Web Novel
Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 179
Kaiden pov
Dragging that bitch back home was a hassle, but I did it. Dead weight is fucking insane.
But getting her back isn't the only thing I've been up to, no. In fact, before I returned, I had to come up with a plan of action on how to cover my traces.
First, I chose the villains in my story. Not me, of course. Then, I came up with the story itself to explain to father and everyone who might question me what happened during my time of absence.
And then, on my way home, I did some damage to myself. I was truly surprised that a couple of trees could help me out like that.
And now, I'm laying in a hospital bed with my wonderful mate sleeping in the room right next to mine.
Father entered that room an hour ago, to discuss her condition with the doctors he said, but I'm pretty sure there's more he's not telling me. No way anyone needs that much time to figure out the girl has been beaten to near death.
It's her fault, though. Shouldn't have tried to run from me, shouldn't have trusted those fucking bears and definitely shouldn't have tried to accept my rejection.
The nerve of that peasant is astonishing.
I try to listen in, but the voices sound hushed, so I can't catch on a single word that is being said.
All I can do is pretend to be in pain and wait until it's my turn to speak. After all, he will want to know my story once the time comes.
And the time comes sooner than expected because as soon as that thought crosses my mind, the door to my room opens and father steps inside.
He takes one look at me and cringes, as if it pains him to see me beaten and bruised. Truth be told, I don't look half as bad as the girl does, but even that can be explained by bringing up my Royal bloodline and insane ability to heal faster than any other wolf.
“Kaiden,” he starts, choking on the word and takes a step closer. “Son, how are you feeling?”
I don't remember the last time his voice has sounded this weak, this pathetic. Showing hurt related emotions doesn't suit a man like him. It's a mistake I would never make.
I clear my throat and pretend that my hand is shaking as I reach for the glass of water left next to my bed. In an instant, he's there, offering me the glass and encouraging me to drink.
“I'm fine,” I grumble, making myself sound annoyed, hoping he will understand that my intention is to sound angry at myself. “I just wish I could've done more, gotten there earlier, before she got hurt so badly.”
His gaze softens and the weakest of smiles spreads across his lips. Then, he places his hand on my head and carefully runs his fingers through my hair, as if soothing me.
“It's okay, son. What matters is that the girl will live and you're back home, safe. I know this has to be hard on you, no matter what, she's your mate so seeing her in pain must pain you too.”
I swear, he's talking out of his ass. As if I'd ever give a shit about her pain. Even if there was a mate bond that's unharmed between us, I still wouldn't give a damn.
That woman is beyond me. She isn't worth my thoughts, let alone any effort.
Of course, my father can't know my true feelings about her, so I'll safely keep them hidden. Good thing Royals can't read the thoughts of their children, otherwise I would be fucked.
“I know this is a lot to ask for, but please, if it's possible, can you tell me what happened? If I get to know a little more details, maybe together we can figure out our next course of action? There isn't much time to waste, something has happened, but I don't want to burden you with the news before I get to hear your story.”
He keeps running his fingers through my hair and seriously, it's getting on my nerves. This type of care and gentleness is something I might have needed, wanted as a child, but not as an adult. A little too fucking late.
“Of course,” I gulp and nod for more dramatic effect. “Where should I start from?”
Father looks at me like I'm his prized possession as he pulls his hand away and sits down next to the bed. There's a look on his face I can't quite read, but I decide to focus on anything but that.
“How about first, you tell me if you left willingly or if someone dared to cross the line and take you from me?”
At first, I wanted to go with the initial plan, but now, I decide to twist some facts to make it more believable. “I left myself. I needed to get her back, no matter what. I know it is foolish to risk my safety and well being, I know you must be angry at me for what I've done, but father, please understand I needed to do it. I can't live without her.”
With every word I mutter, I sink my nails into my palm until I break the skin and tears start flowing down my cheeks, making it seem like I'm genuinely angry and desperate for the girl.
He only coos me and claims everything is going to be okay. Score.
“I followed their scent until I found them. I thought they might be hiding her somewhere, but instead, I found her next to a campfire, beaten and broken. The bears weren't there at first, so I snuck into their camp and tried to take her, but no longer than two steps out, they ambushed me. I managed to fight them off, managed to get her home, but it came at a price. Not only they attacked my poor, defenseless mate who clearly trusted them, but they also attacked me. I know it's stupid, father, I know that now, but I had to risk it. I had to do it for her.”