Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 269

Ashley pov

The prisoner’s words echo in my mind long after I leave him. “Wait and see.” What the hell does that mean? What is he planning? 

I wish I could shake the feeling eating at me, but it’s there, tugging at my insides. I feel like something is coming, and I have to be ready for it. I just don’t know what that something is yet.

The time doesn’t stop, so I try to keep myself busy, but it’s no use. I can’t stop thinking about everything - the prisoner, the argument with Constantine, and the things that I still don’t understand. The more I think about it, the more I feel like there’s something bigger happening here. Something none of us are prepared for.

I try to push the thoughts aside, but they keep creeping back in. I need answers,  need to talk to someone who might know more. Someone I can trust.

I spot Ronan in the clearing near the edge of the camp. He’s talking with a few of the other bears, his broad shoulders hunched over as he listens. He looks like he’s in charge, like he’s the one everyone turns to when things get serious and Constantine isn’t here. 

He’s not Constantine, of course, but he’s close. A second-in-command, maybe? I’ve seen him around, and I know he’s one of the more trusted members of the group. If anyone knows what’s going on, it’s probably him.

I hesitate for a moment, my heart racing. What if I’m wrong? What if I’m just overthinking things? What if nothing is going on at all, and I’m just being paranoid? 

But the nagging feeling in my gut tells me I’m not wrong. I have to ask someone,  get it off my chest.

I walk toward Ronan, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. As I approach, I can tell he notices me, his eyes sharp and calculating as I stop in front of him.

“Hey,” I say, trying to sound casual, but I can hear the slight tremor in my voice. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Ronan looks at me for a long beat, his expression unreadable. Then he nods, stepping away from the group of bears and leading me toward the edge of the camp where it’s quieter. He’s not exactly unfriendly, but he’s cautious. Maybe I’m not the only one who’s been on edge lately.

“What’s on your mind?” He asks, his voice low and calm, like he’s expecting something serious.

I swallow, gathering my thoughts. I don’t know where to start, how to explain everything that’s been nagging me. But I can’t hold back anymore and pretend that everything is fine when it’s not.

“Constantine didn’t leave because we fought,” I blurt out, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. Ronan looks at me, his eyebrows raising in surprise, but I keep going. “I know it might have looked like that, but it wasn’t. He was frustrated with me, with the situation. I told him that if we all worked together, we could fix everything, and he just stormed off.” I can feel my hands shaking as I speak, but I don’t care. I need to tell someone, and Ronan is the only one who seems like he might understand.

I pause, letting the words sink in. I’m not sure why I feel the need to explain myself to him. Maybe it’s because I don’t know where else to turn, or maybe it’s because I’m hoping he’ll tell me I’m not overreacting. That there’s nothing to worry about.

Ronan stays silent for a long moment, his eyes watching me carefully. He’s not saying anything, but I can tell he’s thinking, pondering my words. 

Finally, he speaks. “So, Constantine just left?” His tone is neutral, but there’s a flicker of something in his gaze. “And you think it was just frustration?”

I nod quickly. “Yes and no. He didn’t want to fight. I know him. He was just frustrated. He’s been under a lot of pressure, and I think he thought if he left, he’d be able to figure things out on his own. Also, there’s Dominic - he left and Constantine thinks he can get him back here. But I don’t think that’s going to work. Not without everyone.”

Ronan doesn’t say anything for a moment, his face a stone statue as he considers my words. I wait, my heart pounding in my chest. I don’t know what to expect from him. I don’t know if he believes me, or if he thinks I’m just making excuses for Constantine’s and my own behavior.

Finally, he speaks again, his voice soft but serious. “And what about the prisoner? I’ve seen you visit him quite a bit and truthfully, I don’t know what to think of that.”

The mention of the prisoner makes my stomach twist. I feel my throat tighten as I think about him. The way he looks at me, the way he keeps dodging my questions, the way his smile seems to hold something more… something dark and dangerous. 

“That’s what I’m worried about,” I whisper. “I don’t trust him. He’s acting weird. He’s not answering my questions. He’s avoiding everything, and when I asked him what he’s up to, he just smiled and told me to ‘wait and see.’” 

Ronan’s eyes narrow slightly, and I notice the way his jaw tightens. “You’re sure?” He asks, his voice calm but with a hard edge beneath it. “You’re sure he’s planning something?”

I hesitate for a moment. I know in my gut that I’m not wrong. The prisoner knows something. He’s hiding something, and I’m not going to sit around and wait for him to make his move.

“I’m sure,” I say and nod my head. “There’s something off about him. I don’t know what he’s planning, but I don’t think he’s here by accident. He’s here for a reason.”

Ronan doesn’t respond right away. He just stands there, his eyes focused on me, taking in every word I say. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he nods. “Alright. I’ll talk to the others. We’ll figure out what to do. But for now, you should check on Gio. He’s still recovering, and I don’t think he’s doing as well as he’s letting on.”

I nod as unexpected relief washes over me. “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

Before I can turn to leave, he places a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. “We’ll take care of everything. You’re not alone in this, of all the monsters out there, bears are those you can trust. We have your best interest at heart.”

I give him a small smile before I turn and walk away. My mind is still racing, full of questions, but at least now I feel like I’m not completely in the dark. Ronan’s going to talk to his brothers. We’re going to figure this out.