Three Knights, One Party

Peyton's eyes widened as she saw Talon, Jett and Kael. I watched as she swallowed confused as she saw them. The entire classroom was silent and no one dared to speak.

“ Jett,” Peyton started but couldn't continue.

I watched as her mouth opened slightly, then closed again. She looked completely thrown off, like she didn’t expect them to actually show up or alone defend me.

I felt the same way too.

The entire classroom was silent. No one dared to speak. Even Madison, who normally had something clever to say, just watched with curious eyes.

“Jett…” Peyton began, her voice shaky. “I didn’t mean—”

But Jett didn’t even look at her.

Kael and Talon were already at my side, helping me up from the floor. Kael’s hands were warm and steady under my arm, while Talon’s touch was gentle but firm.

“You okay?” Kael asked softly, brushing dust from my shoulder.

I nodded, though my knees still felt weak. My heart thudded in my chest as I watched them stand in front of me. My knights.

“She tripped me,” I whispered, my voice barely holding together. “On purpose.”

“I saw it,” Talon said, his voice low and dangerous. He turned to face Peyton, who immediately stepped back.

“We warned you,” Jett finally said, his voice calm but cold. “She’s under our protection now. You don’t get to touch her. You don’t get to talk to her.”

“Why? Who are you guys to be defending her? She is not your fated mate. Why do you care so much about her?” Peyton asked.

Talon's eyes darted to me and I could tell they were staring at me because they didn't know what to say. I didn't too. I did not want people finding out I was living with the hottest triplets in school because of my father's debt.

I gently shook my head signaling Talon.

Talon stepped forward gently touching Jett’s arm to calm him down. Just as he was about to speak, Madison appeared from nowhere.

“Lets forget all about this. I’m hosting a party at my house for my birthday. Everyone is invited. Kael, Talon, Jett, you guys are coming, right?” Madison asked as her hands slowly caressing Jett's arms.

I tore my eyes away forcing myself not to look at them.

“ Everyone is invited, right?” Jett asked as his gaze remained on me.

*******************************

Madison’s party felt like a scene straight out of a dream. The fountain sparkled under the lights, standing proudly in front of her grand mansion. Inside and out, everything screamed wealth and elegance from the polished floors to the massive glass windows. The backyard was buzzing with music and laughter as people sipped pricey drinks by the glowing pool. Girls twirled around in colorful bikinis, guys lounged in swim trunks, and no one wanted to miss a single moment. It was the kind of party every girl secretly wished she could be part of.

“ Why is she here?” I could some of the girls whispering at the corner as I walked in.

“ Madison invited everyone. Guess fattie Chloe thought the invitation included her.” Peyton answered as they laughed.

I could hear all of them whispering and laughing as I walked by finding a quiet spot to sit. I had no intention of going to Madison’s party, but Kael’s text left me with no choice. The annoying triplets made it clear from the start. I was theirs now. Like it or not, I had to do what they said.

“Chloe, why are you sitting alone? Have a drink.” Madison’s voice caught my attention as she offered me a drink.

I stared at the drink she placed on my table hesitating if I should drink it.

“ Oh come on. Madison is offering a drink at her party. Don't be such a party popper.” Peyton said interfering as she walked up to us.

I looked down at the cold drink in front of me. Madison smiled, but there was something off in her eyes, too sweet, too fake. And Peyton was right beside her, arms folded, watching me like I was a joke waiting to be laughed at.

Maybe it was stupid of me. I wanted to be normal, to fit in. I wanted to prove that I wasn't scared.

So I took the drink.

The liquid burned a little as it slid down my throat, but I forced a smile and handed the glass back. Peyton rolled her eyes and walked off disappointed that I hadn’t spit it out or made a fool of myself.

Madison smiled as she looked at me. Her smile didn't seem to reach her eyes.

“ Enjoy the party!” She said before walking off too.

Once they were gone, I tried to act like I was normal but I wasn't. Suddenly, my vision blurred for a second, and I blinked, trying to steady myself.

Something wasn’t right.

The voices around me became muffled, like I was underwater. I gripped the arm of the chair beside me, trying to ground myself, but it didn’t help.

I needed to get away. I needed air.

My feet carried me inside on their own, slow and unsteady. I pushed past the hallway, brushing against people I barely noticed. The lights inside the house were too bright, the music too loud. My skin itched. My heart beat too fast.

My fingers grazed the wall as I stumbled toward the first quiet room I saw. I didn’t even knock. I just turned the handle and pushed the door open, desperate for stillness.

Then I froze.

My breath caught in my throat as I took in the scene before me.

Kael stood in front of the mirror, shirtless, wiping a smudge off his jaw with a towel. Talon had his back to me, pulling a black shirt over his toned chest. And Jett, Jett was in nothing but black jeans, his muscular frame on full display as he dug through a duffel bag on the bed.

My body forgot how to move. I stood there like an idiot, just staring.

Kael noticed me first. His head turned sharply, and his eyes widened when he saw me swaying in the doorway.

“Chloe?” he said, stepping forward, voice full of concern.

Talon spun around next, surprise flickering in his eyes before it quickly shifted to worry.

“Chloe, what are you doing here?” Talon asked as all three of them stared at me.

Heart crept up my cheeks. My heart pounded wildly as I clung to the doorframe, swaying on my feet. The room felt like it was tilting, spinning, and I couldn’t tell if it was from the drink or the three shirtless gods standing in front of me.

“I… I didn’t mean to—” I mumbled, my voice cracking.

But my knees gave out before I could finish.

Jett caught me before I hit the ground, his strong arms wrapping around me like a shield. I felt his warmth against my skin as he towered over me. Meanwhile, Talon and Kael stood behind him waiting as he checked on me.

Just then, I gave into the darkness.