The night outside was deep and still, but within the DeLorenzo estate, unrest brewed like a storm on the horizon.
Shadows flickered in the dim lighting, stretching long against the polished floors as the triplets divided their focus between two pressing matters—unraveling the mystery behind Roo's past and tending to the delicate bond that tethered him to them.
Alexander stood by the wide floor-to-ceiling windows, his sharp silver eyes reflecting the darkness outside. He had been silent for a long time, his mind calculating, assessing. In his hand was a glass of whiskey, untouched.
Alec sat in the chair near the fireplace, legs crossed, golden eyes skimming through the latest report their intelligence network had compiled. Pages rustled in his hands, the glow of the flames casting flickering shadows across his chiseled features.
Ace, always the most restless, paced behind them, his presence a smoldering heat that filled the space. His fingers twitched at his sides, itching for action. "It doesn't add up," he muttered, his voice edged with frustration. "A rogue pack strong enough to take down an omega that barely has any scent? Who the hell would waste their time?"
Alexander finally spoke, his voice smooth but ice-cold. "Someone who knew what they were after."
Alec flipped to another page. "The interrogation of the rogues didn't give us a name, but it did give us a direction. Whoever ordered the attack isn't some low-ranking fool playing at power." He tapped the document lightly. "This kind of operation required resources. A plan."
Ace scoffed. "Then we tear through every lead until we find the bastard."
Alexander set his glass down on the side table, his expression unreadable. "That's exactly what we'll do."
Alec closed the file, standing. "But first, we check on Roo."
The room fell into silence, heavy with something unspoken.
In the suite, the steady rhythm of Roo's breathing was the only sound in the softly lit space. His small frame was still buried beneath layers of silk sheets, the IV drip beside him a stark reminder of his fragile state.
His lips parted slightly as he exhaled, shifting just enough for the blanket to slip lower along his collarbone, revealing delicate, almost translucent skin.
A low rumble vibrated through Ace's chest when he entered, his sharp gaze immediately locking onto Roo's exposed skin.
"Careful," Alec murmured behind him, amused at the reaction. "You're growling."
Ace ignored him, moving closer to the bed. His fingers twitched, aching to pull the blanket back over Roo, to shield him from everything—including their own gazes.
Alexander approached the other side of the bed, his silver eyes scanning Roo's face with an intensity that spoke of silent, simmering possession.
"His fever's gone down," Alec noted, stepping to the foot of the bed. He reached out, pressing two fingers gently against Roo's wrist. The pulse was stronger than before—still weak, but no longer the ghost of a heartbeat it had been.
Alec exhaled, satisfied. "He's recovering."
As if in response to their quiet conversation, Roo's eyelashes fluttered. A soft noise escaped his throat—a breathy, uncertain sound.
Alexander's fingers curled slightly, restraining the overwhelming urge to touch.
Then Roo's eyes opened.
Dark lashes trembled as he blinked up at them, pupils dilated in the dim lighting. His gaze darted between the three towering figures around him, uncertainty flickering in his expression.
Alec was the first to speak. "You're awake."
Roo's lips parted, but no words came out. He stared at them, mind still clouded from exhaustion.
Ace exhaled harshly, rubbing a hand down his face. "Took you long enough."
Alexander's tone was smoother, but no less intense. "How do you feel?"
Roo swallowed, shifting slightly beneath the sheets. His body still ached, muscles sluggish and unfamiliar. "Tired…" he rasped, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ace frowned, immediately pouring a glass of water and holding it out. "Drink."
Roo hesitated, gaze flickering between them. Something inside him instinctively curled back, wary.
Alec noticed. He crouched down so they were eye level, voice softer than before. "It's alright, piccolino."
Roo's eyes widened slightly at the foreign endearment.
Ace's patience ran out. He pressed the glass into Roo's hands, fingers brushing briefly. "Drink," he repeated, quieter this time.
Roo hesitated for only a moment before obeying. The water was cool against his parched throat, soothing the burn left from unconsciousness.
Alexander watched him carefully. "Do you remember anything?"
Roo lowered the glass slightly, brows knitting together. "I…" His voice faltered, confusion flashing in his eyes. "I don't know."
Alec's jaw tightened. "Nothing at all?"
Roo shook his head slowly. "Just… flashes. Running. The cold. And…" His voice grew even softer. "Someone calling my name."
Alexander's eyes sharpened. "Who?"
Roo looked down at the sheet, fingers curling into the fabric. "I don't know."
Alec exchanged a look with his brothers. The pieces were still missing, but something in Roo's voice told them that whatever had happened to him—it wasn't simple.
Ace folded his arms. "We'll find out."
Roo's gaze flickered up at him, hesitant. "Why?"
The question brought a sudden, charged silence to the room.
Alexander met his gaze head-on, his silver eyes dark with unshakable certainty. "Because you're ours."
Roo's breath hitched.
The words felt heavy, final.
His fingers trembled slightly against the glass, heart thudding unevenly in his chest. He didn't understand why those words sent something hot curling deep in his stomach—why they made him feel both afraid and safe at the same time.
But before he could question it further, Alec leaned in, brushing a strand of hair from Roo's forehead. His touch was brief, but lingering.
"You should rest," Alec murmured.
Roo blinked up at him, lost.
Ace sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're not getting rid of us," he muttered, half amused, half exasperated. "So don't even try."
Roo opened his mouth—then closed it again, at a loss for words.
The triplets stood, each towering over him in their own way, watching with expressions Roo couldn't quite read.
But there was no mistaking the unspoken promise in their gazes.
They had found him.
And they were never letting him go.
To Be Continued...