Mated to Three, Marked by One

Chapter 2

**Catherine’s POV**

“I will be going to school?” I asked repeatedly to be sure of what I heard.

“Yes dear, not just any school but an elite high school for the rich,” Alpha Damian announced, making me smile widely.

I have always wanted to interact with more people my age, as the only people I was around were those in the palace, including the triplets.

“Thank you,” I said, feeling grateful as my eyes became a little teary.

Armani suddenly hit his hand on the table, making me flinch.

“What’s wrong, son?” Alpha Damian calmly asked.

For someone who almost broke the table, he was being talked to calmly.

“This is bullshit, Dad,” Armani cursed while standing up from his chair.

I silently watched, praying he wouldn't cause a scene that would change Alpha Damian's mind.

“What’s the matter?” Alpha Damian asked. Sometimes, I wished Alpha Damian would put Armani in his place for once.

But I knew that wish of mine would have to grow white hair, as it was never happening; the triplets were the pride of the pack.

“She,” Armani pointed at me, and I glanced innocently at Alpha Damian.

“She is my problem,” Armani uttered, giving me a glare as I stood there.

“What did Catherine do this time to you, Armani?” Alpha Damian spoke, his voice showing how fed up he was with Armani's daily rants about me.

“I barely tolerate her at home. Now you want her to attend the same school I am in? Not possible, Father,” Armani said, breaking my brief moment of happiness.

“Yes, Father, Armani is right,” Carl added.

I had always known they never liked me, but they didn’t have to be this cruel.

“We don’t want her in the same school as us,” Zephyr interjected.

Alpha Damian looked at me, and I immediately gave a sad expression, hoping he would feel bad.

I wanted to go to school, and I wasn’t letting the triplets have their way this time.

“Oh, come on, you boys don’t have to be mean,” Alpha Damian said, looking at his sons.

I wasn’t surprised that the triplets were fighting against me coming to their school; they never liked me, and I felt the same way about them.

"Father, I can’t believe you want her to go to school with us,” Armani said before standing up from the table.

He brushed past me, hitting my shoulder. I stumbled back a bit but managed to keep my balance.

“This isn’t cool,” Carl said, leaving the dining table along with Zephyr.

I looked down, feeling sad. My life wasn't going great, and I couldn’t help but miss my mother; the pain was still in my heart.

“I don’t need to go to school, sir. You have already done enough for me,” I said.

Deep down, I hoped he didn’t take my words seriously because I was tired of staying home all day.

“Nonsense, child. I already got you enrolled, and you will start next week. You can’t refuse,” Alpha Damian said.

“But sir—”

He raised his hand, silencing me.

“Are you going to defy me?” Alpha Damian asked, looking at me with raised eyebrows.

I shook my head.

"Good girl," Alpha Damian said before leaving.

I finally raised my head, smiling. I couldn't believe I was going to school.

---

Monday came, the day I finally got to go to school. I quickly washed up and went to wake the triplets. Armani insulted me, but I paid no attention to his words; I was too happy to even think about it. I quickly made breakfast for the triplets, had my own breakfast, and then dressed in my school uniform, which fit perfectly.

I put on my big glasses, smiled at the standing mirror, and made my way outside, where I saw the triplets in the limousine.

"I guess you can’t remove a peasant wolf from a slump, even if you dress them in expensive clothes," Armani remarked as soon as he saw me.

I sighed, walking toward the car, and was about to open it.

"What are you doing?" Armani yelled.

His voice was always loud and scared me every time.

"I... wanted to…”

Carl cut me off. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking about riding with us?” His words made Zephyr scoff.

“No way are we going to ride to school with a peasant wolf like you,” Armani said in disgust.

“Eww,” Zephyr added.

“Sir said I could ride with you guys,” I stuttered, looking down.

I was beyond tired of them. Couldn't they just let me be in peace?

“Well, sir isn’t here,” Armani mocked, making Carl and Zephyr laugh.

My eyes started to tear up, the tears making it hard to see through my glasses.

“Let’s go, driver,” Armani ordered. The car drove away, leaving me behind.

---

I had been walking for hours, trying to find Elite High School, but I didn’t realize where I was. I was surrounded by trees, with not a single person in sight.

“Gosh, I must be lost,” I muttered, about to go back the way I came, but the road looked confusing. I couldn't remember where I had come from.

“Was it left or right?” I said, trying to recall how I got here.

I was beyond frustrated and let out a scream.

“You shouldn’t be screaming. No one is going to listen to you except the birds, who probably think you’re disturbing them,” I heard a voice say.

I looked up to see a guy with glasses similar to mine, but he had braces, making him look a little nerdy. He appeared to be the same age and height as me and was wearing a big brown jacket.

He adjusted his glasses before approaching me. “Hi, I’m Ben,” he introduced himself, giving me a smile.

“I’m Catherine,” I said, smiling back.

His smile suddenly disappeared as he began walking away, leaving me confused.

“What’s wrong with him?” I muttered, stunned by his change of mood.

Ben paused and turned to look at me. “Well, let’s go. We’re already late,” he said before continuing to walk.

I quickly ran toward him. “Where are we going?” I asked.

“Elite. Isn’t that where you’re going?” he asked without looking at me.

“Well, yes, but how did you know?” I asked him. He didn't say much but shifted his jacket a little, revealing the "Elite" writing on his uniform.

---

We finally arrived at Elite High School after 30 minutes of trekking. My mouth fell open when I saw the school; it was beyond what I expected. It was perfect, with beautiful decor and a large field. I was amazed and couldn't help but wonder how the inside looked.

I was about to step in when a stick blocked my way. I looked up to see a tall guy wearing the same uniform as me, but his looked different.

He scoffed. “You think you can come late and escape punishment?” he said, giving me a dead glare.

“I... I’m new here,” I managed to say, making him laugh. The rest of the guys standing with him laughed as well.

“Everyone is always new here, honey,” he said, giving me a wink that made me cringe.

I turned to look at Ben, wondering what was funny, but he had already removed his school backpack.

“If it isn’t dorky Ben,” sneered the tall, burly guy as he approached, a smirk playing on his lips. He gave Ben’s head a rough shove, causing him to stumble slightly but Ben remained stoic, his expression unreadable.

“I see you brought your girlfriend along today,” he continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Ben stood silently for a moment before replying, “I’m sorry for coming late, but she’s new here.”

The guy narrowed his eyes, walking even closer to Ben until they were almost nose-to-nose. He tapped Ben on the shoulder as if to dismiss him, but in a sudden, swift motion, he delivered a hard punch to Ben’s gut. A gasp escaped my lips as I instinctively covered my mouth in shock.

“If you ever try to teach me my job again,” the guy hissed through gritted teeth, leaning in so only Ben could hear, “I will kill you.”

The threat hung heavy in the air, and though it was meant only for Ben, I caught every word. I couldn’t believe how callously someone could treat another student. It was becoming clear to me why the triplets were notorious for being such big jerks.

“The both of you, run a lap now!” he bellowed, his voice slicing through the air. Ben immediately sprinted off onto the field, while I stood rooted to the spot, unsure of what to do.

He approached me slowly, his steps deliberate and his eyes boring into mine with an intense glare. “Didn’t you hear what I said?” he growled, his tone laced with irritation.

“I… I…” I stuttered nervously, my words faltering under his intimidating presence.

“Are you deaf?” he shouted suddenly, causing me to flinch as he grabbed me roughly by the collar.

Before I could gather my thoughts to respond, a voice cut through the tension with unmistakable sarcasm, “Already in trouble on your first day. How surprising.” I immediately recognized the voice.

It was Armani—