Alpha Triplets Claim

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Chapter Twenty-Seven: Training Day One

Phera POV:

The quiet hum of the kitchen was pierced by the sudden. jingle of my phone, a tone I had custom-set years ago. I didn't need to look; I knew it was Josh. My heart did a little flutter - a blend of nostalgia and anxiety - but I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Josh wasn't just a name from my past; he was my past. Hitting the answer button, I tried to keep my voice neutral,

"Hey, Josh."

"Morning, sunshine," came his voice, that old familiar flirtatious lilt to it.

It had always made me giggle once, but today, it was a reminder of a chapter we had closed. Or at least, I thought we had.

"To what do I owe this call?" I inquired, taking a sip of my coffee.

"Just thinking of you, is all. Heard you're back at Red Moon. Big news, considering..."

He trailed off, and the unspoken words hung heavily between us. Considering we once dreamt of ruling this pack together. Considering the heartbreak when the reality of my fated mates had shattered those dreams. Forcing a small chuckle, I brushed off his sentiment,

"Oh, you know how it is. Can't stay away from home too long."

His laughter, husky and familiar, echoed in my ears.

"You've always been a force, Phera. I bet the pack's thrilled to have their firebrand back."

Despite the tension, I couldn't help but smile at that. We had shared countless training sessions, many challenges, and even more laughter. "Oh, they don't know what's coming. Got a few more tricks up my sleeve now."

There was a brief pause, and when he spoke again, the playfulness was evident.

"Always keeping me on my toes, weren't you? Maybe I could get a personal demo sometime?"

It was meant as light banter, I knew. But the implications were there. Navigating this terrain was trickier now, given our shared history and the scars that lingered.

"Josh," I began gently, trying to navigate the delicate balance of our past relationship and our present friendship, "let's just keep things... simple, okay?"

He sighed, the weight of our past pressing down on him too.

"Yeah, I get it, Phera. Old habits die hard, I guess. But hey, we're friends. That's what matters." Grateful for his understanding, I agreed,

"Exactly. Friends. And I cherish that."

As we continued talking, I was reminded of why we had been so close our shared dreams, our ambitions, our challenges. We had been each other's rock. And though our paths had shifted, that bond, strained though it may be, still held. The flirty undertones from Josh were reminders of a time gone by, but I was determined not to let them overshadow the genuine bond of friendship we had built over the years.

When the call ended, I was filled with a mix of emotions - gratitude, nostalgia, a twinge of sadness, but most importantly, hope. Hope that despite the odds, two people with a complicated past could still find a way to have a meaningful friendship in the present.

The sunlight spilled into the kitchen, casting golden hues over the countertops and creating shimmering patterns on the tiled floor. The remnants of my breakfast - a half- eaten toast and a cooling mug of coffee lay forgotten on the table, a silent testament to my scattered thoughts. My recent phone call with Josh, interspersed with his flirty remarks, still echoed in my ears, causing a ripple of unease within me.

As I was lost in these ruminations, the soft rustle of fabric drew my attention. Newmara stepped into the room, her elegant form framed by the doorway. She moved gracefully, the morning light catching the highlights in her raven-black hair. Her piercing gaze settled on me, carrying an unspoken mix of concern and contemplation.

"That was Josh, wasn't it?" Newmara began, her voice as smooth as silk yet carrying an undertone of inquisition." From the playful cadence of his words and your reactions, it sounded like he hasn't quite moved on."

My back stiffened, the protective walls around my heart instantly shooting up. Even though Newmara and I had somewhat mended our frayed bond, her delving into my personal matters felt intrusive. I took a moment, choosing my words carefully.

"Josh and I have history, yes. But we're friends now. Whatever was there is in the past."

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I'm not implying anything negative," she responded gently.

Taking a few careful steps closer. The delicate scent of her perfume floral with hints of vanilla - wafted through the air.

"I just don't want you to lose focus on the present, especially with everything you're rebuilding with your mates."

A swirl of emotions tightened in my chest. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my composure.

"Our past isn't a distraction, Newmara. It's a part of who I am, just as my present is. And Josh, whether as a friend or anything else, is a part of that tapestry."

She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"I understand that. Truly, I do. My intention wasn't to belittle your feelings or experiences. I just... I worry about you. This whole journey with our mates is tumultuous enough. And with lingering feelings or unsaid words, things can get even more intricate." 1

I looked at her, our shared history, both bitter and sweet, flashing before my eyes.