300 Days With The Alpha Beta Triplets

THIRD PERSON POV:

Fae and Ryder lay side by side, his thoughts drifting back to Bella's rejection. He hated his life at that moment, especially the fact he had to stoop so low for Bella's attention.

"Who does she think she is?" he muttered aloud, sitting up abruptly.

Fae, lost in her own thoughts about what she had done to Bella, barely registered his words. She knew that once Bella spoke up, there would be an investigation, and there would likely be witnesses. That fear gnawed at her, but she kept her focus on Ryder.

"I wish I could make her disappear," Ryder said, flopping back onto the bed in frustration, his arm brushing against Fae's chest by accident.

The touch startled Fae, pulling her out of her thoughts. Seeing the frustration etched on Ryder's face, she climbed on top of him, hoping to distract herself and him. She pressed her lips to his neck, but he stopped her, grabbing her hands.

"What are you doing? We only have about thirty minutes before breakfast, and I don't want to mess up my clothes," he said, his voice edged with irritation.

"Who needs breakfast?" Fae replied, trying to sound playful. "We can grab snacks later, and besides, we could use a break from thinking about Bella."

Ryder stared into her eyes, searching for the answers he needed, but no matter how much he stared, he didn't seem to find it. Before Fae could speak again, he claimed her lips, nibbling softly on her lower lips as she opened her mouth open for him eagerly. Their tongues intertwined in a tangle of lust.

His hands slid down her uniform, tracing the hem of her skirt before slipping under it. He tugged off her underwear and ran his fingers along her warm, wet skin, eliciting a sharp moan from her.

Instead of being turned on by her moans, Ryder felt a surge of irritation for the first time. He moved his fingers inside her in a rhythmically but his mind was elsewhere, a place where he didn't want it to be. Fae clung to him, pulling him closer, kissing him harder to drown her emotions.

"I want you now," she begged, grabbing his wrist to encourage him.

Ryder pulled his hand away, wet with her arousal, and unzipped his pants to find himself hard, which was good enough to distract her from the fact he wasn't very much present.

He rubbed himself against her, eliciting a muffled moan from her lips before he slid inside her, slow and deliberate. Fae arched her back, gripping the sheets as he thrust into her, but Ryder's mind remained distant.

Though he maintained eye contact, trying to stay in the moment, Fae's face suddenly morphed into Bella's. The memory of that night flashed through his mind, stirring up his anger and frustration.

"Get the fuck off me!" he shouted, pulling himself out of Fae and pushing her aside.

Fae tumbled to the ground with a loud thud, a sharp scream escaping her lips. Ryder blinked, his heart racing as he realized it wasn't Bella in front of him but Fae. She lay there, wincing in pain, her eyes welling with tears.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Fae asked, her voice trembling as she scrambled to cover herself.

Ryder immediately rushed to her, but she slapped his hands away, retreating in fear and confusion. His body shuddered in fear as he tried to push away the thoughts of Bella from his mind.

"Babe, please, I didn't mean to," Ryder pleaded, his voice softer now, but the damage had been done. Fae shook her head, her heart racing as she considered what this meant. Was it the mate bond between him and Bella? The fear of losing him surged inside her, and she backed away until she hit the wall, sobbing.

Ryder stood, grabbing the sheets and draping them over his body. He approached Fae cautiously, crouching down in front of her.

"Please, I need you more than ever right now," he whispered, reaching for her hand. "You have to help me fight this." Fae looked up at him, her tear-streaked face filled with doubt. He held her hand gently, rubbing it in an attempt to soothe her. Ryder's expression was earnest, but he knew what he was asking was nearly impossible. He didn't want Bella romantically, but he couldn't deny the mate bond that tugged at him. He loved Fae, and the thought of losing her tore him apart.

"I love you, Fae," Ryder said, his voice steady.

"I understand your fears, but I don't love Bella, and I hate that she's in my life. I wish there was a way to make her suffer, to reject her completely without hurting myself."

Hearing these words, Fae's heart skipped a beat. It was exactly what she had been waiting for. Known for her devious nature, she already had a plan forming in her mind. Now was the perfect time to share it.

"Then you need to detach from her," Fae suggested, her voice calm yet determined. "She already rejected you, and if you stop clinging to those feelings, you can regain control. Make her fall for you, then reject her. That way, you win."

Ryder's eyes lit up with hope. It was the first time he had felt any optimism in weeks.

"I can't tell you how much I love you, Fae," he said, his tone filled with gratitude. "You always know how to help me. I can't wait to hear the rest of this plan. Please, take my hand. I promise I'll never hurt you intentionally."

Fae's heart softened at his words. She felt a surge of relief, knowing that the mate bond hadn't drawn him away from her after all. Ryder scooped her up in his arms, carrying her to the bathroom. They stepped into the shower together, discussing their plan as the water cascaded over them.

After they finished, they emerged from the bathroom, Fae wrapped in a towel and Ryder with a towel slung low around his waist.

"I can't wait for this to be over," Fae murmured, leaning against him. "We'll finally be able to live our lives together, as Alpha and Luna."

Ryder pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss, their connection renewed. But just as their lips parted, the door to the room creaked open. Bella walked in with Hazel, and both froze at the sight.

Bella's eyes met Ryder's, and an intense pang shot through her chest. Her hands curled into fists, fighting back the sting of tears. Without a word, she turned and bolted from the room, her vision blurred by her emotions.

Hazel immediately ran after her, calling out her name, but Bella didn't stop.