Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 144

Ashley pov

I have no idea why, damn it, I can't explain it, but it really annoys me that Constantine is speaking ill about Dominic.

Not that I know the guy to begin with, but the fact that he appeared somewhat familiar is what got me, really.

I let Constantine hold me and don't pay any attention to his friends, who look all sorts of confused and shocked beyond means.

While he's still holding me like his life depends on it, I still can't shake off the uneasy feeling that keeps surging through me.

By the time I'm released, I'm so darn confused, lost and overall angry that I can't stop myself from questioning him. “What do you mean? About that guy, Dominic. Why are you saying all those awful things about him?”

“Because he deserves that and much more,” Constantine scoffs, rolling his eyes as if I should've known that already or at least could've read his mind and found the answers without asking questions.

“I get that you're angry, I really do, but I would also really appreciate it if you could explain more. I have never liked it when people tried to leave me in the dark about something that concerns me. Especially if it's done by people who claim to care about me. Been there, done that, didn't enjoy it.” I explain and cross my arms in front of my chest.

“Let’s say Dominic and I have a history. Does that satisfy your curiosity?” Constantine growls and looks away, clearly indicating that the conversation is over.

As soon as I part my lips to talk back, to emphasize that my curiosity hasn’t been satisfied, not in the slightest, he storms off, leaving me with his stunned bear brothers.

One of the guys who manages to break out of the weird trance tilts his head towards the kitchen and offers me an understanding smile. “How about we go and make you something warm to drink and go sit outside? We can talk.” He offers and waves off his brothers, who don't like his idea.

Since he’s the only person who’s willing to share any information with me, I agree without questioning myself. It might be dangerous to trust a stranger like this, but I couldn’t give a rat's ass about it anymore. One way or another, I’m getting the information I need.

There’s an excited hop to my step as I follow the guy into the kitchen and watch him set the kettle on before he pulls two cups out of the cabinet. Then, he turns to be and grins again. “Tea or coffee?”

“Coffee,” I grin and extend my hand towards him. “I’m Ash, by the way. It’s cool to finally get to know someone here aside from Constantine.”

The guy grabs my hand and shakes it firmly, the same wide grin still plastered across his lips. “The name’s Alexander, but I go by Alex for most part. I already know your name, Constantine hasn’t been able to shut up about you. Ash is so grown. Look at how pretty Ash is. No, you can’t hit on Ash unless you have a death wish,” he chuckles at the last remark and winks at me.

My cheeks burn bright red and for once, I have nothing to say. Instead, I sit down and decide to focus on watching him make the coffees. In between, he questions if I need milk or sugar in my cup and when those are ready, he hands me mine, and we head outside to sit on the porch.

As soon as we sit down, he lets out a sigh and chuckles again. “It's nice to talk to you, you know. Up until now, you seemed like someone unreachable. Someone we can’t look at, let alone talk to or touch. A deity in your own way, I suppose. That’s why the guys are such assholes for most part, they don’t like the wall Constantine is trying to build. I mean, we get it, he’s trying to protect you, but he should know we are no threat to your safety. We are the last beast who he should be worried about.”

Something tells me he’s trying his best to ensure I won’t question him about Dominic, but the look in that man’s eyes when he looked over his shoulder is so haunting, I can’t get it out of my mind.

Clearing my throat, I shift my seat so I’m facing Alex and just go for it. “What’s about that Dominic guy? Why does Constantine hate him so much? And why do I feel like I’m supposed to protect him from any slander?”

Alex’s eyebrows shoot up to his hairline. He looks truly taken aback as he considers if he should tell me anything. And he does, kind of. “All I can say is that there’s a bond there, nothing more. If you want the full truth, you’ll have to question Constantine. If my opinion matters at all, I believe that telling you the truth would be the right thing, but it’s not my call. Not my story to tell.”

“Great, these days my life is nothing but a stupid mystery. Make it way better by giving everyone answers to my questions and keeping them from me, why don’t you?” I grumble under my breath and look away, focusing my gaze to something in the distance.

Alex moves a little closer and gently lays his hand on my shoulder. “Hey, don’t be too salty about this. I’m sure he will tell you everything when the right time comes. Cut him some slack and give Constantine time to process things. He’s struggling too, you know,” Alex whispers.

It’s hard to imagine that Constantine is struggling. I suppose that only shows how damn selfish I am in my roots, so blinded by my own worries that I don’t see others struggling. Yeah, I really need to get better than I am.

Nodding, I sip on my coffee and scan the forest line. Something catches my attention and startles me so much, I suck in a breath and along with that comes the hot liquid so I choke on coffee. Alex instantly jumps to help, rubbing circles on my back and asking if I’m okay.

“I’m fine, just tired. Let’s go inside,” I manage to choke out, my eyes still focused on the forest line. As we return inside the cabin, I excuse myself and go straight to the small room, locking the door behind me.

Now, how am I supposed to explain to the bears that just now I saw a pair of blood-red eyes hiding in the shadows?