A Mate To Three Alpha Heirs
Chapter 41: First Day

Chapter 41: First Day

{Elira}

~**^**~

The soft morning light filtered into my room, falling across the mirror where I stood, dressed in my brand-new ESA uniform.

Tailored. Crisp. Immaculately ironed and packaged in threes when it arrived two days ago.

It should have filled me with pride and excitement.

Instead, my heart felt like a stone in my chest.

Luna Gwenith’s words still clung to me like a stubborn shadow, curling coldly around my ribs and squeezing every bit of joy from my lungs.

I barely recognized myself anymore—wasn’t this supposed to be the happiest morning of my life?

All I could think was: Just get through today, Elira. Just today.

By the time I reached the dining hall, everyone was already seated.

I lowered my gaze, offered my greeting, and took my seat—one chair away from Luna Gwenith.

Her silence was somehow heavier than words, and I forced myself to keep my breathing steady.

Alpha Cyprus’s warm voice cut through the thick air.

"You look lovely this morning, Elira. First day of school—congratulations. Make us proud."

I managed a faint smile and thanked him, feeling his kindness like a small flame flickering inside me.

He prayed for the food, and everyone picked up their cutlery.

I couldn’t bring myself to eat properly, so I reached for an apple and bit into it quietly.

Across from me, Lennon’s boyish grin lit up the table.

"Eat properly," he teased gently. "You will need the energy today—even nerves burn calories."

I nodded, the apple suddenly tasting a little less bitter.

In the middle of breakfast, Alpha Cyprus handed me a sealed envelope. "This is your pocket money for the month," he said, his voice gentle. "If you need more, Zenon, Lennon, or Rennon will handle it."

The mention of them being so ready to provide for me made my chest tighten with a strange warmth—and guilt, too.

At that, Luna Gwenith pushed her chair back and left without a word.

I could feel her cold displeasure lingering in the air, but Alpha Cyprus’s next words pulled me back.

"Don’t hesitate to go to any of your mates for anything you need. And if you face any problem, they will help you sort it out."

Zenon’s gaze didn’t even meet mine; he acted like he hadn’t even heard his name being mentioned, his expression as remote as ever.

Yet beside him, Lennon and Rennon smiled encouragingly.

I nodded and murmured my thanks from the depths of my heart. Alpha Cyprus smiled warmly. "Eat now," he urged.

After breakfast, Lennon glanced at the clock. "Time to leave," he announced.

I stood, thanked Alpha Cyprus again, and followed Lennon and Rennon outside. Zenon had left the table moments earlier—quietly, as always.

The morning breeze brushed my face as we stepped into the driveway.

I saw a servant carefully loading my new luggage pieces—two matching suitcases and a smaller bag—into the back of Zenon’s sleek black G-Wagon.

Beside it, Lennon’s black Ninja bike stood waiting, almost humming with quiet energy. And behind them, Rennon’s elegant black Mercedes.

Then Lennon called my name.

He stepped closer, holding something small wrapped in a beautiful lemon-green phone case.

I blinked, surprised.

"It’s yours," he said, his grin easy and warm. "A gift from me and my brothers—for your first day at ESA."

My lips parted in shock. "Even... Zenon?" I couldn’t keep the question from my eyes.

Lennon chuckled softly. "Yes—even him," he confirmed, as if it cost Zenon something heavy, but he’d done it anyway.

"You’ll need it," Lennon added lightly. "To reach us anytime—and don’t worry, our numbers are already saved."

Rennon’s calmer voice followed. "Take it, Elira," he said gently.

I took it, fingers trembling slightly, and murmured, "Thank you... truly."

"You’re our mate," Lennon replied, brushing it off as if it was nothing. "It’s our job to provide for you, and make sure you never lack anything."

The weight of his words pressed on me in a soft, comforting way.

Then Lennon leaned down, planting a warm kiss on the corner of my lips.

I felt my face heat up and lowered my gaze, embarrassed but oddly happy.

When I looked up, Lennon was already walking toward his bike.

Then my thoughts quickly went to Zenon, wondering where he was. And that was when the engine of his jeep roared to life, as if to tell me where he was.

Then, Rennon stepped closer and handed me a folded paper. "This is your itinerary for the day," he explained. "So you know what to expect—even though someone will guide you. I worked on it last night."

His thoughtfulness touched me deeply.

"Thank you," I whispered, clutching it to my chest as we walked towards the vehicles.

Then Lennon, helmet in hand, called out, "Want to ride with me instead?"

The breeze ruffled his hair, his grin carefree and teasing.

Before I could answer, the front passenger window of the G-Wagon rolled down.

Zenon’s cool voice cut in, edged with quiet impatience.

"Are you waiting for me to open the door for you?"

I startled and quickly shook my head, telling Lennon softly, "I will ride with your brother."

He nodded, still grinning, and turned toward his bike.

I hurried to the passenger side of the jeep, opened the door, and climbed in.

Zenon’s oud and black pepper scent filled my senses instantly, a reminder of things I dared not name.

I lifted the phone slightly. "Thank you... for this," I said, voice barely above a whisper.

Zenon’s eyes flicked to the phone, then back to the windshield, saying nothing. Yet somehow, even that felt like an answer.

My black leather backpack, matching my luggage, was already on my seat. I tucked my new phone safely inside, fastened my seatbelt, and felt the window roll up beside me.

Zenon shifted the gear, and we pulled away from the driveway.

As the gates of the Alpha’s residence disappeared behind us, part of me silently wished that the semester would stretch on forever—anything to delay coming back to Luna Gwenith.

In the middle of the drive, Lennon’s bike suddenly pulls up alongside Zenon’s jeep. I watch, heart tight in my chest, as he rides closer and closer—then salutes us with two fingers before speeding ahead, his figure merging with the road ahead like a black streak of wind.