A Mate To Three Alpha Heirs novel Chapter 40

{Regina}

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I lounged back on my velvet bedspread, one leg crossed over the other, as the servant carefully filed my nails.

She dared to ask, “My lady, what colour should I apply?”

I flicked my wrist dismissively. “Baby pink,” I said.

As if it wasn’t obvious. ESA strictly forbids loud colours—no deep reds or black. Light, soft shades only. Another stupid rule, but rules didn’t matter as long as you ruled the people who made them.

Before the servant could move, the door opened and Mother stepped in. Her expression was strained, lips pursed, worry etched around her eyes.

I straightened and asked, “Mother? Why do you look so exhausted?”

She sighed. “Your father returned from the Alpha’s residence. He’s in a sour mood and won’t speak to me about it.”

At once, my pulse raced. Alpha Cyprus’s residence?

I shoved the servant aside, making her stumble, and stood up so fast my slippers nearly slipped. “Why would Father go there?”

Mother nodded, a flicker of concern in her eyes. “The Alpha sent for him.”

“And where is Father now?” I pressed.

“In his study,” she answered cautiously.

I didn’t wait. I practically flew out the door, ignoring her calling my name to let him rest first.

Rest? Father could rest after I got answers.

In the hallway outside Father’s study, a servant stood awkwardly, holding a tray of tea and a porcelain cup.

I snatched it from her, the silver spoon rattling against the cup. “Leave!” I snapped.

The servant bowed, eyes wide, and scurried away.

I balanced the tray on my palm, rapped on the door, then opened it without waiting for permission. Father was there, behind his desk, a hard look on his face.

I forced my sweetest smile. “Father, you must be tired. Let me pour you some tea,” I said, voice dripping honey, even as my insides twisted with impatience.

He didn’t look at me, just nodded. His brow was furrowed deeper than usual.

I placed the cup gently in front of him. “Mother said the Alpha sent for you,” I ventured.

“Yes,” Father murmured. “There’s good news.”

My heart leapt. Good news from Alpha Cyprus? Surely it had to do with me.

Perhaps the marriage to Zenon was back on. Maybe the Alpha had finally seen sense.

“What is it, Father?” I sat, clasping my hands so tightly my nails bit my skin.

His eyes met mine, expression unreadable. “Your cousin, Elira, passed the entrance exam. She’s been admitted into ESA.”

It felt like something inside me snapped.

A sharp, burning snap that started in my chest and roared into my veins.

I shot to my feet. “What?!” The word tore from me. “How is that possible? How could Elira—Elira—pass ESA’s entrance exam?!”

Father’s gaze sharpened, voice cold with warning. “Regina. Are you truly unhappy about your cousin’s success?”

The air froze. My pulse raced wildly.

I swallowed hard, forcing my face into surprise and meekness. “No, Father. I was only… shocked. Elira hasn’t touched a single textbook in years. ESA exams aren’t easy. I was just… surprised, that’s all.”

His stare burned through me.

To break the tension, I forced out, “Congratulations to my sweet little cousin. She really outdid herself this time.”

Finally, Father’s eyes drifted away. Relief trembled through me, though my jaw was clenched so tight it hurt.

Since the day Lennon and Rennon took Elira away, Father had been different. Quicker to anger, less patient with me. I couldn’t risk provoking him now.

But inside, curses coiled like snakes in my throat.

Mother tried to soothe me, “Regina, calm down—”

“No!” I screamed, my rage spilling over.

I grabbed the nearest vase and smashed it onto the marble floor. The crack and scatter of porcelain felt satisfying, like striking Elira’s head against stone.

Mother gasped, stepping back.

I barely noticed.

“That bitch is coming to my school!” I shouted. “She already stole Zenon from me—and his brothers too, through that cursed mate bond. Then she went to live in the Alpha’s house that should have been mine, and now she’s coming to ESA. My school!”

Mother hesitated, voice uncertain. “But the Luna never mentioned that to me—”

“I don’t care!” My voice broke again, raw and desperate. “This is impossible. It’s unfair!”

The tears came harder, hot and humiliating. “Do you know what this means, Mother? I got into the Student Council last semester only because of my marriage alliance with Zenon. If they find out the wedding is off, and Elira is Zenon’s mate—and his brothers’—I will lose everything.”

Mother looked at me, stunned. “How could they just kick you out? You’re smart, you’re beautiful—”

“You don’t understand!” I shouted. “Do you know the things I did to get into that position?!”

My chest heaved with every word. Rage, fear, and shame twisting into something ugly.

Mother stepped closer, tried to touch my arm, but I slapped her hand away, glaring through my tears.

“I don’t need your comfort, Mother.” My nails bit into my palms so hard I felt skin break.

Mother only stood there, helpless, and for the first time, I hated that helplessness too.

I will not let Elira get away with this newfound boldness.

My marriage to Zenon must hold, and the position of future Luna of our pack was mine alone to claim.

Inside, my rage twisted tighter as a promise ignited like dark fire:

I will make Elira regret thinking she can come to ESA and steal more from me.