Mated to alpha triplets at all-boys school Chapter 69

Ashley pov

“It’s better than walking around looking like a swamp monster or running around naked, isn’t it?” I scold myself and roll my eyes at the absurdity of my behavior.

Why must I always talk out loud as if there’s someone I’m talking to is beyond me. Sometimes, I surprise myself with how mad I sound.

Before I get caught by someone who might need to change, I start rummaging through the piles of dresses. First, I focus on choosing the least pretty one.

As I lift it from the pile, I grin. “Perfect. It’s not only ugly, but it’s plain as shit. No way is this going to stand out among the other dresses. Ash, you’re a genius.”

If I wouldn’t be this bloody scared and worried about the possibilities, I would steal a minute or two to pat myself on the back even.

Once the decision about the dress is made, I quickly hide in the showers, take off the dirty suit and pull on the dress. It’s not half as bad even and for once, I kind of enjoy the fact that I can feel like my true self for a little bit. It’s been so long since I’ve worn a dress, I almost forgot how it feels.

When I zip up the dress and check my reflection in the mirror, I even smile at myself. “First step done, onto the next one,” I point a finger at my reflection, as if that could do any good.

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and start changing the words Nathan taught me. It doesn’t feel like anything’s happening for a while, so I raise my voice just a little and keep repeating the words until I feel my fingertips tingling - a sign that the magic is, in fact, working.

The first thing I do after I open my eyes is bring my hand to my nose and start sniffing it. Perfect, there’s no scent, I should be good to return and check the damage before I disappear for good.

Also, as much as I hate this move, it could be the right one. As a woman, I can pretend to be one of the attendees and keep an eye on Kaiden. Maybe, just maybe, he will have too many drinks and start boasting about why he’s here, which will help me figure out my next move easier.

I’d hate to leave this place just to have him do the same soon after. Here, I’m learning valuable skills and getting educated - two very important things that might bring me closer to getting back what is rightfully mine one day. Oh, and getting revenge, can’t forget that part - it’s important. I want to rip off Kaiden’s arms and beat him with them once the time comes too.

With my heart permanently stuck in my throat, I take a few grounding breaths and prepare to leave, but something between the dresses catches my attention, so I check it out first.

As I grab the piece of fabric, I grin like a lunatic. A veil. Unnecessary, but amazing to hide under. Perfection hidden between pieces of garbage, if you may.

I place the veil over my head and cover my face, feeling overjoyed at how little one can see from my facial features with this thing on. Yes, I do look suspiciously like a bride, but who gives a damn? Most of those girls out there have their tits nearly rolling out of their cleavages, so I’m definitely not the worst of the bunch.

“Here goes nothing, stay strong, Ash, you got this,” I mutter the last encouragement and return to the main building using the back entrance.

“Miss, are you lost?” Someone calls after me when I’ve barely taken a few steps down the hall.

I spin around so fast, I get dizzy, but my heart doesn’t stop at the sight of Kaiden. Instead, I’m met with one of his guards, looking puzzled and worried.

In the sweetest voice I can muster, I answer with a weak, “yes, gosh, I’m so silly, I’ve been looking for the ladies room for what feels like ages. I need to powder my nose.”

The man chuckles and shakes his head. “Miss, this is an all boys school, you won’t find a ladies room anywhere on this property.”

I fake a gasp and a giggle. “Silly me, I didn’t think of it before I left my friends to have a quick touch up for my makeup. Is there anywhere I could go, or should I give up and return to my friends?”

He does a quick once over and a corner of his lip lifts a little. I don’t like the predatory look in his eyes just as much as I hate the vibes he is giving off. “I would offer you to stick around so we could get to know each other better, but I understand that all you whores are here for the prince,” he announces without a hint of shame. “Head back, the prince won’t like it if one of his pets escapes without his knowledge.”

With that being said, the man spins on his heel and leaves me behind. The statement truly confuses me, but I choose to brush it off and start walking towards the sound of music.

Back in the massive room filled with laughter and joyful voices, I try to keep to myself. First, I notice the triplets standing in one of the corners, having a passionate discussion about something and shooing away every woman who dares to approach them.

Then, I notice the devil himself, surrounded by overly enthusiastic people, all of them doing their best to catch Kaiden’s attention. Cold, disgusting shivers run down my spine at the memory of his reception - for a brief moment, I was the same as those people, desperate for his attention and acceptance. Thank Goddess he broke the illusion before it took over me.

As I walk around, unfortunately, I keep feeling Kaiden’s eyes on me. Every time I do, I hide within the crowd to get away and disappear from his line of vision.

Promising myself I won’t stay for longer than a couple of minutes, I head towards the massive table to grab a quick snack, still doing my best to keep out of sight, just in case the moron might recognize me.

Once I reach the table and grab a piece of fruit, for some reason, an odd sense of helplessness washes over me. It’s a sensation as if I couldn’t escape Kaiden even if I ran to the end of the world.

And maybe that’s more than just a momentary sensation, perhaps it’s a gut feeling, because not long after it appears, I hear someone clear their throat behind me and all the hair on my body instantly stands upright while I just freeze on the spot.

“Miss, do you need any help?” He asks, reminding me once again just how much I hate the sound of his voice.