CHAPTER 8

Ava's POV. 

I didn't know how I did it, but I summoned the strength and struggled to my feet. Without wasting a second, I resumed running, and this time at a faster pace. 

I couldn't risk getting caught. I refused to die like this. I might be a poor and ridiculed stripper, but I still had dreams.

Although those dreams seemed impossible, I still wanted to fulfill them. 

“Someone help!” I screamed, tears flowing down my cheeks. 

As I turned a corner, I realized that I had reached a dead end. There was nowhere else to run. I stopped for a moment and glanced around. 

I felt this sudden relief when I saw a door. I just prayed it was open; if not, I was good as dead. 

As I rushed towards the door and was about to grab the doorknob, it suddenly flung open. I gasped and almost fell back, but a pair of firm hands grabbed my waist. 

A forest-like scent, particularly sandalwood, wafted through my nostrils. It felt so calming and soothing to my soul. 

“Ava,” I heard a deep but soft voice that made my heart flutter. 

I slowly opened my eyes and saw Steve, one of the triplets. 

“What's wrong? Are you okay?”He asked softly, pulling me to himself. 

My body pressed against his, and his arms wrapped more firmly around me? At that moment, I felt an unexplainable relief that made me burst into tears. 

“Ava,” He soothingly called my name again. 

He felt so warm that I couldn't help but wrap my arms around him and melt into his embrace. 

“What happened? I heard your scream from here,” He asked, gently breaking the hug and cupping my wet cheeks 

“Was someone chasing you?” He raised his brows. 

I just kept crying, I couldn't even think of a response. The fact that I almost died seconds ago was terrifying. 

“Let me check.”

My eyes widened at his words. Without hesitation, I pressed my hands against his firm chest, trying to stop him. 

“No! Please don't go!” I cried out and tried holding him back. I didn't want him to get hurt because of me. 

“But—”

“Steve, please don't leave me alone,” I pleaded, more tears running down my cheeks. 

“Please…”

“I won't leave you, I won't,” he said as he shook his head and pulled me into his arms again. 

Instinctively, I hugged him back. He brought this calmness that I didn't comprehend but wanted to relish. 

“Let's go inside,” He muttered, taking me into the room.

As he closed the door behind us, my eyes dilated at the sight of three giant shelves filled with different books. There were other little shelves with smaller books. There was also a table, chairs, a fridge, a sofa, and a small bed. This place seemed like a unique and wealth-screaming study. 

“Come and sit down,” Steve urged, taking my hand in his soft yet big palm. 

He led me to a sofa and sat me down. 

“Take a deep breath and tell me what happened,” He urged, sitting beside me.

I didn't know if it was the mate bond, but I felt so vulnerable at that moment. 

“I was on my way to the library and someone began…began…” It suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe; my chest was heaving uncontrollably, and I was trembling. 

“Ava, please breathe,” He pleaded, holding my chin and making me face him. 

“Just focus on me and breathe,” He whispered, showing me what to do. 

I squeezed his hand as I slowly took in deep breaths. I imitated his every move and gradually calmed down. 

“Good girl,” He complimented, his smile warming my heart. 

“Keep breathing. I'll get something for you,” He said and rose to his feet. 

I reluctantly let go of his hand and watched as he went to get a glass of juice for me. 

“Here,” he said and gave it to me. 

“Thank you,” I appreciated, and gulped down the drink. 

He patted my back slowly and asked with affection in his voice, “How do you feel now?” 

“He's so caring,” My wolf suddenly spoke. 

She hadn't said anything in a while, but I couldn't help but agree with her. He was different from the other brothers. I knew they cared, but he wasn't trying to kiss me or do anything else. 

“Better,” I sighed softly. 

“I’m glad. Do you need anything else?” Before I could respond, he added, ”Don't worry, I won't ask about what happened until you're ready to tell me.” 

How considerate. 

“Thank…you.” My shoulders fell, my tension lessening. 

“Do you want to read a book, or should I read for you?” He whispered, gesturing at the shelves. 

“You own all these books?” I blurted before I could stop myself from asking such a stupid question. He was our Alpha's son, so what did I expect?

“Yes, and I've read almost all of them, but I can give some to you.” He gave me a sweet smile as he took the glass from me and went to get some books. 

He had read all those books? He must be so intelligent. 

As he returned, he handed me three books. 

“I think you might like these. Do you like adventure genres?”

The way he casually moved on from what happened made me feel like I didn't almost die minutes ago. 

“Yes, I like them,” I smiled faintly. 

“Steve, have you seen our mate—” I looked up to see Iris and Zayne beside him. 

“Love? I have been looking for you everywhere. It's like your scent is all over. I forgot to give you your lunch,” Iris muttered. 

“Ava, what's wrong with you?” Zayne noticed, his silver eyes peering at me. 

Before I could respond, they both rushed to me. Zayne knelt at my feet while Iris sat by my side. Their different scents were so overwhelming. 

“There are tears on your face?” Iris gasped.

“Steve, what the fuck did you do to her?” Zayne scolded. 

“He didn't do anything,” I responded, my heart racing at the overwhelming care. 

“What happened? Was it Vanessa? Did she hurt you again?” Zayne bombarded me with questions, his eyes filled with concern. 

How was I supposed to tell them that their sister had almost gotten me killed? How could I even spend another second with them, knowing I was putting myself in more danger? 

“You seem pale. You should eat something,” Iris insisted. 

“Tell us, we'll protect you,” Zayne pressed. 

My breathing quickened again, I was getting confused and suffocated. 

“Ava, breathe. You both should stop with the questions!” Steve intervened. 

“I can't do this...” I choked, standing abruptly and moving away from them. 

“What do you mean?” They chorused, looking confused and alarmed. 

“I can't be with any of you!” I blurted and bolted out of the room.