Web Novel
The Triplets' Rejected Disabled Mate Chapter 131
Catherine POV
Excitement and love blossomed around the huge bonfire burning down at the lake, and for once, I couldn't wait to get down there and be part of the last part of the festivities. It was only meant for wolves who found their mates.
I was never allowed to attend, but now that I was blessed with the triplets as mates, I had a right to be down there and give praise to the Goddess.
"I am surprised how many wolves have found their mates," I said as my gaze moved over hundreds of people holding their mates.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Sam said, excitedly.
"Three hundred and fifty-eight pairs, to be exact," Grey added. "I have the register right here!" He gestured, tapping his finger on the paper on the clipboard.
"The Blue Moon Festival was a huge success," Colt added proudly. "Every Alpha that came praised us for how beautiful and enjoyable the event was."
"Even though we had a bit of drama with a certain someone," Sam said, rolling his eyes.
"And getting rid of that wicked witch," Grey added, laughing.
"We did end up receiving some good and exciting news," Colt said, bending down and stealing a kiss from me.
We all laughed, and Sam pushed the wheelchair down the narrow path.
Grey and Colt lifted the front of the wheelchair over some rocky surfaces and set the chair down.
Sam pushed me closer, where a stage was built, and my gaze slowly moved over the young couples' faces standing around talking and holding their newfound mates as he steered me among the crowd.
Some older wolves were bolder, showing their affection, and didn't care who saw them kissing their loved ones.
I suddenly wondered how many pairs had marked their mates already.
Sam brought the wheelchair to a stop, and Colt and Grey headed toward the stage.
"Is Colt doing the opening?" I asked.
"No," Sam said.
I turned my gaze back to look at Sam, and a teasing smile followed on his lips.
"Even if Colt wanted to, he couldn't," Sam answered.
"Why not?" I asked, confused. "Colt's the Alpha."
"Yes, true, but we are classified as newly mated," Sam answered. "This is our first time being here too."
I nodded in understanding and turned my attention back to where Colt and Grey stood, talking to their dad.
"The elder pack member will attend soon," Sam continued. "Anyone who is mated is welcome to attend."
"Just not unmated wolves," I said, feeling sad.
"It's not that bad," Sam said. "Unmated wolves get many opportunities to attend these kinds of events, and there are many festivals just for them to help find their mates."
"I know," I whispered. "But still..."
"Welcome, all newly mated wolves," Alpha Michael said, and the newly mated wolves curiously came closer.
"It's with great pleasure that I announce that this year's Blue Moon Festival was a great success and that we had the biggest group of mated wolves in centuries."
Cheers followed, and it gave me chills to hear the excitement. The goddess surely provided this year.
When everyone settled down, Alpha Michael continued.
"As per wolf custom," Alpha Michael said. "We will take a moment of silence to give praise to the goddess. Later, other older mated pairs will be joining us to give their praise for sparing their bond for another year. I hope you will enjoy the night with us and make memorable memories."
Alpha Michael got off the stage and headed toward the bonfire, and Colt and Grey came to my side.
"Are you ready?" Sam asked.
I nodded, excitement bubbling up in my insides. I always wondered what happened at this event.
"Maybe we will be lucky this year and receive a blessing from the Goddess," Grey said hopefully.
"Or maybe she will send us a message, Colt added.
My mood shifted as Sam pushed me closer to the bonfire, and I became anxious and scared. The last time I went to something like this was for my shifting. There, I received a message. I hadn't thought of what the message meant—it was now hidden in the depths of my self-consciousness and was just a horrible reminder of what happened that night.
My heart started to race, and my palms and hands became damp.
What if she sends me another message? Will I know what it means?
My heartbeat quickened as we approached the magnificent, massive fire, but as soon as the heat from the roaring flames touched my skin, I was engulfed in the lethal red and yellow flames.
My mind was racing with pictures, and I was voluntarily falling into a state of hypnotic reverie as I saw wolves dancing in the flames.
But my focus shifted to the abandoned and dejected wolf, who was depressed and heartbroken.
I whispered, "That is me," as tears started to form behind my closed eyelids. That is how I feel—broken and betrayed. That's me making sense of what happened to me. That's me shutting the world out, believing I don't belong."
I was holding on to those sad and hurtful memories. They served as a reminder to me to never trust or get close to anyone again.
It was a searing pain that surged through my body like hot silver waves.
But eventually, I adjusted to the pain and came to terms with the fact that it was a natural part of who I was.
I clung to those depressing sensations until the pictures gradually faded and transformed.
I was compelled to look at the images in the fire, despite my refusal to do so, because of the message they conveyed.
I was holding on for dear life, but I could still feel the pain coursing through my body. It was now the only thing that felt real to me.
Suddenly, three enormous wolves emerged from the flames, exuding an overwhelming sense of dominance and power. I was unable to take my eyes off of them because they seemed so familiar.
"Colt, Grey, and Sam," Kia whispered in the back of my mind.
"The triplets..."
The wolves held their ground and continued to search until they met my eyes.
"I remember what happened," I whispered to myself. "I recall experiencing unwavering love. I experienced warmth within. I experienced desire and love. They desired to protect me, not because it was required of them."
The images changed, suddenly becoming more hostile as the enormous wolves threw back their heads and howled.
I shivered, feeling suddenly cold, and darkness engulfed me.
Why does it feel like I remember something about this?
Was my mind playing tricks on me?
I screamed aloud in fear when I saw the crimson eyes that appeared out of nowhere.
"What did you just see?" Colt asked, grabbing hold of my arms and shaking me lightly.
I met his concerned eyes. Did he hear me scream?
"Rogues..." I stammered as I attempted to control my heartbeat. "They are not just any rogues."
Time seemed to stop abruptly, and the next thing we knew, snarls were coming from everywhere.
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