PREPARATIONS

Zara's pov,

Entering the house, I could feel the atmosphere. It has suddenly changed. I promised myself that I would not look up at anyone and just go straight into the kitchen but I didn't know when my eyes went from looking down to looking up directly into their eyes.

I won't lie to you, these triplets are sexy as sin. I kept telling myself to look away but I couldn't. At this point I couldn't be able to differentiate them any longer. The triplets had that classic, stylish haircut that suited their light skin tone. Their sides and back were shaved, with a messy, dark mop of hair on top - just long enough to be tempting, but not so long that it fell in their faces. It was the kind of hair that made me want to reach out and run my fingers through it. I know I shouldn't be thinking about this right now due to how they treated me when we were young.

The middle triplet's hazel eyes seemed to see right through me, as if they could uncover my deepest secrets with just one piercing glance. I felt a shiver run down my spine as his eyes locked onto mine, like he could see into the very soul of me.

The triplet on the left caught my attention too - his brown eye sparkled with a hint of mischief, and the diamond stud in his ear added an air of rugged charm. There was something about that piercing that made him look even more masculine, more captivating. My heart skipped a beat as I gazed at him.

Lastly the one on the right had a tattoo running up his arms; and he really looks the cutest. Back then Jaxin looked the cutest to me but I don't know if he was the one or not. Alright I need to stop, I think I have observed enough because at this point I was creaming in my panties.

“Wow Zara, you've really grown to be such a charming young lady.” The triplet in the middle said while winking at me.

“Exactly,” the remaining two chorused together.

“Why are you still standing there,” I heard Alpha Leo's voice and immediately I remembered what I was supposed to do at this point. I bowed my head and hurried to the kitchen to get the food out and set them for dinner. While walking I could feel the triplets gaze on my every move, even the hair on the back of my neck stood up. No one has ever watched me this closely not to talk of these sexy rascals.

Approaching the corner of one of the triplets, I started placing the plate; I felt his finger on my legs and immediately I startled and dropped the plate I was holding on the floor and it broke. At that point I knew I was in trouble.

Before Alpha Leo raised his voice at me, one of the triplet had come down to help me pick up the broken pieces. I couldn't help but blushed at his kind gesture. I noticed the look on Alpha Leo and Luna Emily's eyes, it wasn't a good one; I packed up the pieces with speed and ran off to the kitchen. I remained in the kitchen not wanting to come out before I ruined everyone's happiness.

After what felt like hours I noticed that they were all done and everywhere was silent. I made my way to the dinning and luckily for me, I met a leftover but before I could get it, one of the triplets snatched it away from me. He had zoomed out of nowhere, fast as a cheetah and quiet as a mouse. At this point I was surprised,I thought they had changed but I was wrong. And I know who could do such a thing. It was Jaxen, the one with the piercing.

“I haven't eaten anything,” I told him with my eyes wide.

“Ohh!, now you can look straight into my eyes, I like that.” He said. Before I could say anything else he threw it all into his mouth. I can't believe I found him attractive at first, he is really very annoying. I sighed.

I actually didn't eat anything today after the whole work I did and still I wasn't even appreciated as usual. I really expected a lot of at least a change from the triplets but I was really wrong. I refused to cry. I haven't cried In front of anyone ever since I was young. I vowed that I won't waste my tears on anyone because they aren't worth it. I would be strong. I had kept that vow successfully for years now.

I didn't bother arguing with him, I packed up the remaining plates to the kitchen and washed them immediately before retiring to my room. “I can't let anyone bully me, not even those triplets.” I said to myself as I sat on my small bed. I needed to be happy on my birthday and I know the right person that could actually help me out. Carly. I looked for an opportunity to sneak out of the house to go see her.

Carly has always been my best friend since I was little until I stopped going to school but that didn't stop us from seeing each other. I waited for her to finish her classes. “Hey girl,” she yelled at the top of her voice, immediately she sighted me. “So nice for you to come see your bestie.” she said and we both hugged ourselves.

“So what is my girl doing for her birthday this year?” She asked me with a smile on her face but when she saw my expression on my face, she already knew my answer.

“The triplets are back.” Was the first thing that came out of my mouth. She was about to make a scene out of it and I immediately held her mouth. I know Carly too well. “I really want to feel…special. I'm going to shift for the first time at midnight and who knows…I might see my mate at the big party.” I said as I kept staring into Carly's eyes.

“You're gonna look hot Zara “ Carly said smiling. She immediately held my hand and dragged me out of the school premises and into this dashing mall. I reminded her that I had no money but she rolled her eyes and ignored me.

I tried on outfit after outfit, and Carly gave me her honest opinion on each one. She was having the time of her life, and her enthusiasm was infectious. For a while, I forgot about the stress of dealing with the Crimson family.

Carly convinced me to try on some miniskirts and mini dresses, saying I had amazing legs and needed to show them off for my future mate. I blushed at her suggestion, but she was right - the clothes made me feel confident and beautiful.

But walking in heels was a different story. I stumbled and staggered, feeling like a clumsy fool. Carly laughed and encouraged me to practice, saying I didn't want to trip and fall in front of everyone at the party.

As we got ready at her house, Carly showed me how to do my makeup and style my hair. With each swipe of mascara and each curl of my hair, I felt like I was transforming into a new person. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and my heart skipped a beat. Who was this confident, beautiful girl staring back at me?. Well now I know how to do my makeup and the rest.

After we were done, I was so happy that she actually came to my rescue. I hugged her and after cleaning up my face with a wipe I went back to the pack house. While trying to sneak in the dark, I was suddenly grabbed from behind. I felt a huge hand around my waist, pulling me into the shadows. I was slammed against the wall, my heart racing with surprise but I couldn't make a sound.

A felt a warm breath which tickled my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "Where have you been?" a low, husky voice growled, his lips inches from mine. I couldn't see his face, but I knew it was one of the triplets.

Fear and excitement clouded my mind as I struggled to break free. But to my surprise, I didn't want to escape. His touch was electrifying, and I felt a thrill run through me. I was trapped, but I didn't want to be released; his body was actually pressing closer to mine this time around but I still stayed calm and I couldn't help but wonder what he would do next…