Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 270

Kaiden pov

I can’t shake the feeling that something is off, terribly so.

The air around me is too thick with a heavy tension that settles between people who don’t trust each other, even when they smile at each other so widely, it looks like their faces are about to split. 

My boots crunch against the dirt as the hunters guide me deeper into the camp. It’s a strange sight - this little village of tents and buildings nestled in the middle of nowhere. 

The flickering orange light from fires dances across their faces, but none of it feels warm. I’ve never felt so exposed in my life.

I’m used to the cold stares, the whispering that comes when people think I’m not paying attention. But these people, these humans, are too friendly. They greet me like I’m a long-lost friend, and I don’t know whether to run or lash out. 

It’s the kind of acceptance that doesn’t sit right with me. It feels fake, like they’re trying too hard. Or maybe they think they’ve got me fooled. 

I stop for a moment, swallowing the bile that’s creeping up my throat. It’s the sickness that comes from being around things I can’t trust, from knowing that the only thing these people want from me is something they can use to their advantage. 

I might not be the best judge of character, but I’ve learned enough to recognize when something’s wrong. 

I’m led to a large tent at the center of the camp, and that’s when the gut feeling intensifies. I can hear movement inside, but no voices. No sounds of any other human presence. It’s too quiet. 

My instincts scream at me to turn around and leave, but I don’t. I step forward, pushing through the flap and into the dimly lit interior.

The man inside stands, a hulking figure. His face is covered in scars, jagged lines criss crossing over his skin like some map of past battles. 

There’s a coldness to him, a hardness I don’t like. He’s not someone you cross without thinking twice. 

He doesn’t move as I step in. Doesn’t even acknowledge me, at first. I stand there for a moment, unsure whether he’s waiting for me to speak or if he’s simply observing. There’s something in his eyes, though, something that makes me feel like I’ve already lost this battle.

“So,” he finally says, his voice deep and rasping. “Why do you want this deal?”

I don’t hesitate. “Revenge.”

His scarred lips curl slightly, like he’s amused by my answer. “Revenge? On whom, exactly?”

I can feel my anger flare up at his dismissive tone. This is no time for games. “My father, the traitors, the fucking triplets and most importantly, my mate,” I say through gritted teeth. “The ones who took everything from me.”

The man doesn’t react at first. He steps forward, his eyes never leaving mine. 

It’s almost as if he’s measuring me, trying to figure out if I’m worthy of whatever power he controls.

“I see,” he says, voice laced with contempt. “And what are you willing to offer in return?”

There’s no hesitation in my answer this time. “Magic. I can give you access to it. Magic that will help you in ways you can’t even begin to understand.”

His eyes shine with interest, but only for a moment. Then the skepticism returns. He crosses his arms in front of his chest, studying me as if I’m nothing but a curiosity. “Magic?” He scoffs. “And why should I believe a word you say?”

I can feel the heat rise in my chest. “Excuse you?” I snap. “How dare you question me? I am the future king.”

His laughter is mocking me. “King of disappointment, perhaps,” he sneers. “In my eyes, you are nothing but a child on a power trip. You’re pretending to be something you’re not. And in the end, you’ll fall just like everyone else who’s ever tried to claim a throne they didn’t deserve.”

I feel my heart skip a beat. His words hit harder than I want to admit. But I won’t back down, I can’t. “You don’t know me,” I grit out, taking a step forward. “You don’t know what I’m capable of.”

He steps closer too, his shadow instantly swallows the light. “Oh, I know enough. You’re a boy playing at being king, and you think that magic will make you invincible.” His voice drops, words as sharp as a blade. “But magic is a dangerous thing. It twists people, turns them into something... less.”

The weight of his words sinks into me, but I push it aside. I can’t let him see how much that stung. “You think I don’t understand magic?” I ask, forcing my voice to remain steady. “You think I don’t know what it can do? I’ve seen it change people, destroy people. But I’ll use it to get what I want.”

The leader eyes me carefully. “And what exactly is that? Power? Control?” He shakes his head. “Those things are fleeting. You think magic will make you strong, but it’ll only make you weak. You’ll rely on it. You’ll become nothing without it.”

“Not everything is about power,” I retort, my voice low. “You’re wrong. You have no idea what I’m willing to do. I’ve already lost everything. What’s one more thing?”

He raises an eyebrow, his expression amused. “What makes you think I care? I’m not here to help you become a king, boy. I’m here to test you.”

“Test me?” I scoff. “You’re the one hiding behind a mask, pretending to be something you’re not. You won’t even tell me your name.”

His eyes harden, and for a brief moment, the room seems to grow colder. “My name is of no importance,” he says, his voice suddenly flat, devoid of any warmth. “What matters is whether you can handle what you’re asking for.”

I feel a pang of frustration, but I don’t let it show. “I don’t need your approval. I need you to hold up your end of the deal.”

The leader looks me over, probably pondering my words. His gaze softens just slightly, but the coldness never fully fades. “We’ll see,” he murmurs, turning away. “We’ll see if you’re really worthy of what you’re asking for.”

And just like that, the conversation is over. He doesn’t give me the satisfaction of an answer, doesn’t offer any comfort. He just watches as I stand there, feeling more and more like a pawn in a game I don’t understand.

I turn and leave the tent without another word, conflicted so much that I can’t tell if I’m relieved or even more disgusted than before. 

I came here for revenge. But if that man is truly the one pulling the strings, then maybe I'm in over my head.