Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 212

Ashley pov

Hours later, the air feels colder and sharper, as if the walls themselves know that something’s coming. I hear the footsteps before the knock that echoes through the room like a warning. I don’t have to guess who it is.

Kaiden never announces himself; he just appears when he wants, when he’s sure I won’t refuse him. I suck in a deep breath and force myself to appear calm.

The door opens and Kaiden walks in with that same arrogant aura surrounding him, his eyes gleaming with the confidence of someone who’s always gotten exactly what he wanted. He’s dressed for the occasion - tailored suit, crisp shirt, and a hint of the cologne he knows I used to like back in my days of being his servant.

“Ashley,” he calls my name smoothly, as if we’re old friends meeting under pleasant circumstances. “How are you feeling today?”

“Better,” I reply, letting my voice tremble just a little, enough to make him believe I’m scared of him. “The doctor says I’m improving.”

When Kaiden smiles, it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Good. That’s very good. You need to be in perfect health for the ceremony.”

I flinch, just enough for him to notice, and he watches me closely, reading my reaction. He wants to see fear and submission. He wants to see me bend, to accept the inevitable. And maybe, just maybe, I can give him enough of what he wants to get what I need.

“I- I still don’t understand why it has to be so soon,” I say softly, dropping my gaze to my hands. “I’m not- I’m not ready. I still feel so weak.”

His expression softens as he steps closer and I have to resist the urge to pull back. “You’ll be ready,” he murmurs, his fingers reaching out to tilt my chin up. “I’ll make sure of it. This ceremony is important, Ashley. It’s for both of us. For our good.”

I look up at him. “I don’t want to embarrass you,” I fake an admission, my voice barely a whisper. “What if I can’t handle it? What if I ruin everything?”

His thumb brushes over my cheek, and I can feel the coldness in the gesture. “You won’t ruin anything,” he whispers with confidence. “You’re stronger than you think.”

I let out a shaky breath, then nod slowly. “If it’s really that important to you, then I’ll try my best. I promise.”

He smiles again, clearly pleased with my apparent surrender. “That’s all I’m asking for.”

“But,” I add quickly, catching his hand before he can pull away, “if I’m going to be ready, I need some freedom, Kaiden. I can’t get better locked in this room all the time. The space is suffocating.”

His eyes narrow and a look of suspicion crosses his face. “What kind of freedom?”

“Just the gardens,” I mutter, doing my best to sound weak. “Just for an hour or so each day. I won’t try to run. I promise. I know there’s no point. I’ve learned my lesson.”

His gaze studies me, and for a moment, I think I’ve pushed my luck too far. But then he nods, slowly, as if considering the risk against his desire to keep me locked down for good.

“Fine,” he says, but there’s a warning in his tone. “You can go to the gardens, but you’ll be watched. I won’t risk you trying to pull off something foolish again.”

“I understand,” I blurt out quickly. “I just need to feel the sun again. To feel normal.”

Kaiden pulls his hand away and steps back. “You’ll have what you want, Ashley,” he says, turning on his heel and walking toward the door. “But don’t think I’ll hesitate to lock you up again if you give me a reason to doubt you.”

“I won’t,” I promise, my voice soft, full of fake promises. “Thank you, Kaiden.”

He leaves without another word, and the moment the door closes, I let out the breath I was holding. My hands are shaking, fear still runs through me in waves, but at least it worked. He believed me. Finally.

No longer than five minutes after Kaiden leaves, a doctor arrives, accompanied by one of the king’s guards. First, the doctor looks me over and then gives me the green light for me to walk outside.

The guard isn’t nearly as nice as the doctor is, pulling me out of bed and dragging me to the gardens like I’m some rag doll for him to play around with. Push and pull however, he pleases.

The step into the gardens is weird, the sunlight feels almost painful, too bright after the days I’ve spent in that dimly lit room. I blink like a lunatic, fighting the urge to shield my eyes. There are guards stationed at every corner, but they keep their distance, pretending to give me privacy even as I feel their eyes on me.

I move slowly, pretending to savor the flowers, the cool breeze. This is my only chance to find someone who might be willing to help. I spot him near the fountain - the servant that brought me food the other day.

I make my way toward him, careful not to rush, and stop a few feet away, crouching to pick a flower. I keep my eyes down, my voice low. “Do you remember me?” I whisper, my fingers plucking petals like I’m playing a game.

He freezes. “Yes, but I can’t help you. They’re watching.”

“I know,” I whisper, glancing over my shoulder. The guards are still there, but far enough not to hear us. “I don’t need you to do much. Just get a message to the right person. Someone who will listen.”

His wide eyes dart to mine. “They’ll kill me if they find out.”

“They won’t. If you’re careful, they won’t. Please, it’s my only chance.”

For a moment, I think he’s going to refuse. But then he nods. “What do you need me to do?”

Keeping my eyes downcast, I brace myself and mutter. “Find a way to reach the triplets. The sons of a rivaling pack. They are my schoolmates, they’ll know what to do. Just tell them Ash sent you and let them know I’m at the king’s pack, held under the supervision of the prince himself. Let them know we don’t have much time, they’re planning another ceremony to happen soon and this time, I won’t be able to escape.”