Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 230

Ashley pov

After the conversation with Constantine, I feel a little lighter in spirit. Later, when Greg wakes up, Constantine asks him to step outside for a quick chat, right when Dominic wakes up too, grunting in pain. 

I still remember his stunt from the bear’s cabin, but I can’t find it in myself to be angry at the man while he looks this weak. 

“Do you need anything?” I ask, still a little cautious around him. For all I know, he might be playing a role in front of Constantine and in actuality, has the energy to pounce on me any moment. 

“A glass of water would be nice,” Dominic chokes out. “There’s a small cabinet in the corner of the room, that’s where you can find cups, glasses and a few plates. Tap water is drinkable.” 

I keep glancing his way as I fetch the glass and fill it with water. There’s no grand discussion about wrongs or rights between us, just a comfortable silence that settles over the room. 

Dominic thanks me for water and closes his eyes again, letting out a delighted sigh. “A few days and I’ll be back on my feet. I don’t want to hold you guys down, so I think it’s best if you encourage Constantine to start moving in another direction and let me stay here. He will listen to you.”

“No!” I hiss, sharper than intended. We might be many things, but none of us will ever be someone who leaves our own behind. 

Dominic doesn’t comment so I sit around and wait until Constantine and Greg are done with their conversation. It takes about ten more minutes for them to reappear back in the small building. 

“Ash, we need to start moving. Greg stays here to look after Dominic, but we will go and get some supplies. We both agreed this is the best option for splitting.” 

I haven’t known Constantine for that long, but I’ve learned that arguing with him is useless, so I mindlessly nod and follow him outside, leaving both sulking men behind. 

At first, Constantine doesn’t talk, we both focus on our own thoughts, but with the silence comes other issues. We walk deep into the forest, opposite the king’s territory and even with him walking beside me, I can’t shake away the uneasy feeling that is settling in my chest.

It’s not the cold air that surrounds us or the silence that stretches between Constantine and I. The issue is the silence around us. 

Hard to explain, but this kind shouldn’t exist out here. Not in the middle of the forest, where everything is supposed to be alive. There’s no rustling of the leaves, no sounds of any bugs, no distant calls of the wild animals - completely nothing. Just, stillness, as if the forest is frozen in time. 

“Ash? Are you okay?” Constantine asks, bumping my shoulder to catch my attention. While the move is playful, I can feel concern ooze off him. His eyes scan the path ahead like he’s expecting something to jump out and put us in danger. 

I nod and swallow. “I’m okay. Just a little jumpy, I guess. This place doesn’t feel right. Maybe that’s my newfound paranoid attitude, but still. Lately, I’ve learned it’s better to stay safe than sorry, you know.” 

Constantine doesn’t reply straight away. I’m not sure if he’s trying to notice everything I’m wary of or he’s just thinking about his next words. A while later, he finally mumbles, “you’re not paranoid, that much I can give you. You have good, sharp instincts, Ash.”

After he voices the observation, every step we take feels heavier, like even the forest itself is trying to warn us about something bad and is pushing us out. 

“We are close to my supply point. We have a couple of those hidden here and there, actually. Most hold stuff like medical supplies, weapons and clothes, but to our luck, this one has some canned goods tucked away too. Greg reminded me of the location, funny how I forget where those are.” Constantine explains. 

Now, this little walk makes more sense. At first, I assumed we’d go gather berries or something, but this approach is way better. All of us need proper food to survive and get out of danger. The same as clothes, it’s getting colder so more layers will only help and the weapons, yeah, I wouldn’t mind having a few on me. 

Soon, the small hut comes into view. If it wouldn’t be for Constantine pointing a finger at it, I would walk right past it since it reminds me more of a pile of rocks than it does a building. 

Then, he raises his hand, silently signaling me to stop. “What is it?” I whisper, but I have a feeling that I already know the answer. Something must be wrong. 

Constantine doesn’t reply. He steps forward, slowly, like he’s approaching a prey that’s about to pounce, not a building. I follow close behind him, every muscle in my body tense with fear. 

As we step closer, I notice that the door to the small house is open. Just a crack, barely at all, but the view is enough to set my senses on high alert. 

I hold my breath and creep closer while Constantine steps inside first. His massive body is blocking my view from anything inside, which in itself is awful, but becomes even worse when I hear him curse under his breath and a low, threatening growl escapes him. The sound is so unusual that it sends chills down my spine. 

“Constantine?” I whisper his name and carefully press my palm against his back. He tenses for a brief moment, but eventually, relaxes enough for me to ask. “What is it? Has something been taken? Did someone break in?” 

Wordlessy, he steps aside and gives me the chance to peer inside. It seems his supplies are still there, loaded in high piles of boxes. As far as I can tell, nothing has been touched. Almost. 

The reason for Constantine’s sudden anger is completely different from that I first assumed. Into the wooden wall across from us there is a carving, deep and jagged, only three words:

WE ARE WATCHING.