Chapter 11: Chapter 11

JASMINE

Their words seeped into me, wrapping me in a warmth that felt like a soft blanket I didn’t even know I needed. It wasn’t just the physical closeness I shared with Erik last night that comforted me. It was the understanding that seemed to radiate from all three of them—an understanding that no one else had ever shown me.

But as comforting as that feeling was, there was a storm quietly brewing within me. How could I make this work? How could I divide my heart equally among them without causing pain or leaving someone feeling left out?

It was a lot to take in—but I didn’t want to lose any of them.

My gaze landed on Erik, and I felt that invisible thread between us pull once more. His quiet intensity had always made my heart flutter. Then there was Sebastian, sitting next to me with his easygoing smile, always ready to lighten the mood.

Across from us sat Aaron, his sharp mind and calm demeanor grounding me with just a glance. Could I really give each of them what they deserved? Or was this delicate balance doomed to shatter?

Even amidst the lighthearted atmosphere, I felt a pull. The mate bond between us vibrated with energy, like an electric current connecting us all. Erik’s hand brushed against mine under the table, and even that small contact sent warmth radiating up my arm.

It was as if every touch from them made the bond stronger, more real. When Sebastian’s knee brushed against mine, my heart skipped a beat. His touch lingered on my leg just a second longer than necessary, and the look he gave me… It wasn’t just playful. It was full of promise.

Then there was Aaron, his steady gaze meeting mine from across the table, silently reassuring me that no matter how complicated things got, he’d be there to help me navigate.

Soon, my parents joined us, along with Owen and Marie, my father’s betas. The room filled with laughter and conversation, and an unexpected lightness. It was hard to believe that just hours ago, I had been lost in my thoughts, torn between three mates, unsure of how this could possibly work.

But now, surrounded by family, the bond I shared with the three alphas felt more real. For the first time, I allowed myself to believe that we could make this work. There were still many steps to climb, but this felt like the first one.

“Jasmine,” my father’s voice sliced through the laughter, demanding my attention. “Can I talk to you in my office after breakfast?”

His tone was casual, but his gaze told a different story. I could tell he had something on his mind.

“Sure,” I replied, finishing my coffee and feeling a flutter of nerves.

As I made my way to my father’s office, the reality of my new situation weighed heavily on me. For so long, my future had seemed clear—working alongside my father, leading my pack, carving my own path as an alpha. Now everything was different.

The future wasn’t just mine anymore. I had three mates. Three alphas. And bringing their packs together was no small task.

I stepped into the office, the familiar scent of old leather and cedar enveloping me like a comforting memory. My father was already at his desk, flipping through some papers, but he paused when he saw me, a hint of warmth softening his stern features.

“How are you?” His voice broke the silence as he moved to the back of the office. If it had been later in the day, I had no doubt he would’ve poured himself a shot of whiskey—this was clearly one of those conversations.

I sank into the armchair I used to curl up in as a child. In here, I wasn’t just the alpha daughter; I was his daughter. And that was a comfort.

“At first, I was confused,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “Who has more than one mate? And I have three? Why does it have to be so complicated?” I buried my face in my hands. “At the same time, I know that if the Moon had just chosen one, my heart would break for the others.”

Saying it out loud made the reality of it all sink in deeper. The enormity of what lay ahead became more tangible, more overwhelming. But with that weight came clarity too. I loved all three of them—each in their own unique way.

“So, do you want to make it work? The four of you?” My father’s question sliced through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. “Uniting the packs?”

The seriousness in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.

“I can’t see how it’s possible,” I confessed, my voice trembling. “Bringing together four packs… It’s so much larger than us.”

My dad’s face softened, a sight that was both rare and comforting. “The impossible only seemed that way because no one had been brave enough to try,” he said, his eyes sparkling with pride. “And if anyone has that bravery, Jasmine, it’s you.”

“Do you really believe we can pull this off? Aren’t you scared?”

A deep laugh rumbled from his chest as he moved closer, his gaze intense. “I’ll let you in on a secret. Even alphas get scared. The difference is we don’t let it stop us. We act in spite of the fear. Because our decisions aren’t just about us—they’re about the thousands of lives we’re responsible for.”

His words were heavy, but they held a truth I needed to hear. He wasn’t just talking about uniting the packs—he was reminding me what it meant to be a leader.

“You’ve made it clear you won’t choose just one,” he said, his voice steady. “And you shouldn’t. If the Goddess gave you three mates, there’s a reason. You might not understand it now, but you will. And you won’t unite the packs through business deals or alliances. You’ll do it through the bond you share with your mates. Nothing is stronger.”

Tears welled up in my eyes, threatening to spill over. My dad had always had faith in me, always trusted me, but hearing him say this now—when I needed it most—filled my heart with emotion.

“I raised you to be your own alpha,” he continued, a smile tugging at his lips. “Not needing anyone to lead beside you. But now, you have three.”

His laughter filled the room as his own eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Whatever you decide, Jasmine, trust yourself. Follow your heart, your instinct, your mind, and your soul. They’ve never steered you wrong before.”

In that moment, I realized that we were the four elements. Sebastian was the heart, Erik was the instinct, Aaron was the mind, and I was the soul.

Before I could respond, he pulled a document from his desk and slid it toward me. “And to make things official,” he said, his voice filled with pride, “you have my blessing.”

I didn’t even need to read the paper. I threw myself into his arms, feeling the strength of his hug, the warmth of his love.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion.

He kissed the top of my head before gently letting me go.

“You’ve earned it.”

As I wiped my tears, he handed me the document. It was a declaration stating that the Aurum Pack would not oppose the union of the four packs.

“You’re the best,” I said, trying to steady my voice.

But before I could fully absorb it all, there were two sharp knocks at the door. Without waiting for my dad’s response, the door swung open, and Sebastian rushed in, his face ashen and panicked.

“Alpha Aurum,” he gasped, struggling to catch his breath. “I’m sorry, but Jasmine…”

His voice broke as he fought to get the words out, his usual calm demeanor replaced with raw fear.

A knot formed in my stomach. I stood up, locking eyes with him.

“My pack is under attack,” he blurted out. “And it’s the witches.”