Chapter 1

Inside her room, warm and golden under a worn-out chandelier, Emma sat with her friend, their quiet laughter defying the atmosphere.

   

“I’m so excited for you, Emma,” Teena said suddenly, her cheeks flushing brighter.

“Why?” Emma asked, surprised by the sudden declaration.

Teena turned to her, face glowing with excitement. Clutching the hem of her silk gown, she waltzed around the room in an exaggerated circle. “You’re going to the ball!” she exclaimed. “There’ll be so many nobles there. Maybe you’ll even find your mate!” Grabbing Emma’s hands, she gasped in excitement. “This could be it!”

Emma’s expression didn’t mirror her friend’s enthusiasm. Slowly, she pulled her hands away, the spark of excitement slowly leaving Teena’s eyes.

“Emma?” Teena called with a soft and uncertain voice.

“I don’t think I want to go,” Emma admitted, her voice sharp. “Look at me. I’m nowhere near attractive. No one even likes me, so what’s the point of it all?”

“That’s not true! I like you,” Teena interrupted.

“Yeah, just you.” Emma sighed, her tone laced with bitterness. “The rest of the world hates me. I mean, look at my parents. Isn’t that proof enough? Why would anyone at the ball feel differently?”

“That’s enough, Emma,” Teena said, cutting her off. “You’re beautiful and kind. If anyone at that ball doesn’t see it, the joke’s on them.”

Emma’s lips twitched into a sad smile. “I’ve been eighteen for a while now, Teena, and I haven’t found a mate. Why would tonight be any different?”

Teena grabbed Emma’s hands again, her gaze steady. “Because I just know it will be. You’re stronger than you think. You’re amazing, Emma. They’ll see that.”

Emma chuckled softly, a flicker of warmth in her eyes. “I guess I’d better decide what to wear,” she said, standing. “This is the first time my parents are letting me go somewhere fun. You know, aside from the blood transfusion facility.” She laughed at her joke, but Teena didn’t find it funny.

“You’re still doing that?” Teena asked, her eyes wide in shock.

“I have to,” Emma said, sorting through her wardrobe. “My sister’s life depends on it.”

“That bratty imp,” Teena muttered under her breath, uncharacteristically harsh. Emma chuckled at the rare outburst.

“What do you think?” Emma asked, holding up a red gown, her face lighting up.

“Not that one,” Teena groaned, rolling her eyes.

—-

Emma walked into the ballroom which was a masterpiece of opulence, glowing like a golden jewel against the velvet night. The masks glittered under the chandeliers.

  

Her heart thudded in her chest as she stepped inside, biting her lip nervously. Why was everyone staring at her? To her, it felt like they were about to throw her out. She knew she wasn’t supposed to come, she never wanted to be here in the first place.

“Hey, beautiful,” A smooth voice cut through the crowd, and she turned to see a man approaching. His tailored black suit fit him perfectly, and his silver mask framed piercing blue eyes. 

The way he looked at her made her stomach flip. He oozed power and danger, and she was drawn to it.

“Care for a dance?” he asked, with a calm yet commanding voice. Emma nodded, as she was unable to resist.

“I’m Jayden Sutherland,” he said as he pulled her close, his hand resting lightly on her waist. The moment their body came in contact, it sent shivers through her, leaving her momentarily speechless.

“Uh… Sinclair,” she stammered, managing only her last name while biting her lip in embarrassment, which didn’t go unnoticed. Jayden chuckled softly.

“I’ll call you ‘E,’” he murmured softly. Emma’s cheeks burned beneath her mask.

“Sutherland?” she repeated, as the realization dawned on her. “You’re a Sutherland?”

Jayden smiled, his sharp features glowing faintly. He leaned closer as they swayed to the music. “Yes. I have a twin and he wants to meet you, too,” he whispered, leading her toward the terrace.

They finally got to a spot and stopped, as Jayden handed her a drink. “Relax, E,” his soothing voice came. All of a sudden, another man appeared from the shadows, 

looking so identical to Jayden.

Emma gasped, her eyes widening in shock. “Did he just… come out of you?”

The second man chuckled at her question before opening his mouth to speak. “I’m Kale.”

Emma blinked, overwhelmed as the truth sank in. The Sutherland twins weren’t just brothers, they were one Alpha, a single being capable of splitting into two.

Emma’s breathing quickened as she stared at the identical figures before her. 

Jayden and Kale Sutherland stood there, their piercing gazes locked onto her, making her feel both mesmerized and unnerved. She tried to gather her thoughts, but the sight of them together, two halves of the same Alpha, made her head spin.

“I… I can’t believe this is real,” she stammered, her voice shaky. “You’re… one person?”

Jayden exchanged a glance with Kale, his lips curling into a faint smile. “One Alpha,” he corrected, his tone calm yet commanding.

“Very unique, I know,” Kale added, his smirk more mischievous. “We tend to have that effect on people.”

Emma swallowed, still trying to process what she was seeing. Her curiosity warred with the nervous energy coursing through her. She felt the pull of their presence, the strange connection that made her heart race and her wolf stir restlessly inside her.

Jayden stepped closer, his eyes scanning her face as though searching for something. “You felt it too, didn’t you?” he asked softly, his voice sending shivers down her spine.

“Felt what?” Emma managed to ask, though her voice barely carried.

Kale leaned casually against the terrace railing, his tone was light but his words were heavy. “The bond.”

“I’ve wanted you all night, E,” Jayden murmured, his voice low and smooth. Emma could barely breathe, her hands slowly moving up to his chest. His body was like stone, strong, unyielding, perfect.

Her head spun with excitement as Kale joined them, his touch just as electrifying. The room felt otherworldly, their presence overwhelming her senses. She didn’t care about the world outside. Right now, they made her feel special, desired, and powerful.

Clothes fell away, leaving only raw desire and untamed passion. The twins moved with perfect harmony, their connection to one another felt so strong and right. For Emma, it was unlike anything she’d ever experienced.

The Next Morning

“Really?!” Teena’s eyes were wide with shock as she sat on Emma’s bed, her face flushed with excitement.

“Yes,” Emma said, her cheeks glowing as she tried to suppress a smile. “I spent the night with the Sutherlands.” Her voice lowered as she added, “It felt… unreal.”

Teena gasped, covering her mouth. “Emma Sinclair, are you serious? The Sutherland twins?!”

Emma nodded, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She looked so shy. “I can’t explain it but I felt a strong bond, Teena. Something different. Something real.” Her voice was filled with excitement as she tried to explain. 

“A bond?” Teena squealed, bouncing slightly. “Oh my goddess, this is huge! You might’ve just met your mate. Both of them!”

Emma looked away, her blush deepening. “It’s strange, isn’t it? To feel this way about two people, well, one Alpha, technically….but still, it’s…” She trailed off, unable to put her emotions into words.

“Strange? No, Emma, this is amazing!” Teena beamed, grabbing her friend’s hands. “The Sutherlands, Emma. They’re legendary. And they chose you.”

Emma couldn’t hide her smile anymore. “It just… it felt different,” she admitted, her voice soft. “Like nothing else mattered in that moment.”

Before Teena could respond, a sharp voice cut through the room.

“What did you just say?”

Both girls turned to see Ever standing in the doorway, her eyes dark and blazing with fury.

“Ever…” Emma began, her voice faltering.

Ever stepped into the room, her anger radiating off her in waves. “You slept with the Sutherlands?” She slurred, her voice dripping with venom. “You?”

“Ever, I can explain”

“Explain what?” Ever snapped, her voice rising. “You know I’ve always wanted to meet them! And you go ahead and… and do this?!”

Emma stood, her heart racing. “It wasn’t planned, Ever. I….”

“Save it,” Ever spat, turning on her heel. “You’ve ruined everything.” She stormed out of the room, very furious, leaving a suffocating silence in the room.

“Dad!” Ever’s voice echoed through the halls. She was going to complain to him, obviously.

Emma sank back onto the bed, with a pale face as Teena tried to comfort her by placing a hand on her shoulder. “This isn’t good,” Emma whispered, dread pooling in her chest.

On the other hand, the Sutherland twins arrived at the Sinclair mansion, their carriage looked so exquisite, that it drew the curious gazes of passersby. 

Jayden and Kale Sutherland stepped out, their identical figures exuding a quiet yet undeniable power. Both wore tailored dark suits that highlighted their broad shoulders, their faces obscured by matching silver masks that added to their air of mystery.

Mr. Sinclair greeted them at the grand entrance, his tone warm but calculated. “Welcome to my home,” he said, gesturing toward the spacious foyer. “It’s an honor to host the esteemed Alphas of the Ravenclaw Pack.”

Jayden’s piercing blue eyes scanned the room as he inclined his head politely. “The honor is ours,” he replied smoothly, though his voice carried a hint of cool detachment.

Kale’s lips curved into a faint smile as his gaze lingered on the opulent decor. “Your reputation precedes you, Mr. Sinclair,” he said, his tone light but measured. “We’ve heard much about your family’s standing.”

Mr. Sinclair chuckled, though the sound was hollow. “And I’ve heard much about yours,” he replied. “It was my daughter who insisted I invite you. She seemed rather eager to meet you both.”

At his words, the twins exchanged a glance. They were here for one reason, to meet the omega they had sensed at the ball. The bond had been faint but undeniable, drawing them back to confirm what they already suspected.

Mr. Sinclair turned toward the grand staircase, his smile widening. “Ah, here she is now,” he announced.

They saw a young woman descend from the stairs, clad in a flowing gown, her every step was deliberate and graceful. Her features were delicate, her smile seemed like they had been practiced and demure.

Jayden’s eyes flickered briefly with recognition. The scent was unmistakable, sweet, and familiar, the same scent that had captivated them at the ball.

“E,” Jayden said softly, stepping forward and offering his hand to the girl as she reached the last step. “It’s good to see you again.”

The young woman’s lips curled into a smile as she placed her hand in his. “The pleasure is mine,” she replied, her voice smooth and confident.

Kale, standing slightly behind his brother, watched the interaction with a faint smirk. “We were looking forward to this meeting,” he said, his voice carrying a teasing undertone.

The girl’s smile deepened, her confidence bolstered by their attention.

Meanwhile, across the estate, in a dark, cold room, Emma pounded desperately against the heavy wooden door that confined her. Her fists were bruised, her voice hoarse from hours of pleading. “Please,” she cried, her hands trembling as she struck the door again. “Let me out!

”

She slumped to the floor, as tears rolled down her cheek. She was mad at the fact that Ever was receiving the attention that she believed was meant for her.