The Triplet Alphas' Forbidden Temptation

Maverick’s request rubbed Yuki the wrong way, but the more she thought about it, the more it almost made sense. She couldn’t exactly imagine Kieran, of all people, being embarrassed about painting.

If anything, it suited him. Kieran was refined, composed and annoyingly particular about everything around him. Kaden, on the other hand, was a completely different story. The thought of her terrifying combat instructor sitting quietly in front of a canvas with a paintbrush between his fingers was almost impossible to picture. Still, people were full of surprises.

Yuki turned her head towards Maverick, narrowing her eyes as she studied his profile. "Is it a secret because Kaden thinks painting will make him look weak?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Maverick’s head snapped towards her before a burst of laughter escaped him. He quickly covered his mouth with his fist, but the amusement was already dancing in his eyes. "How in the world did you come up with that?"

Yuki shrugged, sinking more comfortably into her seat. "I don’t know. It just popped into my head."

Maverick shook his head, a lingering smile tugging at his mouth. "No. That’s not the reason."

Her lips pressed into a thin line as her thoughts drifted back to the studio. She hadn’t gotten a proper look at all the paintings, but even the brief glimpse had left an uncomfortable impression. Kaden hadn’t painted one random portrait. There had been several canvases, all featuring the same silver-haired woman, all from different angles, yet none of them showing her face. Why would anyone spend years painting someone whose face they couldn’t even show?

Yuki turned towards the window, letting the question sink beneath the hum of the engine. The car had already left the quiet residential streets surrounding Kaden’s villa, merging into the increasingly busy roads of Raven City. Buildings rose on either side of the road, their glass facades catching the morning sunlight while cars moved steadily through the traffic.

"You and Kaden seem pretty close," she remarked casually, resting her temple against the window.

Maverick glanced at her before returning his attention to the road. "We practically grew up together. Most of the children raised in the pack house were trained together."

Yuki nodded slowly. That explained a lot. The Ravencourt pack house wasn’t a singular, sprawling castle like those of smaller, traditional packs where every event was crammed under one roof. It functioned more like an elite, private estate.

The pack house was a heavily guarded enclave containing smaller manors and residences aside from the main palace that housed the pack’s high officials, including the Beta, the Gamma, and top-tier warriors. It was essentially an ultra-exclusive, high-security neighbourhood for the pack’s elite.

"So your dad was one of the top officials?" Yuki asked, turning towards him again.

Maverick nodded. "He is the head of the Alpha’s personal guards," he answered with a hint of pride in his voice.

Yuki let out a soft chuckle. "So... your dad is basically an assassin?" she joked, raising an eyebrow.

Maverick laughed along with her, a warm sound that filled the cabin. "Something like that, yeah."

"Are you his best friend, then?" Yuki pressed, her curiosity refusing to settle. "Since you’re the one who knows about his secret paintings?"

"We’re close, naturally, given how we grew up," Maverick explained, his tone casual as he navigated a turn. "But I’ve always been closer to Kieran. We shared more in common, which is why I was assigned as Kieran’s personal guard and ended up studying medicine alongside him."

He paused, a wry smile touching his lips. "I actually discovered Kaden’s paintings completely by accident. And ever since that day, he’s used me to help keep them hidden."

"Why?" Yuki asked, leaning in slightly. "Why hide them like that?"

Maverick’s demeanour shifted, his jovial air vanishing instantly. His voice dropped into a low, deadly serious tone. "Kaden has been drawing the exact same faceless person since he was a child. He couldn’t stop even if he wanted to."

Yuki’s eyes widened. "Since he was a child?"

Maverick nodded, his gaze fixed on the road. "Yeah," he said with a heavy breath.

Since he was a child. A chill raced down Yuki’s spine at the thought. That wasn’t just a quirky hobby. That was deeply unnerving. "That is weird," she muttered.

"It is," Maverick said dryly.

Yuki stared through the windshield, suddenly thinking about the rows of paintings again. Kaden was definitely the weird triplet.

The rest of the drive passed with Yuki unusually quiet, her mind circling around the image of the silver-haired woman she had only seen for a few seconds. She couldn’t understand why the mystery bothered her so much. Perhaps it was because Kaden seemed so affected by the paintings himself. Or perhaps she was simply too curious for her own good.

Eventually, the car slowed before a towering hotel that looked less like a place to stay and more like an architectural masterpiece. Sunlight reflected off the enormous glass facade, while cascading water features surrounded the entrance, their soft rushing sound blending with the quiet hum of luxury vehicles pulling up beneath the covered driveway. Yuki’s mouth fell open.

"You’ve got to be kidding me," she whispered.

Maverick chuckled as he stepped out and walked around to open her door. "Welcome to your temporary home."

Yuki climbed out, staring up at the magnificent building. The entrance alone was enough to make her feel underdressed, even though she was wearing an outfit chosen specifically for her. Inside, things somehow became even more extravagant. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, polished marble stretched across the vast lobby and enormous arrangements of fresh flowers sat on sleek reception tables. The scent of expensive perfume and freshly cut blooms lingered in the air. Maverick walked towards the reception desk while Yuki followed beside him.

"Good morning," the receptionist greeted warmly, her professional smile widening when she saw them. "How may I assist you?"

"I’m here to collect the key card for Miss Miyuki Ravencourt," Maverick explained.

The receptionist typed quickly into the computer before her eyes flicked towards Yuki. "One moment, please." She checked the reservation again, then reached beneath the desk and retrieved a sleek black key card. "Your VIP penthouse suite is ready, Miss Ravencourt. We hope you enjoy your stay."

"Thank you," Yuki replied politely, accepting the card.

They had barely taken two steps when the receptionist hesitated. "Excuse me," she called softly.

Yuki turned around. The woman’s professional composure had already given way to open curiosity. "Are you the newly recognised lady of the Ravencourt household?"

Yuki blinked before offering a small smile. "Yes."

The woman’s eyes lit up. "Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet you."

Yuki gave her another polite smile before Maverick gently steered her towards the elevators. The moment the doors closed, he glanced sideways at her with a teasing smile.

"Look at you. You’re already becoming famous."

Yuki groaned. "Don’t remind me."

The elevator began its ascent, the numbers glowing above the doors. After a few seconds, Yuki glanced at him again. "Does Kaden have a best friend?"

Maverick’s brow rose immediately. "Why are you asking?" he said suspiciously.

"It’s only fair that I know more about my brothers," she replied, folding her arms. "Even if they aren’t particularly pleasant people."

Maverick’s lips twitched. "I wouldn’t exactly call them best friends, but Kaden and Xavier are pretty close."

"Xavier?" The name took her by surprise.

"Yeah. He’s one of the few people who can call Kaden ’angry wolf’ straight to his face and survive."

Yuki’s eyes widened. "Seriously?"

Maverick chuckled. "Aside from his brothers, Xavier is probably the only person who can get away with calling him whatever he wants."

"And Kaden doesn’t get angry?"

"Oh, he does." Maverick’s grin widened as he remembered something. "Xavier just got used to taking his punches, and Kaden eventually got tired of punching him."

Yuki stared at him. That somehow sounded exactly like something Kaden would do.

"Your friend group is weird," she muttered.

"You’re only figuring that out now?"

The elevator chimed before she could respond. The doors opened onto a private corridor, and Maverick led her towards a set of imposing double doors. He tapped the key card against the reader, waited for the green light and pushed the door open. Yuki stepped inside. Her breath caught.

The penthouse was enormous. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the living area, revealing a sweeping view of Raven City below. Plush furniture, elegant lighting and carefully arranged furnishings filled the space without making it feel crowded. Maverick handed her the key card.

"Everything is already covered by the Alpha’s account," he explained. "Your clothes have been arranged as well. If you need anything, call me. You can also mind-link me."

Yuki’s brows knitted together. "I can mind-link you?"

Maverick nodded. "You’re officially bonded to the pack now as Alexander’s adopted daughter. It makes establishing a mind-link with pack members much easier, even if you aren’t closely related."

"How?" she asked.

"Just reach out to someone you’re familiar with. Think of them and push your thoughts towards them."

Yuki stared at him for a moment before curiosity won. "Like this?" She closed her eyes. For a second, nothing happened. Then she focused on Maverick’s presence.

’Can you hear me?’

His calm voice immediately sounded inside her mind.

’Loud and clear, princess.’

Yuki’s eyes flew open. "You can actually hear me!" she gasped.

Maverick smiled. ’Later, princess.’

Before she could respond, he stepped backwards and pulled the door shut behind him. Yuki stood there in stunned silence for a few seconds before slowly looking around the penthouse again. Then her gaze landed on the wardrobe. She walked towards it and pulled the doors open. Her jaw dropped.

Rows of brand-new clothes filled the enormous wardrobe, every piece matching her taste perfectly. Dresses, casual outfits, shoes, bags and accessories had all been arranged neatly as though someone had gone through her entire wardrobe and recreated it from scratch. Yuki slowly reached for one of the dresses, rubbing the expensive fabric between her fingers. Her eyes travelled across the collection. Then she smiled. Maybe she finally understood gold diggers. She pulled another dress from the rack and held it against herself, admiring the cut.

"Fuck love," she muttered, staring at the designer label with newfound appreciation. "Money is definitely more important."