7. Orientation
1516 Words
Shyla POV:
I woke up bright and early the next day. I was restless and not able to sleep a wink.
I was anxious about the possibility of seeing Kellen… I mean he's a big reason my life was such hell, and I finally thought I was rid of him... just when things started to turn around for me. I told myself not to panic, to take a breath, and to get through orientation.
I showered and threw on an oversized hoodie paired with black yoga pants. I wanted to be comfortable at the assembly, so I hid my curves; I threw my hair in a loose bun and packed my bags. Thanks to Orlando, who really went out on a limb for me and got me a job in the capital at a medical facility not too far from the campus; since I was here on scholarship, I had strict requirements I had to follow if I wanted to stay here and having a job was one of them.
Noemi went all out and bought me an entire new wardrobe after our last conversation, but now, I feel too shy to wear any of the clothes Noemi picked out, especially knowing Kellen was here. It was like all the work I put into my confidence and appearance over the last four years went out the window, and instantly, I became that shy, timid rogue wolf again ...
I made a quick latte, grabbed my backpack, and headed out the door. Kate was knocked out, sleeping under a different guy from last night. I didn't bother waking her up; she didn't seem concerned with today's events. I knew this wasn't her first year attending.
I pushed open the heavy doors and walked across the lobby to the school's main campus. The cool breeze tickled my skin as I took in the beauty of the forest surrounding the school. It was the start of autumn, and the trees were turning red and yellow.
I met up with Noemi, Luther, Ish, and Orlando at the main office. They had already grabbed their schedules and were comparing classes.
When she saw me coming, she waved and smiled at me joyfully. I sighed at her beauty. She wore a mini-jean skirt and a cute oversized rust-colored hoodie that probably belonged to Luther. It looked perfect with her glowy, chestnut-brown skin and shiny, amber eyes, which had bright gold specks. Her auburn hair was coiled in tight, defined curls that fell down her back, making her look like a goddess. I felt utterly underdressed around her.
Her smile faltered as she looked me up and down, taking in my appearance. f**k I mentally groaned.
“Shyla,” she whined ... “we talked about this!”
"What?" I asked innocently, tugging the hem of my hoodie closer to my body, shielding myself from her glare. But it wasn't going to save me. I knew exactly what she was referring to my speech over the past 6 months of coming out of my shell.
"Shyla, she said, dragging me by the arm to the bathroom... I knew you were going to do this."
"Do what?" I asked, playing dumb.
She rolled her eyes and let out a small growl, "Don't play coy with me, Missy.... you found out Kellen was attending, didn't you?" She narrowed her hazel eyes at me, and I shivered slightly.
"Wha...what?" I asked, avoiding her gaze. "I have no clue what you're talking about," I lied through my teeth. She sighed deeply and began yanking off the sweatshirt and sweats I was wearing off of my body.
"Emi?" I asked frantically, "What are you doing?"
She didn't answer me. Instead, she bent down and pulled the hem of my sweets, revealing one of my ass cheeks. I flushed even though it was only us girls in the bathroom. I didn't want a student to walk in and see me in this compromising position; I didn't want to give anyone a reason at all to talk about me. I wanted to go back to being invisible...
I wasn't ready for this.
"What the fuc- Em?" I said, trying to pull the pants back up, but she sliced through the material with her claws, leaving my sweat a ruin piled on the floor.
I glared at her, and she blew me a kiss, "Trust me, Shy Girl, you're going to thank me for this later. You can't let Kellen stop your life and progress any more than he already has." I sighed and nodded; I knew she was right... but still, the fear of the unknown was terrifying, and Kellen had a lot of power and influence... I mean, he's going to rule our race one day... I have every right to want to hide away from him, even though I know it's a p***y move.
Noemi didn't know what it was like to come from where I came from. She was born respected, and it was demanded. I was born the enemy, a rat, a --
"Plus, you can probably kick his ass now," she said with a hint of seriousness in her tone, "You're unusually strong for someone so small." She reached into her bag and pulled out a black leather mini skirt and a white crop top, with an oversized jean jacket.
"I brought the jacket for your comfort because I know this is new for you, but I expect to see some skin tomorrow," she teased me, pushing me roughly into a stall. Now hurry up; we don't have much time."
I dressed quickly but slowly came out of the stall. The outfit was cute and clung to my curves... thanks to all the training I've endured for the past 3 years, I now had visible abs and toned legs, and a nice round ass. I always had an overly large chest, which made me feel insecure, but for the first time ever... I felt, dare I say ... sexy.?
"Damn girl, you look so good," Noemi cooed, snapping her fingers at her work, "Now come here, she dragged me over to the counter where she had her makeup bag laid out.
Do you think this is necessary? I said, pulling away from her, but she caught my chin in her hand and brought my face back to hers.
"We're going to enhance those beautiful features of yours today," she said, taking my loose chocolate brown curls and styling them in a half-up, half-down ponytail that she braided. Leaving the rest fall down my back, she swooped my baby hair with a small brush. Then, she began the tedious process of applying my makeup.
"You are so naturally beautiful, Shyla, like seriously, you need to own that s**t" She applied some blush to my cheeks which gave me the perfect pop of color, "Look down," she said, applying a thin layer of mascara to my long curly lashes.
"That's better," she said, admiring her work. Look," she said, stepping aside so I could see myself. I visibly gasped. I looked ... well, like myself, but also not like myself.
My golden amber eyes were brighter, and the green in them popped out more; my skin glowed, and the simple makeup gave off a clean girl aesthetic, which I loved.
"Wow, Emi," I said, smiling at my reflection, "thank you."
"Don't thank me, girl, that's all you," she cooed, hugging me.
I was on top of the world; I felt beautiful and feminine for the first time ever. The shy, timid rogue was gone, and the new and improved Shyla was here, a grown woman ready to take on the world. When we were done ogling ourselves, we left the bathroom and met up with the boys, whose jaws hit the floor when they saw us.
"Wow, Shyla... I've never seen you so dressed up?" Ish said with a strange look in his eyes, suddenly feeling very exposed with the way his eyes lingered on my cleavage.
"Yeah, Shy, you look amazing," Orlando said, nudging me on the shoulder. I blushed and mumbled a little, “Thank You.”
"Okay, guys, let's go before we're late," Noemi said, wrapping her arm around Luther, who nuzzled into her embrace. They led the way, and we followed.
We made our way into the auditorium and the hill I was just on turned into a hollow hole. The confidence I was feeling slowly dissipated as the students stared at me. I told myself they were looking at Noemi and Luther. They were well-known and famous, but I knew it was for me when the low whistles and catcalling started. Nobody would dare hit on an alpha's mate, especially in his presence, unless they wanted a death wish.
I tugged the jean jacket closer to my body, shielding my curves, and looked at the ground. Orlando let out a warning growl and shielded me from their prying eyes.
"Thanks," I smiled at him. He gave me a friendly wink and held the large wooden doors to the auditorium open for me.
- Writer
