Chapter 2

002.

“That’s… incredible, Daci.” her mom said in disbelief, taking the letter from Daciana's trembling hands. “You are so lucky, pumpkin”

“No mother I don't want this” Daciana spoke up taking a step back.

Her mom blinked, clearly taken aback. “What do you mean you don’t want it? This is a golden opportunity! Every girl in Fiery Lake Pack dreams of this! Do you know how many would kill to be in your place?”

Daciana swallowed hard, feeling her throat tighten. “I know, Mom. But I don’t want to be their maid. I just… I can’t.”

The corners of her mother's lips curved into a frown, her brows knitting in confusion. “Why? Why would you turn down something like this? It’s an honor to serve the Alpha’s sons. And the salary, Daci… Look at the figures here, Daci we could really use it. You know that.”

Of course, Daciana knew. She knew how much they needed the money, how her mother had been struggling to make ends meet since her father passed away. But the thought of serving Kellen, Axel, and Alan made her stomach twist.

She would rather work three jobs than be at their beck and call.

“I hate them,” Daciana blurted out, her voice breaking slightly. “They’ve been tormenting me for years, Mom. They’re cruel, and now they want to make my life even worse.”

Sabrina’s eyes widened in shock. “Daci… hate is a strong word.”

“They hate me too,” Daciana continued, her emotions rising to the surface. “You don’t understand. I stood up to them today. I said things I shouldn’t have, and this is their way of punishing me. They don’t want me as a maid, they want me under their control, where they can make my life miserable.”

Sabrina shook her head, trying to make sense of her daughter’s words. “But, Daci, this is the palace we’re talking about. The triplets may be… difficult, but this isn’t just any job. It’s a chance to be close to the next Alpha. Maybe things would change if they got to know you better. And the money… Think about the money, Daci. We need this.”

The desperation in her mother’s voice tugged at Daciana’s heart, but she couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling inside her. The triplets didn’t want to get to know her. They wanted to humiliate her, to make her miserable and to punish her for all she said today.

“Mom,” Daciana said, her voice cracking, “they’re not going to change. They’ve treated me like dirt for as long as I can remember. I don’t care about the title or the money. I can’t spend my life being at their mercy.”

Sabrina opened her mouth to speak, but Daciana couldn’t listen anymore.

Without another word, Daciana turned and bolted from the kitchen, running up the stairs to her room. She barely registered the sound of her mother calling after her, the worry in her voice. All Daciana could feel was the tight knot of misery in her chest, the walls of her room closing in around her as she slammed the door shut.

She collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in her hands as the tears finally spilled over.

Why her?

Why did everything always seem to go wrong?

The one moment she had tried to stand up for herself, and now she was being pulled right back into their web.

Elena was right, she should have kept her mouth shut, but it was too late now the deed was done.

The triplets were never going to let her forget what she’d done. They’d make sure she paid for it every single day.

Later that night, a sudden knock at the front door startled her.

“Daci you have a visitor” her mother announced just outside the door.

“Who could that be at this hour?” she whispered to herself, but she already knew. Deep down, she knew.

“Daci, open up, let's talk about this” her mother called out again.

“No mom there's nothing to talk about, please don't let them take me” Daciana pleaded clutching the collar of her dress, a cold sense of dread coursing through her.

At the other end she could hear whispers her mother was conversing with someone.

Oh no!

Abruptly the door to her room broke open, and a tall, burly man dressed in a guard uniform stood in the doorway, his face impassive, as though this was just another routine task.

“Daciana,” the guard said, his voice gruff, “you are to come with me to the palace.”

She sat up, her eyes wide with disbelief. “What? No! I’m not going, tell them I don't want to be their slave”

The guard’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t seem the least bit fazed by her protest. “I have orders to bring you. You can either come willingly, or I will take you by force.”

Daciana’s heart pounded in her chest. She stood from the bed, her fists clenched by her sides. “I said I’m not going! Leave my room!”

The guard gave her a long look, and then, without warning, he moved forward. Daciana barely had time to react before he grabbed her around the waist and flipped her over his broad shoulder as if she weighed nothing.

“Hey! Put me down!” she screamed, kicking her legs and pounding her fists against his back. “I said I’m not going with you!”

He didn’t respond. He didn’t even flinch as she struggled, Daciana thrashed harder, twisting her body in a desperate attempt to free herself, but it was no use. The guard was too strong, and her frantic movements only seemed to amuse him.

“I'm sorry” her mother mouthed, making no move to stop the guard.

The guard carried her to the exit before shoving her inside the car.

“Let's go” the guard said, still holding her by the wrist, the driver wasted no time turning on the ignition, she couldn’t believe this was happening. They were actually dragging her there, as if she had no choice at all.

Her stomach churned with anxiety as they approached the grand entrance of the palace. The guard stepped out of the car carrying her on his shoulders again, her protests falling on deaf ears.

Finally, they reached a large set of doors, and the guard stopped. He set her down roughly, and Daciana stumbled as her feet hit the floor, her head spinning from the sudden change in position.

The doors opened, and she was shoved inside.

The triplets stood before her, towering over her like a shadow, Kellen was in the center, his cold eyes locked on her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. Axel stood to his left, a smirk playing on his lips as if he found the whole situation amusing. Alan was on Kellen’s right, his expression unreadable, but his gaze never left hers.

Daciana swallowed hard, her throat tight. She stood straight, trying not to let her fear show. “I don’t want to be here,” she said, her voice shaky but firm. “I asked your guard to go back. I’m not interested in serving you.”

Kellen’s eyes narrowed, his face remaining impassive. He took a slow step forward, his presence dominating the room. “This isn’t a request, Daciana. It’s an order.”

Her heart dropped. She opened her mouth to protest, but Kellen continued before she could speak.

“You will serve us,” he said, his tone cold, brooking no room for arguments. “And if you disobey, there will be consequences. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to find out”