Luna or Reject?

As I rolled over and slammed my alarm clock, making it stop it’s infernal beeping, I sighed heavily. ‘Another new day, another new school’ I thought to myself. Dragging my limbs out from under my comforter, I begin to realize today is going to be a crappy day, in more ways than one. It was thundering outside so badly, the lights in the house were flickering like those in a cheap, creepy horror movies. My name is Melanie; Melanie Blake; and I’m ‘the new girl’. Today is my first day of senior year, and I’m starting it at a new school- Wind Warrior High. It’s already October, and I know the cliques have already formed, so it might get a little difficult to find somewhere to sit for lunch. Staring out my window for a minute, I decide I need to get up and start my day. Moving to my washroom for a quick shower, I stare at myself in the mirror while the water gets hot and steamy. My long brown hair that reaches the middle of my back is matted and uncombed, my ice blue eyes that prevent me from being able to see without sunglasses outside year round, have bags under them so large that Michael Kors could have designed them, even my button nose and plump pink lips look swollen and red; overall, I look how I feel- tired. Getting in my shower, I simply let the warm water wash away my fatigue. Well, water and my honeysuckle and orange body wash. After feeling like I was significantly clean, I grabbed a fluffy towel I kept by the shower, and sauntered back to my room to get dressed in my comfiest clothes- jeans, a loose fitting tshirt and an oversized hoodie. I didn’t bother with makeup, as I didn’t most days. With today’s weather, it was the perfect excuse to not wear it. Making my way downstairs, I noticed my mom wasn’t home. This wasn’t anything new, and I didn’t have high hopes of seeing her today before school. She got the job of her dreams- being an editor for a children’s publisher. It was perfect for her. All my life I’d listened to her tell me story upon s********e from books, some she made up on the spot to make me feel better. It was the perfect job for her, besides being a writer herself. The stories always revolves around mythical creatures like unicorns, vampires, werewolves, fae, all that typical stuff kids are into. My favourites were always the werewolf stories though. Something about them and their stories was like a magnet to my soul, even back then. Deciding to stop off at the local bakery we passed when we moved in two days ago, for breakfast, I grabbed my rain jacket, umbrella and backpack and left the house. Luckily, the bakery was only a couple minutes walk up the road from our new house. Stepping in was exactly like you’d expect- the smell of fresh bread, muffins, and some sort of super rich chocolate permeated the air. It smelled so heavenly I stopped in my tracks and inhaled deeply, as if I was trying to savour the smell. “Welcome to Windless Bakery! How can I help you today?” A petite girl behind the counter greets me. She had spiky red hair, emerald green eyes and a megawatt smile. If she was naturally this perky in the morning, I understood why she worked at a bakery. I simply gave her a nod and pointed to the board, indicating I needed a minute to look. They had fresh muffins and breads of every berry and grain you could think of; fresh made sandwiches, fresh squeezed and prepacked juices; fresh made treats like cakes and cupcakes; it was actually a little overwhelming, there was so much to choose from, and it all smelled like heaven. “What’s the best and cheapest you’ve got for a student on her first day?” I ask, grabbing the barista girls attention. “Oh! That would be our cherry bread.” She said, leading me to a far case. “Each slice is $1.50, they’re about an inch thick, packed with local fresh cherries, and easily over half the size of my head!” She continued, pulling the tray out from the counter. Wait, did she say fresh cherries? In October? In Canada? ‘Must be grown in a greenhouse or something.’ I think to myself before actually taking notice of the cherry bread. Oh. My. Gods. Barista girl wasn’t kidding! These slices were massive, and just crammed full of fresh, sweet smelling, oozy cherries I could already taste- causing the underside of my tongue to water- something that had happened my entire life whenever I saw something delicious. They looked so dense, but somehow at the same time, super fluffy and moist. Pure perfection in a bread. “I’ll take two.” I happily told Barista girl, before wandering to look at the juice selection. It was a little overwhelming to see so many kinds of juices- some of which I’d never even heard of before. So, I decided on the classic, and never wrong, apple juice. Getting back to the counter just as Barista girl finished wrapping and ringing everything up, I dig around in my bag for my wallet. “$5 please!” Barista girl chirps. After looking at her, dumbfounded, by how little my breakfast cost me, she simply winked and informed me; “no tax for students. And I may or may not have given you a small discount for your first day.” Well then! Maybe today wasn’t so crappy after all! Thanking Barista girl for her help and service, I make my way to the door, opening my umbrella outside, because I do believe in bad luck and all that jazz. Starting my walk to the school, I dig into one slice of cherry bread, and immediately all my worries and fears are gone. I was totally right- the bread is super dense, but once it hits your tongue it becomes a fluffy moist piece of perfection. It was like floating on a cloud- a cloud packed to the t**s with cherries. Enjoying my bread and the slow walk in the rain, I don’t think anything of the car that drives past, until it stops just a little ahead of me. “You’re gonna get soaked! And be late for home room! Hop in!” I hear a familiar voice before I see the face it belongs too- Barista Girl. Deciding why the hell not, I hop into the passenger seat of her Toyota Corolla, and we take off towards, where I think, the high school is. “I’m sorry if I startled you back there. I saw you walk out and asked the boss man if I could dip out a little earlier than normal. You’d probably be soaked by the time you got to the school.” She explained rather simply. “Thanks for that. Your boss isn’t upset with you for leaving early, is he?” “Nah! He’s cool! When I told him there was a new student who came in, who was walking, he pretty much threw me out the front door. I guess it reminded him of my first day here.” She laughs and tells me. “Well, thank you again for the ride. I’m Melanie, by the way. And can I just say, that cherry bread you guys have, is freaking amazing.” Laughing, she turns to me and says, “We get that a lot. It’s a secret family recipe. And I’m Melody. I have a feeling we’re going to be good friends. Especially if you like my cherry bread.” “Seriously? Melanie and Melody. That’s just weird how similar our names are.” “It is, but hey, at least I’ll be hard to forget! Sorry to change the topic on you, but do you know what your classes are this semester?” Melody asks whilst turning down a dirt driveway lined with huge trees. “Uh, you’re not going to kidnap me and harvest my organs, are you?” I ask, growing slightly anxious about the change of scenery from residential street, to forest. “No, I’m not. Promise. The high school burned down a few years ago, and the township rezoned this whole area to allow for the rebuild to be set back into the forest. A couple nearby homes went up with it, so to prevent that, and a future loss of life, they set it back into a clearing where it couldn’t spread to town as quickly.” Melody said matter of factly, as we neared the clearing she spoke of. Holy. s**t. On. A. Ship. The high school looked like one out of a Hollywood tv show about teenagers, only more upscale. It wasn’t as large as I’d thought it to be, but that doesn’t mean squat. It was still absolutely massive. It’s white stone and brick are a stark contract to dark and dreary sky behind it. The entire school was accentuated by blues, gold and silver. Banners, announcement panels outside, flags, even the field hosts the sports team logo, and the end zones are painted in the same blue, gold and silver. “This is the school? This is Wind Warrior High!?” I practically screech to Melody in disbelief as she parked the car. “Yep! Sure is! Now, let me see your schedule.” After grabbing it out of my bag and handing it to her, she studies it for a minute. “YES! YES YES YES!” “Wait, what’s yes? What’s going on?” I stammer, confused. “You have Mr Marka first period with me, and Mrs Shelby for third! This is awesome!” Well, today was actually turning out to be a pretty decent day after all. Melody led me through the school to the main office, where I was assigned a locker and given my phys ed clothes. Afterwards, we went on a search for my new locker to throw all my school books into it. Making our way to first period, we’re stopped by a team, and I mean a team of Barbie clones. “Wow Mel, didn’t realize you were such a loser to stoop to the level of, this thing. What is she even doing here?” The one up front spat out, shooting a disgusted look my way. “Oh shove a sock in it, won’t you, Karri? It’s her first day, and the last thing she needs is to be bothered by the School Ho. Now, if you’d be so kind as to f**k off; we have first period to get too. I’m sure you can find another c**k to ride before first if you’re quick!” Melody spat back. Literally spat back, right into the front girls face. The Barbie Squad was circling the one Melody had called Karri, losing it over how her makeup would be ruined if she didn’t get to a bathroom, quick. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as we rounded the corner to the History wing. “What’s their problem? Like, I haven’t even been here for 15 minutes and I’ve already made enemies? How is this possible?” I practically laugh out. “Karri’s a moron who doesn’t understand she’s not the center of the universe. She’s slept with pretty much every dude at this school, and some of the girls too. She’s a ho, to put it simply. And admittedly, I used to be her friend. Like, 10 years ago. Then she basically became the ho you just met. Not much to her. What you see, and hear, is what you get.” Melody says with a shrug. “Well, at least I know how to f**k with her if she tries to get in my face again. Just ask her how the chlamydia is going, and ask if the hemorrhoid treatment is doing better. I think she’ll stay away from me if I embarrass her enough.” I happily state. “Oh I’d love to see that! Oh man, you know? I think we’re going to be good friends, you and I, Melanie. Really good friends.” Melody laughs, opening the door to our first period. Well, here goes nothing. Ryker POV 5 year. 5 years I’d travelled trying to find her. 5 years I spent scouring the globe, looking for my Luna- the one to complete my soul, the one to bring balance to my Pack. The one to stop the fighting, the attacks, and the death. In 5 years, I’d come up blank. She was no where to be found. ‘Moon Goddess, why do you torment me so?’ I think, looking up at the storming sky from within my office. A knock at my door brings me back to reality. “Enter.” I say, already knowing it’s just Jacob, my Beta, second in command, and best friend. “Yo, boss man, welcome home. Hate to ask again, but any luck?” Jacob asks, knowing it’ll piss me off that I’ve returned without my Luna yet again. “No. And I’m about to just admit defeat and choose myself a mate. I can’t take much more of this. We’ve been attacked twice in the last three months. We’ve only lost 18 warriors in those battles, but that’s 18 too many. I’m the Alpha of this pack, and it’s starting to be seen as weak because we don’t have our Luna. We’re going to continue to be attacked and lose more members every couple weeks, it seems, unless I find her.” I sigh heavily and get it all out. I’ve been considering choosing myself a mate for the last year and a bit, but can’t bring myself to do it. The of-age she-wolves in my pack are aware of my standing about my mate, so it’s not like there wouldn’t be questions regarding the situation from whom ever I chose. Putting my face in my hands, and my elbows on my desk, I lean and rub my hands down my face a few times, something that I’ve nearly made a habit out of lately. “We’re one of the biggest packs in the country. There’s only a couple that could even rival us; the biggest one being the Arctic Sage pack, but they’re an ally of ours and wouldn’t dare break a 60 year peace treaty- they’d be the first to come to our aid if we truly needed it. Your grandmother was from that pack if I’m not mistaken. They’d have hell to pay if they tried anything.” Jacob reasoned with me. He’s right. Why in the name of the Goddess is this fool always right? “I know. I know. You’re right. You’re always right. Wanna hit the gym with me for a few hours? I need to do something to keep myself occupied and this paperwork for the new condo building just, isn’t it right now.” I ask. “Always happy to join, Alpha. Meet you there in 10!” Jacob yelled back from halfway out my door. It’s been about four and a half hours since Jacob and I decided to meet up for a work out, and we’re both exhausted and slumped on the floor of the gym in the Packhouse. We’ve pushed eachother to the limits of our abilities in human form. If we had shifted and done some training, we’d still be going at it. But human bodies are much more fragile than that of a shifted werewolf. It’s that exact reason why I had a second basement built beneath the Packhouse; I wanted to keep every woman, child, elder, and human safe while they lived on my lands. They were my responsibility, I’m the Alpha. “I guess I should head home and have a shower before Jenny gets back from work. She hates it when I stink like this.” Jacob says as he takes a whiff from his own armpit and recoils in horror. “Dude! Get that away from me!” I swat him away and he falls over sideways, not able to keep himself upright due to the fatigue. “I need to figure out a way to weaponize that s**t. It would be perfect as a first attack. Choke the enemy to death!” I tease Jacob. “You think you smell like roses, bro? Sniff yourself!” He retorts. Giving myself a whiff, I recoil in horror at the stench. “Oh my god, this is awful, I’m going for a shower.” I get up as quickly as possible and head for the gym doors. “I’ll see you later! I’ve gotta pick Karri up from school later.” I shout as I leave the gym, leaving Jacob alone to groan at the mention of my sister. “Ry-Ry!” Karri shouts at me, coming towards my black Tesla Model 3. “Karri. I’ve asked you for nearly a decade to stop calling me that. You know my name, use it.” I say as I grit my teeth at the awful nickname she gave me as a toddler. “But you’re my big brother. I’m allowed to call you by nicknames. That’s what mom and dad say.” She pouts and uses her baby voice in return. “Yeah, but not ones from when you were 3 and could barely speak anyways. Please. Don’t call me that anymore. Now get in. I have some paperwork to do that I’ve been putting off.” “Fine.” She pouts, and walks around to the passenger side to get in. Just as I’m about to leave the parking lot, I catch a glimpse of someone out of the corner of my eye, and my wolf loses it. “Mate! Mate! Go get mate!” Asher, my wolf, screams at me from within. “What!? My mates here? At Karri’s school? Are you sure?” I ask him. “Yes! Now go get mate!” “But we don’t even know who she is!” I protest. “Doesn’t matter! MATE!” Asher cries again, only louder. Sadly, I’m the only one who can hear him and his yelling, and it’s giving me a migraine. “Karri, are there any new students here lately?” I ask, trying to not sound too suspicious. “Yeah. There’s this new girl who hangs out with Melody. Remember her? Yeah, she’s pretty plain Jane. Oh, and get this! She’s HUMAN!” My sister practically spat the last two words out. “Asher. Is our mate human?” I ask my wolf quickly. “Doesn’t matter! Mate is mate! Go get her!” He tells me, getting happier and happier by the moment, jumping around in circles in my head. “Seriously? A human? What’s wrong with humans? Grandma was human, remember?” I ask Karri pointedly. “Yeah, but grandma was a kickass human. She could fight and take down anyone, human or wolf. They’re totally different! Humans are weak and fragile and need constant catering too.” She retorts, snorting as she gets the last of her thoughts out. That was it. I was furious. Karri was part human, thanks to our grandmother, and she’s a literal f*****g werewolf; a creature that resides mainly in human form. I slammed the brakes so hard they locked up and we spun 180 degrees. “WHAT THE f**k, RY!? Are you trying to kill us!?” Karri screeched as the car spun. “You can either cut the s**t now, or you can walk. I’m not listening to you bash humans, forgetting YOU ARE ONE. That’s a disgusting behavior from an Alpha’s daughter. Mom and dad raised you better than that! And! What if your fated mate is human? Huh!? What are you going to do then!? Reject them because they’re human!?” I quickly burst out, getting louder as I dig into my little sister. She’s too busy recoiling to try and get out of my reach to answer with speech, so she just shakes her head ‘no’. “Good. Now shut up. If I hear you speak that way of humans again, I’ll make sure you wind up as one.” I threaten, my eyes flickering black, then back to their usual ice blue. I was serious too. There are ways for wolves to be killed, without killing the human. And if my sister wanted to be a b***h to humans, I’d make sure she knew how to live as one. “Since when do you care so much about humans?” Karri asks slightly annoyed, a few minutes later. “Thought I told you to be quiet. But if you must know, since grandma, and the few humans that are currently living on my Packlands. They’re my responsibility. They’ve integrated into our society nearly perfectly, so the most basic of thing I can do in return is to defend and them. It’s called honor and responsibility. I know you don’t understand because you don’t care too, but I do and I have too.” I reply curtly, hoping that the conversation would be done. Luckily, it was. A few minutes later we pulled up and into the Packhouse garage. Karri had been silent the rest of the ride home, luckily for me. Getting out, I head into the house and into the kitchen for a snack and a drink. Losing my mind at Karri made me both extremely parched and hungry. “Hey Mrs Shepherd, would you be willing to whip me up a BLT quickly, please and thanks?” I ask our head Omega and cook. “Oh darling, of course! I’ll have it ready in 8 minutes for you.” Mrs Shepherd replies happily, stopping what she’s working on to make my snack. “What would you like to accompany it, dear?” She asked as she opened one of the 5 fridges in the kitchen. “Chocolate milk. Please?” I ask her, like I’m asking my own grandmother for another cookie before dinner. “Of course! I’m happy I stocked up when they were on sale this week!” She squeaked happily. I’d always loved Mrs Shepherd. She was easily in her 60’s, making her one of, if not the oldest, working Omega in my pack. I’d asked her a few times if she wanted to retire, but she’d shoo me away and say she likes to look after all her grandkids, and that her cooking was the best way to show us she loved us. She wasn’t our grandmother, but she’s watched pretty much everyone close to me, grow up, so she kinda became the honorary grandmother of the Pack. It was nice. She was happy, and she always made new members or those that were having a hard time, know they were loved. My mind drifted back to my Mate. Wondering how she’d feel about my pack, Packhouse, my family, Mrs Shepherd, everything. Seeing how deep In thought I was, Mrs Shepherd simply put my BLT and large glass of chocolate milk in front of me, without so much as a word. “Wanna tell me what’s going on in that pretty head of yours, darling?” She asked, concern growing on her face. Looking up at her, I say the only words I can think to say. “I think I found my Mate.”