Fated To Three, Betrayed By All… Until She Rose novel Chapter 48

**Healing Slowly But Surely**
*By R. Joseph*

What in the world?

Leilani.

The journey in Alpha Richard Landry’s car was shrouded in an uncomfortable silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. It wasn’t until we arrived at the entrance of a quaint, dimly lit restaurant that the stillness was broken.

I hastily wiped the remnants of tears from my cheeks with the back of my hand before stepping out of the car. As I followed him inside, I was greeted by an unexpected grandeur that contrasted sharply with the unassuming exterior. The restaurant’s interior was adorned with exquisite golden chandeliers that hung gracefully from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the space. Lush, vibrant flowers lined the walls, their sweet fragrance enveloping us like a comforting embrace. Large windows framed the view outside, while soft, melodious music floated through the air, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Richard engaged in animated conversation with the staff, his demeanor relaxed and charming. After he guided me to a cozy corner table and our orders were placed, he leaned back, his striking green eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made me feel exposed.

“Do you feel better now?” he inquired, his voice low and sincere.

I offered a slight nod, reluctant to voice my feelings. I really wasn’t in the mood for a deep conversation. “Yes, thank you,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

But Richard was persistent. If anything, he leaned in closer, his fingers brushing against my hands that were clasped tightly on the table. The sudden warmth of his touch made me flinch instinctively, and I quickly pulled my hands away, desperate to sever any connection.

“I know you might not want to talk to me right now, but I’m genuinely curious…” he began, his tone gentle yet probing.

“Huh?” I replied, caught off guard.

“I’m not entirely sure what happened between you and Alpha Frostclaw, but I want you to know that you can confide in me. I’m here for you… any time, any day.”

Liar.

“I just couldn’t let you go home alone after everything, so I thought we could come here instead. I hope that’s alright with you?” His voice was soft, and I finally met his gaze.

“I don’t mind. Thank you,” I said, though the tension hung thick in the air, laden with unspoken questions. I could sense he wanted something more, but without him voicing it, I felt it was best to divert my attention. I began to admire the exquisite decor around us, trying to distract myself from the brewing storm of emotions.

Just then, the doorbell chimed, and my heart sank when I spotted Zevran and Kael stepping inside. Their eyes locked onto mine immediately, sending a wave of dread crashing over me.

“Oh goddess!” I muttered under my breath, but Richard caught my reaction. He turned swiftly to see what had caused my sudden shift in mood, and when his gaze landed on them, I noticed his shoulders tense.

“I know things aren’t great between you and them… would you like to leave?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

“But we’ve already ordered…” I replied, casting one last glance at the two men before turning back to Richard, who looked increasingly worried. “It’s fine; we shouldn’t waste the food.”

He nodded, though the silence between us was palpable. In an attempt to lighten the mood, he began asking me about work. Despite my foul mood, the topic of work was a welcome distraction, and I found myself responding with more enthusiasm than I anticipated. Laughter bubbled up from within me, and for a fleeting moment, I almost forgot about the turmoil in my life and the betrayal of my best friend.

But then, it hit me.

A sharp, burning sensation radiated from behind me, and I instinctively turned, my frown deepening as I met the dark, piercing gazes of Kael and Zevran. They were staring at me with an intensity that made my skin crawl, their eyes unwavering even when I shot them a defiant glare.

Suddenly, they stood up and began to approach our table.

Oh no. Not this. Could today possibly get any worse?

My breath hitched in my throat as Kael leaned in, his gaze fixed on my face. “Fancy meeting you here, Alpha Landry,” he drawled, a smirk playing on his lips.

Richard shifted uncomfortably, forcing a smile. “The pleasure is all mine. Ms. Sinclair and I were just discussing business—”

“Business?!” Zevran exclaimed, his tone overly enthusiastic. If I didn’t know better, I would have thought he was genuinely interested. “Then it would be great if we could join in, right?”

I exchanged a glance with Richard, who wore a frown that mirrored my own. I lowered my gaze, feeling the weight of the situation.

“Uh, I don’t think—” Richard began, but Kael cut him off.

But the moment those words left his lips, Kael growled, and Zevran tightened his grip behind my chair. He leaned in so close that I could smell the mint on his breath and the faint scent of cologne lingering on his shirt’s collar.

“As much as I understand the etiquette of the situation, I do not trust you with her safety. For that reason, she’s coming with us,” he stated firmly.

Richard swallowed hard, anger flickering in his eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous!”

“Ridiculous? You’re the one being ridiculous,” Kael shot back, ignoring my frown. “You see, Leilani here is our mate, and it’s only logical that we drive her home after a long day at work.”

My heart dropped. My jaw hung open in shock, as if someone had knocked the wind out of me.

Even Richard looked as though he had just been struck by lightning. He glanced between me and the two men flanking me, his voice barely above a whisper. “Mate?”

Kael flashed Richard a smug smile before doing something that sent a jolt of disbelief through me. He took my hand and pressed his lips to it, his expression triumphant. “Yes, our mate.”

That was the final straw.

I erupted, rising to my feet and yanking my hand away from Kael’s grasp. “I am not your mate!”

“Well, tell that to the moon goddess who decided to pair us up!” Zevran snapped, his grip tightening around my wrist as he stood up as well.

His deep, dark eyes locked onto mine, and as we stood chest to chest, I could feel his warmth seeping into the thin fabric of my dress. I closed my eyes for a brief moment, desperate to rid myself of the strange sensations coursing through me; for a fleeting second, I sensed his rage… his irritation… his jealousy.

My eyes flew open.

What the hell?

Why on earth was he jealous?