Dragon cursed

•Nova, ch 1.

-modern day 2019

Nova’s POV

The final bell rang throughout Reedsport high school. Mrs. Bailey, the chemistry teacher, then wraps up her lecture. Books were being stacked into bags and chairs could be heard scooting under desks as the other seniors begin to file out of the science room into the hallways.

I finished gathering my book bag and clearing off the desk in a daze. ‘Finally it’s the weekend!’ I thought to myself. I quickly recover from my daydreaming and swiftly head out of the chemistry room into the hallway. As I turn the corner and head towards the exit I quickly make a pitstop at my locker to put away several of the large books, stacking them inside. After grabbing just the 2 I would need over the weekend, I peek into the little mirror on the door and fix my long blonde curls into a ponytail and re-apply my matte lipstick before finally closing the locker. With my full figure, decent height, and curls I can easily turn heads, many of the guys have asked me out at least once but I only have eyes for one.

With a brisk pace I walk out the main door, through the parking lot to my silver Ford Focus pulling my keys out on my way. A group of the senior football players are hanging around the neighboring red Toyota pickup. Two of the rowdy teenagers are blocking my door. Not wanting to be held up any longer from my plans this evening I tried to walk around the car intending to climb through to the drivers side if need be. I open the passenger’s side and deposit my bag.

The very sexy muscular back closest to me grabs my attention. Butterflies rise in my stomach when I realize who it belongs to.

Daniel hears my door close and turns around to face me and smiles. “Where are you off to in such a hurry Nova?” He asks, combing his short dark hair back with his hand. His physic is enough to make me drool, let alone his silky voice and perfect hair.

“I have plans and I’d like to get going.” I say, trying to act casual, keeping my voice even. “My best friend is waiting for me to pick her up so we can go shopping.” Ending with a curt nod. I was slightly regretting not having enough time to stay and have a real conversation with him if only we were alone. ‘What am I thinking?’

“There’s no reason to hurry.” He says.

“Well I’m sorry but I am actually in a hurry. This is the 2nd time you’ve stalked my car this week,” I say teasing with my eyebrow raised. “Why can’t you take a hint Danny? I’ve told you already, I’m not interested in going to the homecoming dance.” I said. I was trying to keep my cool and play hard to get, I would have been delighted to go with him if I didn’t already have plans with my family that night.

Suppressed laughter from my rejection could be heard from the small crowd gathering behind Danny. I glared at the clowns enjoying scene between me and Danny. Many of the other players are trying to get in closer to see his reaction. A disappointed look briefly crosses Danny’s face. My stomach then twisted, I hated to see that look on his face.

“Well you are the most beautiful girl in school and any guy would be lucky to dance with you. It’s a shame you’re not going, you would be the perfect homecoming queen.” Danny said.

“I’m flattered, but I can’t. Unfortunately I have other plans with my family that night. Thank you for the offer though.” I said with regret, but with that note of finality, I gently push my way past Danny and get in my car. I glance up and couldn’t help but give him an apologetic look as I put the keys in the ignition. He steps away and lets me back out of the parking space with a disappointed face, but gives me a brief smile before I drove away.

I couldn’t help wishing that I could go with him. ‘Why did the festival have to be on the same night as the dance.’ I thought to myself.

…

It was a quick mile and a half drive to my parent’s little house on the corner of 3rd street. After parking and checking the mailbox with flowers painted on it, Nova quickly heads inside the house to unpack her school bag. Lilly greets me faithfully at the door with the happiest butt wiggle she could manage. She is a 5 year old boxer with the prettiest brown eyes. After letting Lilly outside, I head upstairs to get ready for a night out shopping with Evelyn. I switch out my outfit to something more fashionable, a ruffled blouse with long sleeves, a pair of skinny jeans, and the cutest ankle boots with heels. Looking in the mirror I’m left admiring my choice. I touch up my makeup before heading back downstairs to let Lilly in then leave.

I was so excited for the upcoming moon festival, as well as the shopping trip with Eve tonight. Grabbing my purse and black leather jacket as I walked out the front door and over to the car. Before starting the engine I message Evelyn.

Nova: on my way!

Eve: Awesome, I can’t wait!

Nova: don’t forget to pack snacks

Eve: already on it

Nova: see you soon

After a 20 minute drive winding through the Oregon coastal forest I turn through an expensive and intricate front metal gate. I’m still stunned by the craftsmanship despite the many times I’ve made the trip to the pack house over the years. After pulling up the long driveway to the Silvercrest pack house and parking upfront, I send Evelyn a “here” and wait in the car for Her.

The pack house looks like a mansion. It is stunning with the mountain backdrop and the east wing hidden in the forest. The Luna has just finished putting up Autumn decorations making the building beautiful. My family are some of the few humans allowed on the pack house grounds being that my parents are witches employed by the Silvercrest pack. Alpha Derrick is actually Evelyn’s uncle which is pretty cool. I remember meeting Eve when I came with my parents on a work trip, and Alpha derrick invited me to join the pack house kids’ game of tag that day all those years ago. My family had just moved here, I think that was in like second grade.

After a few minutes Evelyn emerges from the giant front doors. She gracefully descends down the front steps, and approach’s the car. Eve was wearing a jean jacket, a medium length tight black dress, white converse, and her long brunette hair in a high pony. Evelyn has a very toned figure that any girl would be jealous of thanks to all her werewolf training and patrol. She opens the car door and eyes my new boots.

“Cute boots! Where’d you get them? I totally need me a pair!” Eve squeals.

“Dillards I think.. or maybe kohls. You look great. So, where to first?” I replied.

“Well first we have to get back to the highway then turn East to Eugene.. once we get to an actual town we should pick a department store with clothes…” Eve sarcastically trails off, giggling to herself. “You look good too!” She added.

“You’re unbelievable. You know what I meant.”I said, returning the giggles.

“How about we start with the mall, Victoria’s Secret, shoes, and the food court? Then to kohls after?” Eve quickly rattled off as she pulled out her Bluetooth speaker and started to shuffle through her playlist until she finally picked a song.

“I don’t remember kohls having fancy enough dresses, I think we should try Dillard’s.” I said.

Eve shrugged, she didn’t seem to mind where they were going as long as they were going at all.

Nodding in agreement to keeping the evening spontaneous, I then shifted my little ford into gear and began to head down the driveway back towards the highway. We were singing along to the music and enjoying the winding drive through the forested mountains. The highway follows a river and curves back and forth through some of the most beautiful views. This afternoon was an especially pleasant drive.

After hitting several of the lights red we make their final turn. Pulling into the mall’s parking lot, I spot a familiar red truck outside of Dillard’s and my stomach bursts with butterflies again. I rolled my eyes and sighed. After a brief moment wondering why he’d be here too, I decided to go ahead and park a couple spots down from the familiar Toyota.