CHAPTER 8
Giselle's POV
I pressed my back against my bedroom door, sliding the lock into place with trembling fingers. The sound of Khuraan's laughter still echoed in my ears from dinner, along with his possessive declaration that I was his mate. My hands shook as I touched my throat, remembering the feeling of his grip earlier in the hallway.
Just breathe, Giselle. You're safe in here.
But even as I thought it, I knew it wasn't true. Nowhere in this house felt safe anymore. Not when three predatory wolves roamed the halls, treating me like their personal plaything.
I changed into my pajamas—an oversized t-shirt and cotton shorts—trying to push away the memory of Zarkhan's hands on my skin in the gym, or the way Hakkan had whispered in my ear during dinner. Every interaction with them left me feeling dirty, violated in ways I couldn't even fully understand.
Maybe I should call a cab. Pack my things and just leave.
But where would I go? Back to Omaha, where Alpha Blake was still hunting for me? I had nowhere else to run, no one else to turn to. I was trapped between predators, and the triplets knew it.
A soft knock on my door made me freeze. My heart hammered against my ribs as I stared at the wooden barrier between me and whoever was outside.
"Giselle? It's Mom. Can I come in?"
Relief flooded through me. "Just a second." I unlocked the door, opening it to find my mother standing in the hallway wearing an elegant silk robe. Her hair was perfectly styled despite the late hour, and she smelled like expensive perfume.
"Hi, sweetheart," she said, stepping into my room. "I hope you don't mind me stopping by so late. I wanted to talk to you about dinner tonight."
Here it comes. I sat on the edge of my bed, watching as she settled into the reading chair by the window. "What about it?"
"Well, Khuraan's announcement was quite... surprising," she began carefully. "I had no idea you two had developed feelings for each other so quickly."
I wanted to laugh. Feelings? More like predatory obsession. "Mom, we haven't—"
"I know it must be overwhelming," she interrupted, her voice taking on that motherly tone I remembered from childhood. "But Giselle, you need to try harder to get along with your new stepbrothers."
The words hit me like a slap. Get along with them? Did she have any idea what they'd been putting me through?
"They're good boys, really," she continued, oblivious to my horror. "Perhaps a bit rough around the edges, but they come from a strong bloodline. Richard has raised them well."
"Mom—" I started, but she held up a hand.
"I know they might seem intimidating at first. Three alpha wolves can be... intense. But they're family now, Giselle. You need to make an effort."
Make an effort. Like it was my fault they cornered me in dark hallways and whispered threats in my ear. Like I was the problem for not wanting to be their victim.
"You don't understand," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "They're not... they don't treat me like family."
She tilted her head, studying my face. "What do you mean, dear?"
How do I explain this without sounding crazy? That her precious stepsons saw me as prey? That they took pleasure in making me squirm, in reminding me how powerless I was in their territory?
"They just... they make me uncomfortable sometimes," I said lamely.
My mother's expression softened. "Oh, sweetheart. I know it's hard being the only girl among three strong alpha males. But that's exactly why you need to establish your place in the pack hierarchy. Show them you're not weak."
Show them I'm not weak? I almost laughed at the irony. I was an omega—weakness was literally built into my DNA. And they knew it.
"You have to understand, Giselle," she continued, leaning forward earnestly. "This pack, this family—it's everything I've ever wanted. Richard loves me, and his sons... well, they just need time to warm up to you."
The desperate hope in her voice made my chest ache. She'd found her fairy tale ending, and I was threatening it with my mere presence.
"I see the way Khuraan looks at you," she added with a smile. "There's definitely something there. Maybe if you opened yourself up to the possibility—"
"Mom, stop." The words came out harsher than I intended. "Please. I don't want to talk about Khuraan."
Her eyebrows raised at my tone. "Giselle, what's wrong? You look..."
I saw her taking in my appearance—the way I sat hunched over, arms wrapped around myself protectively. The dark circles under my eyes from sleepless nights. The way I flinched every time she mentioned the triplets.
"Are you okay, honey?" she asked, genuine concern creeping into her voice.
No. I'm not okay. Your new family is terrorizing me, and I'm too scared to fight back.
But I couldn't say that. Not when she looked so happy, so content in her new life. I wouldn't be the one to destroy her perfect world.
"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just tired. It's been a lot to adjust to."
She studied my face for a long moment, and I held my breath, praying she wouldn't push. Finally, she nodded, though she didn't look entirely convinced.
"Well, that's understandable," she said, standing up. "Moving to a new place, meeting new people—it's overwhelming. But give it time, sweetheart. I promise things will get easier."
Will they? Or would the triplets continue to see me as their personal entertainment until I finally broke?
"Try to give the boys a chance," she continued, moving toward my bed. "They might surprise you. Khuraan especially—he seems quite taken with you."
My stomach turned at the reminder of his possessive behavior, the way he'd claimed me at dinner like I was property to be owned.
"I don't think—" I began, but she cut me off by sitting on the edge of my bed.
"Come here, baby," she said softly, patting the space beside her.
Despite everything, despite the fear and confusion swirling in my chest, I found myself moving to sit next to her. She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close like she used to when I was little and had nightmares.
"There's my girl," she murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I know this is hard, but you're stronger than you think. You're my daughter, after all."
Strong. If only she knew how weak I felt every time one of her stepsons looked at me with those predatory eyes.
"I love you, Giselle," she whispered. "And I want you to be happy here. This is our home now—our family."
"I love you too, Mom," I whispered back, meaning it despite everything.
She held me for a few more moments before gently easing me back onto my pillows. "Get some sleep, sweetheart. Tomorrow's a new day."
She pulled the covers up to my chin, tucking me in like I was still a child. The gesture was so familiar, so comforting, that tears pricked at my eyes.
"Sweet dreams, baby," she said, pressing another kiss to my forehead.
I watched as she moved to the door, her hand hovering over the light switch.
"Mom?" I called out softly.
"Yes?"
Help me. Please see what's happening and help me.
But the words wouldn't come. How could I destroy her happiness with my problems?
"Nothing. Good night."
"Good night, sweetheart."