Three

Ari

I had no idea how I found myself in the nearest bathroom by luck but I didn't care.

Without hesitation I locked myself inside, desperation and panic brewing inside me. My mind was a mess and the cool bathroom tiles weren't enough against the storm raging in my mind.

It shouldn't be. Of all the things I had anticipated, this wasn't ever in the cards.

My mother had married Alpha Jason? Zayn and Zachary, my high school tormentors, were my mates?

The universe had to be playing a prank on me.

A shudder ran through me as the memories rushed back in full force, taking me back to when I was in highschool, constantly bullied for my poor clothes, my skinny appearance.

The main perpetrators were none other than Zachary and Zayn.

I had no idea why they hated me so much, yet from the moment I met them, they had their sights set on me. And nobody stopped them. Why would they when they were the sons of the Alpha, the most sought after and popular boys in school?

Many even joined them.

Those two had made my life hell, reveling in my misery.

I thought that I would never have to see them again. Even while staying in this town I hadn't expected to meet them like this.

The image of them in the split second before I fled remained stuck to me. It seemed like much hadn't changed in that aspect. From their chiseled faces, to striking eyes, they were still handsome in a way that drew attention from other women.

I couldn't understand it. No matter how handsome they were, to me they were cruel, their smiles twisted and menacing. I recalled the way they'd taunt me, their words cutting and humiliating me at every turn.

Frustration welled up inside me and I wished I could scream.

Mate bonds weren't treated how it was in the past with tales of soulmates and true love. They weren't concrete standards to fall in love or get together with a person and many others lived without their mates. Having a mate only meant having a high compatibility with someone and it wasn't a sign of a good relationship.

Despite knowing all of that, I couldn't understand how the universe could pair me with the worst people on earth.

And on top of that, they were my stepbrothers?

Of all the people I thought she could be with, how could it be him? How could she have found happiness in the father of those horrible men?

I was broken out of my thoughts by the sound of knocking. It took a few seconds to realize it was coming from the door I was in.

"Ari?" My mother's muffled voice called out and I froze.

“Ari, I know you're there. Darling, please open the door.”

I bit my lip, unsure. Hearing the worry in her tone made me ache, but how could I tell her anything?

A sigh left me in resignation. I couldn't hide forever. Eventually, I'd have to face her, along with everything else. It was better that I ripped off the bandaid now.

Taking a deep breath I turned the lock and opened the door, facing my mother's worried expression.

Her eyes scanned me, searching for answers.

“There you are," she said shakily, and guilt wrapped itself around me again.

I braced myself for her questions, but she only smiled, reaching her hand out.

“Your things have been packed to your new room. Let me show you where it is.” she murmured softly. As if to reassure me.

I glanced past her, worried that Zayn and Zachary might still be lurking nearby.

"We're alone, sweetie." She said, startling me. It was like she had read my mind.

Still, her words gave me relief. With that I nodded, letting her lead me outside and through the hallways.

As we entered, I gasped at the sight.

I had already grown used to a slightly bigger room in my dorm, but this was overkill.

“Goddess,” I sighed looking at the high ceilings, decorated walls and the luxurious bedroom. It looked the size of an apartment.

My mother turned to me, her eyes gentle but insistent.

“Ari, what happened back there? You ran away so suddenly.” She said.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

What would I say? That Alpha Jacob was the last person that I'd expected her to be with? That my new ‘family’ consisted of the two boys who I hated with a passion for tormenting me? That those same boys happened to be my mates?

That I was trapped in a living nightmare?

There was no way I could say any of that. Instead I pushed those thoughts away and forced a smile.

“I just needed to rush to the bathroom mom. Must have caught a stomach bug on my way home.” I lied through my teeth. Surely that was an acceptable excuse.

But my heart sank when her expression didn't rise. She wasn't buying it.

"I can tell when something's wrong with you and back there something was definitely wrong," she said, her voice soft but firm.

“I know this is unexpected for you and I want to be better. All I want is for everyone to get along.” she sighed.

Her words struck a chord in my chest. Looking at her face now I felt guilt. Only a few moments ago, she was glowing and now the sight of her concerned deflated face made my heart hurt.

She was clearly happy in this marriage. Could I tell her something that would affect that happiness?

"Mom, are you happy?" I asked quietly.

Slowly but surely, her face lit up with a warm smile.

"Yes, Ari I am."

As soon as she said those words, I made my decision.

"Then I'm happy too, Mom." I forced a smile,  before I moved to hug her tightly.

“I was just a bit overwhelmed back there but I'm going to try.” I assured her.

She sniffed loudly before hugging me tightly in return. Closing my eyes, I let everything go.

My mother had given up so much for me when I was growing up to make me happy. Now, it was my turn to bear the burden.

Even if it meant dealing with my former tormentors as my new step brothers.

As we ended our embrace, I gently pushed my mother towards the door.

“Well enough of the sappiness.” I spoke in a lighter tone, “ You need to go and I need to unpack and savor my new room."

"Alright. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come find me, okay?” She asked, turning to me. With a smile on my face I nodded.

"I will, Mom. Thank you," I assured her,

With that she turned away, looking happier. As the door closed behind her, I sucked in a deep breath,

I had no plans on getting along with them, I wanted absolutely nothing to do with them, but my mother's happiness meant more to me than anything else. For that, I had to be at a truce with them.

The only problem was; How was I going to face them?

Before I could process my thoughts, a knock came on my door.

“Mom?” I called out, reaching the door. Did she forget to tell me something?

I opened it, expecting to see her again, but my blood turned cold at the sight before me.

Two pairs of eyes bore holes into me, smirks on their faces. Zayn and Zachary stood in the doorway.

"Hello, stepsis," Zayn said.