A Mate To Three Alpha Heirs novel Chapter 6

{Elira}

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The clearing erupted.

People shouted over each other, their words clashing mid-air like a hundred arrows launched at once.

“What is going on?”

“Did the Moon Goddess really pair them with her?”

“No… this must be a mistake.”

“All three? Is this a joke?”

“I feel like I’m watching a play—what kind of twisted bond is this?”

“Someone, check the high priest. Maybe he got the rituals wrong.”

I stood still in the centre, surrounded by noise and disbelief, caught between fate, fire, and the three Alpha heirs who now belonged to me.

I didn’t pray for this. I never did.

The triplets hadn’t moved. The weight of their presence hung like fog around me, yet I felt completely exposed and alone.

I heard someone mutter nearby, “And the worst part? She’s Regina’s cousin.”

That whisper hurt more than the laughter when I fell.

My hands clenched at my sides.

Then, suddenly, Zenon stepped forward. “I—”

Just one word, spoken loud and clear, and the chaos quieted instantly.

All eyes turned to him. Even the crowd at the back leaned forward.

Lennon’s jaw tightened. His lips parted slightly, like he wanted to say something. But then, he shut his mouth and looked away.

Zenon’s face was unreadable. His fists clenched once, then loosened. He looked at me. Not with longing. Not with rage. Just… cold decision.

Then he spoke again.

“I, Zenon Ashford, reject you, Elira Shaw, as my mate.”

A pause followed. A horrible, stretching pause.

I held my breath. I braced myself for pain—expected something sharp to slice through the bond, to rip something from deep inside me.

But nothing happened.

I blinked. I was still standing, still breathing.

And the bond? It was still intact.

The silence stretched too long. Then gasps rippled through the pack like a wave of realization.

“It didn’t work…”

“She didn’t flinch.”

“Did the bond… not break?”

Zenon’s fists tightened again. His jaw locked. His body stiffened like someone who had just lost control of something vital.

Lennon looked stunned. He glanced at me and then at Zenon.

Rennon… sighed. Long. Deep. Almost tired.

Then, more chaos erupted.

“He rejected her, and the bond stayed?”

“How is this possible?”

“Has this ever happened before?”

My knees nearly buckled from the weight of attention. I was still processing what it all meant when I felt a sudden yank on my arm.

Regina.

Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed me, her nails digging into my skin. She clung to me like a drowning woman.

“I’ve been nothing but good to you,” she cried, loud enough for everyone to hear. “And this is how you repay me? You had the heart to disgrace me in front of so many important people—how could you cast a spell on the Alpha heirs?”

Gasps echoed from every corner. My eyes widened.

What…?

“R-Regina—what are you saying?” I tried to pull away, but she wouldn’t let go. Her nails dug deeper. My skin burned under her grip.

“Let me go,” I said through gritted teeth.

But she didn’t.

“Do you think this will make you Luna?” she hissed under her breath in a voice that only I could hear. “You will always be a shadow. My shadow.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I explained before anyone could get the wrong idea, just like Regina wanted, while at the same time, trying again to shake her off. “This isn’t my fault.”

She yanked harder. “Liar.”

“I cannot go against fate. If I do, how would I face my people and lead with honour?”

Lady Maren stood frozen.

Alpha Cyprus’s next words were calm, but final.

“If you have a problem, I suggest you take it up with the Moon Goddess. My hands are tied.”

Gasps rippled from the crowd.

“So… the engagement has been annulled? Just like that?”

“T-this situation… Regina looks so pale.”

Lady Maren looked shocked. But how could she accept this fate that had threatened her plans, goals, and reputation?

She turned to Uncle Marc, gripped his arm, and pointed at Regina.

“Our daughter doesn’t deserve this injustice and humiliation,” she whispered hoarsely. “Say something. Help her.”

But he didn’t move or speak.

I looked at the triplets. They had stepped back. None of them stood beside me now.

I wasn’t sure if that was relief or rejection.

Then my eyes found Regina again. Her hands were clenched into fists. Her eyes, red and burning, were locked on me.

I knew that look. She hated me now, more than ever.

And for once… I pitied her.

But I also blamed her for spreading news about the engagement too soon, for believing the world owed her the title of Luna before it was ever earned.

I swayed slightly as a wave of dizziness suddenly hit me. I tried to steady myself. I stepped back, placing a hand on my forehead.

Alpha Cyprus’s voice echoed somewhere above the fog:

“From this day forward, as my sons’ mate, Elira Shaw will be under my protection.”

“No!” Regina screamed. “This can’t be! It should be me!”

The crowd roared. Voices overlapped. Some cheered, some protested.

I couldn’t hear them anymore as the dizziness grew worse. The ground tilted. My vision dimmed, my ears rang, and my legs gave way.

And then, arms, firm and steady, caught me on time.

The scent of oud and pepper filled my nose as everything went blank.