Trap of the King Alpha Triplet
Chapter 3 Moving In

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

I stare at the pile of boxes and suitcases scattered across my bedroom floor, a sense of dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Today's the day Mom and I move in with Alpha Christ and his sons - my new stepfather and stepbrothers. The thought alone is enough to make me want to hurl.

I can't believe this is actually happening. Just a week ago, my life was relatively normal (well, as normal as it can be for a witch-werewolf hybrid). And now, I'm about to live under the same roof as the three biggest bullies at Spring Lake High. Fan-freaking-tastic.

"Emily, honey, are you almost ready?" Mom calls from downstairs, her voice laced with excitement. "The truck is here to pick up our things!"

I sigh, grabbing a roll of packing tape and sealing the last box with a bit more force than necessary. "Yeah, Mom, I'll be down in a sec!"

As I lug my bags downstairs, I can't help but feel a pang of sympathy for my mother. She looks so happy, so radiant, like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. I know how much she's been through since Dad disappeared, how hard she's worked to provide for us. I can't bear the thought of ruining this for her.

So I plaster on a smile, hoping it doesn't look as fake as it feels. "All set, Mom. Let's do this."

...

The drive to the Alpha Packhouse is a blur of nerves and dread. I can't stop fidgeting, my palms sweaty as I pick at a loose thread on my jeans. Mom keeps glancing over at me, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Emily, are you okay?" she asks softly, reaching over to squeeze my hand. "I know this is a big change, but I promise everything will be alright."

I swallow hard, forcing a nod. "I know, Mom. I'm just... nervous, I guess."

She smiles, her green eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's understandable, honey. But you'll see, Alpha Christ and his sons are wonderful. They're going to make us feel right at home."

I bite back a snort of disbelief. If only she knew the truth about her new stepsons. But I can't bring myself to shatter her happiness, not when she's been through so much. So I just nod again, staring out the window as the towering pines of the Windridge Pack territory blur past.

***

As we pull up to the Alpha Packhouse, my jaw nearly hits the floor. I've never really been here before. The place is massive, a sprawling mansion of stone and glass nestled in the heart of the forest. It's like something out of a fairytale, all turrets and balconies and sweeping gardens.

"Wow," I breathe, forgetting for a moment why we're here. "This place is incredible."

Mom beams, her face glowing with pride. "Isn't it? Alpha Christ had it built for his late wife, Luna Selene. He said he wanted her to feel like a queen."

I feel a pang of sympathy for Alpha Christ. I can't imagine losing your mate, your soulmate. It must have been devastating.

As if on cue, the massive oak doors swing open, revealing Alpha Christ himself. He's a tall, imposing figure, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jaw that could cut glass. But there's a kindness in his eyes, a warmth that puts me instantly at ease. "Olivia, Emily, welcome home," he rumbles, his voice deep and rich like honey. He sweeps Mom into a hug, planting a kiss on her cheek that makes her giggle like a schoolgirl.

Then he turns to me, his smile widening. "Emily, it's so good to finally meet you. Your mother has told me so much about you."

I feel my cheeks flush, unsure how to respond. "It's good to meet you too, Alpha Christ. Thank you for having us."

He chuckles, waving a hand dismissively. "Please, call me Chris. We're family now, after all."

Family. The word feels foreign on my tongue, like a language I've never learned. But before I can dwell on it, Chris is ushering us inside, his hand resting lightly on the small of Mom's back.

The interior of the Packhouse is even more impressive than the outside, all gleaming marble and rich, dark wood. A crystal chandelier hangs from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm glow over the foyer. I feel like I've stepped into a palace, not a home.

"Boys, come and greet our guests!" Chris calls out, his voice echoing through the cavernous space.

I tense, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation. But when the King Triplets appear at the top of the grand staircase, I'm shocked to see them smiling, their faces open and friendly.

"Welcome, Emily, Ms. Blackwood," Leo says, his voice warm and inviting. "We're so glad you're here."

Luca and Logan nod in agreement, their eyes crinkling with genuine happiness. I blink, wondering if I've somehow stumbled into an alternate universe. Where are the sneers, the cutting remarks, the barely-veiled threats? "Please, call me Olivia," Mom says, her smile widening. "We're going to be one big, happy family, after all."

The triplets beam, looking for all the world like the poster boys for step brotherly affection. I can't help but stare, my mind reeling. Is this some kind of trick? A trap to lull me into a false sense of security?

But as dinner progresses, I start to wonder if maybe, just maybe, I was wrong about the King triplets. They're the perfect gentlemen, pulling out chairs and passing dishes and engaging in polite conversation. Even Leo, the ringleader, seems genuinely interested in getting to know me, asking about my hobbies and favorite subjects.

By the time dessert rolls around, I'm starting to relax, my guard slowly lowering. Maybe living here won't be so bad after all. Maybe the triplets have turned over a new leaf, ready to embrace me as their new stepsister.

"We have a surprise for you, Emily," Chris says, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Boys, why don't you show her to her new room?"

The triplets jump up eagerly, practically tripping over each other in their haste to lead me upstairs. I follow hesitantly, my heart pounding as we wind through the maze of hallways.

When we finally reach my new bedroom, I can't help but gasp. It's like something out of a fairytale, all soft pinks and golds and twinkling lights. A massive four-poster bed dominates the center of the room, piled high with fluffy pillows and a plush comforter. A vanity table sits against one wall, its surface gleaming with bottles of perfume and shimmering powders. And in the corner, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf overflows with all my favorite titles, from classic literature to trashy romance novels.

"Do you like it?" Logan asks shyly, his dark eyes searching my face.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly tight. "It's... it's perfect. Thank you."

The triplets beam, looking like proud papas showing off their newborn. "We wanted you to feel at home here, Emily," Luca says softly. "We know this is a big change, but we're here for you. Always."

I nod, blinking back tears. Maybe I was wrong about the King Triplets. Maybe they're not the monsters I thought they were.

***

Hours later, I'm lying in my new bed, my skin still tingling from the luxurious bubble bath I just took. The en-suite bathroom is a thing of wonder, with a massive jacuzzi tub and a rainfall showerhead that makes me feel like I'm standing under a waterfall.

I'm just starting to drift off, my mind hazy with exhaustion and contentment, when a soft knock at the door startles me awake.

"Come in," I call out, stifling a yawn.

The door creaks open, revealing a familiar figure silhouetted in the dim light. My heart stutters in my chest as Leo steps into the room, his golden eyes glinting with a predatory gleam. "L-Leo," I stammer, sitting up and pulling the covers tightly around my chest. "What are you doing here?"

He smirks, stalking closer to the bed. "Just wanted to check on my new stepsister. Make sure she's settling in alright."

There's something in his voice, a dark undercurrent that makes my skin prickle with unease. Gone is the charming, affable Leo from dinner, replaced by the cold, cruel bully I know all too well.

"I'm fine," I say quickly, my voice trembling slightly. "Just tired. Long day, you know?"

Leo's smirk widens, his canines glinting in the moonlight. "Oh, I know. But you better get used to it, little witch. Because from now on, your life is going to be a living hell."

He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "I'm going to make you wish you never stepped foot in this house, Emily Blackwood. I'm going to break you, piece by piece, until there's nothing left but a shell of the girl you used to be."

My blood runs cold, my heart pounding so loudly I'm sure he can hear it. "W-Why?" I whisper, my voice cracking. "Why are you doing this?"

Leo chuckles, a low, menacing sound that sends shivers down my spine. "Because I can, sister. And I'm going to make sure you never forget it."

With that, he turns on his heel and stalks out of the room, leaving me trembling and gasping for breath.

I am DONE.