Mated to Four

Their Charming

Phoebe

‘Thanks to Finley, he saved my life.’

I didn’t understand what was going on with Adonis. In such a short time, he’d changed completely. He seemed like a totally different person, a stark contrast to the quiet, shy guy I thought I knew just days ago. Where did that version of him go?

I edged back as Finley stepped into Zion's room, giving them space to check on Zion—and also to keep myself out of sight. But both of them quickly glanced back at me, and that familiar tension hit me again.

"Since when can you see without your glasses, Adonis?" Finley asked, though he kept looking at me.

"Oops, I just cleaned the lenses," Adonis replied, slipping his glasses back on. For a moment, he looked awkward, breaking eye contact with me. This was all so strange. Why did I feel so off-kilter around each of them?

Memories of meeting Hayden the first time made my heart race, and the kiss with Zion left me breathless. Both moments left me feeling like I couldn't quite catch my breath.

Thinking back to when Finley panicked earlier because of my fear made me feel guilty. But with Adonis, it was different—his stare made my skin prickle. His bright green eyes had shifted to a glowing orange instead of the usual werewolf yellow. Was he different, or was my vision just playing tricks on me?

"Zion's out cold. We should leave him be. Let’s go, Phoenix—I still owe you that hot chocolate."

I decided to leave with Finley for the sake of my own sanity. I caught one last glimpse of Adonis closing Zion's window, but he looked back with a small smile that threw me off completely.

Quickly turning away, I hurried to catch up with Finley. For now, he was the only one I felt somewhat at ease with. He had this way of making things feel... normal.

"Uhm, Finley, do you… have any impression of me?"

"What? That’s surprising, coming from you," he said with a slight smile. "Well, yeah. You’re the only one brave enough to stand up to Hayden—criticizing him without actually picking a fight. It’s pretty rare. No one else does that, not even Zion."

"For the past year, I didn’t pay much attention to you guys. I just knew you were students from influential packs, each an heir to an Alpha bloodline."

"Well, remember, I’m not exactly like them. My father’s just a Beta in Adonis’s pack."

"Oh, that explains why you asked about Adonis’s glasses."

"Adonis has had poor eyesight since he was little. He never takes his glasses off—not even for swimming. He’s always been reserved."

I saw Finley’s expression shift, his forehead creasing as though something was bugging him. As he filled a pot with water, he glanced at me while I took a seat at the table.

"Did Adonis say anything to you earlier?"

I tensed, clutching the hem of my jacket, remembering his words. He mentioned wanting to mark me. Nobody in this dorm should know that, especially while I’m still posing as Phoenix.

It was all so confusing. My wolf, Persephone, always reacted when they were near, saying they were my mates. How could I believe that? No she-wolf had ever had four mates at once.

I have to admit, though, they were all… well, stunning. Handsome, flawless, each with his own unique personality. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t admire them. They were the picture of young werewolf perfection.

"Nothing. He just said I smelled like cherries, which is funny because I don’t wear perfume."

"Adonis said that?" Finley asked, handing me a cup of steaming hot chocolate. "Interesting. I thought you were wearing perfume too. Then again, maybe it’s just my overly sensitive nose."

"Not just Adonis. Hayden and Zion mentioned it as well." I blurted, happy to see Finley raise his eyebrows in surprise. "Your nose might be working just fine. Maybe someone else here uses a strong scent."

"Right... Fressia… in a dorm full of guys."

I caught his quiet mutter, though he barely whispered it. I tried to act normal, sipping my hot chocolate. The sweet warmth helped me unwind a little. I laughed to myself, realizing how my emotions had been all over the place today.

All because of them.

I needed to hold it together, for Phoenix’s sake and my own peace of mind. It wouldn’t be easy, but I’d try my best to prove I could be dependable for Dad.

Oh, Moon Goddess, give me strength to handle this.

I had so much to think through about this disguise. Dealing with my four teammates wasn’t as easy as I’d thought. But as I learned more about their personalities, I also grew more curious about each of them.

"There’s so much I’m just finding out about you all. All this time, I only focused on my studies to qualify for the tournament. Hayden’s arrogance threw me off, and Zion loves to tease me. Adonis’s behavior surprised me, too. He spoke more when you weren’t around."

"Yeah, you’ll get used to it," Finley said. "Here, we’re the ones who have to adapt to them. You know how the werewolf hierarchy goes—they see themselves as superior."

"Have you seen Hayden yet?" I asked, setting my cup down and leaning back in my chair.

"No, not yet. We’ll see him tomorrow."

“Are you ignoring my summons?”

The voice, dark and edged with fury, cut through the air like a blade. My heart skipped, and I instinctively turned. Heavy footsteps grew louder, and when I finally met that intense, sky-blue gaze, I froze. His stare pinned me to the spot, making me feel small. I couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe.

“My business is with you, Mathews. Leave us, Finley,” Hayden commanded, his voice dangerously low, an undercurrent of threat in every word.

Finley threw me a quick look before slipping out, leaving us alone. Hayden’s eyes never left me, sharp and unyielding, each second stretching out as I fought to understand what had pushed him to this. Was he furious because I’d ignored his call? Hadn’t Finley explained that?

“Tell me what you’re planning,” he demanded, the intensity in his voice making my pulse race.

“What do you mean, Grey?” I replied, struggling to keep my voice steady under his gaze.

“Still won’t admit it?” In one swift move, he grabbed my arm, his grip iron-tight as he lifted it midair, forcing me to look up at him.

His face was inches from mine, his breath hot, his eyes darkening. “Let me be clear,” he hissed, his voice a low growl that sent shivers through me. “Are you here to infiltrate the team, Phoebe Mathews?”