QUEEN BEE’S WRATH
CHAPTER THREE
I kept my head down as I walked through the crowded hallways, gripping my books tightly. The last thing I needed was attention, especially after what just happened.
I was mates with these popular triplets.
Three different guys!!!
That alone was enough to send my world spinning. But what truly unsettled within me was their reaction.
They hadn't rejected me.
Instead, they watched. Stared at me with intensity, unreadable expressions that made my stomach twist in unease. I could feel their eyes following my every move, suffocating me with their presence.
I needed to stay invisible.
Unfortunately, it seemed the universe had other plans.
As I neared the door of a spare class, a group of girls stood in a tight circle, giggling and whispering. I tried to slip past them, but the tallest one stepped into my path at the last second, blocking my way.
I looked up, meeting the girl's sharp hazel eyes.
…Claudia…
The queen bee of the school. She had gorgeous, long, wavy blonde hair, a flawless hourglass figure, and an air of superiority that made everyone around her shrink.
But most importantly, she was rumored to have a thing for the brothers.
Claudia crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, well, if it isn't the new girl."
I tensed. Recognized the venom laced in those words.
I tried to move around her, but Claudia shifted again, standing firm.
"I heard something interesting about you," Claudia continued, tilting her head.”
I remained silent.
Claudia's smirk widened. "You think you can just walk in here and steal the spotlight?”
I felt my stomach drop.
One of Claudia's friends, a brunette with a thick layer of makeup, laughed. "Maybe she thinks she's special.”
Claudia flipped her hair. "News flash, sweetheart. You're not." Her eyes darkened.
"The triplets are mine. So, whatever you're trying to do" she took a step closer, "you'd better stop. Now."
I forced myself to keep my expression neutral. "I have no interest in them."
Claudia's lips curled. "Good. Because they don't belong to you."
I inhaled sharply but didn't respond.
I walked over Claudia and reached her locker. But just as she opened it, Claudia's voice rang out again.
"By the way," she said sweetly, “I saw the video from your old pack.”
My breath hitched.
Claudia giggled. "It must've been humiliating to be rejected like that. No wonder you ran away."
Laughter erupted around me.
My nails scratched my inner palms as my fist tightened.
Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my books, slammed my locker shut, and walked away.
But as I rounded the corner, I collided with someone. Again.
Strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me.
My stomach twisted.
Adrian.
His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, his expression unreadable again
I tried to step back, but his grip tightened. "What did she say to you?"
I swallowed hard. "Nothing."
Adrian's jaw clenched.
Before I could pull away, another presence loomed behind me. I turned my head slightly and found Alexander and Arnold standing there, their eyes flickering with barely contained fury.
"She mentioned the video, didn't she?" Alexander's voice was cold.
I hated that they read me so easily.
"It doesn't matter," I muttered. "I don't care."
Arnold's fingers brushed against my wrist, sending an unfamiliar warmth through my skin. "We care."
My heart pounded. Their protectiveness was dangerous. I had barely begun processing the mate bond, and now they were acting as if Iwas theirs.
No.
I couldn't let this happen.
Before I could respond, Claudia's voice rang out from down the hall.
"Boys!"
I turned as Claudia sauntered toward them, her expression smug.
"I was looking for you," she said sweetly, running her fingers along Arnold’s arm. “I missed you last night.”
I took a step back, using the distraction to slip away.
But just as I turned, Alexander's voice stopped me
"Alicia."
I stiffened.
"If anyone bothers you," he said, "tell us."
Claudia's smile faltered.
I didn't respond.
I walked away, forcing myself not to react to the burning sensation of their eyes following my every step.
Lunchtime came faster than expected.
I had planned to eat alone in the courtyard, away from the chaos of the cafeteria, but fate had other ideas.
As I carried my tray toward the exit, Claudia's voice rang out.
"Oops."
Before I could react, a full cup of soda tipped over, spilling all over my uniform.
Gasps filled the room.
I froze, feeling the sticky liquid seep into my shirt.
Claudia pressed a hand to her mouth, feigning innocence. "Oh no. My hand slipped."
Laughter erupted around me.
Damn! I was forced to put this bitch in her place!!!
Claudia stepped closer, her voice dropping low. "You should leave while you still can."
The cafeteria doors suddenly slammed open.
Adrian. Alexander. Arnold.
Their eyes flicked staring at me, then to Claudia, who was still smirking.
A dangerous silence filled the room.
Arnold stepped forward first. "Clean it up."
Claudia blinked. "Excuse me?"
Alexander’s voice was ice. "You heard him."
Claudia's smirk wavered. “I’m not cleaning anything.”
Adrian took a slow step forward, his gaze locking onto hers. "Then you'll regret it."
Tension crackled in the air.
For the first time, Claudia looked uncertain.
Then, she laughed, brushing it off.
"Relax. It was just a joke."
She turned to me, her expression smug. "I'm sure she can handle a little spill."
I clenched my jaw.
I wasn't going to let Claudia win.
Without a word, I grabbed a napkin and wiped off the worst of the mess. Then, I met Claudia's gaze head-on.
"I can handle a lot more than you think."
Claudia's eyes flashed with anger.
But I didn't care.
I turned to her, My chin lifted and announced in a firm voice, "I'm not into the triplets! You can have them Claudia.”
It left like I had announced that to the entire school as the cafeteria fell silent.
Then, I turned and walked away.
I didn't wait to see the triplet's reactions.
But I felt their eyes,
Burning into my back.
Something within told me I would regret my actions, but I waved it off.
It was an awkward day after that, and I couldn't be happier to get home. Keeping an eye out, I hadn't seen the triplets since the cafeteria, instead, people had been muttering and talking about what happened earlier with them but I didn't pay much mind to it. Outwardly.
But inwardly, I was freaking out.
Why did I spout something like that without thinking?
I had gone to wait for the school bus, but I didn't see any. It was either a mistake on their part, or maybe they were very punctual in their time of departure.
I had only one choice, walk backing to Alpha Richard's pack. Luckily it wasn't that far.
I was greeted by Alpha Richard.
"How was school?" He asked.
"It was great" The lie was smooth, and my fake smile helped make it more believable. I was too exhausted to say any other thing about how my first day had been.
"Where is my mum please?"
"She had stepped out, but you should go freshen up and come down to join us for lunch"
‘By us,’ I had made the mistake of assuming that the Alpha was referring to her mom and him. Alone since his boys weren't back from their short trip yet.
A few minutes later,
I heard a small chatter downstairs, my mom laughing light heartedly and the clanking of cutleries.
I
rushed down, my stomach growling.
But when I reached the bottom of the stairs, my eyes met the gaze of the very people I had hoped not to see so soon.
The triplets.
Are they Alpha Richard's Boys???
No no no, this was not happening…