Fated and Claimed by Four Alphas

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~Spring's POV~

"We should probably head back to class before the next rumour is that we staged the drama for attention," Jace said, but his grin betrayed how much he'd enjoyed the spectacle.

Storm took my hand in his, warm and grounding. "Do you want us to walk you?"

"I can manage." I smiled, though my fingers stayed laced with his longer than necessary. "Besides, if you follow me, I think half the school might combust."

"Let them burn," Tyrion said casually, brushing a nonexistent speck off my shoulder. "It's time they got used to knowing who the real queen is."

I didn't argue with that.

The boys gradually dispersed, Storm hesitating last before placing a kiss on my forehead and giving me a wink. "See you after class, Spring."

When they were gone, I exhaled and took a few steps toward my next class—finally alone.

Or so I thought.

"You didn't answer me."

Jade's voice was sing-song now, smug and endlessly amused.

"Jade, we are not doing this today."

"We are. We absolutely are. That kiss from Eryx? The way he stared at you like you were the sunrise and dessert at the same time? You don't look at family like that."

I felt heat rise to my cheeks again, in an unwanted and annoying way. He was my brother.

"It was a joke. A harmless moment. He even said it was a brotherly challenge."

"Please. If that was brotherly, I'm a goldfish."

"You're a wolf spirit with no sense of boundaries."

"And you're a brilliant, stubborn girl being loved by more than four boys. Including the one whose eyes scream 'I'd tear the world apart for you' while pretending it's sibling affection."

I groaned softly, gripping my bag strap a little tighter. "Not now, Jade."

"Fine. But sooner or later, you're going to have to admit it. Eryx doesn't just love you, Spring. He belongs to you. In a way that's different... but just as deep."

I didn't reply. I couldn't.

Because part of me had seen it too in the way his touch lingered just a moment longer than necessary.

In the way his eyes had darkened right before that kiss and that way he always stood between me and the world like he'd do it forever.

No.

I shook the thoughts away.

I wasn't ready for that kind of storm just yet. There were several girls in love with my brother. Going in that direction when I haven't even handled the five mates I had would be disastrous.

And right now, I have enough to deal with.

I tugged my blazer straight and headed toward class. My score was in. My name had been cleared. And Serissa was probably somewhere chewing on air out of frustration.

That was enough victory for one day.

Right?

Jade hummed darkly, and I could practically feel her plotting something from the spiritual realm.

But for now, I focused on the future, because the day wasn't over yet—and neither were the surprises it held.

— — —

I was halfway through copying notes off the board when a knock came at the classroom door.

Everyone paused mid-sentence, mid-scribble. Our teacher looked up and walked over to the door. A familiar figure stood on the other side.

It was Professor Elysa, with her usual clipboard in hand.

She leaned in to whisper something to my teacher. Whatever it was, it made him glance in my direction and then give a small, knowing smile before he nodded.

"Spring Kaine," he said, turning back to the class. "You're excused."

A few murmurs rose around the room like smoke, though no one said anything aloud.

I felt their eyes trailing after me as I picked up my books, stuffed them into my bag, and rose from my seat.

I walked toward the door, doing my best to ignore the burning curiosity that practically oozed from every corner of the room.

Professor Elysa waited patiently. Once I joined her outside, she turned and began walking.

I followed silently at first, until she spoke.

"You've made quite the impression, Miss Kaine," she said in her usual clipped tone. "Not just in performance, but presence. Try to maintain it."

"I'll try," I answered quietly, still unsure what this was all about.

"Also," she added, glancing at me from the corner of her eye, "do not let boys distract you."

I scoffed lightly before I could stop myself. "And by boys, do you mean my mates?"

That earned me a brief, amused smile. "Not just them. Trouble in general. You're stepping into a space where your score, your status, and your name will draw attention—both welcome and not. Jealousy's loud, and bullies are persistent. But I believe your new role as Vice President will help keep your focus sharp."

My steps slowed. "Wait… VP?" Oh, she did know.

I was still the Student Council Vice President. I almost forgot about that.

Professor Elysa didn't answer and kept walking.

I blinked and kept up, my heart racing just a little.

We arrived at the senior wing and stopped outside the large double doors labelled Class 3A.

Professor Elysa pushed the door open and stepped inside, turning every head immediately.

The class was mid-lesson, but that didn't stop the chatter from halting at once as she walked in, her heels clicking softly against the tile floor.

Then she turned and gestured for me to step in.

I did and earned more eyes locked onto me, but four pairs… burned.

Storm, Kael, Tyrion, and Jace.

Their gazes zeroed in on me the second I entered, narrowed, sharp with curiosity—and maybe just a hint of alarm.

Jade's voice danced in my mind in a teasing tone.

"You've really done it now, Little Miss Overachiever. Look at your boys—just seconds away from combusting."

I ignored her and kept my chin high.

Professor Elysa crossed over to the lecturer at the front and spoke in hushed tones. The woman teaching glanced at me, then back to the professor.

Her brow lifted slightly. "She?"

Professor Elysa gave a single nod.

Then she turned to face the class fully. "Attention, everyone."

A thick silence fell across the room. The kind that usually preceded something scandalous.

"By order of Principal Yelena," Professor Elysa announced, "Spring Kaine will now be joining Class 3A, effective immediately."