The Dark Side of His Mates

Chapter 17

Ashley arrived as usual the next day. Aiden had made him feel less tired than before.

The most crucial aspect was that he didn't have to worry about his coursework or anything else relating to his course. He only needed to read the summaries and notes Aiden had prepared for him.

He had to admit that reading Aiden's notes was much easier for him to understand than when he attended class and listened to the lecturer explain the same material.

A fact that he won't admit to Aiden forever.

In short, he did not regret his decision to make Aiden his slave. Having a human slave like Aiden could make his life very practical.

Ah...

If only he could bring Aiden into his home as well. His life would definitely be more practical. Aiden's cooking was so good. He definitely didn't need to tidy up his room, as all the household chores would be done by Aiden without exception.

Unfortunately, he knew that his mother would definitely oppose that idea since she was a neutral party who did not agree with the slave things. It was clear that this fact left him with no other choice but to use Aiden only when he was on campus.

Like now. Ashley's lips turned up in a happy smile as he saw Aiden, who was apparently waiting in front of the university gates, like a dog waiting for his master's arrival.

A warm feeling, mixed with relief, flooded him. Just seeing Aiden made him feel this happy. How strange...

He was walking with his three companions when he threw his bag at Aiden, who caught it without difficulty.

"Woah, what good progress!" Cain commented with a bemused expression. "Totally unexpected. Your slave is so practical, like a dog."

"Right!?" Ashley's smile widened at Cain's words. To her ears, Cain's words sounded like a compliment. "I feel the same way. Even though I have only trained him a little, he is a fast learner. Oi, slave. Come here."

Without saying anything, Aiden walked straight up to Ashley and walked to his right side. His face looked serious, but there was a hint of excitement there. Aiden's reaction managed to provoke curiosity and wonder from his friends.

If he was honest, this was the first time he had ever felt this way. As long as he forced humans, whom he considered the weakest, to become his slaves, most of them were terrified and insincere about their duties as his slaves.

That was definitely not the case with Aiden. All she could sense from Aiden's attitude was that he was sincere in dedicating his entire life to serving him.

There was only one thing that made him wonder. Why was it that every time he saw Aiden, it made him feel warm? Why did seeing Aiden and smelling the traces of Aiden's body scent alone manage to make him so excited?

Hmm, maybe it was no big deal. Maybe he felt this way because he had finally found a suitable slave. It was best not to dwell on it.

"I think this is just a momentary joke. Among all the humans you forced into s*****y, this one is much more obedient. He's a good quality," Gabriella said, looking at Aiden from all sides curiously. "Hm, I envy you. Will I ever find a slave as loyal and practical as yours, huh?"

Ashley's eyes narrowed, and he immediately pulled Aiden's hand closer to him. "He's mine. Don't take him away from me!"

Gabriella flinched slightly but then laughed loudly while waving her hands in front of her face. "Chill, Chief. I'm not interested in your slave!"

"If you understand, good. No one can use them without my permission."

"Yeah, whatever," Gabriella replied nonchalantly.

Inwardly, Ashley was relieved. How could he share Aiden with anyone else? Aiden could only be his slave; no one could have Aiden but him.

"I hope he knows his place," Sawyer snorted, giving Aiden a look of obvious dislike before turning toward Ashley with a warm expression as he took his hand. "We have the same course today. Do you want to sit with me today?"

"Of course."

Sawyer glanced sharply at Aiden. "He's not coming with you, is he?"

"Hm? You mean Aiden?" Ashley pointed at Aiden as he released his grip on his slave, then put his arm around Sawyer's shoulders. "Just pretend he doesn't exist. It's as simple as that. Besides, you're much more important than him."

Sawyer's face was gloomy. He even pushed Ashley's hand away, something Sawyer had never done before, leaving Ashley confused.

"Then you don't have to sit with him, do you?"

Ashley seemed to object to Sawyer's proposal. "So what? I need him to take notes for the lecture."

"That's...,"

Sawyer once again looked sharply at Aiden before turning back to Ashley. "If it's just notes on materials or assignments, I can do that too!"

"But your handwriting isn't good," Ashley admitted. "And none of your assignments have ever achieved a perfect score. My slave is different. He can do it perfectly."

"But--"

"It's just a trivial matter. Why are you behaving so strangely?" Ashley raised his brow, confused.

Ashley was astonished. In all his years, he had never heard Sawyer voice his objections so clearly and bluntly as just now. He glanced at Gabriella and Cain to help him figure out the root of the problem.

But damn it, both of them deliberately avoided looking at him, making him a little annoyed.

They must know something, Ashley muttered to himself.

"I can sit on the front bench and summarize your notes, if you don't mind," Aiden suddenly interrupted his thoughts. "That way, you can sit together with your friend."

Aiden seemed to be smiling as usual. Nothing was different. It was just that he heard a slight note of objection and reluctance when Aiden said it; he was sure of it. Strangely enough, he could feel himself objecting to Aiden's proposal.

"Your slave is really understanding!" Sawyer's face suddenly brightened, looking pleased at Aiden's answer. "Just leave him alone and sit with me! As usual."

Normally, he would have told his previous slaves to stay away if Sawyer had asked him to. Roderick's family and Florence's family had been close for a long time, so their relationship was like that of brothers.

To Ashley, Sawyer was like his own younger brother, even before Sawyer told him about his gender identity as a man. Sawyer Florence's position in Ashley's eyes was just as important as that of his parents and Lucas Roderick, his younger brother.

"Ashley? What's wrong? It's not like you're usually this thoughtful."

But it felt different now. Having Aiden as his slave—he didn't know why—made him object to the proposal. What Sawyer said was true. This was not like his usual self. What was wrong with him?

"Ashley?"

"Y-yeah, I don't think that's a bad thing!" Ashley's reverie was broken, and he hurriedly agreed with Sawyer. Deep in his heart, he kept his disappointment to himself when he found out that Aiden didn't mind the idea at all.

What annoyed him even more was that Aiden had suggested the idea. He gave an annoyed look to Aiden, who chose to walk backward before he finally turned back towards Sawyer.

"Then, let's split up first," Gabriella tugged on Cain's hand. "Cain and I are going to the library--"

"Eh? I don't remember that," Cain cut in, confused. "Didn't you say that you—"

Before Cain could finish speaking, Gabriella poked Cain in the stomach with her elbow, smiling an innocent smile that made him shudder to see it. Poor Cain...

"Oh, yes... I remember...," Cain said while trying to endure the pain from Gabriella's fist while letting out a half-forced laugh. "I remember now..."

"Great!" Gabriella looked satisfied hearing Cain's response. "Ash, Sawyer! Let's meet up at the campus park later! Bye!"

Gabriella immediately dragged Cain away, running until the figures of those two disappeared from his sight. Somewhat reluctantly, Ashley walked into the classroom, followed by Sawyer and Aiden.

***