Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One

Hailee's POV

As I dressed, I felt Nathan's steady and unblinking gaze on me. He wasn't just watching me… he was studying me, as if trying to memorize every detail of me. It was the kind of look that made my chest tighten, the kind that whispered he knew… he knew this might be the last time he'd see me.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the lump rising in my throat. Turning to face him, I tried to mask the storm of emotions inside me. But the way his eyes narrowed, the quiet intensity in them… it was as if he could already sense that something was wrong.

Slowly, he pushed himself up from the bed, wearing nothing but his loose pants. My breath caught as he closed the space between us, making his alluring scent envelop my entire senses. When he reached me, his fingers found my chin, warm and gentle, tilting my face upward until I had no choice but to meet his gaze.

"Hailee…" his voice was low, curious, "what are you hiding from me?"

My lips parted, but no words came out. His nearness made my heart ache even more. I wanted to tell him everything, to confess before it was too late but I couldn't. His thumb brushed lightly along my jaw, his eyes searching mine for an answer I couldn't give.

"Nothing... I just want to go home." Nathan furrowed his brow… he knew I was clearly lying. His frown deepened, his hand still holding my chin.

"Then let me drive you," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I shook my head quickly. "No… it's fine. I'll be okay."

His eyes darkened, the muscles in his jaw tightening. "Hailee, I don't like this. Something's not right. Tell me—"

Before he could finish, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his, cutting off his words. The kiss was deep, passionate, my hands clutching the back of his neck as if I could pour all my love—and all my silent apologies—into it. When I finally pulled away, my forehead rested against his. My voice trembled as I whispered, "I'll call you when I get home."

He searched my face, his breath uneven, clearly torn between holding me here and letting me go. His hands lingered at my waist, as if even in this moment, he couldn't quite release me. I stepped back before my resolve could crumble, forcing a small smile I didn't feel. Then I turned toward the door and slowly walked away from him.

Behind me, I could feel his eyes still on me, as if he was memorizing the sight of me walking away. It was still early, too early for most of the packhouse to be awake. The hallways were quiet, the soft creak of the floorboards the only sound as I made my way out. A few guards were already on duty near the entrance. Their eyes followed me, lingering just a little too long. I didn't need to guess what they were thinking. The knowing smirks, the subtle glances—they'd already drawn their own conclusions about me and Nathan. The heat that rushed to my cheeks was sharp, mingled with the faint, lingering discomfort between my thighs that made every step a reminder of last night.

Outside the gates, the cool morning air brushed against my skin, carrying the scent of dew and damp earth. I pulled my phone from my pocket and saw the message.

Mother: Hailee, you need to come home. Now. We've been told to start packing.

This time, I knew it was real. My stomach twisted, panic tightening its grip on my chest. Packing? Leaving? That meant no time to explain… no time to say goodbye. Callum's face flashed in my mind. The thought of just disappearing without letting him see me one last time felt like a betrayal. My steps slowed, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

I stood there for a moment, torn between the urgency in my mother's words and the ache in my chest. Then, with a deep breath, I turned away from the main road and took the narrow path that led toward Callum's apartment. I didn't know how much time I had before I had to leave—but I knew I needed to see him.

When I reached his door, I hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. It didn't take long for it to open. Callum stood there, shirtless, his hair slightly messy as if he'd only just gotten out of bed. His eyes were heavy with sleep—but when they landed on me, they instantly sharpened.

"Hailee?" he said, his voice rough from just waking. "It's early… what's wrong?"

Without waiting for me to answer, he stepped aside and gestured for me to come in. The familiar scent of his place wrapped around me—coffee, cedar, and something uniquely him. I stepped inside, my heart racing. But before I could find the words, I saw his gaze drop to my neck. His brows furrowed.

"Is that… a hickey?" His voice was quiet at first, almost disbelieving, but his eyes had darkened in a way that made my stomach sink.

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. "Callum—"

"Tell me the truth." His tone was low now, but there was no mistaking the hurt laced through it.

I closed my eyes for a second, gathering what little courage I had left. "I… I had sex with Nathan last night."

The silence that followed was suffocating. He took a slow step back, his jaw tightening, his chest rising and falling more quickly.

"Why?" The single word came out sharp, almost like it cost him to speak it.

"I don't know," I whispered, my voice trembling. "I just… it happened." The lie tasted bitter. It hadn't just happened. I'd wanted it, I wanted him

He let out a shaky breath and dragged a hand through his hair, turning away from me for a moment. I could see the pain in the tense set of his shoulders. When he finally faced me again, his eyes weren't just hurt—they were broken.

"Do you still want me?"

The question cracked something inside me. "Yes. More than anything."

Something in his expression shifted, softening just enough for him to close the space between us. His hand came up to cup my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek. "Then why does it feel like I'm losing you?"

I didn't have an answer. Only the ache in my chest and the pull toward him that I couldn't fight. Without giving it a second thought, my lips found his, and the kiss was fierce, almost desperate, as if we were both trying to claim what little time we had left. His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us. I clung to him, the guilt still there but drowned under the rush of heat and need.

We stumbled back toward his couch, our kisses deepening, the air between us charged. By the time he lowered me onto the cushions, my thoughts were a blur. His mouth trailed down my neck, lingering over the mark Nathan had left as if he could erase it with his own. My breath hitched, and my fingers tangled in his hair.