Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 133

Ashley pov

“How about we drop the depressing subjects and get something to eat, hmm?” Constantine asks and slaps his hands, rubbing the palms together.

As if on cue, his stomach rumbles and I can’t help but laugh at the embarrassed look on his face. A guy as big as him has to have to consume a lot of food to stay alive, I suppose.

“I'm not too hungry, so if you don't mind, I'd prefer to stay here and have some alone time,” I try to force a smile.

For a while, he looks like he's considering my request, but far too soon, he shakes his head. “I'm sorry, but I can't risk leaving you alone for a minute, let alone any longer. Why don't you take this as a good time to get to know the rest of the guys?”

I suppose since Constantine doesn't know me, he has no idea how awkward I can be around people I don't know.

And yet, for some inexplicable reason, I decide I actually want to get to know his friends. Maybe the decision is connected with the past of my parents and that hidden need to find out more, but I'm not entirely sure yet.

Silent, I follow Constantine to the kitchen and catch the eyes of two guys, standing at the sink, holding two glasses of water and chatting about something.

“Are you guys drinking tap water?” I can't hold back the question, probably sounding like an idiot.

They both share a glance, shrug and grin at me. The shorter guy has beautiful dirty blonde hair and green eyes. The man next to him is taller, an embodiment of tall, dark and handsome.

The shorter guy all but jumps toward me when Constantine moves to open the fridge and starts pulling food out of it.

“My name is Benjamin, but the guys call me Benny. Nice to meet you,” he beams and extends his hand for me.

A little reluctant, I place my hand in his and shake it. “I'm Ash. You probably already know that, though.”

Benny nods eagerly and then, tilts his head towards his friend. “That's Axel, short for Alexander. He's my boyfriend, so he's off limits, m’kay?”

I notice how Alex rolls his eyes and steps closer. He throws an arm around Benny's shoulders, but the action doesn't come across as intimate as it usually does with couples. “Ignore the firecracker and don't believe the words he says. Usually, whenever he claims it is the exact opposite of the truth. And also, we're not boyfriend's so I'm single and ready to mingle if you're interested.”

Alex tries to wiggle his eyebrows playfully, but the attempt is shut down with the growl that leaves Constantine. “Hit on my niece once again and I'll happily demonstrate how hard it is for someone to pick up their teeth with broken arms.”

“Niece?” I repeat.

Constantine winks at me. “Yes, niece. I told you that your father was like my brother, so that makes you my niece.”

The more time I spend with the bears the weirder it gets. Instead of playing along with Constantine, I meet Alex’s gaze and offer him a slight smile.

“As tempting as the offer is, I'm afraid I have to let you down. I have mates.”

Alex is completely unfazed as he grins at me even wider. “Don't be afraid, I'm scared too.”

How does that make sense, again? Does it at all? I don't think so.

Alex starts spewing more nonsense and even Benny's attempts to slap a hand over his mouth to stop the man from over sharing doesn't work.

Every once in a while, I look at Constantine, hoping he'd get involved and force both men to back off, but that doesn't happen.

For a split second, I start wondering if it wouldn't be better if I decided not to follow the bear guys into the mountains.

I'd be stuck with Kaiden. Yeah, you know what, nevermind the moment of weakness. I'd rather spend the rest of my life being teased by these overgrown softies than look at Kaiden’s face ever again.

Sensing how uncomfortable I'm becoming, Constantine finally clears his throat to catch the attention of both of his friends. “Do we have someone on patrol? We don't have much to watch out for, this place is pretty much the safest and most secure area I know, but I'd prefer it if we would stay as alert as possible. We never know when one of those idiots might try to come after Ash.”

Benny and Alex both nod in agreement, standing by their friends' words. I feel so stupidly bad about this situation. If Constantine is right and there's an actual chance someone could follow me, I fear I might put these nice people in unnecessary danger.

“Hey,” I start and focus on Constantine. “I'm not sure what you're planning, but I think it would be better if we went our separate ways. This mess is mine, so I need to deal with it on my own. I don't want to put you guys in danger.”

Instead of acknowledging my words, Constantine slides a plate with a simple sandwich towards me. “Eat. We can discuss your ideas when you have eaten.”

I frown but follow his command. While not hungry at all, I don't want to show disrespect by rejecting a peace offering.

As soon as I start shoving food down my throat, the three bears start a conversation about spiders and shampoo. Those are the most random topics to discuss, completely unrelated, but somehow they make it work.

Eventually, I manage to down the entire sandwich, feeling like I might puke it all up, but despite that, Constantine still drops another sandwich on my empty plate. “Eat.nYou'll need the energy and strength if we are forced to leave this place later. And besides, we need to get some more flesh on your body before you perish.”

I'm about to complain about my stomach being too full, to the point of having pains, but just as my lips part, the front door of the little house bursts open and someone runs inside.

The guy who rushes to us doesn't look a day over fifteen, his face flushed deep red and his breaking labored. “Hunters. There are hunters near us. We gotta go. All of us.”