Against The Masses

Chapter Three: Settling In

It was awkward for Val, during the rest of the class. She could feel Luke's eyes on her the whole time. She glanced over once and made direct eye contact with him. Again, his eyes showed so many odd emotions but Val could sense sadness in them the most. She thought it was weird because she never was good at reading people but she could read Luke pretty well.

Once the class finally finished, Val rushed out of there and straight to the cafeteria to meet Destiny. She didn't feel like waiting around for anyone and just wanted to get as far away from Luke as she could.

"Hey girl! How was your history lesson?" Destiny asked Val as they waited in line to get some food.

"It wasn't too bad. Weird but informative. Hey, what do you know about a senior named Luke?"

Destiny couldn't hide her smile and immediately became all giddy.

"Ohhh! Luke is my brother. He's also pretty popular since he's captain of the hockey team. Why do you ask? He's single if you're interested." Destiny gave Val a slight bump.

"Oh goodness no! Plus it seems he has more than enough ladies to pick from. It's just weird to have a senior in a basic class like that. I know I'm there because I'm a transfer but I was honestly just curious."

"Sure you were. I'll let it slide this time. But he's a pretty great guy. Not like those normal jocks you see on tv and stuff. He would kill me if I told you this but I don't care. He's actually really sweet and caring."

Val rolled her eyes. "Of course he's different. He's your brother. You have to say that."

"Ehh not really. I would be completely honest with you about anything and that even includes my brother."

Val looked at Destiny confused. "But you just met me?"

"So? I told ya. We are going to be great friends. I can already tell."

Val and Destiny grabbed their food and headed towards one of the tables outside in the courtyard. It was a warm fall day and both girls wanted to take advantage of it.

"Oh! My friends are already here! Come on! They're gonna love you!" Destiny states as she pulls Val behind her.

"Hey guys! I want you all to meet someone. This is Valorie or Val. She's Luke's.... classmate in history."

Val noticed Destiny cut herself off. I wonder what she was going to say, Val thought to herself. She quickly moved on from that thought when Destiny began to introduce her to the two people sitting in front of her.

"Hey Val! I'm Nikita. It's a pleasure to meet you. Hope you're settling in okay?" Nikita had long wavy brown hair with deep brown eyes. Val could tell Nikita was tall even when she was sitting. Val gulped and hoped she wouldn't be the shortest person in this town.

"Nice to meet you. And yes, I'm settling in good so far. Just have a few more things to get for my house and I should be good to go. You don't happen to know a local repair man would you?"

"I do." Said a voice behind Val. She slowly turned and saw a very tall and muscular gentleman standing behind her. He had a warm smile, short brown hair, and light hazel eyes. "What are you looking to get fixed?" He asked as he took a seat next to Nikita. He placed a sweet kiss on her cheek before returning his attention back on Val.

"Val, this is Trevor. Trevor's my boyfriend." Nikita says with a smile.

"Hey Trevor. And I'm honestly trying to get the ice maker in my fridge to work again. It shouldn't be that difficult. Thanks though. I might try to hammer it again tonight and see what happens."

"Nonsense! Luke's pretty talented at fixing things. At least have him look at it. You've met Luke already right? He should be here soon." Trevor says as he looks around.

"Unfortunately..." Val mumbles under her breath but the group heard her and smirked. "But seriously, it's okay. I'll figure it out." Val glances down at her watch and notices her last class of the day was about to start. "It was great meeting you guys. I hope to see you around. I gotta go though, don't want to be late to my last class of the day."

"Oh! What class are you taking?" Nikita asked.

"Introduction to basic teaching I believe."

"I actually have that next! Let's walk together!" Nikita says happily. She turns to Trevor, gives him a romantic peck on the cheek, and then walks with Val to the next lesson.

"Luke f**k up already?" Trevor asked Destiny who was busy messaging away on her phone.

"Well, Stacy kinda f****d up their first conversation."

Trevor lets out a huff. "Of course that b***h Stacy has to get involved. Didn't she take that class last semester?"

"I think so. I'm gonna look into it. Luke wants to remove Stacy from campus but that's not up to us. We can at least make it so she's not in the same class but I doubt the Dean will kick a student off of campus just because the Alpha's mad." Destiny stated.

"Umm, a mad Alpha isn't a good thing. I don't think the Dean would want to make him any angrier."

"Maybe. We'll see. I'm heading to his office right now. You coming?" Destiny asked.

"I probably should go. Don't want to piss Luke off even more."

Destiny patted Trevor on the head kinda like a dog. "Good boy. You're using your brain today."

"Oh shove it, Destiny. Let's get this over with." Trevor responded and they both made their way to the Dean's office.

It didn't take long for Trevor and Destiny to arrive at the Dean's office and they could hear Luke on the other side of the door.

"Do you think we should go in?" Destiny asked Trevor.

"Let's just wait a moment. He might not even need us." Trevor stated as both of them tried to listen to the conversation.

"She needs to learn her lesson and she will not be in any more classes that my mate's in or I'm in or else I will tear this school apart!" Luke shouted from the other side of the door.

"I'm sorry Alpha but Stacy hasn't done anything that qualifies for her removal from those classes. I can try..."

"You will do as your Alpha commands! Remove Stacy from those classes or remove her from campus all together. Get it done by tomorrow or I won't be so nice." Luke said before he exited the room slamming the door behind him.

Both Trevor and Destiny were staring at him with big shocked eyes.

"You alright, Alpha?" Trevor asked.

"Where's Val?" Luke asked Destiny.

"She went to her last class with Nikita. We came to see if you needed any help but it looks like you didn't need us at all." Destiny says as she looks at the office door behind him.

Luke rolls his eyes and starts heading towards the classroom where Val and Nikita were scheduled to be.

"Where are you going?" Trevor shouts after him.

"To talk to my mate. I have to calm my wolf down. Ever since Stacy decided to show up and f**k things up, Finn's been trying to get out."

"What exactly happened, Luke?" Trevor asked.

"Well I was talking to Val. Getting to know her a little bit, smell her scent, and hear her voice. It was wonderful until Stacy rushed into the classroom and made it seem like we were dating or something. Before I could tell her to f**k off, Val moved to the opposite side of the room. I hated it. Finn hated it. I know she could sense I was sad because I felt her look over to me a few times. The whole situation is f****d honestly. I could have killed Stacy if I didn't want to scare my mate. That's still a possibility."

"No, we're not gonna do that. Yes, Stacy is a b***h but we can't kill her. She didn't do anything wrong to the pack so she can live for now. You might need to use your Alpha command to get through to her that your little fling is over with." Destiny mentioned.

"We were never even an item. I slept with her like once and it was before summer even started. She's just a puck bunny." Luke said before entering the academic building.

"A puck bunny who wants to be Luna." Trevor chimed in.

"Well that's never gonna happen. I found my mate and I'm perfectly happy with who the moon goddess has blessed me with."

"Now you just gotta get her to feel the bond like you." Destiny stated.

"I know. That's what I'm going to try and do when she gets out of class. Maybe offer to take her home or something?"

"How about you let us girls take her home? She mentioned her ice maker not working. Maybe you wanna somehow just show up and help her later on in the evening? Like you were out for a jog around the lake."

"That's actually a great idea, Destiny. I'm gonna do that. Make sure she gets home safe?" Luke asked her with a giant smile on his face.

"Of course, Alpha. Our Luna will be home safe for you to see her later this evening."

"Thanks, sis." Luke kissed her on the forehead and ran out of the building right to his car to head home for the day. Luke only had to take the one history class this year so most of his time was spent at the pack house completing his Alpha duties or working on his hockey skills.

"Well I'm happy he isn't angry anymore." Trevor said nonchalantly.

"Yeah but for how long? Trevor, Val is human but she's oddly strong. I can sense it but that doesn't mean she's going to understand our lifestyle. I'm worried she might try and run." Destiny finally admitted out loud.

"Strong? How strong?" Trevor asked.

"Like maybe stronger than us but she's not trained so she wouldn't know how to use her strength to her advantage yet."

Trevor thought for a moment. "Well, once she decides to accept Luke, maybe we can train her and see what develops. If she's as strong as you say, she could be a supernatural."

"I highly doubt that, Trevor. We are the only supernaturals around for miles. The witches are long gone, vampires stay away from wolf territories, what else could she be if she's not human?"

"Only time and training will tell. Hopefully she doesn't run. Alpha's love the chase and Luke will definitely track her down no matter where she tries to hide."

"I know and that's what I'm afraid of. Val seems like she has a good head on shoulders but most humans don't believe in us. But like you said, time will tell." Destiny said as she glanced down at her watch. "They should be done in a few minutes. I'll take Val and Nikita to the coffee shop downtown. You can pick Nikita up from there if that's okay?"

"Yeah that works. I'm gonna run to the pack house and see how Luke's doing. Try to give him a few pointers for tonight."

"Thank you, Trevor. Luke's really going to need it."

Trevor and Destiny hug before the bell rings dismissing class for the day. Nikita and Val soon walk out of the classroom full of smiles. Destiny felt relieved Val looked happy. The last thing she wanted to do was try and cheer up her future Luna.

"How was basic teaching?" Destiny asked the girls.

"It was a lot of fun actually! I can't wait to start student teaching. That's when I feel the most helpful." Nikita said with a huge smile.

"Same here! I love teaching. Gives me a sense of belonging you know?" Val responded.

"Aww you girls are so cute. You'll easily have all the male students craving your attention."

Val blushes and Nikita couldn't help but laugh at Destiny's comment. Destiny informed the girls that coffee was much needed after a very successful first day of classes. Val didn't think it was very successful since the odd moment from her morning history class.

On the way to Destiny's car, Val had a strange feeling someone was watching her and started look around the parking lot.

Val observed nothing out of the ordinary. She saw some students walking around the courtyard, talking in groups around different vehicles. But she noticed the girl Stacy looking right at her. Stacy was standing near the entrance of the main building just glaring at her. It appeared she may have been crying and was filled with rage.

"Whatcha looking at, Val?" Destiny asked before getting into the driver's seat. Destiny followed Val's eyes and saw Stacy looking at them. Destiny gave Stacy a challenging look which quickly snapped Stacy out of her trance disappearing into the building. "Don't worry about her. Her bark is way worse than her bite."

"Oh, I wasn't worried." Val interjected.

"Girl, I can see it all over your face. She won't be bothering you anymore." Destiny stated before getting into the car.

"Wait, what does that mean?" Val questioned as she got comfortable in the back seat.

"Don't worry about it. Now, please tell me you have an outfit picked out for the game Friday night." Destiny said to the group.

"I know I do. I'm wearing Trevor's old jersey. It always seems to bring the team luck when I'm wearing it." Nikita said happily.

"Whatever, Nikita. You wear it every time and now that I think about it, when was the last time that thing has been washed?" Destiny asked making a disgusted face.

"Trevor told me not to wash it because he didn't when he used to wear it and always won. I'm just carrying on the tradition."

"Okay, that's pretty gross." Val said.

"Yeah, I agree with Val on this one. I get that some people are superstitious but I'm not sitting next to you if you're going to wear that smelly thing. I love you and everything but I'm trying to make a good first impression with Val."

"Please don't worry about me. I'm just along for the entertainment."

"We are going to have to get ready at my place so I can give some clothes that have the team colors. I might even have an old jersey you can wear." Destiny states with a smirk and wink.

"That sounds like fun!" Val says with a smile.

"Here we are. The Coffee Corner Cafe or the C's according to the locals. Best coffee and donuts in town hands down. You're gonna thank me." Destiny smiles and pulls Val along with her inside the store followed closely by Nikita who's laughing.

The cafe was much bigger on the inside then it looked on the outside. Many little tables and booths were set up and already filled with townsfolk enjoying sweets and having pleasant conversations. Little knick-naks were delicately placed all throughout the store. There were old photos of the town years ago, sports gear from all the local teams, and even different coffee decorations. It was extravagant for the town but it had a homey feel.

"What would you like? I recommend trying one of the chocolate brownies. They're amazing. I usually take a few with me when I have a shift at the bookstore." Destiny suggested to Val. Nikita was already paying for her stuff and headed towards an empty booth in the back.

"I'll get us a place to sit before they're all gone." Nikita said as she took her goodies and went to sit down.

"Those brownies do look pretty good. I think I have to try one. Oh, and could I get a lemonade or something to drink?" Val asked Destiny.

"Of course!" Val tries to hand Destiny some money but she shakes her head no. "Don't worry about it. It's on me. Go ahead and sit with Nikita. I'll grab our order."

"Thank you, Destiny. I'll pay you back one day." Val smiles and heads towards the booth where Nikita is seating. She was almost there when a muscular individual jumped out of his seat and knocked Val down in the process.

"Jesus Christ. I'm sorry pretty lady. I didn't see you coming. Here, please let me help you up." The gentleman quickly reaches down and pulls Val up on her feet with ease.

"It's alright. I'm normally clumsy." They both giggle.

"You must be new around here. Can't say I've smelt your scent before but it's definitely alluring. I'm Thorn. Cassius Thorn actually. But please, call me Cass." Cass says as he pulls Val's hand up to offer her a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

Val takes a moment to gander at the extremely tall and handsome individual. He looked like the opposite of Luke in a way. Cassius had medium black hair, slight stubble on his chin, and the darkest eyes Val had ever seen. She was sure they were black but she never knew someone to have black eyes.

"Come on, Val. I got our stuff." Destiny told Val. Destiny took a moment to look over at Cassius and gave him a daring look. "You don't need to converse with his kind." Destiny said and then pulled Val along. Val offered Cass a slight smile before joining her friends in the back booth.

"Who was that?" Val asked the girls.

Nikita looked over at Destiny who was still staring at Cass making sure he was still where he was seated.

"Destiny? You okay?" Val asked again.

"Oh yeah! I'm good. And that's Cassius. He doesn't live in town but comes around a lot to hit on all the college freshmen. He's not a nice guy and known for being a player. Yeah he may be hot but he's a total ass." Destiny mentioned while taking a bite of her brownie.

"Anyways, what your schedule like during the week? Do you have classes everyday?" Nikita asked Val.

"I love my schedule actually. I only have classes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Gives me some time to find a job or something to earn extra cash to help pay for some of the things my house needs."

"Why don't you work with me at my bookstore?!" Destiny asked filled with gee. "I could really use some help around the shop and plus it can get a little lonely working by yourself."

"Are you sure? I can get you a copy of my resume if you want just so you know I do have work experience."

Destiny laughed. "Girl, it's fine. Just stop by tomorrow morning around 10:00am and I can show ya the ropes."

"Hey girls! Hope coffee was okay but I'm here to take Nikita home." Trevor says appearing out of nowhere.

"Trevor!" Nikita shouted and jumped out of her seat to wrap her body around him.

"I see dipshit is here again." Trevor said commenting on Cassius's appearance in the cafe. "I thought Luke talked to him?"

"I'll let him know when I get home. I'm gonna take Val back to campus first." Destiny stated.

"Does Luke and Cass not get along or something?" Val asked the group as they left the cafe. Val looked behind her and noticed Cass send her a wink paired with a smirk. Val blushed and instantly turned back around.

"It's a little complicated. Let's just say they have history. I'll tell you all about it later."

The group exchanged hugs and said their farewells before separating. Trevor and Nikita headed towards another shop while Destiny took Val to her car.

"I need you to promise me something, Val. And it's very important that you keep this promise." Destiny pleaded to Val.

Val was a little taken back with the sudden change in Destiny's behavior. Destiny is usually very bubbly and happy but her tone was serious and almost scary.

"What is it, Destiny? You're kinda freaking me out here."

"Just promise me you'll stay away from Cassius. He's bad news."

Val looked at Destiny and could see the concern in her eyes. Whatever Cassius has done, I guess she really wanted Val to keep her distance.

"I promise." Val said with a reassuring smile.

"And promise me if he tries anything, and I mean anything at all, you let me or Luke know."

"Why Luke?" Val gave a puzzling look.

"Well he's my brother and even though I'm tough, he's tougher and he wouldn't want anything happening to my friends. He's sweet like that."

"Alright. I promise to keep my distance and let you or Luke know if he tries something."

Destiny let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Let's head out. I'm sure you're as exhausted as I am right now and I can't wait to see your tiny home!"

Val gave a shy smile. "It's nothing to fancy, but it's home. My foster mother actually left it for me in her will. That's what really brought me all the way out here. It was a free house to live in and the college accepted me right away. It was like I was supposed to come here, you know?"

"Oh. I know that feeling all too well, girl. Trust and believe this is exactly where you're supposed to be." Destiny winked, started her car, and began the drive back to campus so Val could get her car.