Owned By Her Triplet Bullies
(Bk 2) Chapter 65

Mason's

POV

Did she just smile? I stared at her stunned. Her lips had never twitched upward in what seemed like a smile before. She was either always frowning or she had a glare on her face. It was as if a storm cloud perpetually hung over her, casting a shadow on her otherwise sunny disposition. But today, her lips slowly curled upward into the most genuine, radiant smile I had ever seen. It was as if the sun had suddenly burst through the clouds, bathing her face in warmth and light.

At that moment, I couldn't help but feel my heart skip a beat. It was as though her smile had the power to brighten the entire world. I realized that her frown, which had been a constant presence, had only been hiding this beautiful, infectious smile that had the power to light up the world. It was a smile that I would remember forever, etched into my memory as the day I saw my mate's true happiness shine through. It was funny how I disliked the idea of mates but now, I desperately seeked her recognition. "Are you okay?" she asked, snapping her fingers in front of my face. I jolted out of my reverie. I didn't even have any idea when I spaced out.

"I'm fine," I muttered.

"Is that so? You were behaving weird a moment ago," she replied.

"I'm completely fine," I responded. She nodded in response.

"You were cooking?" she asked, pointing towards my apron. I glanced at it. I had no idea I still had that on.

"I was," I replied.

"You can cook?" she inquired in surprise.

"Why? Is it that shocking?" I asked.

"It is. That's the least thing I would expect someone of your age to be good at. But how can you cook and Mady can't? I feel like I barely know you. I find out something surprising everyday," she said.

"You can find out whatever you want to know, whenever you want. All you have to do is ask," I declared softly.

"But, are you sure yesterday's message was for me?" she asked, changing the topic.

"I already told you it was," I replied.

"But friends don't add hearts to their texts," she said thoughtfully. She had a point but...

"Friends don't kiss each other too. But we did," I retorted. Her eyes widened in shock as she glanced around.

"How can you be so brazen? What if someone heard?" she whispered.

"That's great then. It will help us out in telling them the truth," I replied.

"What truth?" she asked seriously.

"Are you both going to stay there and chit chat all day or are you going to continue cooking? My hand hurts," Torres whined.

"We will continue this conversation later," I said to her and hurriedly walked over to the kitchen. I had completely forgotten all about that.

"Hand it over," I said as soon as I stepped in.

"Thank goodness," he muttered, quickly stepping out of the way for me.

"Uncle Xander asked us to have breakfast with him," Mady informed me, walking out of my room.

"I'm already cooking breakfast. Can we make that dinner? We can go over later," I suggested without looking back at her. I broke some eggs into a plate and whisked them together.

"I knew you were going to say that so I told him already. I just wanted to inform you," she answered. I heard the door open and heels clicking inside.

"Something smells nice," Rachel said in a cheerful voice.

"This is all due to Mason. We are having a home cooked meal because of him," Torres replied.

"Really?" she inquired walking closer to me. She stood behind me and peered at the kitchen counter.

"All this looks so nice," she gushed.

"Move over. You wouldn't want to get your hair on the food," I said not only because she could get her hair in the food but also because I didn't like her presence behind me. "You are right. I'm sorry," she muttered moving beside me.

"Is that better?" she asked with a smile.

"You guys, do you have to behave like this all the time? There are other people here too," Mady groaned.

Rachel chuckled. "I'm not sorry. It's not my fault your brother is so charming. I don't ever want to be away from him." Mady made a disgusted sound while Torres sounded like he was choking on water. I glanced back towards Lexi and she had her eyes fixated on a magazine. I couldn't tell what she was thinking. "Mady, help me set the table," I said, bringing out plates from the top drawer.

"Why do you bother Mady when I'm here?" Rachel replied, taking the plates from me. Her hand stayed on mine longer than it was supposed to. I removed my hand instead and took some of the dishes to the dining table. I made a mental note to speak to her later. I knew she was stubborn but this time, I was going to inform her that I liked someone else and she didn't stand a chance.

"I was beginning to starve," Torres said hurriedly, taking a seat.

"Common Lexi. Let's eat," Mady called out to her. She nodded and joined us on the table. Everyone began to serve themselves.

"You should try this eggs. They taste really good," I suggested placing some on Lexi's plate. I was aware of the stares boring holes into my body but I didn't care.

"Thanks," she muttered shifting in her seat awkwardly.

"How is it?" I asked after she tasted it. I could tell from her expression that she wasn't expecting that much attention being drawn to her.

"It tastes nice," she muttered. Everyone was silent for a while before Rachel spoke up.

"That reminds me Mady, the dress you wore during your parent's anniversary was so pretty that most of my friends are asking for where you got them from," she said with a smile.

"My aunt made them. Although the design won't be officially launched till next month, I will put on a good word for you. Do you just want mine or Lexi's design too?" she inquired, taking a sip from her juice.

"Lexi wore the same dress? Really? I didn't notice but I'm sure it looked good. Your aunt designed it after all," she responded, turning towards her.

"Lexi? Is it just me or do none of us here know anything about you? I have so many questions like did you grow up here? What was your childhood like living in this pack? If you came to our school before, how come we are just meeting you or did you all know her when we were kids?" she asked curiously.

I glanced at Lexi and she was staring down at her plate without saying anything. I knew she didn't like speaking about her past but what could I do to help her out without them catching on? If I agreed that we all knew her when we were kids, Torres and Mady would know that it's a lie and that could raise a lot of suspicions thereby putting her into more trouble but if I disagreed, Rachel would ask more questions.

"Lexi wasn't born here. I met her for the first time when I came back from my trip, right?" Torres asked. I glanced sharply at him. I felt like smacking his head. He was truly clueless.

"Really? Which of the packs did you come from? What do your parents do? We already know Mason and Mady's. Torres is a boss on his own and as for me, my dad owns some real estate companies while my mum is a working housewife, if that's a thing. She used to be a ballet teacher but she retired and now has shares in different companies. I have shares of my own too. I'm so curious about yours, tell me already or let me guess; is your dad the owner of a famous company, tell me the first letter and I will guess the rest on my own..," she blabbered.

"That's enough. Can we eat without speaking?" I asked irately cutting her off.

"Why? I was just asking questions everyone here is curious about and besides, she isn't complaining," she retorted. Lexi dropped her cutleries on the table noisily startling us.

"You are right. My parents and I aren't from this pack. My dad doesn't own any famous company but he has a publishing company of his own. My mum is an accountant for a company that isn't well known either. They might not work in fancy places or rich like your parents but they take care of me and whatever I need. Their love is enough for me. I don't need a flashy lifestyle to show for that. If you will excuse me," she said standing up from her chair. I didn't expect her to answer Rachel's question.

"Where are you going? You barely touched your food," Mady said worriedly.

"I'm not hungry anymore and I wish to be alone," she said, turning around to leave. I could tell she was hinting at me not to follow her.

"You went too far Rachel. You can ask questions without sounding insulting," Mady said, giving her a disapproving glance.

"She's right," Torres replied.

"It was only a harmless question. Blame her for being sensitive," she muttered. My chairs screeched against the floor as I stood up.

"Where are you going?" she asked with a frown.

"I lost my appetite too," I replied, going after Lexi. I was going to do whatever I felt was right from now on. I've lived to please people for far too long.