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Chapter 4

Ashley pov

Before I can open my mouth, someone speaks for me. “Steven! What have I told you about harassing the first year students?”

The guys don’t look happy, but they all back away and walk inside rooms, glaring a silent promise we will meet again.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see an older man approaching me. He is dressed in a neat, dark gray suit, which makes him look a little older than he probably is.

Like everyone in this place, he thrusts his hand toward me and like before, I accept the handshake. “Thank you,” I mutter, avoiding his gaze at all costs.

“No problem at all. Welcome aboard, I hope the shenanigans of the local clowns haven’t ruined the image of our Academy before the school year has started,” he says with a wide grin.

In an attempt to save my vocal cords, I shake my head and remain silent.

The man points at the papers in my hand and raises his eyebrow. “May I?”

Not thinking much of it, I hand him everything, earning a chuckle. His eyes scan the paper and he quickly returns it. “I will walk you to your assigned room so whatever this was doesn’t repeat. I’m Professor Samuels, by the way, I teach chemistry.”

He sounds a little too cheerful to be a teacher, but I shake off the unease and engage in the conversation, sharing as little details about myself as I can.

“I don’t recall you mentioning your name,” he suddenly points out.

I look away and silently curse under my breath. I don’t want to run around and let everyone know even the fake details about myself. All I want is to go through this school experience and disappear for good.

“Ash,” I mutter and clear my throat. “Ash Kingston,” I repeat a little louder.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ash Kingston. I couldn’t help but peek at your enrollment papers and noticed that you are going to attend my classes too. Glad to see someone who actually cares about chemistry,” he continues.

The only reason why I want to learn that subject is my dad. He used to love chemistry for all the wrong reasons. I can still hear his cheers and happy giggles every time he managed to blow something up in his shed, the same as I still hear mom’s angry mutters whenever he did.

“You don’t come across as big of a talker,” he chuckles. “That’s fine, I can do all the talking for both of us.”

From the corner of my eye, I see him watching me. I can’t pin-point what it is about his gaze, but there is something predatory in his eyes.

Perhaps I’m looking too deep in this issue with a complete stranger, but I get a sense that he knows more than he’s willing to share. Am I becoming paranoid now too? This is supposed to be my escape, my safe haven, not another sketchy establishment I need to tip-toe around.

For a brief moment, as we walk down the seemingly endless halls, I get lost in thoughts, paying no attention to the direction I’m supposed to take to get to the assigned room.

“We need to turn left here,” the professor announces, grabbing my upper arm and pulling me along with him. “I know I might be overstepping here a little,” he mutters as he releases me. “But I think you should change your diet a little. A young man like you should have a little more flesh on his bones.”

“I used to live in Paris,” I blurt out the first lie that comes to my mind. “It’s all about fashion and being skinny in that part of the world. Now that I’m back in the States, I will adjust soon.”

In reality, I have no idea what that part of the world is all about. I’m lying through my teeth to get out of the mess of lies I’ve already created so far.

“Hmm,” he hums and looks around. “Understandable. But, Ash, may I offer a piece of advice before you enter your room?” He asks and stops in his tracks, uncomfortably shifting his weight from one leg to another and looking around as if he’s scared someone will hear him.

“Sure, if you want to,” I shrug. I might look calm and collected, but inside me, there’s a storm brewing. My heart beats a million miles per hour and I’m sure my blood pressure is spiking to dangerous levels.

“Yeah,” he sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “Don’t tell the boys anything about your past in Paris and why you’re so skinny,” he whispers.

I can’t help but frown. What kind of advice is that even?

Seeing my reaction, the professor sighs and shakes his head. “The boys here, most of them are Alphas. You’ll rarely see Betas and Deltas here - they don’t have money like that to attend the Academy. Alphas, however, they do. And we both know how those Alphas are, right? All about power and strength, dominance and everything. If one of them hears that you were on a diet to remain skinny for fashion, they will presume you are gay and.. I’m afraid to say that won’t end well for you.”

As I listen my eyes widen and a lump, the size of my fist, grows in my throat. But somehow, I manage to hide the initial shock and quickly nod in agreement. “I won’t tell a soul. Pinky promise.”

The professor gives me a look that creeps me out and starts laughing. He urges me to follow him and for the remaining time we walk, we don’t exchange a word.

When he stops at the door, he looks at a note attached to it and chuckles. “Looks like you won’t be spending your days alone after all,” is all he says before he gives me a curt nod and spins on his heel to walk away.

Something’s seriously off with the guy. Shaking off the weird feeling, I turn to the door and brace myself.

As I push open the door, my heart skips a beat at the sight that greets me. Three men stand before me - all of them look weirdly alike. But what throws me off even more is the instant connection that surges through me and Sam’s loud howl at the back of my mind.

But how? I was rejected by my mate, I didn’t accept the rejection yet and the Goddess is already sending me three mates??!!

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