Mated to the Alpha triplets novel Chapter 20

Olivia

We woke up early on Sunday morning, the sense of serenity from the beach still fresh in our minds. The sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow in our cottage. I couldn't help but sigh, knowing that reality was waiting just outside the door. A pleasant smell was wafting towards my room. I followed the smell to the kitchen where my mom was preparing breakfast. My mouth watered as I stared at the array of pancakes, bacon, eggs, coffee and juice my mom had laid out on the table. 

My dad came out of his room, soon followed by Josh. My dad and I kissed my mom's cheeks while Josh thanked her as we all sat down to eat. We were all silent as we ate, each of us seemingly deep in our thoughts. I caught Josh several times as he typed on his phone beneath the table.

I knew my mum had also caught him when she cleared her throat and said, "Josh, no phones allowed at the table. You can talk with Gwen later after breakfast."

I coughed to cover my chuckle, winking when he surreptitiously shot me a finger gesture my mum mustn't have seen. 

Soon, breakfast was over and we all pitched in to clean up after. We all retreated to our rooms to pack.

As I dressed and prepared to leave, a sense of melancholy settled over me. The palace, the triplets, Helen and all the drama of the last few days seemed a world away from the carefree days we had spent by the beach. 

Josh, too, was quieter as he packed his belongings. The connection he had found with Gwen added a layer of complexity to his life. Although I knew he was happy about it, it also meant he had new issues to face. No one wanted to be away from their mates, especially not when they were newly mated. I sighed as I thought of the possibility of Josh leaving our pack to be with his mate.

My parents were also silent, but I knew they were only worried about me.

My dad cleared his throat, “Hmm, how perfect would it be if we were to come back here for Livvy's birthday which is coming up next month? We could also invite your parents and siblings, Josh. How about that?”

I squealed and threw my arms around my dad as my mom and Josh looked on, smiling. With our moods lifted, we all completed our packing and headed to the car. The drive was silent, completely different from how it was when we were driving down Friday evening. I was busy immersed in my thoughts on how to always avoid the triplets and Helen.

Josh was busy texting Gwen and I saw my mother glancing at us through the rear mirror occasionally. My dad was focused on the road, but I caught him glancing at me worriedly a couple of times.

We finally arrived home. My parents dropped him off at home and chatted with his parents a bit before we headed home. He was so happy that he couldn’t wait to share the news about his mate with his parents.

We eventually got home and dragged our luggage into the house. We all sat on the couch looking tired. My dad managed to pull me and my mom up and urged us to eat. We declined and decided to go straight to bed.

I got up and headed to my room. I sprawled out on my bed and brought out my phone to scroll through the pictures I had taken at the beach. They all came out nice. Just then I went to check on the message I sent to Lucas to see if he read my message. 

I felt relieved when I saw that the message had been read, but he didn’t reply. I felt bad and locked my phone before tossing it on the other side of the bed. 

I wonder if Helen is still at the palace. Her father should be back from her business trip. I'm sure if it was left up to her, she would stay there forever.m

The thoughts enveloped me as I fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, it was Monday, and it was time to get back to school. The weekend at the beach seemed like a distant dream as I put on my clothes, mentally preparing myself to face the week. 

I had breakfast and kissed my parents goodbye before heading off to school with Josh.

The presentation I had worked on had gone surprisingly well. Our teacher praised our efforts, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment even though I had to share it with Helen and the triplets who were smiling smugly like they were involved.

Back at the palace, as the school day ended, I couldn't shake the feeling of impending change. I'd half-expected Helen to have left for her home, as she'd mentioned. But to my surprise, I found her lounging in the game room of the palace with the triplets. The trio's eyes were twinkling with mischief, and they exchanged secretive glances, which set off alarm bells in my head.

"Helen, you're still here," I said, my tone neutral.

She smiled sweetly, "Yes, Olivia, my dad isn't back from his trip. But it allows me to spend some time with my good friends, that's if you don't mind ."