Owned By Her Triplet Bullies
(Bk 2) Chapter 41

Mason's POV

I got dressed for the party hours ago but I sat on my bed with my eyes closed. I knew without a doubt that I was definitely going to give a speech in front of everyone and as the future Alpha, it had to be perfect. I tapped my fingers on my thighs repeatedly. I didn't know what was wrong with me today. Why was I feeling so anxious? I've given hundreds of these speeches on countless occasions before. What was different this time? The door slowly opened and someone stepped in. I recognized her scent immediately. She tip-toed towards me and tried to touch my face.

"Don't you know how to knock?" I asked without opening my eyes.

"I don't. Never learned it," she replied.

I sighed. "Leave. I'm trying to rest."

"I'm not making any noise so my presence isn't disturbing you. But if you insist, fine then," she said. I thought she was about to leave but the bed suddenly dipped and I felt her laying beside me. "What are you doing? I thought I told you to leave?" I asked.

"Did you think I was going to listen? This reminds me of the time when we were kids and we used to lay down together all the time," she reminisced with a smile on her face.

"This isn't the past and we are not kids anymore," I retorted.

"I know right? You look exceptionally handsome today. You always look handsome but it's different today. Is it because I'm seeing you in a suit after so many years?" she inquired thoughtfully. I ignored her.

"Aren't you going to compliment me too? It's not a difficult thing to do. All you have to say is you are the most beautiful girl out of everyone I've seen today. Easy right?" she asked.

"I haven't seen any other person. How are you sure you are the most beautiful?" I retorted.

"Mason?" I heard Father Alex's voice as he walked into the room. I quickly got up from the bed in surprise. I glanced at Rachel. How could she forget to close the door? I wonder what must be going through his mind right now. Seeing us like this, in this position. "Isn't he in there?" Father Julian asked, walking in after him. His eyes fell on us.

"He's here. With..," he trailed trying to recall where he saw her from.

"Good evening Alpha. I'm Rachel. Mason and Mady's childhood friend. I used to come here every day when we were kids. Remember?" she asked with a smile.

"We know who you are. Are you sure you are just friends?" Father Alex asked with a raised brow.

"You misunderstood. Nothing of that sort was going on," I replied calmly.

"Rachel, it's so good to see you. How are your parents?" Father Julian inquired with a smile.

"They are fine. They are out of the country presently so I came in their stead. They send their regards and they express their regrets for not being here. Happy anniversary. I hope you all stay happy for a very long time," she said politely.

"You speak so well. I guess you are no longer the little girl who used to run all over the house playing hide-and-seek games. Express our gratitude to your parents," he responded.

She nodded. "I will." I knew they weren't here just to check up on me. Something must have prompted this visit. Rachel seemed to notice that too.

"I will be downstairs," she said. They both nodded as she walked out.

"Where is Father Philip?" I inquired. They were usually always together. Even after so many years had passed, their bond still remained the same. Unbreakable. I've literally never seen them having an argument.

"He's with your mother," Father Julian replied. I nodded in response. Father Alex kept staring at me intently. He hasn't said a word since he walked in on me and Rachel.

"I saw the files you dropped in my office. You did a good job. Well done," he complimented after a while.

"Thanks," I muttered.

"Do you have your speech ready for the event?" he inquired. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I knew it.

"There are a lot more guests than usual today and among them are prominent figures. I hope you are ready?" he asked seriously.

I nodded. "I'm ready."

"Good. Meet us downstairs," he said as he walked out.

"Good luck," Father Julian muttered, giving me a thumbs up before rushing out after him. I stared at the blank papers on my table. I lied. I wasn't the least ready. I tried my best to write something down yesterday but I couldn't seem to replace the right words. But, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm sure of it. I stepped out of my room, closing the door behind me. I was about to head downstairs when I saw omegas that had helped Mum get ready leaving her room. I decided to check up on her before leaving.

The omegas greeted me politely and I replied. The door was open so I just walked in.

"Mum?" I called out when I didn't see her anywhere in her room.

"I will be right out," she replied from the bathroom. I sat on the bed with a sigh. Glancing around the room, I noticed her handbag was wide open and the contents were all over the bed. At first, my attention wasn't drawn to it until I caught sight of a card. I picked it up with a frown to get a better look thinking I must have been mistaken.

"Mason dear, did you...," she started to speak coming out of the bathroom but stopped when she saw what I was holding.

"What is this?" I asked in a serious tone. She hurriedly walked towards me to snatch it from my hands but I saw it coming. I held it away from her.

"It's not what you think..."

"How do you know what I'm thinking? Answer me, what does this card mean?" I asked again. She shook her head repeatedly but wouldn't say anything. "You've been seeing a therapist? For how long? Does our fathers even know?" I asked in disbelief.

"Of course they do. We made that decision together," she replied.

I scoffed. "Just how f****d up did they make you?"

"Mason! Do not speak of your fathers like that. And do not use that language in front of me. No one is f****d up here," she chided sternly.

"Are you even happy?" I muttered.

"How can you ask me that? Of course, I'm happy with you, your sisters, and your fathers. Seeing a therapist doesn't change how I feel. I love your fathers," she replied softly.

"It does. It means you still think about all they did to you. You still think about it," I said.

She sighed. "Just let it go. Everything isn't as it seems. You will understand better when you replace your mate and fall in love.."

"If it's this type of love then I don't want it. I hope you are happy with your decision. Happy anniversary," I cut her off, throwing the card on the floor and storming out of her room.

"Mason wait..," she called out to me but I ignored her. How could this happen? I thought she was past everything that happened but it turns out she was still seeing a therapist and they were all aware. Just what kind of relationship did they have? Downstairs, there were already lots of people present and they were all seated. Pictures of them decorated the entire place.

"Mason, what took you so long? I already sent someone to call for you," Father Alex said walking towards me with someone I don't recognize. I stared at him quietly.

"And you must be Mason. The little genius. I can already tell you will make an amazing Alpha better than your father. We've all heard lots of things about you and our expectations are high. I'm sure you will supersede them all," he said to me. I merely nodded. "Go ahead and start the event. We've wasted enough time already," Father Alex said. I slowly walked towards the stage. The live music stopped and the chatters died down. I held the microphone in my hands and stared at the piercing and inquisitive gazes of more than a hundred people. The cameras flashed repeatedly, the reporters taking numerous pictures and not wanting to miss anything.

My hands trembled, I tried to stop it but it wouldn't stop. My heart started to pound erratically. My palms were sweaty and my breath was shallow. What was going on? This has never happened to me before. Everyone's faces became blurry and all I could see were the faces of my fathers.

"We are expecting a lot from you. Do not let us down."

"You are the next Alpha and you should start learning to behave like one." The voices were all overwhelming and all I wanted to do was scream out of frustration. I wanted everything to just end already.