The music fills the air, the beat of the drums pounding in my chest as Ethan pulls me onto the dance floor. His hand is firm around my waist, and his grip is unyielding. I want to pull away, to run, but I know better than to try. His eyes are sharp, like a predator watching its prey, and I am the prey.

I force myself to take slow, measured breaths, trying to steady my racing heart. I can’t let him see how terrified I am. I can’t let him see that this is the worst thing that could have happened.

Ethan’s eyes never leave mine as we move to the rhythm of the music. His fingers tighten slightly on my waist, a silent reminder that he’s in control.

“You know,” Ethan says, his voice low and almost too calm, “I never thought I’d see the day when I’d find my mate in someone like you.”

I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. “I didn’t choose this,” I say quietly, looking down at my feet. “I didn’t choose any of this.”

His lips curl into a smile, but it’s not kind. “You didn’t have to. It’s fate, Emily. And you’ll learn to accept it.”

I bite my lip to keep from retorting. I know it won’t help. In fact, it will only make things worse.

As the music plays on, my mind races. I want to escape, but I don’t know how. The entire room seems to close in around me. My heart beats erratically, the pressure in my chest unbearable. Every glance, every step feels like I’m being watched, and I am. By the triplets. By the world I thought I could leave behind.

The song ends, and I try to step away, but Ethan holds me tighter. “Not so fast,” he murmurs, his voice smooth like velvet. “We’re just getting started.”

I want to scream, to push him away, but something in his eyes keeps me still. It’s like he knows exactly what I’m thinking, and he’s enjoying every second of it. I can feel the weight of his gaze, the power behind it, and I know that resistance is futile.

Just then, Lucas approaches us, his expression unreadable. He’s always been the quieter one, the one who watches from the sidelines. But now, as he stands next to Ethan, his presence feels different—darker.

“Ethan,” Lucas says, his voice low. “Maybe we should give her some space. Let her breathe.”

Ethan raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Space? What do you mean?”

Lucas glances at me, then back at his brother. “She’s not ready for this. She doesn’t even know what it means yet. Maybe we should—”

“I don’t need your help,” Ethan interrupts, his voice sharp. “She’s mine now. I don’t need permission.”

Lucas hesitates, his eyes flickering to me. “Fine,” he says softly. “But don’t push her too hard.”

I try to pull away again, but Ethan’s hand is still firmly on my waist. He turns his attention back to me, his gaze dark and intense. “You’re mine now, Emily. You don’t get to walk away from this.”

I look around the room, desperately searching for a way out. The exit is too far, and there are too many people between me and freedom. I can feel the walls closing in, suffocating me. The triplets are like a trap, and I’m caught in it.

“Let me go,” I say, my voice trembling. “I don’t want this.”

Ethan smirks. “You’ll want it eventually. All mates do.”

I shake my head, my eyes brimming with unshed tears. “No. Not with you.”

Before he can respond, a familiar voice cuts through the tension. “Hey, what’s going on here?”

I turn to see Liam standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets. He looks between Ethan and me, his expression guarded.

Ethan scowls, clearly irritated. “What do you want, Liam?”

“I just think we should take things slow,” Liam says, his voice steady. “She’s not ready for all of this. You’re scaring her.”

Ethan laughs, the sound harsh. “Scaring her? I’m her mate. She’ll learn to accept it.”

Liam’s gaze flickers to me, and for a moment, his eyes soften. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, Ethan. But maybe we should give her some time. Let her adjust.”

I look between the two of them, feeling a mix of confusion and anger. I don’t know who to trust, or if I can trust anyone at all. I’m stuck in this nightmare, and there’s no way out.

Ethan glares at Liam for a moment, then turns back to me. “You’re lucky I’m giving you time. But don’t forget, Emily. You’re mine now.”

I nod, though every part of me wants to scream. “I won’t forget.”

Ethan steps back, releasing me from his grasp. “Good. Now go get something to eat. You’ll need your strength for what’s coming next.”

I want to protest, but I don’t. Instead, I turn and walk away, my heart pounding in my chest. I make my way toward the food table, my mind racing. What did he mean by “what’s coming next”? And why does it feel like my life is spiraling out of control?

As I grab a small plate of food, I feel someone’s presence behind me. I don’t need to turn around to know who it is. Liam.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly.

I stiffen, not sure how to respond. “I’m fine,” I lie, forcing a smile.

Liam doesn’t seem convinced. He steps closer, his voice low. “I know this is hard for you. But you don’t have to go through this alone.”

I shake my head. “I don’t want any of this, Liam. I didn’t ask for it.”

“I know,” he says quietly. “None of us did. But we can’t change it now. You’re part of this family, whether you like it or not.”

I turn to face him, my eyes flashing with anger. “I’m not part of your family. I’m just a servant to you and your brothers. That’s all I’ve ever been.”

Liam’s expression hardens, and for a moment, I think he’s going to argue. But then, his gaze softens again, and he takes a step back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things worse.”

I don’t know how to respond. I don’t know what to think anymore. The Liam I thought I knew is disappearing, replaced by someone who’s part of this world, a world I never wanted to be a part of.

As I turn away, I hear Ethan’s voice again, calling me from across the room. “Emily! Come here.”

I hesitate for a moment, then walk toward him, my heart sinking with every step. When I reach him, Ethan grabs my wrist again, his grip tight.

“Don’t try to run,” he warns. “You’re not going anywhere.”

I don’t say anything, but inside, I’m screaming. I feel trapped. I feel like I’m suffocating.

Ethan pulls me close, his lips brushing against my ear. “You’ll get used to this, Emily. I’ll make sure of it.”

I close my eyes, trying to block out the overwhelming feelings of dread. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to be part of their world. But it feels like there’s no escape.

As the night drags on, I find myself caught between the triplets—Ethan’s dominance, Lucas’s uncertainty, and Liam’s quiet resolve. I don’t know what to believe, who to trust. But one thing is clear: I can’t escape this. Not now. Not ever.

The ball ends, and the guests begin to leave, but I can’t shake the feeling that something darker is coming. I don’t know what it is yet, but I can feel it in the pit of my stomach.

Ethan leans close to me again as we walk back to the house, his breath hot against my neck. “This is only the beginning, Emily. You’ll learn what it means to be my mate. And you’ll learn to obey.”

I want to scream, but instead, I nod, my heart heavy with the weight of what’s to come.

And I know, deep down, that there’s no escaping the Walker triplets. Not now. Not ever.