Bound to Three Alphas

"Got a special surprise waiting for you at campus. Come find me ;)"

Sloane's heart fluttered as she read Derek's text. Three years together, and he still made her pulse race. She tucked her phone into her pocket and hurried to get ready, trying to contain her excitement.

Today wasn't just any day—it was her eighteenth birthday. The milestone she'd been counting down to for months. Derek had turned eighteen four weeks ago, and now that they were both of age, they could finally become official mates.

"This is it," she whispered to herself, smoothing down the floral dress she'd chosen for the occasion. "Today's the day."

She was almost certain she knew what Derek's surprise would be. A proposal. The thought made her giddy as she applied a touch of lip gloss and gave herself one final look in the mirror.

The spring air felt perfect against her skin as she started the walk toward campus. Her mind wandered to how Derek might propose. Something public at the college? The thought both thrilled and terrified her.

Lost in her daydream, Sloane didn't notice the extended leg in her path until she stumbled over it. She managed to catch herself before falling, whirling around to face her would-be tripper.

"Well, if it isn't the birthday girl," Piper sneered, flanked by Willow and Fiona. The trio formed a semicircle around her, their expressions a mixture of contempt and amusement.

Sloane sighed. "I don't have time for this today."

"Hot date with the Alpha King?" Willow asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "How adorable."

The three girls had tormented Sloane for years, especially after she began dating Derek. As the Alpha King of the Blood Moon pack, Derek was considered royalty. Sloane, on the other hand, was an Omega—and not just any Omega, but one who'd been homeless before Derek's family adopted her. The pack hierarchy was clear, and many believed she had no business being with their Alpha.

"You know," Fiona said, stepping closer, "I've always wondered what Derek sees in you. Must be charity work, right?"

"Or maybe she's just a placeholder until he finds someone worthy," Piper added.

Sloane rolled her eyes. "Are you finished? Because I have somewhere to be."

"She thinks she's special," Willow said with a laugh. "Honey, do you honestly believe an Alpha King is going to mate with an Omega? That's not how our world works."

"My relationship with Derek isn't your concern," Sloane replied, attempting to step around them.

Fiona blocked her path. "We're just trying to save you from embarrassment. Eighteen means you're eligible for mating, but it also means Derek doesn't have to pretend anymore."

"We have a birthday gift for you," Willow announced suddenly. "Fiona, would you do the honors?"

Before Sloane could react, Fiona retrieved a bucket from behind a nearby bush. In one swift motion, she and Willow upended it over Sloane's head.

"Happy birthday!" they chorused through fits of laughter.

Sloane gasped as foul-smelling water cascaded down her body, soaking her dress and hair. The girls high-fived each other and sauntered away, their laughter echoing behind them.

"This is getting ridiculous," Luna, her wolf, growled inside her head. "You need to stand up for yourself."

"Soon," Sloane promised silently. "Once Derek and I are officially mated, they wouldn't dare."

She turned back toward home, resigned to changing before meeting Derek. Her dress clung uncomfortably to her skin, and the stench made her eyes water. So much for making a perfect entrance.

Back at the house, Sloane climbed the stairs to her room, eager to shower and change. As she reached the top landing, a strange sound stopped her. It was coming from Derek's bedroom across from hers.

Wasn't Derek supposed to be waiting for her at campus?

A muffled voice—distinctly female—followed by Derek's low laugh made her freeze. Something cold and heavy settled in her stomach.

"Right there, don't stop," the female voice urged.

Sloane recognized that voice immediately. Heather Wilson, the Beta's daughter and the ringleader of her tormentors. The one person who had made it her mission to remind Sloane daily that she didn't belong with Derek.

Her hand trembled as she reached for Derek's doorknob. Part of her wanted to run, to pretend she hadn't heard anything, but she couldn't make herself move away.

The door swung open silently, revealing a scene that shattered her world in an instant.

Derek and Heather, naked on his bed. Together.

Sloane stood paralyzed, unable to look away from the betrayal unfolding before her. How long had this been happening? Had everything between them been a lie?

It was Heather who noticed her first. Instead of showing surprise or embarrassment, a slow, triumphant smile spread across her face.

"Derek," she purred, "we have an audience."

Derek glanced over his shoulder, his movements halting when he spotted Sloane. "Shit," he muttered, quickly separating himself from Heather. "Sloane, wait—"

"How could you?" Sloane whispered, her voice barely audible.

Derek grabbed a pair of shorts from the floor and pulled them on. "It's not what it looks like."

"Really?" Sloane found her voice strengthening with anger. "Because it looks exactly like you're sleeping with Heather while texting me to meet you somewhere else."

"The Omega has eyes after all," Heather remarked, making no move to cover herself as she lounged on Derek's bed.

Derek approached Sloane, reaching for her arm. "Let me explain—"

"Don't touch me," Sloane hissed, stepping back. "There's nothing to explain."

"You're being dramatic," Derek said, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Look, you've made me wait for three years. What did you expect?"

The casual cruelty of his words stunned her. "I expected loyalty. I expected respect."

"Respect?" Derek laughed. "You're an Omega, Sloane. I've been patient because I care about you, but let's be realistic about your position."

"My position?" Sloane repeated, disbelief coloring her words.

"You should be grateful I've kept you around this long," Derek continued. "Most Alphas wouldn't bother."

Heather's smug expression from the bed made Sloane's blood boil. "How long has this been going on?"

Derek shrugged. "Does it matter? You weren't giving me what I needed."

"Because I wanted to wait until I was eighteen," Sloane said, tears threatening to spill. "You knew that. You agreed to it."

"And now you are eighteen," Derek pointed out, his tone softening as he stepped closer. "So why don't you join us? Heather doesn't mind sharing."

Sloane stared at him in horror. "You can't be serious."

"Very serious," Derek replied, reaching for her wrist. "I'm the Alpha King. I can have whatever—and whoever—I want."

Sloane tried to pull away, but Derek's grip tightened. With a swift movement, he pulled her toward the bed where Heather waited, a predatory gleam in her eyes.

"Let me go!" Sloane demanded, struggling against his superior strength.

"Stop fighting," Derek ordered, his voice taking on the commanding tone of an Alpha. "This is happening whether you like it or not."

As he forced her closer to the bed, Sloane felt something snap inside her. Years of submission, of accepting her place as an Omega, of believing that Derek's love transcended pack hierarchy—all of it crumbled in an instant.

"I said," she growled, feeling Luna's presence surge within her, "let. Me. GO!"