Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 31

Ashley pov

No, no, no!

Time stops. There is nothing but me, Ethan and our lips connecting. I think they barely brush against each other, or maybe I’m just stuck in an out of body experience, but this still can’t be happening.

I’m pretty sure my heart stops too. I can’t decide what is worse - the feel of his lips against mine or the anxiety that has all of my hair standing upright.

Goosebumps cover my skin wherever it’s possible and soon enough, I notice that Ethan’s eyes are slowly falling shut. That’s even worse. He’s intending to enjoy this experience. I can’t let him.

“Shit,” I hiss as I pull away from him and quickly jump to my feet.

As if this mess isn’t enough, I come to realize all eyes are on us. This incident isn’t isolated, of course, since everyone has been watching us spar and sure, they had to see the worst moment of my life in person.

My cheeks burn bright red, eyes widen and hands start shaking. Even my breath comes in shallow, rushed pants and as I open my mouth, no words pass my lips.

I’m pretty sure I’m experiencing a panic attack right about now.

A hand on my shoulder startles me, not enough to pull my head back in reality, but enough to make me focus on something else than the shocked faces of my peers.

Spinning on my heel, I come face to face with Ethan again. He looks worried, oddly smug too, but still worried.

It takes him a few seconds to scan my face and figure out what to do until a bright smile spreads across his lips. “It’s fine, Ash, accidents happen. You weren’t paying attention to the fight and it’s not like I’m complaining about the outcome. I don’t mind swinging both ways anyway.”

The words that leave him are ridiculous. So much so that every one of them slam against my brain like a goddamn sledgehammer. But what is worse is the sincerity in those same words he speaks with such ease.

‘Swinging both ways’ he says. I can’t believe it.

Soon, I’m hit with yet another realization - the longer I take to respond to his words, the deeper rooted is everyone’s belief that I might be gay.

Listen, okay, in this situation it might be true. I’m dressed as a guy and I really do like guys, but it’s not like I’ll come out and announce that I’m a woman just to get rid of some possible, silly rumors.

“I’m not gay,” I blurt out without thinking.

The smile instantly fades from Ethan’s face and he actually has the gall to look disappointed. I can’t believe this.

“It was an accident, you’re right, I wasn’t paying attention. Too stuck in my head, you know, it happens. But seriously, I’m not gay so don’t get any ideas. Any of you here, don’t get any damn ideas, I could never go for a guy, I’m not that sick in the head.” I double down, well aware of how hurtful I might sound.

Honestly, the worst part is that these words wouldn’t hurt only Ethan. Anno might take them to heart as well. It’s not that I want to come across as a homophobic piece of crap.. And yet, I manage to do just that.

As the panic takes over my mind and senses, I don’t see a way to get out of this messed-up situation, so I take off and escape the curious glances and the disappointed looks everyone is giving me.

I have no idea where I’m running, I just run without overthinking the direction I’m headed in. Even Sam remains awfully silent, reminding me of her presence yet not offering a word of assurance or disapproval.

She has to be as darn confused as I am.

Who would have thought that kissing one’s second chance mate would send their mind into such a frenzy that they feel the need to escape everything for good? Yes, that actually sounds like a good idea - I could run and never look back.

Except, when I find myself wandering the woods, I realize far too late that I have nothing. In the shared apartment, I have a few belongings - nothing flashy or dear to heart, but it’s more than nothing.

Funny how stuff that doesn’t mean anything to you can become the most meaningful things you own after you realize that aside from that rubbish, you own nothing, right?

“You still have access to money to rebuild your life, moron,” Sam suddenly snarls.

I get it, she’s angry, and so am I, but for once, just this once, I wish she could try to see stuff from my point of view. If only for a moment.

“Yes, because money is what matters the most, right?” I snap back, sounding too passive aggressive to my liking.

It’s not mine or her fault that our life is a mess. Things happened, far too many things out of our control and now, both of us have to live with the consequences. Besides, it’s not like I asked for all of this, not like I begged for another mate or even all four of them.

“The Goddess blessed us because she pities the situation we are in. You didn’t have to ask for anything, just accept her blessing. But no, of course not, you’re too chicken shit to accept her gift!” Sam snarls.

I should have known her anger is rooted with the damn mate fiasco. She wants them all while I can’t help but do my best to avoid them at all costs, even while living with them.

“And besides, how are you planning to run away now, huh? Are you leaving everything in the apartment? And how about your period, huh? Didn’t you leave your bag behind?” Sam adds in a mocking tone.

Shit, she’s right. Also, she’s a glorified asshole. Making fun of me in a moment of panic is a dick move. Just saying.

Parting my lips, I intend to scream at the top of my lungs. I want to rid myself of the weight of the air I’m breathing, but the moment never comes because somewhere in the distance, a branch breaks under someone’s weight and a wave of panic instantly surges through me.

My biggest fear is coming to life all over again. Those stinky, dirty rogues finally caught up with me.