking a taxi back to my apartment, I wondered why he was so gentle and loving from the first time he met me to the last minute I slept off. I wondered why he rejected me in my sleep and did not wait till I was awake to do that to my face.

“He didn't want to hurt you,” my wolf replied, sick and saddened.

“But he ended up hurting me!” I retorted, I wonder if I'll ever be able to get rid of him from my heart.

I wasn't myself all through even after days passed, I kept longing for him but sadly, I never came across him. My bestie and three other students whom I shared a room with at the hostel observed my gloomy mood which wouldn't go away for days, no matter what they did to make me happy. So they reported to the Student Affairs Unit, saying I was behaving suicidal.

I was taken for a series of tests, ranging from psychological to medical, at the end of which I got the greatest shock of my life. It was three weeks after meeting with Alpha Eric.

The college doctor came out with files on her hands, a set of darkened eyes and a serious face.

“You're three weeks pregnant with triplets, two boys and a girl.”

“Huh-hh?” My mouth sprang open, my eyes widened upon hearing this.

“Hmm, we're sorry about this but I don't guess the school will let you continue studies here since you aren't officially married.”

“We encourage students, especially the girls, to finish their studies before starting a family. You may go now.”

I stood up slowly upon getting my result, my brain packed with a whole lot of thought. My future now was uncertain.

“Mom will see me as a great disappointment,” I cried to my best friend as I began to pack my things. I didn't wait for the university to expel me.

“This is just my first year and I'm messing up.”

“I'm going to miss you so much!” I kissed her goodbye before leaving. It was my dream to go to school at the best Werewolf Academy in the world, but now my dreams have crumbled.

*********

THREE YEARS LATER

After leaving my former college, I returned to the pack, life was more difficult than I thought. I met with a lot of rejections, starting from my family to friends, everyone ridiculed me for getting pregnant out of wedlock.

“But he's my mate. I felt the mate bond.” I tried to defend myself each time people ridiculed me. It was of no use so soon, I stopped, accepted my fate and got prepared to take care of my kids, when they wean, I return to college.

It's three years now and my kids are three years now, taking over the handsome face of their dad. I was filled with nothing other than revenge for Eric should I ever meet him in this life. I would release all my sufferings in raising Austin, Dustina and Justin on his head. Besides, I was in my third year in college.

With this milestone set in my life, my love life was unstable. From getting pregnant without a mate to take responsibility, I got stunted being a single mother.

“You would never find love!” A lot of people said this. Mom and dad never said it openly after coming to be so fond of their grandkids, rather they said it indirectly. The werewolf world isn't like the human world, the number of single mothers were really scarce and unless one's mate is dead, a single mother was viewed as an outcast and undeserving of love.

It was like a miracle when I came upon Leo, my childhood best friend who turned up to support me. He was of noble lineage and with this, he was permitted to live in the pack estate with his family. My dad is the Gamma of the Phoenix Pack, with this, we got to live together. Dad and mom tried their best to suit us together as a couple, we did very well not until Diane returned from overseas, then everything changed. The love we'd built for three years slowly began to drift apart, putting back into the tag of single mothers.

“If I ever fall in love again, let me–”

Before I could complete my statement, mom blocked my mouth stopping me from speaking. She shot me a warning glare.

“You won't die single. As my daughter, I won't let that happen.” She vowed.

“I wish I was a human!” I cried, falling to the ground. My heart was broken to pieces. “Leo wasn't meant for me, I really doubt now if he ever saw me as a romantic partner for once.”

Lucy's POV

It wasn't evident with us romancing and having sex while living together. It didn't matter how cool and caring he behaved towards me and my kids. I now doubt if all those while he saw me as a good woman and best friend he needed to protect in adversity.

“Why hasn't he broken up with me officially?” I questioned myself as I sat alone in my room after meeting with my mom to talk about Leo. He was now getting closer and friendlier with Diane. I'm pretty sure because of her, he had to give the excuse of wanting to return back to live with his parents still in the estate.

“Did he ask you out officially?” My wolf questioned in response to my doubt, then the whole truth behind this dropped. Leo was a childhood best friend and so far he remained one, a best friend while I was raising my kids.

My kids were most of the time under the care of mom and dad, especially when I was at school or having my mood swings.

I was walking through the estate hallway, west wing towards Leo’s apartment to meet with him as I just wanted to speak with him. I knocked at the entrance door.

“Leo! Leo! Leo!”

“Are you at home?” I didn't receive any response. I decided to use my wolf sense, I couldn't perceive his really strong scent. I sighed.

“He's not at home!” I told myself, getting a confirmation from my wolf as well. I was left with no choice but to return to my wing. Upon strolling back, I met with his mom.

“Heyy mam,” I rushed to hug her. Even when our relationship wasn't really defined and he wasn't my mate, his family treated me as one. Even now we were slowly drifting apart, the relationship didn't change.

“My baby, were you looking for Leo?” She got to ask even before I spoke exactly the same thing in my mind.

“Yes.” My eyes turned stern with anxiety.

“Well, I'm really sorry things turned out this way.” Some tears pulled up from her eyes which she took her palms up to wipe. “He's out. He told me he would go partying in town with Diane.”

“It's fine, mam.” I managed to smile with a teary eye. “I'll search for me, at least I can talk to him.” I gave her a hug before we parted.

Though I didn't know of the particular club he went to since we didn't attend one while together. We couldn't leave the kids alone at night. I feel a special bond having to sleep with them close by.

With the hope of finding him, I went on a casual evening walk. Some meters away, I caught sight of a couple holding hands together and walking ahead of the illuminated street. The girl had golden hair, Diane's recent dye color.

My heart stopped. It was them.

They were approaching the famous nightclub, La Luna. I stopped, staring well to make sure it was someone I suspected.

My eyes glared out so wide when I realized. It struck me deeply. I quickly rushed after them, trailing them at a considerable distance. Their hands were clenched together as they walked side by side.

"I just wish that bitch could see us, such an unlucky girl with three kids trying to take your attention from a fresh girl like me?" I overheard Diane saying. I shook my head with disappointment. We are cousins and I don't see the fact she should be saying such hurtful words behind my back.

Leo chuckled, not saying a word in response. Diane placed her right hand on his shoulder, gazing at him, expecting him to say something but he didn't.

I gave him a thumbs-up from behind. “Always the great gentleman.” I wish I was his mate, he would have no chance with Diane.

"Hmm." She scoffed. “You aren't saying anything, you still love her?”

“Well, I never saw her as a romantic partner, I was only trying my best not to make her feel bad. She's a friend and will always remain in that zone.” Diane smiled, looking at Leo with admiration.

I swallowed the lump in my throat upon hearing this. Tears were almost escaping from my eyes but I managed to control myself. I didn't want them to know I was following behind them. A hiccup or sniff would easily catch their attention.

Seeing Leo walk with my greatest rival broke my heart and shattered my wolf. I continued walking behind them, I got so curious to see with my eyes what they were going inside of here to do although I knew what was capable of being done in a nightclub.

I'm glad I dressed in a short, casual gown which looked quite sexy. I could easily blend in and no one would notice me. Revenge laid heavy on my mind, though I wasn't going to take Leo's act so personally, yet I wanted to make both him and his girl jealous. I wasn't unwanted after all, I had beauty and sense.

“I'll just pair with a random stranger and dance the night away in front of them!” I whispered to myself.

After the party started, I stood over at a corner watching how Leo and Diane were kissing, fondling each other's sensitive body parts. Leo pulled his hand into Diane's free top and grabbed her breast, Diane unzipped his trouser, holding it while she put her hand under him. She grabbed him.

"Oh gosh!" I covered my eyes with my hand, shaking my head furiously in confusion. My heart was beating so hard.

"Go over there and listen to what they are saying about you." My wolf spoke to me. I walked over, behind them pretending as though I was dancing with my wine glass in my right hand, swaying to the beats of the music playing. The multi-colored lights were flashing all over with a dim mode. No one could easily catch a perfect view of the person standing close to him.

"I'm gonna fuck you hard. We're gonna enjoy the night till the morning," Leo said.

"Yes honey, you're so sexy. I can't imagine why such a handsome and sexy guy should keep up with such an outrageous girl." Diane chuckled.

"She's not any prettier than you. I wish I met you first,” he remarked, causing Diane to blush. I put up a frown, flinching my face away. Just then my eyes hit a tall, handsome man in white shirt and a pair of black trousers, clicking with the image of the man that left me three years ago at the lounge before I even woke up.

“Am I really seeing well? What's he doing here?” I strained my eyes wide, wanting to check it out if he's the one.

Diane walked up to me with an evil grin and a glass of wine in her hand which she picked over the bar. I didn't know that she and Leo caught sight of me, I was so engrossed with checking out if it was who I'm thinking or another person.

“Are you that jobless, not only to trail us here to spy on us, but to think that such a handsome, charming man would even spare a look at you, a desperate single mother.” She smirked, turning to look at Leo who was still standing over where he stood playing indifferent.

“Go look for a life, you look so miserable to behold. Maybe you're just not fit for anything better than being a single mother.”

Her words stung so hard. I couldn't say a word in response, getting so engrossed with the hurt that began three years ago and was occurring fresh in my heart as I thought of Eric.

I was about to turn and walk out as I didn't want any more hurt when I felt warmth cascade over my shoulders, spreading to my entire body as I man's muscular frame behind me. I saw Diane widened her eyes, dropping her jaw in shock. I slowly turned, to my shock, it was Eric. My quest for revenge met at once with the want to shame Diane.

Lucy's POV

“Do you think you look any better?” Eric said coldly, narrowing his eyes. “If you think so, then I need to clear you of your illusion. You're not any close to beautiful.”

Tears formed in Diane's eyes.

“I'm sorry for what–”

“No need!” I stopped him before he could complete his statement knowing where he was heading to, besides this wasn't the proper place for that. I just wanted to use him to hurt Diane and Leo since they believed I wasn't good enough to attract any man.

With his physique, his cute, charming eyes and his princely aura, he was just enough to play this role perfectly. He looked like the perfect handsome model in vogue and other fashion magazines. Leo couldn't contest with him in a fashion show. Diane was absolutely hurt by this, her face fell in dejection. I grinned. This is exactly what I wanted. He was just my perfect candidate to arouse jealousy in the eyes of my rival. Just for this moment. I don't think I'll still view him this way after now.

“I wouldn't need you any longer after this scene. Thank you for standing up for me and I wish you will stand to the end of this party.” I muttered seeing that Diane and Leo had stepped further away and couldn't hear what I was saying.

“I hate you!” I hit his chest, with tears in my eyes. “You made me–'' I paused, my wolf urged me not to reveal this secret so soon. I don't know his intention, why he's even here in the first place.

“Like I was saying, let's pretend. Eyes are watching!” I gestured, acting as though it wasn't me who vented frustration a minute ago.

“Hmm, okay.” The confused Eric agreed to me.

Even though this was all an act, I couldn't hold it any longer, I was hurting myself seriously inside. I sniffed. At some point, I was about to turn around and walk away when his hands pulled over my waist, stopping me. The spotlight was on us, I couldn't believe it.

His face came to full light, his eyes locked with mine, it was as though I was seeing the face of an angel. His scent washed over me. I blinked my eyes several times wondering if this was real or if I had entered into one of my favorite telenovela scenes.

His face was perfectly shaped, his skin so smooth and his complexion so fair.

My eyes dropped from his face which seemed to capture and place me in his eternal prison to his body.

"Gosh!"

His white, fitting shirt made obvious his muscular body frame, abs, and perfect muscles which lined up like the work of a perfect sculpture. I closed my eyes, opening it again to see if this was true.

My eyes glared so wide as I stared at him with my jaw dropped. Did I just hear him well or I was hallucinating?

He gave me a curt nod with a wink of his eyes, I understood the signal. Then coming close to my ear, he pretended as though he wanted to give me a perk on the cheek.

"Come on, girl! I heard all they said, I saw your reaction. It seems you and the guy are dating but let's give it back to them. I'll pretend to be your partner for the night."

I was puzzled by the speed at which he used to speak these words in a second. I then turned my face boldly to glare at Leo. Seeing me, he froze. Diane stood upright, she was aghast like she saw a ghost.

We walked off leaving them to stare at us.

We walked over to a secluded space, where they couldn't easily spy on us. The sexy stranger now under the dim light was drunk with lust, but at least he could tell where he was and what he was doing.

"It seems you've been drinking. Your eyes look so dreamy!" I was pushed to ask. He chuckled.

"I'm not drunk. Guess that's how my eyes are. My profession wouldn't allow me to drink even to subconsciousness."

"Wow!" I blushed, even at those things I shouldn't be blushing. Having his eyes fixed on me pulled me crazy. He was sitting on the chair here pulling his leg across while staring at me as though I was one marvelous thing he had never seen for a while.

With a deep breath, he sat up, ready to stand. He was afraid I'm gonna go. He pulled me back. "Please sit! You asked me to pretend with you till the end of this party." I said to mind. He rolled his eyes, spreading his palms wide in a charming gesture.

"We've pretended perfectly in front of them, there's nothing left to pretend?" I tried struggling out of his grip. The more time I spent with him, the more his rejection was reoccurring in my mind. I was caught in a dilemma of revenge and want, my wolf still longed for him.

“I'm here to stay, Lucy.”

“Who cares about you?” I lashed back. “It's such a pity if you think you can make me take you back because of your beauty. You're a gentle monster!” I yelled at him.

“Good for nothing other than revenge on my part.” I countered my wolf who was trying to calm me down. Revenge served hot was the only desire I had in mind for him.

“If you aren't with him, how will you serve him this revenge?” These words muttered by Eric hit me deep.

“Don't see my new decision as falling for you. I will not fail to avenge the pains you caused me!” I growled, in case he thought I'm joking.

“You're yet to hear my story, the reason I penned down that letter.” Tears dropped from his eyes, he lowered his face, wiping them off before raising his face up again.

“I guess before you judge who's right and who's wrong, you will need to hear me first.”