The Bullied Omega & Her Triplet Mates

2. Belong To Three

ELLA

When I finally got home, I wiped away my tears, sniffling. My cheeks and back were still very hot from the slaps but what hurt me more was the way they laughed at me and the amused looks on everyone's faces.

The triplets only made things worse. I just couldn't wait to be in my room where I could be alone and have some peace.

But when I opened the door, what I saw made my jaw drop. My parents were packing... Where to?

The rhetorical question floated past as I took slow, tentative steps inside. There were bags all over the living room and the clothes were folded and stacked on the couches. Mom was zipping up a suitcase while Dad glanced up when he heard me come in. He didn't even smile or even say Hello. What the hell was happening?

My parents had been acting weird, ever since my father lost his job. They were either out there getting drunk or at home, still getting drunk. And for this reason, they hardly paid any attention to me.

"Where... where are you going?" My voice was barely a whisper as I asked the question.

Mom didn't look up as she replied. "We are going on a trip."

A trip they had told me nothing about? I guess today was just one of those days when I'd wish to just die. This time around, it didn't end at school. The chaos seemed like it was going to continue at home.

"A trip?" I mulled over the words, already sensing a strange sensation cradling my spine. Something about this didn't feel right. And it worried me that I didn't know what it was. "For how long?" I asked.

She shrugged and didn't answer. "You will be staying with the neighbors while we are gone. The Russells."

What? No!

"The neighbors?" The shiver that ran down my spine when she said that was something I hadn't felt till that moment. She meant having to live with the triplets and their family. My heart only sank even further.

"Of course, Ella. We already discussed it with them and you'll move over there tonight," Dad sounded like this was the most normal thing ever, but I didn't blame him because if he got to hear or experience what I was going through in the hands of those three devils at school, they'd reconsider their decision.

I scoffed. "This shouldn't even be a discussion. How are you leaving without me? Are you doing that?"

I was trying to keep my voice steady and sound like I understood like I wasn't about to cry again. Dad finally looked up and the austere look on his face suddenly went dim, and then cold... very cold. "You are seventeen, Ella, and I am not going to argue with you over this. Do as you're asked and you'll be fine. It's not like you need us around all the time."

I forced a smile and swallowed the hurt that felt like a rock at the base of my throat. "OK, OK... yeah, I'll be fine."

I stuttered before nodding. "I understand." Mom smiled before she nodded like she hadn't even noticed the way my voice quivered. I was scared, and I wanted her to see it, but it seemed that wasn't going to happen.

"Good." She said, "Just make sure you don't forget anything important when you pack up. We won't be back to check on you. So, grow up. You'll be eighteen soon, when is that though?"

"At midnight, today," I replied painfully, they didn't even remember my birthday.

"Good." She replied.

"Right," I said softly, wanting to scream and tell them how much it hurt that they were going to leave me like this. But I pushed it back inside and smiled through the pain, most of which was caused by what the future would look like. Those three touts would have a field day. "I'll pack my things now." I finished.

As I headed up to my room, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Whoever created me must have wanted me to suffer. Right now, I felt like nothing but just a shadow in my own home.

I was going to turn eighteen a few hours from now and there was nothing they were leaving. No cake, no hug, I didn't even ask for a sweet word because it was a luxury here, one I never earned no matter how much I tried to please them; no "Happy Birthday, Ella." Just... utterly nothing.

As soon as I was done packing my bags, I put in a few things that felt like mine- a couple of books that I'd read a hundred times, a torn sweatshirt that still smelled like my grandma, and a sketchbook. They were the only things that put a smile on my face.

My parents had made me believe their reason for being there was just so I could exist. They showed no affection or sympathy. They were all cold.

I kept looking around my room. There was this nagging feeling that I was leaving something important behind even though I had everything packaged. When I finally got to the Russells on foot, the sun was already setting.

My parents didn't didn't say goodbye. My heart was pounding so fast when I knocked on the door, wishing that somehow they would open the door and tell me this was all a joke.

James was the one who answered the door. He crossed his arms and smirked dangerously the moment he saw me. He knew he was in for a treat and I would be helpless to stop him.

"Look who's here." He said, loud enough for others in the house to hear.

Then he whispered. "Poopella." Just immediately, Justin and James came rushing over, smiling just like Justin. I could already tell they had been informed of my arrival and had something planned. I sighed, too tired to even react.

James quipped. "Welcome to your new home. Try not to stink up the place. Jace should show you where the toilet is."

"Very funny," I muttered, rolling my eyes before stepping past them.

Jace's brows arched as he ambled after me. "What's wrong, aren't you gonna cry again?"

I clenched my jaw but realized it almost immediately. "I'm tired."

"Good. We wouldn't want you ruining our night with all that whining and feel free to use the restroom before you sleep."

They started laughing again. "Give it a break!" I thundered. "It's been fourteen years," I said, referring to the time I'd been given the nickname. As a kid, I struggled with continence when I was pressed, and considering my Omega status, I faced a lot.

Justin walked me to the guest room quietly, and something seemed off. He was unusually calm. I ignored the feeling that he was up to something, wanting to mind my business. But then he spoke up. "Hey, Ella... um, I just wanted to say sorry."

I froze. It took a while for the words to settle. "What?"

He nodded. "Yeah. For everything. The name-calling, the stickers..."

"Don't act like you care."

"I do. But... you know, just going with the flow of my brothers don't get mad. I just want you to know that I never intended to hurt you in any way. You don't deserve any of this. My brothers can be real jerks sometimes...but I want you to know that I'm sorry.”

I was speechless, but the genuine look on his face told me he was serious. I could only accept it. I nodded, feeling a lot lighter and a lot better.

"Thanks. It-it means a lot. If you don't mind, I-" I was barely done with my words when the door was pushed open.

A loud bang emanated from the impact. I turned to see a seemingly shell-shocked Jace standing by the door. A few seconds later, James joined too, looking oddly serious.

Then the three of them exchanged glances. Was this part of the joke? I thought. But that's when it happened. I felt the blood beat in my brain, and it was followed by a loud voice yelling inside my head. I thought I'd gone crazy but that fear wizened almost immediately when I heard.

"Mate! Mine! They are our mates!"

No way! No f*****g way! The three brothers must have felt the same way because they were staring at me now.