Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 259

Constantine pov

The forest smells like blood.

Dominic’s blood.

It’s faint, but I’d know it anywhere. My heart pounds as I follow the trail, weaving through the thick underbrush. Every step feels heavier than the last, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Last time I tended to him, things seemed better. The wound - God, that wound - had finally started to heal. I made sure of it myself, keeping a close eye on him even when he told me I was being overbearing. But now? Now the scent of his blood is in the air again, and it’s stronger than it should be.

“Damn it, Dominic,” I mutter under my breath, forcing myself to move faster.

The trail leads deeper into the unclaimed land, and the air around me feels heavier. He must’ve reopened the wound. It’s the only explanation. He’s too stubborn for his own good, always pushing himself harder than his body can handle.

There’s no time to waste. I break into a run, my breath coming hard and fast as I follow the trail. The scent grows stronger with every step, pulling me forward like an invisible tether.

And then I see him. Not Dominic. A rogue.

The man steps out from behind a tree, his face scrunching in confusion when he sees me. His clothes are ragged, and his wild hair looks like it hasn’t seen a brush in weeks.

“Well, this is a surprise,” he says, leaning casually against the tree. “Didn’t think I’d run into a bear out here. Your lot usually sticks to your precious mountains.”

I don’t have time for this. I move to step around him, but he pushes off the tree and steps into my path.

“Hey now, no need to be rude,” he says, a smirk playing on his lips. “What’s got you in such a hurry, big guy? Lose something?”

“Move,” I growl, keeping my voice low and even.

He doesn’t budge. If anything, his grin widens. “Come on, humor me. It’s not every day I meet one of you out here. Are you chasing someone? Hunting something? Or are you just out for a scenic jog?”

I stop and glare at him, my patience wearing thin. “I don’t have time for this.”

He shrugs. “Then make time. I’m bored, and you look interesting.”

I clench my fists, trying to stay calm. “I’m looking for someone. Someone who’s hurt. Have you seen anyone bleeding out here?”

The rogue’s grin falters, his expression growing more serious. “Bleeding?” he repeats, tilting his head like he’s thinking it over. “Yeah, I might’ve seen someone like that.”

My heart skips a beat. “Where?”

He scratches his chin, drawing out the silence just long enough to test my patience. “Well, before I tell you, maybe you could answer a question for me.”

I take a step closer, towering over him. “Or you could answer mine before I lose my temper.”

He whistles, holding up his hands. “All right, all right. Don’t get your fur in a twist. I saw someone, all right? Looked like he was in bad shape.”

“Where?” I demand, my voice sharp.

He points down the trail. “That way. But if I were you, I wouldn’t bother. The guy you’re looking for? He’s heading toward the hunters’ camp.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut.

Hunters.

I stagger back a step, shaking my head. “No. He wouldn’t.”

The rogue crosses his arms, leaning against the tree again. “Suit yourself. But I’m telling you, it’s not safe. Those hunters don’t play nice, especially not with someone like us.”

“He’s hurt,” I say, more to myself than to him. “He wouldn’t go to them. He knows better.”

“Yeah, well,” the rogue says, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “maybe he doesn’t care. People do stupid things when they’re desperate.”

I glare at him, my hands clenched into fists. “You don’t know anything about him.”

“Maybe not,” he says, shrugging. “But I know people. And if he’s running toward danger instead of away from it, there’s a reason. Maybe he doesn’t trust you to help him.” The words cut deeper than I want to admit. “Or maybe,” the rogue continues, grinning again, “he’s got some unfinished business with those hunters. Could be he’s looking to settle a score.”

I shake my head, trying to push the thought away. “He’s not like that.”

“Sure he’s not,” the rogue says, his tone mocking. “Because everyone out here is perfectly logical and reasonable, especially when they’re bleeding out and half out of their minds.”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “If you saw him, then you know how bad he’s hurt. He won’t last long if he keeps moving like this.”

“True,” the rogue says, nodding thoughtfully. “But hey, maybe that’s part of his plan. A blaze of glory, right?”

I snap. “Enough!” I shout, stepping closer. “If you’re not going to help, then stay out of my way.”

The rogue holds up his hands, looking amused. “Relax, bear. I’m just trying to give you a little perspective. But hey, if you’re so set on chasing him down, don’t let me stop you. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I glare at him for another moment, then turn and start running again. Dominic’s scent is still strong, pulling me forward like a lifeline. But now there’s a new weight pressing down on me, heavier than before. Why would he do this? Why would he go back to them - the people who’ve used him, hurt him? After everything we’ve been through, after everything I’ve tried to do for him, why would he choose them over me?

“He’s hurt,” I mutter, trying to convince myself. “He doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

But the rogue’s words linger in my mind. Maybe he doesn’t trust you to help him. I push myself harder, my legs burning as I race through the forest. I have to find him. I have to stop him before it’s too late. Because even if he doesn’t want my help, even if he doesn’t want me - I can’t lose him. Not again.