Trap of the King Alpha Triplets

Content warning: This story contains mild language and suggestive themes.

Emily.

Bollocks. I'm really going to do this. I'm actually going to ask Damien Moore out on a date.

Me, Emily Blackwood, the invisible hybrid werewolf freak of Spring Lake High. My hands are shaking worse than a hippogriff on a 10-shot latte as I nervously smooth my unruly curls. Deep breaths, Em. You've faced far scarier things than asking your crush on a coffee date - like that time a giant black wolf sneezed on you in 3rd year Training class. Ugh.

I still can't believe Damien, the most perfect boy in existence, saved me from drowning in the freshman swim test. Being a witch-werewolf hybrid, swimming has always been a challenge for me. While werewolves are naturally skilled swimmers, my witch half seems to counteract any aquatic abilities I might have inherited. I remember flailing helplessly in the deep end of the pool, my limbs feeling like lead as I sank deeper and deeper. Just when I thought I was done for, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me back to the surface.

Even though I was a total outcast, Damien didn't hesitate to dive in after me. He held me close as he swam us both to safety, his blue eyes filled with concern. From that moment on, I knew I was a goner. I mean, the bloke is basically a god amongst the fur-brained jocks at this school. Captain of the hockey team, 4.0 GPA, chiseled jawline that could cut glass...and don't even get me started on those soulful blue eyes. Cue the swooning.

It's been two years since that fateful day, and I've been pining after Damien like a lovesick puppy ever since. I've lost count of how many times I've imagined us going on romantic picnics by the enchanted lake, holding hands as we stroll through the mystical gardens, or sneaking off to the astronomy tower for a midnight snog session. Okay, maybe that last one is a bit too spicy for a first date, but a girl can dream!

Anyway, it's now or never. Today's the day I finally woman up and ask Damien to grab a coffee or lunch sometime. No more pining from afar like some lovesick Chihuahua. I've got this.

"EMILY ROSE BLACKWOOD!" A shrill voice pierces through my mental pep talk, nearly making me tumble out of bed. Ugh, it's my "Mom Alarm Clock" - a bossy magical speech bubble that's decided 6:30 AM is the perfect time to screech at me. A little magic from a purebred witch. "If you don't leave for school in 15 minutes, you'll be late!"

"I'm up, I'm up!" I grumble, frantically throwing on my Spring Lake uniform - a prim white blouse and a blue and bronze plaid skirt that screams "Future Stepford Witch." As I race out the door, my phone buzzes with a text from my bestie, Arya.

Arya: Babes, there's a 30% chance of rain. Think they'll cancel morning gym, so we don't have to huff and puff behind the furry freaks? 🙏🏽

Arya Singh is the only one who truly gets my struggle as a hybrid wolf at Spring Lake High. She was born wolfless. We're both on the fringe of this aristocratic werewolf high school.

Emily: If only we were that lucky! Prepare for pure humiliation 😭

Arya: Ugh, I'd rather face a boggart in my knickers than deal with Coach Fang's sadistic obstacle course. 😫

Emily: Same, girl. But hey, at least we'll suffer together! 💕

Arya: Oh btw, did you hear the news? Damien is joining our gym class today for some hockey demos!

My heart skips a beat at the mention of Damien. This is it?! The perfect opportunity to casually invite him for coffee after class. I quickly type out my response, my fingers trembling with excitement.

Emily: OMG really?? Today's the day I finally ask him out!

Arya: YES GIRL GET IT! 💃🏽 Just watch out for the "three demons" 😈 Rumor has it they'll be there too...

I frown at the mention of the infamous King Triplets - Leo, Luca, and Logan. The sons of Alpha Christ, leader of the Windridge Pack, and the most egotistical, violent bullies at Spring Lake High. They have a reputation for tormenting "inferior" students, especially hybrids like me. I've managed to fly under their radar so far, but I know better than to poke the beasts.

Emily: Ugh, seriously? 🙄 Way to kill the vibe. Whatever, I refuse to let those fleabags ruin my shot with Damien!

Arya: That's my girl! Go get your prince, Cinderella!

I can't help but grin at Arya's unwavering support. With my bestie in my corner and the stars aligning in my favor, I feel like I can conquer anything...even asking out the most perfect boy in existence.

***

Twenty minutes and one near-asthma attack later (cardio is not a hybrid's friend), I'm walking towards the hockey rink, practicing my "ask Damien out" speech under my breath.

"Hey, Damien, I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee or lunch sometime? No pressure, just thought it could be fun..."

I'm so caught up in my mental rehearsal that I don't notice the dark figures looming behind me until it's too late.

"Well, well, if it isn't the little witch, come to play with the big bad wolves." A deep, mocking voice sends ice through my veins. I whirl around to find myself face-to-face (well, more like face-to-chest) with none other than the notorious King Triplets.

Leo, the ringleader, stands in the center, his golden eyes gleaming with malice. With his chiseled jaw, tousled black hair, and an athletic build that screams "alpha," he's the epitome of a teenage heartthrob...if you're into the whole "bad boy" thing. Which I'm definitely not. Nope. Not me.

To his right is Luca, the "charming" one. His lips are curled into a smirk, his tawny hair artfully disheveled as if he just rolled out of bed. Which he probably did, considering his reputation as the school's resident playboy.

And then there's Logan, the quiet one. He's hanging back, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he watches me with a calculating stare. I've heard rumors that beneath his brooding exterior lies a brilliant mind and a wicked sense of humor...not that I'll ever find out for myself.

"Hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but Damien doesn't date outside his species," Leo sneers, flicking a stray curl from my face with a clawed finger. "Especially not freaky half-breeds like you."

I feel my cheeks flush with humiliation and rage. How dare he eavesdrop on my private conversation and insult my hybrid status!

"I-I wasn't asking YOU, you egotistical fleabag!" I stammer, trying to inject some venom into my voice. But it's hard to sound threatening when you're a 5'2" hybrid facing off against three 6'4" alpha wolves.

Leo just laughs, a cruel, rumbling sound that seems to echo through the empty hallway. "Aww, the little hybrid's got claws," he taunts, grabbing my wrist in a bruising grip. "Too bad she doesn't know her place."

I try to yank my arm free, but it's like trying to move a mountain. Leo's golden eyes gleam with sadistic amusement as he leans in close, his breath hot against my ear.

"Listen up, witch," he growls, his voice low and menacing. "You're playing with fire, chasing after a wolf above your station. Keep throwing yourself at Damien, and you just might get burned."

Tears of pain and humiliation prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I won't give this bully the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

"Fuck off, Leo," I spit, finally wrenching my wrist from his grasp. "I don't take orders from mangy mutts like you."

For a moment, Leo looks stunned, like he can't believe a lowly hybrid would dare talk back to him. But then his shock morphs into pure, unadulterated rage.

"You just made a huge mistake, little witch" he snarls."Nobody disrespects the King Triplets and gets away with it. YOU HEAR ME?"

What the hell just happened?

Did I seriously just mouth off to the most dangerous bully at Spring Lake High?

I'm so screwed.

If Leo makes good on his threat, my life at this school is about to become a living nightmare. But worse than that, I've probably blown any chance I had with Damien. No way he'll want to date a hybrid who's been blacklisted by the King Triplets.

Tears blur my vision as I slump against the lockers, burying my face in my hands. Why did I have to open my big, fat mouth? Why couldn't I just keep my head down and stay invisible, like I have for the past two years?

Content warning: This chapter contains mild language, suggestive themes, and mentions of bullying.

Emily.

I stumble out of the locker room, my mind still reeling from the King Triplets‘ threat, making it impossible to concentrate on anything else. Even during the werewolf training session, I couldn't focus on Coach Fang's instructions, my thoughts constantly drifting to what those mangy mutts might have in store for me.

"Blackwood!" Coach Fang barks, snapping me out of my daze. "What do you call that pathetic excuse for a shift? Drop and give me twenty!"

I grimace, my cheeks burning with humiliation as I drop to the ground and start pumping out push-ups. The pure werewolf kids snicker and whisper, their eyes boring into me like hot coals. I try to ignore them, but their words slither into my ears like poisonous snakes.

"Looks like the half-breed can't keep up," one of them sneers.

"What do you expect? She's not a real wolf," another one chimes in.

I grit my teeth, my arms trembling as I force myself to keep going. I'll show them. I'll show all of them that I'm just as good as any purebred werewolf.

But who am I kidding? I'm just a freak, a misfit who doesn't belong anywhere. Not with the witches, and certainly not with the wolves.

After what feels like an eternity, Coach Fang finally dismisses us. I peel myself off the ground, my muscles screaming in protest as I limp towards the exit. All I want is to go home, curl up in my bed, and forget this whole day ever happened.

But fate has other plans.

As I step out of the locker room, a heavy hand clamps down on my shoulder, spinning me around. I find myself face-to-face with none other than the devil himself, his golden eyes glinting with malicious glee.

"Not so fast, little witch," Leo purrs, his grip tightening. "I think we should spend some more quality time together, don't you? Especially if you need any...help."

My skin crawls at his touch, and I try to shrug off his hand. "Thanks, but no thanks," I mutter, avoiding his gaze. "I don't need anything from you."

Leo's smile turns predatory, sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, but I insist. After all, we wouldn't want dear Damien to have a little...trouble, now would we?"

My blood runs cold at the thinly veiled threat. I open my mouth to retort, but Logan cuts me off.

"Leo, enough," he says, his voice quiet but firm. "We need to get to the training ground."

Leo rolls his eyes but releases me, shoving me backward. I stumble, barely catching myself before I fall. "Fine. But first, little witch, I need you to do me a favor."

I narrow my eyes, already dreading whatever twisted task he has in mind. "What favor?"

"I need you to retrieve my helmet from the Alpha Packhouse. And you have..." He glances at his watch, smirking. "Ten minutes. Starting now."

My jaw drops in disbelief. The Alpha Packhouse is on the other side of campus, and I'm just a lowly hybrid. There's no way I can make it there and back in ten minutes, especially not after the grueling training session I just endured.

"But I...I can't..." I stammer, but the triplets are already walking away, their laughter echoing in the hallway.

"Better hurry, little witch," Luca calls over his shoulder. "Tick tock!"

I stand there for a moment, my heart racing and my mind reeling. I can't believe this is happening. But I know I have no choice. If I don't comply, Leo will make good on his threat, and Damien will pay the price.

With a groan of frustration, I take off running, my muscles screaming in protest. I push myself harder than I ever have before, my lungs burning and my vision blurring. But it's not enough. The Alpha Packhouse is just too far, and I'm just too slow.

By the time I reach the front door, I'm gasping for breath, and my legs feel like jelly. I collapse against the wall, tears of exhaustion and humiliation streaming down my face. How did I get myself into this mess?

Suddenly, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I fish it out with shaking hands, frowning at the unknown number on the screen. Hesitantly, I answer.

"H-Hello?" I pant, still trying to catch my breath.

"Well, well, well," a familiar voice drawls. "Sounds like someone's had a little workout."

My stomach drops as I realize it's one of the triplets. Of course they would find a way to torment me even further.

"What do you want?" I snap, my patience wearing thin.

"Oh, nothing much," the voice says, and I can practically hear the smirk. "Just wanted to check in on our favorite little hybrid. Make sure you're not slacking off."

I grit my teeth, biting back a scream of frustration. "I'm not slacking off," I hiss. "I'm just...I'm trying my best, okay?"

"Trying your best?" The voice laughs, a cruel, mocking sound. "Oh, sweetheart. I just want you to know you have five minutes left. So..."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I feel fresh tears well up in my eyes.

Those monsters!

***

I burst through the front door of the Alpha Packhouse, my lungs on fire and my legs threatening to give out beneath me. I lean against the wall, trying to catch my breath, when a familiar voice cuts through the haze of exhaustion.

"Emily? Is that you?" My mother's voice, laced with concern, snaps me out of my spiral of self-loathing. I quickly end the call, wiping my eyes on my sleeve.

"Y-Yeah, Mom, it's me," I call back, my voice shaky. "I'm just... I'm here to pick up something for school."

There's a pause, and then my mother appears in the doorway, her face etched with worry. "Emily, honey, are you okay? You look upset."

I force a smile, shaking my head. "I'm fine, Mom. Just... long day at school, that's all."

She frowns, clearly not buying it. Her green eyes, so much like my own, search my face for answers. "Are you sure? You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. If only she knew the truth.

"I know, Mom. I'm just... I'm tired, that's all." I give her a reassuring smile, hoping it's enough to convince her.

She studies me for a moment longer before her expression shifts, a strange mix of nervousness and excitement. "Well, I have some news that might cheer you up. Come sit down for a minute."

Confused, I follow her into the living room, sinking onto the plush velvet couch. The Alpha Packhouse is a far cry from our modest little cottage on the outskirts of Pack territory. Everything here screams wealth and power, from the gleaming hardwood floors to the crystal chandelier hanging overhead.

My mother perches beside me, taking my hand in hers. Her skin is soft and warm, the faint scent of lavender clinging to her like a comforting embrace.

"Emily, I... I've been seeing someone," she begins, her eyes shining with a light I haven't seen in years. "Someone special. And, well... we've decided to get married."

My jaw drops, my mind reeling. "W-What? Who? When did this happen?"

She takes a deep breath, squeezing my hand. "It's Alpha Christ. We've been dating for a few months now, and he proposed last night."

I feel like I've been sucker-punched. Alpha Christ? The father of the King Triplets? The man whose sons have made it their mission to ruin my life?

"Mom, I... I don't know what to say," I whisper, my head spinning. "This is... it's a lot to take in."

She nods, her smile faltering slightly. "I know, honey. But Alpha Christ is a good man, and he makes me so happy. He's been there for us ever since your father..." She trails off, her eyes clouding with old pain.

I swallow hard, remembering the day my father disappeared. I was just a baby then, but I've seen the toll it took on my mother. The endless nights of crying, the struggle to make ends meet, the whispers and stares from the other pack members.

But through it all, Alpha Christ was there. He gave my mother a job and more.

"I'm happy for you, Mom," I say softly, squeezing her hand. "Truly, I am."

She nods, pulling me into a hug. "Thanks, honey. And this means we'll be moving in with him and his sons. You are gonna have three new brothers. Won't that be exciting?"

Exciting? More like a living nightmare. I can barely stomach the thought of seeing the triplets at school every day, let alone living under the same roof as them.

But I can't say that to my mother. Not when she looks so hopeful, so happy. So I force another smile, nodding weakly.

"Y-Yeah, Mom. Really exciting."

She beams, pulling me into a hug. "Oh, I'm so glad you're on board. This is going to be a wonderful new chapter for our family, Emily. I just know it."

I hug her back, blinking back tears. A new chapter, indeed. But as I sit there, my mother's joyful words washing over me, all I can think is:

What the hell have I gotten myself into?