Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 20

Ashley pov

I reach the checkpoint before Ethan catches up with me and this has to be the more relieved I’ve felt in my life.

The next task is a puzzle, which I finish in record time. I’m sent off to the next checkpoint long before the rest get through the first half of the puzzle.

Somehow during the process I start enjoying myself. Each task that follows seems easier than the previous one. This is actually pretty fun - much to my surprise.

By the time I reach the last checkpoint, I’m buzzing in excitement. The person responsible for this one is our chemistry professor.

Once he spots me, a wide grin spreads across his lips. “There he is, my favorite student ever. Ash, how are you doing so far?”

I walk closer and return the smile. “Pretty good, I think. Some of these things are much easier than I thought,” I admit.

He chuckles and shakes his head. “That’s because the hadmaster insists we need to focus more on knowledge than strength when it comes to these Alpha boys. Much to the coach’s disappointment, of course. The packs don’t need brutes and cavemen for leaders, they need smart men to lead and trust.”

I nod, not really paying too much attention. But honestly, I’m glad everyone is growing brain cells around here - a smart Alpha holds more value than a strong one.

While the ability to protect the pack is extremely important, so are the future plans, finances and ability to build alliances rather than gather enemies.

“How do you think, Ash? What is more important - strength or knowledge?” The professor suddenly asks, as if he’s stalling me, holding me back from the task I’m supposed to finish here.

I’m not too interested in conversations about anything, but since my parents didn’t raise a disrespectful brat, I suck it up and answer his question.

“Both.”

The professor raises an eyebrow and tilts his head. “How so? I asked which one is more important, so you are supposed to choose one.”

“No,” I insist. “Both are equally as important. Alphas lead. They stand in front of their warriors and show the example of how to protect their pack - their home. Alphas also train their warriors, so strength is very important, especially among men. Knowledge is equally important to make decisions - financial, first and foremost since there are many mouths to feed and the numbers keep growing every day. But also, they need to have good logical thinking to make sure the allies they accept won’t betray them the day after. Letting an enemy enter a territory is the worst mistake someone could make - the enemy will make themselves comfortable in your home and poison everyone while pretending to be a friend.”

The smile that spreads across his lips is weird, but I ignore it as I take another step closer and clear my throat. “May I start whatever task is here at the checkpoint? I’m so close to the end, I would love to finish with this for today.”

Again, he just grins and hands me a piece of paper. “What’s this?” I ask as I accept it.

“You’re free to leave. That’s your last checkpoint time frame proof. You’ve passed the test with me.”

My eyes widen as I look down at the paper and realize the professor isn’t lying. “So this wasn’t just a friendly conversation?” I frown.

“No,” he laughs. “I’m here to pretend to want to talk and throw the students off with some small talk before the real question is asked. If they brush me off, they have to return to the previous checkpoint, repeat the task there and come back again. You dealt with the task wonderfully, great job.”

Since there isn’t much I can add, I thank the professor and follow the signs to return to the Academy.

Once I get back, I see that there are a few others who have already returned, including Anno. As soon as he spots me, he waves his hand, encouraging me to join him.

Anno jumps up from his seat and grins before he envelops me into a tight hug. “I knew you could do it. Knew you would be one of the first ones to return. you’re smart like that. Now, come on, let’s give the headmaster your checkpoint cards and sit down. He said they’re already getting the information about the points we earn in each checkpoint so once everyone’s back, we will get to know who got the spots.”

“Sounds good to me,” I agree and approach the hadmaster with Anno at my side.

“Ah, Mister Kingston, I’m glad to see one of our survival winners getting through with this test so fast. Great job,” he beams and shakes my hand.

We stand with the old man and talk until someone grabs his attention. Thankfully, he’s not focused on us anymore - the only thing on his mind is discussing money and the changes he’s planning for this Academy.

We all know that money talk is a hidden jab at everyone, a reminder we can give more than we already are. That’s the funny thing about riches - they never have enough, always need more.

Anno starts talking about something, but I don’t pay much attention to his words since I feel like someone’s trying to burn holes in the back of my head. I try to glance over my shoulder, but Anno stops me by grabbing my hand.

“No,” he hisses. “It’s Ethan and his brothers. All three are glaring daggers at us. I think it’s best we stay away, definitely out of their way, for a while. Don’t you think so?”

I gulp and nod. “Right. You’re right.”

“Don’t worry, you guys can settle your differences any other time. For now, the anger is too fresh, way too raw, it will bring nothing but trouble. I know it sounds kind of stupid when I say this, but I don’t intend to keep you away from those three if you want to be around them. I’m just being a friend and making sure you’re safe at all times.”

“It’s fine, Anno,” I force a smile. “You’re right anyway. Let’s go and sit down until the results are announced.”

As we sit down further away from others, my nerves kick in. In a way, I don’t care about this new program and also care more than I should at the same time.

Maybe, if I get in and those three don’t - I can get over their existence easier. Same would happen if they’re accepted and I’m not.

All I can hope for is that we don’t get accepted together. If we do.. Least they could do would be accepting Anno too. He’s becoming my lifeline these days.

As the seconds slowly morph into minutes, we both sit completely silent. Anno’s growing anxious too, but at least he has a serious reason to want to be accepted.

I have no idea for how long we wait to see the results, but what seems to be an eternity passes by the time the headmaster finally arrives again.

“I wanted to read the list, but sadly, I must leave for an important meeting, so my secretary will hand everyone the list of winners. The students taking the last ten spots, please see me in my office in two hours. That’ll be all for today. Great job.”

The creepy office lady starts handing pieces of paper to everyone. Anno and I hold our breaths, listening to whines, groans, growls and cheers. The reactions are so different, it’s hard to predict what might be written there.

Finally, she approaches us and hands us a paper too. Anno holds it between us so I can see too. My eyes instantly scan the last numbers, looking for my name.

It’s not there. That’s good - I suppose. Slowly, my eyes travel up, with each name, my heart starts pounding a little faster and nearly stops when my eyes finally land on my name.

I took fifth place. Anno is forth. And the first three, yeah, has to be my luck - the one and only, the triplets from hell.