4

BENITO 

When next my eyes fluttered open, I felt arms wrap around me. Strong ones. The soft scent of their wolves riled mine up. I felt the softness of blankets against my legs and immediately gripped it.

I ground my teeth into my lower lip as I pulled the blankets up. My heart jumped. I was naked.

I gripped my head and glanced around to see them. The sight of their shirtless figures caught me by surprise. I had to leave.

A life as their mate wasn't one I was ready to live.

I had to leave. I guess it was high time I packed up and left the pack. The triplets were nothing but danger. I wouldn't allow myself to be swept into their lives.

It took a long time for me to slide out of their arms but I finally made it out. I walked on the tip of my toes as I paced around the room, trying to wrap my head around everything that happened last night.

I fixed my gaze on them for a second. They looked peaceful in their sleep. My wolf urged me to go back into their arms but unlike last night when I let it take full control, I clenched my jaw and turned towards the bathroom.

I splashed cold water on my face before stepping out. I picked up my clothes and slid them back on as the urge to glare at them one last time.

Fleeing the pack should've been the best decision I'd ever taken. But, I guess I'm cursed. Or rather, I've grown so accustomed to the walls of the pack that the thought of fleeing it haunted me.

I heard voices in my head. Each one warned me this would end up badly, but I ignored them. My mind was already made up. There was no going back.

With my duffel bag clutched tightly in my grip, I paced towards the door. Once I got out, I hurried into the hallways.

When I got to the second floor, I caught the sight of two ladies walking by. I immediately clung to the wall. I had to make sure no one saw me leaving.

I held my breath the whole time.

I didn't plan to eavesdrop on their conversation but it caught my attention.

“Too bad the alphas got cheated on by his mate. It's the center of discussion everywhere. If it weren't for that blog post, we all wouldn't have known how much of a hypocrite Rejoice is.”

“I heard from the ladies at the party that it was published by Beatrice, Rejoice's best friend, who did it. It hasn't been confirmed but seeing how jealous Beatrice was of Rejoice's relationship with the triplets, it really isn't out of the box.”

My heartbeat increased. Could it really be true?

I pondered on it as I stepped out of hiding. I ran my gaze over the hallway. Luckily for me, many of the omegas weren't awake yet. I was able to get out of the dorm without getting noticed. 

I hurried towards the pack’s second exit. The first exit would mostly be filled with guards. Passing by it could get me caught. I couldn't afford that.

I raised my chin to glance at the sky. The skies were getting clearer. Most of the students would still be in their dorms. Not even a single werewolf was in sight.

My lips carved into a smile as I moved slowly. I started with slow steps at first, then later, I proceeded to stride towards the gates. When I reached the side gate, I stopped and gave the area a quick scan—just in case.

I jumped to my feet, and on cue, I sprinted towards the gate. I leapt out of it, and once out, I made my way towards the school’s train station. The plan was to board the first ticket to the first train heading out of the pack. 

I needed to first get out of the pack. If all went well, I'd start a new life outside the pack. 

I hurried towards the train station. It was always open and usually bustled with visitors but weird enough, I didn't see anyone when I got there. The guards opened the gates for me and I walked through the rest of the distance.

I paused in front of the ticket booth and stared back at the station clerk who welcomed me with a smile. “Welcome to Wolfbane stations, how may I help you sir?”

I tightened my grip on the handle of my bags. “I'd like to get on the first train leaving this pack.”

“Where to?”

I didn't hesitate to give her a response. “Anywhere.”

“There's a train leaving the pack in thirty minutes. It’s going to…”

I reached into the bag and paid her the sum for the ticket before walking to the waiting area. I forced my lips in a bid to stay positive but something felt off.

I could feel it at the base of my skin. I heard my wolf’s voice soon. It was sharp. “Someone's watching.”

I let out a shaky breath as I paused in my tracks. I turned my back at the pathway behind me. No one was in sight. Yet I could still feel the tinge of restlessness in my veins.

Someone was in the woods. Watching. Judging. I took in a deep breath and continued walking when all of a sudden, I heard another sound.

This time it was evident. Footsteps trailed behind me. I stopped in my tracks. My heart raced in my chest. My breaths rolled out in shaky puffs. 

Someone was here.

“W-who’s there?”

I muttered the words. I clutched my duffel bag tightly before turning only to find the silhouette of two figures. 

Nick and Rejoice.

They charged towards me, eyes brimming with rage. I clenched my fists tightly. It was high time I fought for myself. 

“What do you think you're doing, little wolf?”

Rejoice's sickeningly sweet voice rolled in shortly. “Don't tell me you think you'll flee the pack easily, Omega. After ruining my reputation, you think I'll let you flee. You must be joking to have thought of that.”

They caged me slowly. When Nick’s fists hit me, I didn't shake. I clenched my fists tightly and swung right at him. He gripped his eyes almost immediately and before he could recover from that, I kicked him hard in the pants.

Rejoice, who stood beside me, tried to claw her way towards me. I lunged sharply, dodging her claws. The sound of Nick's growl was the last thing I heard before his fists crashed into me.

My legs wobbled. I dropped to the floor almost immediately as they kicked, punched and smacked me. My lungs tightened when a voice beamed, cutting through the low grunts Nick made.

The scents of the triplets hit me before I spotted them. My wolf stirred happily in my flesh. I managed to keep my eyes open.

“Leave him!”

I heard Enzo's voice first.

Following that was the sound of Nick's bones snapping under the grip of Knoxx’s tight grip. I heard him plead for mercy.

“How dare you lay your filthy hands on our mate!”

I heard Rejoice's voice in the background. “Mate? No. That can't be. He's nothing but a spineless omega how could he be your m—”

“On your knees.”

Ryker commanded her. For the first time, I saw Rejoice actually follow instructions. Once her kneecaps settled against the tiled floor, Enzo’s voice revved in.

“If it weren't for your father's status in the pack and my dad's warnings not to punish you, trust me, I'd have you locked up to never see the light of day. Apologize to our mate and henceforth, you must respect him.”

“But h-he’s an omega.”

Enzo's eyes darkened. “And you're one minute away from losing all your privileges and getting locked up in the dungeon if you don't apologize.”

Just as he said the words, Rejoice's lips pulled apart. “I’m sorry for how I treated you, Ben.”

I brushed off the dust on my shirt before getting back up on my feet. It didn't take long before Nick did the same. As Knoxx released his grip on Nick's jaw and bid him farewell, he turned to face me.

“Why did you run off, mate?”

“Mate? Respectfully, I—”

I was just about to speak when Enzo stepped in, eyes as dark as coal. “Enough of the respect Ben, speak to us as you would to a random person.”

His words startled me. I didn't hesitate to hurl, “First off, I am not your mate. I want nothing to do with all three of you. Now if you don't mind, I have a train to board.”

I turned to walk off but Enzo's hands grip me. “Feisty? Your resistance only makes us want you even more, Ben.”

“I want out of the bond. Reject me. You guys are the last persons I'd want as a mate—”

I was just about to finish when Ryker stepped in. “How about we change your mind?”

I raised a brow.

“One year as our mate and if you still want out of the bond.”

“What's in it for you?”

Enzo didn't hesitate to speak. “Revenge. Full development of our wolves and most importantly, you.”

“So what do you say, Ben?”

My heart stopped beating for a second. The sound of the train zooming out of the station caught my eye. I peeled my gaze back to them. All three of them. 

I thought of it again. This might be my chance at finally spinning the script— this might be my chance at being something other than the weak, spineless omega they expected me to be. 

“Yes.”