Fated and Claimed by Four Alphas

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~Spring's POV~

"Are you seriously still acting like I was the one who misunderstood you?" I asked and ignored how my voice rose slightly. "You still don't realise what you did wrong… or maybe you do, and you came here to fix your image."

Rose gasped softly, fingers coming to her chest like I'd just slapped her. "Spring…"

"I'm not mad, Rose," I cut in. "I just don't forget. And I don't trust people who smile while twisting the knife."

The room went dead silent.

Eryx folded his arms and looked away.

Rhys sighed but said nothing.

Finally, Rose's lips trembled in that perfect little actress way. "I tried to extend peace."

"And I'm trying not to extend my foot into your behind. So I suggest you leave while we're both still in the spirit of grace."

Her eyes narrowed. She looked between all three of us… There were no allies, no sympathetic eyes to cling to, but I noticed Rhys's body language.

He wasn't siding with her, but he truly wasn't siding with me either.

"Spring."

"Fine," Rose cut in tightly. "I'll let Mother know you're not ready."

I gave her a sweet, poisonous smile. "Do that. And next time… use the intercom. Or better yet, don't come."

She didn't respond, only scoffed and turned on her heels. "Brothers, I hope she is worth choosing over me.

"Rose," Rhys reached for her, but she stylishly evaded his hand. "Like Kaius said, we'd be coming."

"But Spring said…" she shook her head and held up her arm. "No need."

"Rose?"

I arched a brow at Rhys. Even though they acted like they wanted me, I guess blood would always be thicker.

"Goodbye, brothers, Spring."

Rose turned, keeping her spine stiff, and walked out the front door.

We watched her walk out to her car and have the driver open the door for her before we shut the door.

But something inside me did not like how things played out. My chest tightened at the memory of what she did when she hugged Eryx.

I didn't know why I acted like a bitch towards her, the exact way Rose would react, but I did.

Was it the way she hugged them, pressing her chest tightly to Eryx or was it…?

No. I shouldn't be jealous, right? Eryx is just my brother. Besides, I have my mates.

"You're jealous."

"Hell no. Why would I be?"

"Are you asking me?" Jade questioned me, but I could feel the smugness in her tone.

"Yes. You are the one insinuating so."

"Maybe because deep down, you are no longer seeing Eryx as your brother and more of a man who can both protect and provide for you."

My brows creased. "Stop it."

"You didn't deny it, though. It's a given."

"No."

"Fine then. Let me make it easier to suit your palate. The line drawn between you two as siblings is thinning. And seeing another girl who was close to him made you jealous."

"You're seeing things."

Rather than focusing on what she said, I shut Jade's voice and focused on my brothers.

Eryx let out a breath after the door clicked shut. "Well… that went well."

"Spring, maybe next time tone it down a little," Rhys cautioned me.

"I was toned," I argued. "That was the toned version."

Eryx snorted and raised his hand for a high five. I slapped it without hesitation.

But Rhys still was not having it. His expression turned serious. "Rose is still your sister and she…"

"Are you siding with Rose?"

Rhys paused, then shook his head. "No. I'm not."

"Okay."

"No, it's not okay, Spring. Just because I am not siding with Rose doesn't mean I get to let you act like her and it'll be okay."

My lips parted. I was ready to argue with Rhys, but something stopped me from doing so.

"Fine. I get it."

"Do you?"

"Yes, I do. Just maybe next time talk to her too."

I was about to walk off when Eryx caught my wrist and pulled me towards him as soon as my back slammed into his stiff muscles.

I inhaled, feeling his warmth envelop me.

"Hey, calm down, love. Rhys was only looking out for you."

I sighed, nodding but not responding verbally.

"Good girl. Now, apologise to Rhys."

My breathing slowed. And when I looked at Rhys, he had that faint smile on his face. "I'm sorry for how I reacted."

"I did not hold a grudge, but I wouldn't want to see you change in a negative way. That's all. You know I love you, right?"

"I love you, too."

Rhys's lips stretched, and he opened his arms for me to come in. Reluctantly, Eryx released me and I hugged Rhys.

"Y'know," I added as I pulled back from the hug, "if that picnic happens, I'm bringing pepper spray."

"I'm bringing holy water," Eryx said, supporting me.

Rhys groaned. "I should've just left when Neil did."

We all burst into laughter.

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~Spring's POV~

The next day at school, I'd mentally prepared myself for snide looks, whispered rumours, maybe even an eye-roll or two.

What I didn't expect was a full-on ambush at my locker, even after what Storm and my mates had said.

Three girls stood there like some cliché drama squad from a high school soap, arms folded, lips curled, and all matching manicures like it was part of their soul contract.

I sighed and closed my locker.

"Spring Kaine," the one in the middle sneered, flipping her red hair. "Look who thinks she's special now. You manage to trick the system once, and suddenly you're a legend?"

Another chimed in, crossing her arms tightly. "Seriously. You might've bribed your way into 3A, but you're still a class repeater. Loser status doesn't change because of a test."

"Does it change as the V.P. or would your loser brain not be able to comprehend even something as simple as that?"

Rather than engaging, I smiled it off.

The third one leaned closer, lowering her voice as if sharing gossip. "We heard all about it. Daddy's money, mate privilege, and a rigged room of professors. That's what really happened, right?"

I didn't answer right away. I reopened my door and kept placing my books into my locker slowly, as if they weren't worth my time yet.

"Answer me whore," the second one spat.