Chapter 5 Don't steal anything

Aurora.

The journey continued for a while before the scenery changed. The narrow roads gave way to a wide, well-maintained entrance lined with tall trees. Beyond them stood a magnificent iron gate bearing a wolf crest.

BLACKTHORN ACADEMY.

I sat up straighter, my eyes fixed on the gates as they slowly opened. Even in the darkness, I could make out the enormous buildings, their stone walls and tall windows illuminated by lights along the pathways. The lawns were neatly maintained, and farther ahead, I could see the outline of a large sports complex with a hockey emblem displayed above its entrance.

I couldn't stop staring. This was the place I had spent years dreaming about, and somehow, despite everything, I had finally made it here. After being told countless times that I wasn't good enough, after sneaking into an abandoned rink to practise with boys who didn't even know I was a girl, I was finally standing at the doorstep of the academy I had always wanted to attend.

A smile spread across my face as I took in the view. For once, I had done something for myself, and nobody had been able to stop me.

Then reality slowly crept back in.

I wasn't here as Aurora Bennett. I was Ari, a seventeen-year-old boy who hadn't received his wolf yet. If anyone discovered my secret, I could lose everything. The academy might send me away, the triplets could turn against me, and my father might even find a way to drag me back home.

I couldn't allow that to happen. I had to be careful, keep my scent covered, and make sure nobody got close enough to discover the truth. I had worked too hard to get here, and I wasn't going to let anything ruin my chance to play hockey.

The SUV drove farther into the campus before pulling up in front of one of the larger buildings.

Most of the windows were dark, and the grounds were unusually quiet. There were only a few lights along the entrance, with no sign of the students I had imagined seeing when I first pictured my arrival. I glanced at the time on my phone and realised just how late it had become.

“Welcome to Blackthorn,” Asher announced as he stepped out of the car.

I opened my door and climbed out, still struggling to believe I was actually standing there. The cool night air brushed against my face as I looked up at the building, which seemed even more impressive up close.

Adrian opened the boot and brought out our bags while Axel walked around to collect his own. Asher stretched his arms above his head before looking at me.

“Come on, kid. You can admire the place properly tomorrow.”

I nodded and followed them, although I couldn't help looking around as we made our way towards the entrance. I was so busy taking in my surroundings that I didn't notice Adrian had stopped until his voice brought me out of my thoughts.

“Are you coming?”

“Sorry,” I muttered, hurrying after them.

We entered the building and found ourselves in a quiet hallway. The lights were dim, and our footsteps echoed against the polished floor as we made our way upstairs. I glanced at the doors we passed, wondering how many students were already asleep behind them.

I had imagined arriving at Blackthorn with a grand welcome, but I supposed sneaking into an academy as a boy who wasn't even registered wasn't exactly the sort of arrival that called for a celebration.

We eventually stopped in front of a door, and Adrian unlocked it before pushing it open.

I stepped inside and looked around in surprise. The room was much bigger than I had expected, with three separate sleeping areas, a spacious sitting room, and a television mounted on the wall.

Hockey equipment was neatly arranged along one wall of the sitting room. A large window overlooked the dark academy grounds, and the furniture looked expensive enough to make me conscious of how little I owned.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Asher said, dropping my bag beside the couch. “Well, as comfortable as you can be in someone else's room.”

I looked at him. “Someone else's room?”

“This is our dorm,” he explained with a grin. “You'll be staying here for now.”

I turned towards Adrian, confused. “Why?”

“Because we haven't figured out what to do with you yet.”

I frowned. “What does that mean?”

“It means we found you on the road, brought you here, and now we have to make sure you're not some kind of troublemaker.”

“I told you I'm here for hockey.”

“And I haven't decided whether I believe you.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but thought better of it. Adrian walked towards the small table near the window and dropped his keys on it before turning back to me.

“You'll stay here while you prepare for the tryouts. We'll decide what to do with you once we've figured out whether you're someone we can trust.”

I nodded slowly. “Understood.”

His expression hardened as he looked directly at me. “And listen carefully, Ari. If you steal anything from us or try to run away, you'll have me to answer to. I don't tolerate dishonesty or troublemakers.”

I swallowed, slightly taken aback by his choice of words. “I won't steal anything.”

“Good. You can use the couch for tonight.”

I nodded, grateful for the small kindness.

Asher dropped onto the couch and stretched his legs. “You can relax, Adrian. He's barely tall enough to reach the top shelf. What could he possibly steal?”

I shot him an annoyed look. “I'm not that short.”

He grinned. “There he is. I was wondering when you'd start arguing again.”

Axel, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, picked up my bag and placed it beside the couch, away from the doorway.

“You should get some rest,” he said. “You've had a long day.”

I nodded, offering him a small smile. “Thank you.”

His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he turned away.

I looked around the room again, still trying to process everything that had happened. I was actually here, sharing a dorm with the three Alpha heirs I had admired from a distance for so long.

It was almost unbelievable, especially considering that none of them had the slightest idea that the boy they had brought into their dorm was actually a girl.