Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 210

Ashley pov

I wake up to the sound of footsteps echoing in the hallway. Heavy and slow, they always sound the same, almost like someone’s trying to sneak up on me. I don’t have to look at the clock to know it’s early morning; the guards are always here by sunrise.

They take their positions outside my door, murmuring just loud enough for me to hear. I focus on keeping my breathing even, eyes on the ceiling as if I’m still lost in the land of dreams.

I wonder if they know I’m awake. If they can sense the way my muscles tense every time they move, like I’m ready to run even though there’s nowhere to go.

It’s been days since Kaiden locked me in here, and I’m not sure if he even remembers why anymore. The fear of him barging through the door is ever-present, but so is the anger bubbling just beneath the surface, the frustration of knowing I can’t fight back.

The doctor is late this morning. Usually, he’s here by now, his arrival easily predictable, like the ticking of a clock I can’t turn off. He always arrives with the same forced smile, the same empty assurances that I’ll be “better soon,” that Kaiden “only wants what’s best for me.” I hate it. I hate all of it. But today, his delay feels like a golden opportunity.

When the door finally creaks open, I don’t move, my face turned toward the window. He clears his throat with an awkward cough that echoes too loudly in the room's silence.

“Good morning, Ashley,” he says, tone overly gentle, making him sound like a parent.

I turn my head slowly, pretending that I’ve just woken up. His smile is thin, forced, and I can see the dark circles under his eyes. He looks almost as exhausted as I feel.

“Morning,” I reply, letting my voice sound just as lifeless as I feel. After all, it’s what he expects. He wants to see a broken and weak wolf, not one strong enough to push back.

He moves to my side, checking the monitors first. I watch him without blinking, waiting for the moment he’ll relax, the moment his walls will lower enough for me to dig for the truth.

“Your skin has gotten some blush back. You’re looking much better today,” he says, more to himself than to me. “Stronger.”

I force a small smile. “Thank you. I feel, well, a little better.”

He nods, eyes still focused on the charts he's holding. “Good. The prince will be very pleased.” The doctor mutters, once again, making me feel like he’s scared to look at me. Why?

At the mention of the prince, I almost flinch, but thankfully, I catch myself just in time. “Has he said anything?” I ask, careful not to show too much excitement. “When will I be allowed to leave?”

The doctor hesitates and his brow furrows. “He’s very concerned about you, Ashley,” he says, choosing every word he uses. “He wants to make sure you’re completely recovered before any decisions are made.”

“Of course,” I murmur, dropping my gaze to my lap. “I just- It’s hard, being in here all the time. It feels like I’m trapped.”

His eyes flicker with something, pity, maybe. Or doubt. “You’re not trapped,” he says, but it sounds more like a question than a statement. “This is just temporary. Until we know you’re well enough.”

“Temporary,” I repeat, the word leaves a bitter aftertaste in my throat. “And what if I’m never well enough? What if he never thinks I’m strong enough to leave?”

There’s a silence, a deafening silence. He doesn’t meet my eyes. I decide to push a little harder, letting the desperation slip into my voice. “Doctor, please. You know him. Is he really doing this for me? Or is there something else he’s not telling me?”

His face pales and I know I’ve hit a nerve. He’s afraid of Kaiden, of what might happen if he steps out of line. “I don’t know what you mean,” he says quickly, but his voice is strained, giving out the emotion he so desperately is trying to hide.

“Yes, you do,” I insist. “You’ve seen how he is. How obsessed he’s becoming with keeping me hostage. I’m scared, Doctor. I’m scared of what he might do if he doesn’t get what he wants.”

He opens his mouth to respond, but the door clicks open, and we both jump. A guard peeks inside, eyes sharp and cold as he takes in the scene. The doctor stands quickly and gathers his notes with shaking hands.

“I’ll be back tomorrow,” he announces, his voice higher than normal. “Just rest, Ashley. It’s important that you get your strength back.”

I nod, lowering my eyes and letting him think I’ve given up for good. But inside, my thoughts are racing. His reaction confirmed what I’ve been suspecting: Kaiden’s hold over him is fragile, barely there, and the moral compass of the doctor hasn’t been destroyed after all. I need to keep pushing.

The doctor leaves, the guard steps aside to let him pass before he slams the door shut again. I close my eyes, forcing myself to relax, forcing the tension out of my muscles. Patience, I tell myself. Play the part, keep him talking.

Oh, if only I could hear Sam just once more. If only she were here to help me.

I can hear the guards outside, their low loud enough for me to catch every word. “I don’t like how long he’s been in there,” one of them mutters. “The prince isn’t going to be happy if she starts asking questions.”

“She’s already asking questions,” the other replies. “But what can he do? Keep her drugged forever?”

I hold my breath, trying to hear more, but the voices drop lower and turn into muffled whispers. They don’t trust Kaiden either. They’re scared, just like the doctor. It’s something I can use against them all.

As I sit up my head spins, but I ignore the dizziness. There’s no time for weakness, no time to let my emotions get the better of me. I’ve been playing the part of the broken girl for long enough, and now it’s time to play a new role.

From now on, I’ll be the desperate prisoner who’s willing to do anything to escape. When the time is right, I’ll show them all what Kaiden truly is. A fucking monster.