Fated To Not Just One But Three novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48: The Race

Olivia's POV

"That should never happen again. It should not happen again."

Those were the words I kept repeating to myself all day. I hated how my body reacted to their touch. It wasn't right—it should never feel like that again.

"But you know we can't control that," my wolf whispered gently. "Your body will always respond to their touch. That's the power of the mate bond."

Her voice only fueled my frustration.

"Fuck the mate bond," I snapped.

My wolf, sensing that I'm already pissed, decided not to talk more, leaving me to my anger.

"Luna, it's time for the race. Are you joining?" Lolita and Nora asked as they stepped into my chamber.

I sighed, feeling drained. I didn't have the energy for the night race, but maybe it would help clear my mind.

"Sure. Let's go."

I left the room, Nora and Lolita following behind. As we walked through the mansion, staff bowed their heads respectfully. Some did it naturally, having grown used to acknowledging my presence. Others? They were clearly forcing it.

I ignored them and kept walking until we reached the yard—already packed with excited pack members. Tonight was Race Night. A male and female would pair up and sprint through the woods. The first to return would be crowned the winner.

When I was younger, I used to run these races with one of the triplets. They always let me win. But all of that ended the day my father was accused of stealing. Ever since then, I didn't join in any of the pack activities.

My gaze swept across the crowd, and I spotted Anita standing beside the triplets. She wore tight black leggings and a cropped blue top that left most of her stomach exposed. She was smiling—laughing even—at something one of them said.

I frowned. Not because she was with them—hell, I didn't care about that—but because she looked too happy. Too light. Too energetic for someone who had just lost a pregnancy a few days ago. I expected her to be mourning. Grieving. But Anita didn't look like a woman who had just lost a pup.

"Maybe she was never pregnant," my wolf muttered darkly.

I shook my head. The healer confirmed it. There had been blood. Still, something felt… off.

I tried not to let my emotions show as I stepped closer to the crowd, but my jaw clenched when Anita threw her head back and laughed at something Louis said. My chest tightened—not with jealousy, I told myself—but with disbelief. Was she really so quick to move on? Or was this all some act?

"Luna Olivia," one of the warriors bowed slightly as he approached, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Would you like to choose your partner for the race?"

I blinked, startled. "Partner?"

"Yes. Since it's your first race as Luna, tradition states that you get the privilege to choose first."