Triple Temptations: Mated to the Hot Triad Kings

PROLOGUE

"We shouldn't be doing this. Surely, this is a mistake!" Once more, to no avail, Astrid tried to wriggle free of his hold.

He traces his fingers along Astrid's soggy underwear, and she squeaks a tiny pant. He questions, his lips curving into a conceited smile, "You claim not to want this, then, why are you so wet?"

"I-" Astrid bites her lip, unable to find the words to articulate her conflicting emotions.

"I warned you that defying me only increases my desire for you!" He firmly grasps Astrid's drenched cunt, sheathed by the delicate fabric of her lace underwear, and thus eliciting a soft moan from her lips.

"Gosh, you are soaking wet, Mate!" He grips Astrid's engorged vagina once more, enkindling a tsunami-like wave of energy up her spine.

"God! Please stop!" Astrid jerks her head backwards, moaning at his repeated grasping of her pussy. She was excessively sexed up, and she loathed herself for it.

How could she possibly resist his advances when he was tantalizingly groping her sex-hungry pussy so expertly? God, she wanted him so much!

She abhorred herself for being so enamored by him and for having such intense lust for him. Despite her repeated denials, her pussy still ached to be filled by his cock.

"I need you inside of me!" She cries out, fed up with repressing her desires for him.

He teases her throbbing core with his slow, methodical strokes as he rubs the tip of his manhood along her drippy entrance before ultimately diving deep into her warm embrace.

CHAPTER 1

~~May 19, 1946~~

On a picnic blanket sat two striking men, Blaze Neptune Hunter and Dexter Aquilo Gunner.

Blaze gazes at the sky, admiring the blue and fluffy clouds, sunbeams piercing through the canopies of trees as the cool morning breeze caused the trees to sway luxuriantly.

Blaze's eyes emitted a profound, natural radiance that sparkled within. His irises possessed a truly golden glimmer, radiating with such brilliance that it illuminated his entire countenance and penetrated to the depths of his soul.

With straight and thick eyebrows that were impeccably maintained, his square-shaped face emphasized his angular features. His chiseled and prominent jawline was perfected to sculptural precision.

With a refined and symmetrical structure, his nose exuded elegance and length. His lips, shaped like a heart and tinted with a vibrant ruby pink, were undeniably captivating. However, despite his striking appearance, his smile was as cold as the icy winter rain.

Blaze's golden Ivory skin dazzled in the morning light and his raven hair was tousled by the flurry of wind, adding to his masculine and provocative aura.

He sported light stubble on his chin, further enhancing his rugged charm. He was truly a masterpiece, as if the creator had meticulously crafted him to perfection.

"Finally, some breathing space!" Dexter collapses on the picnic mat, puffing out a loud breath.

Dexter narrows his eyes and glances at Blaze, who was fully engrossed in marveling at the breathtaking morning sky. Dexter's crimson eyes, reminiscent of the blooming maple tree flowers, brimmed with affection for his friend.

He furrows his precisely groomed eyebrows in an attempt to unravel the mystery of Blazes thoughts. Blaze's demeanor was typically apathetic and aloof, making it challenging to decipher his innermost musings.

Dexter possessed a rectangular face that accentuated his sharp, distinguishing characteristics. His chiseled jawline was well-defined, while his nose was elongated and sloped downward with a noticeable curve to the prominent bridge.

His complexion resembled the pureness and paleness of snow, his slender lips were as crimson as blood, and his hair was akin to the frost on a field. However, what stood out the most was his beaming smile, which dazzled like the sun on a warm summer day.

Dexter wines while stretching his aching bones, "We ought to do this more often. Being a king is no easy feat! It's just been a year, and I already feel like I'm on my deathbed!"

Blaze teases with a slight grin, "You grumble too much for a vampire!"

Dexter howls like a rabid animal, his already pallid skin turning even more ashen. His flaming crimson eyes grew darker until his irises turned obsidian, and ebony veins that slither across his skin protruded.

Blaze expresses astonishment, "You are experiencing blood deprivation. But you only fed from me yesterday!"

"Recall the unpleasant interruption by those rogues during my feeding session!"

"Fine. I do need to get all this excess blood from my system." Blaze extends his ankle, signaling for him to drink his blood.

"That's why we are best of friends!" Dexter gushes out. He projects his fangs, impaling Blaze's flesh with them as he began milking out his blood.

Approximately five minutes later, Dexter withdraws his fangs, having completed his drink from Blaze. With a languid lick, he cleans the bloody remnant from his lips, and his eyes underwent a metamorphosis, returning to their original hue. As the wound on his ankle slowly began to mend, Blaze emits a faint, pained groan.

"Does it hurt that much?" Dexter asks with a hint of anguish in his gaze.

"I'm accustomed to the pain, so there's no need to fret," Blaze assures with a forced grin.

Both males discerned the sound of grunts, wails and dead bodies thudding to the dry earth. Despite the distance of the disturbance, their superhuman auditory abilities picked it up.

"Let's go check it out!"

In a matter of seconds, they arrived at the sight of the pandemonium or more akin to a slaughter. They sought refuge behind a copse situated at a distance from the scene.

Blaze examined the spectacle before him. Around thirty men were engaged in a fierce battle against a lone opponent. The solitary fighter appeared weary, and it seemed like only a matter of time before he succumbs to unconsciousness.

His body was drenched in both his blood and that of his fallen foes, and he displayed numerous claw marks from the intense battle. Despite the visible injuries, he persisted in the fight, ignoring the physical agony.

Perched atop a colossal toppled timber, Cade Decker, second in line to the majestic Dragon's realm, gazes upon the unfolding scene, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions swirling within him. Before him stood his half-brother and rightful heir to the throne, Phoenix Bronte Decker, an impending execution casting its shadow over him.

In due course, Phoenix was subdued and compelled to kneel before Cade. The latter strode towards his sibling, amused by his pitiful appearance.

"Perhaps we could lend him a hand!" Dexter suggests under his breath.

"We should not meddle, as dragons are our sworn foes. Furthermore, it is not our concern, and intervening could exacerbate the animosity among the three nations."

"We cannot simply remain idle! Moreover, vampires and werewolves were once adversaries, but we brought them together. This could be our opportunity to unite the three nations."

"We can ignore this and pretend it never happened. I wouldn't be upset if that conceited and promiscuous jerk met his demise!"

"Do you two have a history? I'm confused," he asks Blaze with a furrowed brow filled with intrigue and bewilderment.

"No, it was a one-time encounter. I caught him having sex with my childhood crush against a goddamn tree and on my soil!"

"Ah, matters of the heart! I was unaware you possessed one. Besides myself, I presumed there was no one else you held affection for," Dexter gives a playful wink.

"I no longer harbor any liking towards her. However, it did cause me pain in the past. We both acted out in a fit of rage, and I have no qualms about his demise."

With a cold stare, he declares, "I possess a heart and I don't care for you!"

Dexter playfully pinches Blaze's cheeks and teases, "You may act petty, but deep down, we both know you care for me just as much as I care for you!"

Blazes irritation caused his cheeks to flush. "Please, refrain from doing that. If you weren't such a Casanova like him, I would have assumed you were homosexual!" He swiftly brushes away the hands from his face.

"You sound like you've never been intimate with a woman before. Your personal issues with each other can wait; our priority is to rescue him. Remember when we faced a comparable predicament? We were both rejected for being different. I was on the brink of death, but you saved me and I saved you, so why can't we save him?"

Blaze let out a defeated sigh as memories of his agonizing past flooded his mind. However, he found solace in the fact that Dexter was there for him during his moment of despair, just as he had been there for him before.

"For a vampire, you are too softhearted!" Blaze's lips creases into a smile.

"You say it as though Vampires are supposed to be cold at heart?"

"Perhaps, I have no idea. Let's finish this quickly!"

With a furious tone, Cade exclaims, "I had already informed you, brother, that you would never ascend to the throne. It's beyond my comprehension why Dad chose to appoint an illegitimate child as the crown prince. You are the result of Father's infidelity, a blunder that should have never come to fruition. The crown rightfully belongs to me, not you!"

"I was aware of your envy towards me, but I never anticipated you would take it to this level. What on earth did you add to my drink? It's common knowledge that I can easily slaughter you and your accomplices without breaking a sweat."

"Although you remain as conceited as always, I must admit that we all recognize your immense strength in your human form and your limitless abilities when you transform into a dragon. It's impressive how you can manipulate fire even without assuming your dragon form.

"Being dead renders all that power useless to you. Additionally, I added toxikon to your drink. It prevents you from transforming into your dragon state and devitalizes your human form. Nevertheless, you managed to eliminate over ten of my soldiers. You continue to impress me, Phoenix!"

With a fiery rage in his gaze, Phoenix grits his teeth and seethes, "You despicable scoundrel!"

He berates himself for naively believing that Cade had turned over a new leaf. Had he remained vigilant, this entire debacle could have been avoided.

"I assure you, your promiscuous mother will be accompanying you shortly to the afterlife. I wouldn't want you to feel solitary," Cade says with a wicked grin, extending his sharp talons.

"Do not even think about touching my mother!" Phoenix struggled to break free from their relentless grip, but the more he tried, the more his strength dwindled.

"For someone who is neighing death, you are unreasonably audacious. You should be soliciting for your mother's life rather, and I just might spare her."

His face twists into a vicious smirk. "Regardless of your pleas, I intend to end her life. She is responsible for your existence in this world. I shall tear out your heart and display it to the world, revealing who is truly worthy of the title, "Dragon king!"

As Cade was about to plunge his claws into Phoenix's chest, Dexter abruptly appeared, gripping Cade's arm and rupturing his bone in two.

Cade emits a fierce growl as the searing pain of his broken bone courses through his body. Dexter unleashes a powerful punch, causing him to soar several meters through the air.

Upon impact with a tree, Cade collapses to the ground, writhing in unbearable torment. If he were human, death would have been instantaneous.

"Who the fuck are you? And what's your reason for meddling in my affairs?"

"I am King Dexter Gunner and this is my territory!"

"The Vampire King?" His eyes dilate with horror. Cade was extremely focused on chasing after Phoenix that he failed to notice that they were on enemy's soil.

A massive and ferocious black wolf emerges from the thicket, slaying the group of ten men who had imprisoned Phoenix in the twinkling of an eye.

Blaze's wolf expels a ferine and domineering howl, and the surviving men tremble with trepidation.

"Alpha King?!"

Apprehension washes over Cade, causing his complexion to turn pale. He knew he was no match for even one of these formidable men, let alone two.

"This is our business. I apologize if we trespassed, but please allow me to finish what I started." With a crestfallen expression, he murmurs while lowering his head.

This made Cade feel spiteful. How could the future king of the Dragon's Kingdom apologize to its enemies? He would deal with his hurt ego later, but right now, getting out of this alive was all that mattered.

"Yeah, to complete what you started? Killing your brother?" Dexter barks with fury.

"It is what must be done for I to ascend the throne. Please turn a blind eye. I will be on my way now." He signals his men to subdue Phoenix once again.

Dexter roars with rage and declares, "I'm afraid I cannot let you do that. You would have to go through us. Touch him and you all die!"

....

Omg! I couldn't love Dexter less. Guys, how is the first chapter?

The commanding tone of Dexter and the bone-chilling howl of Blaze's wolf caused the men to tremble in their stand.

Phoenix's eyes, hazel brown, shone with appreciation and thankfulness. It was bewildering to him that individuals he had never met before were willing to battle to preserve his existence.

Cade erupts in fury, bellowing, "Take them down! Whoever brings me their heads will be generously compensated!"

In a blur, Dexter speeds past Cade's men, tearing out their hearts before they could even transform into their Dragon forms.

The entire feat was accomplished in a mere three seconds, his movements so rapid that they were nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. The only evidence of his passing was the gust of wind he left in his wake.

"That's a lot of blood. It's a shame I don't indulge in Dragon blood," he jests while giving Blaze a wink.

"Show off!" Blaze sneers. He reverts to his human appearance and begins donning his attire. He was the only one who could witness Dexter's lightning-fast sprint, akin to a bullet being fired from a gun.

Blaze possessed the extraordinary ability of super speed, which was unattainable for werewolves. Despite their strength and agility, werewolves were outpaced by vampires, who were three times faster.

Blaze and Dexter had similar running speed, but Dexter had a slight edge in speed. Although Vampires were known for their quickness, Dexter was five times faster than even the swiftest Vampire. It was impossible for anyone to outrun him!

Cade lets out a scream of mortification, and prepared to flee, only to be confronted by Dexter, who suddenly materializes in front of him.

"Ever heard of the saying no one can outpace a vampire, especially this vampire?"

"Your father chose not to name you as his successor due to your shortcomings. A true king never flees from a battle; rather, they fight to protect their subjects. Your cowardly behavior reveals that you do not possess the traits of a king. Your brother is a more suitable contender for the throne."

"How dare you lambaste my actions! I was meant to be king before he arrived with his slutty black mother to deprive me of my birthright. I will not hesitate to eliminate all three of you, if necessary!"

Dexter frowns and remarks, "Oh, wow. You're racist. Of course, I didn't expect more from you."

Cade erupts in laughter. "Who cares if I am? Do you honestly believe the council would sanction a black man as king, especially an illegitimate one? Your subjects would rebel and attempt to assassinate you. It would be better for me to do it now! I advise you to retreat!"

Blazes lips contort into a scowl, expressing his disdain for the entire concept, "Why discriminate based on skin color? Our actions define us, not our physical appearance. After all, we were all created uniquely."

"Very well, do as you please! I shall proceed to eliminate our adversaries."

As he underwent a powerful metamorphosis, every bone in his frame shattered and contorted, ultimately reshaping him into the formidable figure of a dragon. With a fierce bellow, he unleashed a scorching blast of air in Dexter's direction.

"Oh, I'm scared. Please spare my life!" Dexter feigns fear and trembling.

Dexter undergoes a monstrous transmogrification, assuming the form of a gargantuan bat that rivals the size of Cade's dragon. Vampires can reap advantages from imbibing wolf blood, such as heightened physical prowess.

In response to Cade's dragon unleashing a fiery inferno, Dexter's bat spirals in a dizzying frenzy, generating a tumultuous vortex that snuffs out the flames.

In amazement, Phoenix's mouth falls open as he gazes upon him. "He possesses the energy of the wind!"

Blaze hums in response, indicating a reluctance to converse with him.

"I have got no time for this!" Blaze mutters with an expression of boredom.

The surroundings encompassing them swiftly became cold as the moisture in the atmosphere solidified into an icy bow and arrow. Blaze briskly seized the frozen weapons and directed his aim towards the sky.

With precision, he shot the arrow straight into the eye of Cade's dragon, causing it to let out a deafening roar of pain before plummeting to the ground.

"It's incredible that you possess the energy of frost! I, on the other hand, possess the energy of fire. Together, we make an unbeatable trio-"

"Shut up! Our act of saving you doesn't imply that we are friends. I still have animosity towards you!"

With a crestfallen look on his face, he murmurs, "Oh." He had been optimistic about forging a friendship with them.

"What did I do exactly?" Blaze remained silent, disregarding his inquiry. He yearned for a swift resolution to the situation. Being in the company of this Casanova was not something he wished for.

Cade, now transformed into a human, grimaces in harrowing agony as blood spurts from his eye, the arrow still lodged inside. Dexter approaches him intending to finish him off, but Phoenix intervenes and stops him.

"I don't want you to kill him. I want to be the one to do it." Gripping his fist tightly, Phoenix staggers towards him with his feeble body.

"I once regarded you as family, but I realize now that I was nothing but garbage to you, something you could easily toss aside. In my opinion, you deserve nothing less than death!"

"I dare you to end my life, for if you fail to do so, I will seek retribution against you and your immoral mother. Nevertheless, I suspect you lack the bravery to carry out such a deed, given your evident cowardice!"

A mocking laughter escapes from Cade's lips. In a blur, Cade freezes and pulverizes into a multitude of fragments.

"What the hell! I told you I wanted to eliminate him myself!" Blaze was met with a thunderous roar from Phoenix.

"You moron. He was trying to provoke you into taking his life. If you had expended any more of your energy, you would have perished. You should conserve your energy, you fool!"

Blaze was unable to fathom why he acted in such a way. Additionally, he was perplexed as to why he was angry with Phoenix for nearly jeopardizing his life. In retrospect, he believed that he should have allowed Phoenix to die.

"It's astonishing how much concern you have for me, despite having no desire to be my friend."

The warm chortle emanating from Phoenix fills the air. Phoenix felt loved by Blaze's gestures. He has never really had real friends, it would be great he could have friends like them.

Blaze distorts his brows with displeasure. "I don't have any concern for you whatsoever. Dexter was extremely eager to rescue you. It would be regrettable if we let you die, since all of our efforts would be wasted."

"Despite his contradictory words, he truly cares about you. His unique approach to expressing his affection may be difficult to decipher. Whenever I act impulsively, he becomes upset with me.

"However, I understand that this is his method of demonstrating his love and concern for me, even though he rarely displays it and consistently refutes it," Dexter whispers into Phoenix's ears.

"Are you gonna pretend as though my exceptional hearing ability does not exist?"

"It seems that walking may be difficult for you. Do not fret, Blaze will assist you by carrying you!"

In a frenzied tone, Blaze questions, "Why must it be me? Can't you carry him instead?"

"Because I am drained. I expended a lot of my energy in killing those people." Dexter shams a weary countenance as he ambles down the field, lethargically.

"I used my energy too, Goddammit!" Dexter ducks as a snow ball was hurled at him.

As he casts a glance towards Phoenix, who was lying on the grass, he notices that even he was feigning weakness. Although he was truly sapped and walking seemed like a daunting task, he was exaggerating his condition.

Blaze couldn't help but notice his facial features. His eyes were the softest brown infused with green, reminiscent of the lush greenery of springtime.

They radiated a sense of calmness, akin to the tranquility of a forest floor and the serenity of delicate blossoms, providing a tranquil sanctuary to unwind and inhale.

His brows resembled thick thistles thriving in damp soil. His chiseled, diamond-shaped face accentuated his keen features, and his finely crafted jawline exuded a robust and commanding aura.

He bared a long nose with a wide base, his full lips were strikingly two-toned. The upper lip showcased a delightful tint reminiscent of chestnuts, a gentle fusion of brown and pink that added warmth to his countenance. Contrasting with this, his lower lip embraced a deeper, more intense shade of pink, mirroring the rich vibrancy of magenta.

The texture of his skin was akin to velvety chocolate, caressed by the shimmering brilliance of the sun's early glow. His hair was a cascade of spiral curls that flowed down to his underarms in a voluminous Afro, with a hue that evoked memories of cocoa pods.

His chin tapered down to a point and was adorned with prickly stubble. Despite the dry patches of blood dotting his face, he still appeared adorable.

"Done staring?" He smirks at Blaze as he flipped his hair.

"Ewww, no way, I'm not gay! I was curious why Clarissa picked you instead of me. I mean, I'm obviously more attractive."

"I stole your girlfriend? That's why you are upset with me!" His face was filled with remorse. It appeared that befriending him would be an arduous task to establish.

"She was not my girlfriend, just a woman I had feelings for." Blaze's tightens his jaw with dismay, reluctantly hoisting him onto his shoulder as he began sauntering down the field.

"That's really uncomfortable. I understand that you harbor resentment towards me, but it's inappropriate to hold an injured individual in such a manner. Please put me down!"

"Be grateful that I didn't fracture any of your bones!"

Blaze holds Phoenix, cradling him like a bride in his arms. Phoenix smiles and lays his head on Blazes strong chest. Although Blaze was tempted to drop him, he stays motionless and composed.

"I apologize for the situation with your woman. However, it's important to understand that a woman's attraction to a man is not solely based on his appearance. Your approach and demeanor play a crucial role in capturing her heart. Additionally, it's worth noting that I am clearly more attractive!"

With a wide grin on his face, he proudly displayed his glistening, pearly-white teeth.

"Dream on!" Blaze retorts.

"Dexter, who is cuter?"

"I apologize, Phoenix, but Blaze is undeniably the most attractive among us three. Nonetheless, Phoenix is correct in stating that your distant demeanor may be deterring many women from your life. It may be beneficial for you to play it cool.

"Although, you are more captivating, I attract a larger number of women than you do. Clarissa might be one of those white women who are drawn to black men. I don't blame her, though, Phoenix is one hell of an irresistible black man!"

"I sure am!"

~~PRESENT DAY - 76 YEARS LATER~~

The massive entrance to the "Majestic Moonshadow Pack" swings open, revealing an expansive expanse of wooded terrain.

The brave sentinels stationed at the entrance courteously bow, to which Leo Pierce reciprocates with a gracious nod. The vehicle proceeds down the vast asphalt path that leads into the woods.

As Astrid gazes out the window, she was awestruck by the breathtaking scenery. The regal verdant trees dance gracefully to the rhythm of the tempest wind, and the melodious chirping of the birds permeate the atmosphere.

The scent of damp earth lingers in her nose, and the sun's radiant beams pierce through the leafy canopy, casting a warm glow. The gentle rush of water cascading over rocks adds to the symphony of nature.

Astrid takes a deep breath, the picturesque panorama in front of her soothing the turmoil in her heart. After losing her mother to cancer a fortnight ago, she resolved to move in with her father- a man she was never acquainted with and who was absent from her life when she was growing up. How could she refuse if it were her mother's final wish?

She realized it wasn't his fault he missed out on her childhood because he was unaware of her existence until two weeks ago.

Despite this, she felt a pang in her chest-a pang of hurt and resentment. Why hadn't he tried to find her mother all these years? Why hadn't he been there for her?

Astrid craved paternal presence all the time, but she wasn't fortunate enough to have one. Now, her father was beside her, she was oblivious of how to act around him. He was a downright stranger to her.

After about five minutes, the car arrives at a parking lot in front of an elephantine duplex. They both alighted the car at the same time, and Leo beats her to securing her luggage from the trunk.

"You don't have to do that. I can carry my things, myself." Astrid spoke for the first time since they embarked on their journey.

"I insist."

"You don't-"

Leo disregards her declination and hauls her luggage into the edifice. Man, he was going all out to gratify her.

As they entered the splendidly adorned abode, they encountered a middle-aged woman and two youngsters lodged on the couches.

Astrid reckoned that the woman was his wife, whereas the younger people were her step-siblings-who obviously despised her. The resentment and rage in their eyes were discernible.

"Hi, good afternoon!" Astrid mutters, tentatively. She received no response but revulsive glares. Great! A vindictive step-mom and step-siblings. Her life couldn't be better!

A young woman enters into the sitting room clutching a platter bearing two cupcakes.

"You must be, Astrid. I'm Elena. Here have some!" Elena offers her a pancake, but Astrid was hesitant to take it. What if she had laced it with poison? She couldn't trust anyone in this family, asides her dad.

Elena's countenance transformed from joyfulness to gloominess, suggesting feelings of disappointment and sorrow. Her once radiant smile was now replaced by a frown.

"It's not poisoned. If you don't want it, it's alright-"

Astrid felt guilty after witnessing Elena's abrupt change in expression. To alleviate her guilt, she decided to accept the cupcakes, albeit with the hope that they wouldn't cause any harm.

"I do want it!"

Astrid savors a generous slice of the cake, expressing her enjoyment with a delighted moan. The taste was divine.

"Do you like it?" While biting into her own pancake, Elena's face lights up with a smile.

"Yes, it's delicious!" With glee, Astrid responds.

"I'm glad you like it!" Elena lets out a giggle, excitedly.

"Did you make this?"

"Yes."

"I'm terrible at cooking. The last time I attempted to make one, I almost burned down the house. Good thing mom came to my rescue-"

Astrid nibbles on her lips, sucking back the tears that impended to trickle down her eyes. Her mother was her world, and it stings knowing that she would never see her ever again.

Astrid missed her profoundly, every single thing about her, her screams, her laughter, her scolding, her guidance, her smiles, her humor.

With her infectious smile and warm personality, she easily won the hearts of those around her. Despite facing various challenges in life, she never let it dim her radiant smile. She remained a beacon of positivity, uplifting those around her.

However, beneath her cheerful facade, she carried the burden of heartbreak that she had been nursing for years. The pain of losing the love of her life, knowing that he could never choose her over his mate, weighed heavily on her heart.

Astrid looked up to Alice as her inspiration, her unwavering source of strength, and the driving force behind her ambition to be the best version of herself.

Now, the woman she held closest to her heart had passed away, leaving Astrid feeling lost and alone. The absence of Alice's warm smiles was something Astrid could never grow accustomed to.

Each passing day felt like an endless cycle of agony, as if she were trapped in a never-ending nightmare that she desperately pined to awaken from.

Leo stood motionless, feeling a lump form in his throat as he let out a sorrowful exhalation. He did love Astrid's mother immensely, and they had planned to get married, although his family didn't accede to his marrying a human.

He was predisposed to go against the world for her. Eventually, his unwavering commitment convinced his parents to bless their union, and they were on the verge of tying the knot when he met his mate.

Leo remained steadfast in his decision to choose Alice over his mate, causing her to feel intense guilt that plagued her day and night. She couldn't stomach driving a wedge between him and his mate. They were mates for a reason.

As a result, she made the difficult decision of ditching Leo's life for good, without revealing that she was carrying his child.

As her life drew to a close, Alice's earnest desire was to see Leo one last time and express her remorse for deserting him, for concealing his child and for not being courageous enough to fight against fate, even though he was eager to do that.

Astrid couldn't be merrier granting her mother's wish, and she departed this world a joyous and gratified woman, in the presence of the two people she cherished the most.

Even in her last moments, her mother's face was radiant, her eyes glinting with love for her father, her pale fingers entwined in his as she sealed her eyes and breathed her last.

Astrid was moved by the genuine smile on her mother's face, unburdened by the pain she usually concealed. She vowed to treasure that memory of her mother for eternity.

"Elena, please show Astrid to her room."

"Yes, daddy."

Astrid proceeds to hoist her suitcase, but Elena grabs her hand and pulls her back.

"Please don't refuse, I'll assist you with that. No is never an acceptable response to me."

Astrid chuckles with mirth. "I figured."

Elena guides her up the gilded stairway and into a grand, stately hallway. The corridor alone was twice as large as her previous home. A blue Ocean 3D epoxy flooring coating was used to cover the floor.

Astrid gazes at the various varieties of fishes, dolphins playing in the ocean, sea urchins and sea weeds lounging on the ocean floor, and crustaceans swimming gleefully, among other marine creatures and sea plants.

The floor beneath her feet appeared alive, and it seemed to teem with oceanic life, emitting a palpable buzz of activity. Its captivating design gave the impression that she was treading upon the very surface of the sea.

The serendipity and quietude of the hallway calmed her racking nerves. The pristine white walls aglow with the radiance of the chandelier's kiss.

She was mystified by the enchanting and exquisite decor, making her question if she had stumbled upon a mere dwelling. It resembled more of a regal abode or celestial paradise! Could this be the very place where celestial beings feasted and harmonized in melodious tunes?

Twisting the door knob of the peach-colored door, Elena gently nudges the door open, uncloaking the interior of the room.

Astrid jaw drop upon seeing the inside of her room. The flooring consisted of spotless and glistering golden-white marble tiles. The walls were adorned with a gentle shade of apple green paint. Green was eternally her favorite color, as she ceaselessly admired nature.

The alabaster colored ceilings in the room were embellished with recessed fixtures, providing ample lighting. Adding to the ambiance, a radiant chandelier hung from the ceiling. A king-sized bed settled against the wall facing the entrance.

A massive plasma TV was mounted on the wall near the entrance. To the right of the room, there was no visible wall, but instead, an open sliding door displayed a grandiose balcony. The thought of sunbathing on the balcony was enticing.

Not to mention, the spectacle was captivating. She could see the trees whirling in the wind, the birds flapping their wings in the sky, and surmounting the verdant forest landscape was a territory with a mountainous terrain.

"Where is that?" She questions, her fascination was piqued.

"It's the Dragon's lair."

"Of course, it's just a moniker; there aren't any actual dragons. Almost 100 million years ago, they became extinct."

"How about we go over there and find out? Who knows? We could find a really sexy dragon." With a cunning grin forming on her mouth, Elena utters.

With cynicism and a look of skepticism, Astrid rolls her eyes. "There is nothing like a sexy dragon, and they are all dead. Did you design all of this?" Deliberately changing the subject, she inquires.

"Yes. Dad wanted you to feel at ease, so he asked me to recreate the design of your old room. Simple but lovely, perhaps a little extravagant."

"You consider this a little extravagant? This is freaking opulent!" Astrid furrows her brows at Elena with incredulity. The entire room exuded wealth and extravagance.

"More is due to you. What do you expect, really, being the daughter of a multi-billionaire?"

"Dad is a billionaire?" She clamps her mouth tightly, perplexed that she had addressed him as her father.

"Yes, dummy, now do you like it?"

"Do I like It? I love it. Thank you." She enswathe her sister in a warm embrace.

"You could accompany me to a party tonight, you know, to get away from everything," Elena suggests with a smile.

"Whose party is it?"

"It's our gamma's Felicity party!"

"Gamma? Like gamma rays? You guys celebrate that?" Astrid probes, mystified.

"Oh, I forgot. You know nothing about our world - yet. Dad would enlighten you about that. Now back to the party, they are gonna be countless hot dudes there. You should try to get laid, it's a good stress reliever!" Elena winks, a roguish smile gleaming on her face.

Astrid's face heats with abashment, a red tint staining her cheeks. "Getting laid is not a bad idea. It's been months since I last had sex."

"What? That's a fucking long time. How did you survive that long? I would die within a week if I don't ride a dick!"

Astrid chortles warmly. "Funny!"

"We need to single out a dress, a hot one."

Elena opens one of the two doors on the room's left wing, revealing a massive walk-in closet. Astrid marvels at the room's abundance of expensive clothing and accessories.

There were sessions for shoes, casual wear around the house, dressy attire for outings, and revealing dresses. There was also a selection of designer bags and pricey jewelry. For the love of God, this was lavish enough to establish a boutique!

"Suit collection?" Astrid was bewildered, causing her to crease her brows.

"What? A suit would unquestionably be useful if you were to land a job. Don't you like it? It took a whole week to get everything ready." Elena pouts.

"I adore it, undoubtedly. That you could assist me in this manner without having any prior knowledge of me is perplexing!"

"You are my sister, sweetheart. For you, I would do everything."

"Wow, thanks a lot. And how did you know my size, anyway?"

"Dad sent a picture of you. I noticed that we have similar builds and heights, however, the only disparity between us is that you possess more curves and exude a sexier vibe than I do." She winks.

"Astrid's face turns from plum blossoms to blood-red. "Shut up!"

"And by the time I'm done priming you up for the party, you would have men kissing your feet!"