Chapter Three

SHANNON ~ POV

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“Shannon is your step-sister, and as such, you must protect her at cost,” As Robin continued to speak, Jules and Cole gazed at me with looks of barely concealed hatred.

I shrank back, trying to disappear behind my mother as I hid. I could feel their anger, and I began to tremble.

There was a deep animosity in their eyes, a dark rage that made me feel like prey caught in the jaws of a predator. I watched as their eyes flashed with outrage, their breathing quickening as their father apprised them to protect me.

"Your mother is gone," Alpha Robin said, his voice low and firm.

Jules and Cole’s shoulders stiffened when they heard that, their eyes grim.

“And Myra is everything to me now. I expect you to respect that, and respect her. If you can't do that, then you will have to step down as Alphas. Do I make myself clear?"

Jules and Cole stared at their father in disbelief.

They had never been asked to choose between their pack and their family before. This was a line they had never imagined crossing.

Both twins were not happy about this development. They had never accepted their late mother's death, and the thought of my mother taking her place in the pack was like a slap in the face.

They glared at me, their hatred palpable. I felt like I was in the crosshairs of a loaded gun.

The tension hung in the air like a storm cloud, and everything ended when the twins flounced out of the mansion.

I was relieved when I was finally led to my room. I sank onto the bed, exhausted from the emotional upheaval of the day.

My room was beautiful, with pink and white decor that was clearly meant to appeal to a young woman like me. It was clear that Alpha Robin had taken great care in choosing the furnishings and colors, and I felt a pang of gratitude for his thoughtfulness.

But I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. I knew that Jules and Cole would be staying in the same mansion as me, and I already felt their hostility. I wondered how I would ever feel comfortable in such a hostile environment with them in the picture.

Later in the evening, I was summoned to the dining hall for dinner and Alpha Robin insisted I sit next to him.

“Hey sweetheart, are you alright?” My mom whispered at me from the other end, worried.

I forced a smile, nodding my head.

During the dining, Alpha Robin was making an effort to ease the tension.

"What's your favorite hobby?" Alpha Robin asked me, for a moment, I was taken aback.

"I love to bake," I said, a smile crossing my face as I thought about my favorite pastime.

"What about you, Cole?" Alpha Robin knowingly asked him.

Cole's face was still cold and unfriendly. "I don't have any hobbies," he said curtly. But clearly one could tell that he was lying.

Alpha Robin cleared his throat, facing Jules, “And you, son?”

“None,” Jules replied indifferently, digging into his meal in front of him.

I sensed someone sensing deadly daggers at me, I discovered it was Cole and when our eyes met, I quickly looked away uneasily.

While Alpha Robin, my stepfather continued an overly entire conversation, I began to relax, and a sense of slight peace settled over the dining hall.

It was then that Alpha Robin mentioned something bewildering to me, I was stunned.

“I have three sons —actually triplets, not just the two you've met," Alpha Robin said, a fond smile playing on his lips. "My oldest son, Ricky, is away on a trip right now He loves touring the world.”

I became dumbfounded. I had had no idea that Jules and Cole were just two of three brothers.

To be honest, I was a bit taken aback by the revelation that there was a third brother I hadn't met, but I tried to put my worries aside.

Alpha Robin had been a nice stepfather to me since my arrival here, and I had faith that he would keep the peace. Still, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy as I wondered if my stepbrother was cordial or if much was worse than Jules and Cole.

Despite my apprehensions, I decided to remain optimistic. After all, I had only just arrived, and there was no reason to jump to conclusions. I took a deep breath and smiled, proceeding with my meal.

However, my hope was short-lived when Alpha Robin suddenly spoke.

“Before I forget; I’m traveling to meet with the Alpha of the Oceans Howl Pack, and Myra will be accompanying me early the next morning.” He informed, and my stomach dropped. “Sons, I hoped you would take care of Shannon while we are away.”

I could barely contain my anxiety at the thought of being alone with Jules and Cole, knowing how they had treated me so far. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt like I might be sick.

"Can't... Can't I come with you guys?” I asked him, my words shaking, tumbling out in a rush.

Jules chuckled aloud, clearly, he was taunting me. I knew he was finding this interesting, and couldn't wait to make life miserable for me.

"Oh no, dear. What about school? Listen to me, you have nothing to worry about, okay?” My mom chipped in instead.

‘I doubt that,’ I muttered in my head worriedly as I glanced at Jules and Cole.

Their gazes met, and I saw a look pass between them that made my skin crawl. It was a look of cruel intent, and it made my heart sink.

Alpha Robin added, a reassuring smile on his face as he said. "You're mom is right, Shannon. My sons will take good care of you while we're away.”

I almost cried hearing that.

“You'll be safe here, am I right boys?” Alpha Robin turned to his devil-like sons.

Cole snorted, and he rolled his eyes.

"We'll be perfectly civil, Father," Jules smirked directly at me, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Jules and Cole exchanged a mischievous smirk, and my anxiety deepened.

How was I going to survive in this mansion with these two devilish brothers?