Trap of the King Alpha Triplet
Chapter 43 Jealousy

Emily.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. The reality of my new situation was starting to sink in, and it felt like a weight pressing down on my chest. "It's a lot to take in," Logan said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

I managed a weak smile. "Thanks, guys. I just... I don't know how to process all of this. Yesterday I was worried about pop quizzes and cafeteria food, and now I'm some prophesied magical werewolf hybrid who's supposed to save the world or whatever."

"Hey," Leo said, crouching down to meet my eyes. "You're still you, Emily. Prophecy or not, magical powers or not, you're still the same snarky, brave, amazing girl we fell for. This doesn't change that."

His words warmed something inside me, easing some of the tension in my chest. "Even if I accidentally turn you into a frog?"

Luca grinned. "Better big frogs. Just imagine how awesome our water polo team would be then."

I couldn't help but laugh at that mental image. "You guys are ridiculous."

"You love it," Logan teased, ruffling my hair.

As we bantered, I felt some of my earlier anxiety start to fade. Maybe I could handle this whole destiny thing, as long as I had these three goofballs by my side.

Our moment was interrupted by a polite cough. I looked up to see Prince Alaric standing nearby, looking slightly uncomfortable.

"Emily," he said, his voice formal but warm. "I was wondering if I could have a word with you? In private?"

I felt the triplets tense around me. Again, their protective instincts kicked into high gear.

"Anything you have to say to Emily, you can say in front of us," Leo said, his voice low and challenging.

Prince Alaric's eyes narrowed slightly. "I meant no offense. I simply thought Emily might appreciate a... different perspective on recent events."

I sighed, sensing another testosterone-fueled standoff brewing. "It's fine, guys," I said, standing up. "I can handle a conversation without you hovering over me like overprotective mama bears." Luca snickered at the comparison, while Logan and Leo looked slightly offended.

"We do not hover," Leo grumbled.

"Sure, big guy," I patted his cheek patronizingly. "Whatever you say. I'll just be a minute, okay?"

They nodded reluctantly, and I followed Prince Alaric to a quiet corner of the room. As soon as we were out of earshot, he turned to me, his expression serious.

"Emily, I wanted to apologize if I've made you uncomfortable in any way," he said. "That was never my intention. I simply find you... intriguing."

I blinked, taken aback by his directness. "Oh. Um, thanks? I guess?"

He chuckled softly. "I know you're bonded to the King triplets, and I respect that. But I want you to know that you have allies here in Lunaris, beyond just your mates. If you ever need anything, I'm here."

I studied him for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. "That's... really nice of you, Prince Alaric. Thank you."

He smiled, and I had to admit, it was a pretty dazzling smile. "Please, just Alaric. And it's my pleasure. Us supernatural misfits have to stick together, right?"

I raised an eyebrow. "You? A misfit? Aren't you like, werewolf royalty or something?"

Alaric's smile turned a bit rueful. "Even royalty can feel out of place sometimes. Let's just say I understand what it's like to not quite fit the mold others expect of you."

Before I could respond, a small commotion near the door caught our attention. Celeste had reappeared, and she was chatting animatedly with the triplets. Or rather, at them. They looked like they were trying to politely escape, but she had them cornered.

I felt a twinge of annoyance, which surprised me. Sure, the triplets were my mates, but it's not like we were officially together or anything. I had no right to be jealous. And yet...

"Your cousin seems... friendly," I said to Alaric, trying to keep my voice neutral.

He followed my gaze and sighed. "Ah, yes. Celeste can be a bit... enthusiastic. Especially when it comes to athletes she admires. I apologize if she's making things awkward."

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. "It's fine. The boys can handle themselves."

Alaric gave me a knowing look. "You know, jealousy is a natural part of any new relationship. Especially one as unique as yours."

I felt my cheeks heat up. "I'm not jealous," I protested. "I just... I don't want them to feel uncomfortable, that's all."

"Of course," Alaric said, his tone making it clear he didn't believe me for a second. "Well, shall we rescue your knights in furry armor?"

I snorted at the description but nodded. As we approached the group, I could hear Celeste's high-pitched chatter.

"...and then I said to the barista, 'If this isn't made with ethically sourced moonbeam-infused coffee beans, I simply can't drink it!' I mean, a girl has standards, right?" The triplets looked like they were contemplating gnawing off their own legs to escape.

"Celeste," Alaric said smoothly, "I hate to interrupt, but I'm afraid we have some pressing matters to attend to. Perhaps you could continue this fascinating conversation another time?" Celeste pouted, but nodded. "Of course, cousin. Duty calls and all that. But we simply must catch up later, boys. I have so many more stories to share!"

As she flounced away, the triplets visibly relaxed.

"Our hero," Luca said dramatically, pretending to swoon into Logan's arms.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't quite suppress my smile. "Come on, you big babies. Let's get out of here before she comes back for round two."

As we left the meeting room, I couldn't help but feel like I was standing on the edge of something huge. My life had changed irrevocably, and I had no idea what was coming next. But who knows, looking at the triplets, I felt like at least I wouldn't be facing the future alone.

"So," I said as we walked, "who's up for teaching me how to not accidentally blow up the castle with my new moon powers?"

The boys exchanged glances before grinning.

"Oh, this is gonna be fun," Luca said, rubbing his hands together gleefully.

I had a feeling "fun" was going to be a massive understatement. But hey, that's life when you're a prophesied magical hybrid with three werewolf mates, right?

Just another day in the supernatural world.

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