Episode004
1120 Words
Alina Morozova’s pov
You must acknowledge it, Alina. Come on. Maksim is not nearly as attractive as Leonid. For example, have you seen the arms of that man? It makes sense why the Sokolovs chose him as the Alpha of Crimson Howl rather than his irritable older brother.
I tried not to roll my eyes as I said, "Yeah."
Naturally, Katya Ivanenko didn't stop there.
But even so, his parents mistreated him. Is that the way you assign all that Alpha work to him? I was going to invite him to the Luna Ball, and now? I suppose I'll have to find someone else.
Just as my parents, who were exhausted, synchronized, and dragging their feet as if they had hardly slept, entered the room, her laughter reverberated off the kitchen walls. Papa Viktor came right to my side and gave me a half-hug, while Mama Irina went around kissing Katya on the forehead.
"Papa! I'm being squashed by you!
Good morning, Angel, to you as well. Good morning, Katya.
Good morning, Uncle Viktor. Good morning, Aunt Irina.
Good morning, my love. What did you girls do last night? Mom inquired.
I glanced at Katya and shrugged.
"We just finished our English homework."
That seemed to satisfy Mama enough.
Well, remember to ask Katya for math assistance as well. She is in advanced placement, as you are aware.
With a groan, I stuffed a spoonful of FrootLoops into my mouth.
"What have I said about eating only cereal on school days, Alina Victoria Morozova?" Mama reprimanded. You don't have enough energy from that!
"I swear, Mama, I get full quickly with just this."
She simply hummed, switched to mother mode, and opened the refrigerator. She slid my old lunch tin across the table to me, the bright pink one from fifth grade with the faded stickers still stuck to it.
I didn't even have to open it. I could smell the contents.
There is food at school, Mama. I don't have to carry extra food.
She turned, waited, and gave me her perfect silent death stare. Yes, the game is over.
I let out a louder groan, let go of my spoon, and packed the lunchbox into my backpack.
"Are you happy now?"
She remained silent. Returned to the stove. Papa approached her from behind, put his arms around her waist, and leaned into the bend of her neck. She smiled and continued to stir the pan as if she hadn't melted into him, not even flinching.
I just watched them for a moment. Soft, quiet, and utterly in love.
I will have that one day. Someone who sees me that way holds me in that regard. Volkyn Soul bound. Mine.
Katya gave me a forceful elbow.
"Front door," she muttered.
Correct. It's time to get back up. I picked up my bag and hurried out the door.
"Goodbye! After school, see you! I threw my soiled cheering uniform in the basket, Mama. Would you please wash it for me? I appreciate it, love you!
I heard her voice again halfway out.
"My dear! Could you please go upstairs and retrieve my credit card from the dresser? Tonight, Alpha's son returns from Lukanov Training Fortress. Volkyn Stone Circle is the scene of a gathering. You might want to get a new outfit.
Wide-eyed, I turned. Really? Thanks, Mama! I'll see you tonight.
"You're not going home first?"
"No! At Katya's, I'll get ready.
"All right, but act appropriately."
I smiled. “Always do.”
With a snort, she returned her attention to the stove.
Papa came downstairs a few seconds later with the card and a few additional bills.
This is it. However, keep the extra a secret from your mother.
I gave him a big hug, smiled, and ran out the door.
Applying gloss as if her lips were going to battle, Katya was already in her Sokol Sprint.
"You're not bringing your car?"
"Spending the night at your place."
Just as she turned up the radio, I leaned back, threw my bag in the back seat, and buckled up. Bruno Mars’ voice drifted out of the speakers “Just the Way You Are.”
As Katya drove, I hummed along, and we spent the entire ride avoiding potholes and griping about our homework.
It seemed as though the universe paused to gaze at us as we pulled into Novaya Luna Academy. Eyes, whispers, and envious looks. Yes, we did notice.
We strode past the onlookers and made our way directly to the group of men gathered around Leonid's vehicle.
What prevented Zoryan from making me his Volkyn Soul bound? Fire and war shaped that man, I assure you. It made no difference. His Luna was going to be me. In one way or another.
"Hey, guys."
Casual greetings rolled back at me in waves.
Katya positioned herself beside Oleg Vetrovski, as if she had practiced it. He's one of those guys, but she's been secretly lusting for him for ages. Keep quiet. Private. Reading all the time. Most likely writing down his dreams or something. He should definitely wait for his soul to be bound before committing any scandalous acts.
We’d overheard him once when the boys were joking around. They wanted to know how he met his needs.
"I have hands for a reason," he remarked.
Yes. That took place.
"Have you heard that Alpha's book-born son has returned?" With a sardonic tone, Dasha sneered.
I sneered. "He is their only son."
Leonid laughed and threw his head back as if I had said something amusing.
Oh, and. My stars.
Those arms. That smile, the way his shoulders were covered by his shirt. It ought to have been against the law.
Biting my lip, I observed him from the edge of my vision. Yes, I could absolutely see myself encased in that power in his bed. He remained by his side for eternity. Forever.
"Anyway. I waved it off, saying, "I'm just going to the ceremony for snacks." "And to see what poor girl ends up with the nerd."
Katya gave a snort. "Whoever ends up stuck with him must have irritated Luna Matka in a previous life."
Before we could continue to make fun of the man, the school bell rang.
I turned to go but felt a strong grip wrap around my wrist, yanking me back hard. Straight into a wall of muscle and heat.
Leonid.
His voice touched my flesh.
"Come skip school with me."
It wasn't a query.
I nodded fast, my voice completely gone.
He smiled and led the way to his vehicle. Like shadows, Katya and the others trailed behind.
Suddenly, the day was already better than the teachers had anticipated.
- Writer
