*Celeste’s P.O.V*
This morning began stressful. Not only did Arnold forget he was supposed to drive me to school but he also missed two left turns. As we pull into the school’s parking lot, I realize I’m forty minutes late. I hate being late, especially this late.
“I’m sorry Beta Celeste” Arnold says in a low but firm voice.
I shake my head, “It’s alright Arnold” I give him a half smile as I get out of the car. I don’t bother going to class as I’m already late this morning. I walk into the school’s library which is almost always empty.
After rows and rows of high-rise bookshelves, I get to the perfect corner in this place. I notice a small framed girl is already there. Her frizzy brown hair pulled into a messy ponytail with her glasses sliding off her face. Her attention is solely on the pages in front of her that she doesn’t notice me. She has many other books stacked besides her.
I slowly back away but end up hitting myself with the shelf. She flinches at the sound of me. Slowly she looks up from the book and sees me staring at her.
I give her a small smile but her jaw opens slightly as I watch her body tense up.
“I-I... I’m sorry I shouldn’t-“ she quickly adds stuttering. She tries to close the book but I stop her.
“It’s okay. I’m sorry for sneaking up on you” I tell her. I quickly set my things down as I take the seat across from her. She doesn’t physically move but her eyes follow my every moment. I notice how tense she still is...maybe I should have asked if I could have sat with her.
“What are you reading?” I ask breaking the tension.
She fidgets with the book before responding, “History of Lycanthropy”. I nod as she shows me the rest of the books.
“Wow. You must really like history” I respond. She shakes her head and sighs.
“We aren’t taught our history. At least not the history of wolves”. She must have noticed my puzzled look because she lets out another sigh. “Regular Human school is as regular as it gets” she shrugs before returning to her book. I’m such an i***t, of course omegas aren’t taught the basic history of wolves. I don’t know what to say to her other than to introduce myself.
“I’m Celeste” I tell her. She smiles and nods.
“Cassie”
For the remainder of the time, she asks me questions about the book which luckily I know the answers to.
Before long, it’s time for my next class. I say goodbye to Cassie and make my way to class. As I walk by, I notice some girls whispering about me. They catch me looking at them and walk away snickering. I get more weird looks as I walk into class. My stomach tightens as the staring continues. I sit towards the back next to Alex.
“Where were you?” He asks me as I settle into my seat.
“Arnold doesn’t know the way to school. He got lost” I shrug.
“Well you missed a lot”
I nod, “I know, just lend me your notes and I’ll be fine”.
He stares at me before leaning in and whispering, “That’d not what I meant Cel”. I stare at him puzzled but he doesn’t get to finish as the professor walks in.
After class, Alex and I walk to the cafeteria. Before I get a chance to ask him what he meant, Amirah and her group of friends walk up to us.
“It’s always the quiet ones” She says with a smirk.
“Can I help you?” I cut back.
I swear if being annoyingly evil was a sport this girl would win every time. Her friends glare at us but only Amira keeps her smirk.
“Not satisfied with being just a beta huh?Pretty bold of you to go after Scott that night.” Students have started to gather near us as Amira continues. “Silly to think an alpha as strong as him would ever want you” her friends laugh as people begin to whisper between them.
I scoff at her words as Alex interjects for me.
“Walk away Amirah” he says.
She turns to look at him and with much venom in her voice says, “Watch how you speak to me. I’m an alpha and last time I checked your just a simple gamma”. I look at Alex who’s seething with anger. Although a gamma, he’s stronger than most students at school. He’s also amongst the fastest wolves at school.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about Amirah” I say. She laughs as her friends follow suit.
“Settle for being his side-piece. You’ll never be his Luna”
“Is that what you are to Derek?” I spit back. She gasps as the back of her land lands on the side of my face. Before anyone can react, I punch her right in the middle of her face. She screams as blood runs down her nose. Before she can charge at me, Michael comes out of nowhere and grabs her by the arms as Alex pushes me behind him.
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” Headmaster Murphy screams as students scatter away. Only Amirah’s group of friends stay behind.
“Headmaster, Celeste has gone crazy!”
“She attacked poor Amirah!”
“She broke Amirah’s nose!”
The headmaster looks at all of us with anger and disbelief.
“All of you! My office! Now!”
When we get to the office, he places me in a separate room before interrogating the others.
I can’t believe I punched Amirah! My parents are definitely going to kill me now.
Oh my goddess! What if they find out about Scott?! That I went out that night! I’m so dead...
As I sulk in my own emotions, Headmaster Murphy walks in with Amirah.
“Now I want to hear from both of you what happened” he states firmly. He sits in front of the desk as Amirah sits next to me. She doesn’t turn to look at me.
“Well? I’m waiting” Murphy states louder.
“I-“
“It was me” Amirah says interrupting me. She gives me a dirty look before continuing. “I hit Celeste”.
I stare at her shocked but she doesn’t react. She sits there motionless as she confesses to initiating that fight.
Headmaster Murphy clears his throat as he nods.
“Thank you for your candor Amirah however, violence at the Academy will not be tolerated. You are suspended for a week, starting now.” He tells her. She doesn’t react. I would have never expected her to own up for this.
“And you Celeste” Murphy turns to me “Please get going” he motions for me to leave.
“Thank you Headmaster” I say as I get up. I glance at Amira’s who doesn’t turn to look at me.
As I walk out of the office, I see Michael and Alex waiting for me.
“Hey Ronda Rousey” Michael says smiling. I roll my eyes at him which makes him laugh. Alex laughs too as he gives me a side hug.
“What did Murphy say?” Michael asks. We walk towards our usual cafeteria table.
“Nothing. Amirah said she started it” I tell them but this doesn’t surprise them. I notice Alex and Michael looking between themselves before they look at me.
“What?” I ask them. They don’t say anything. “What is it?”
“Well...” Alex pauses.
“I told her to confess and I would get Derek to escort her to the debutante ball” Michael says flatly. I arch my eyebrow as my lips form a tight line.
“You have university to think about. She doesn’t” Alex tells me. I nod as this is true. Had I gotten suspended, universities could have taken back their acceptance.
We reach our table where Cynthia and Melinda greet me with huge grins. Noah’s face is that of concern. His eyes shift between Michael, Alex and I. I know he wants to comfort me but I just give him a small smile. He nods as he watches us sit down. I sit at the furthest side of him to avoid any more scenarios.
“Sooooo...” Cynthia laughs as she stares at me.
“How’s Amirah’s face?” Melinda interjects laughing. They all laugh even Noah gives a small laugh.
“Could be better” Alex tells them.
“We have our little UFC fighter here” Michael laughs as he raises my hand. I roll my eyes as I let out a small laugh.
“Can’t believe she attacked you” Cynthia says concerned now. She notices Noah’s worried expression and places her hand on top of his. I look away to avoid staring at this gesture. I know I was the one that told him not to break up with her but I can’t help my heart from hurting.
“She’s jealous that’s why” snorts Melinda.
“Why?” Cynthia asks
“Because our little Celeste here” Melinda gestures to me “Is with Scott and he never gave Amirah the time of day” Melinda grins at me as she playfully pushes my arm.
Alex looks at me surprised as Michael whistles. Even Cynthia give me a thumbs up. Only Noah shifts uncomfortably as his eyes turn black in seconds.
“Can we change the subject?” I quickly add. “Alpha Sean’s visit is almost here” It’s the only topic that will change their interest from this silly conversation.
“Can I still come Noah?” Cynthia asks him. He nods as he avoids looking at her. I don’t want him to cause a scene, especially because of Scott.
“What time is he coming over?” Melinda asks.
“Around 7pm” Noah responds. He tells them about the dinner menu and all the preparations the pack members have been doing. They stare in awe as he mentions everything that will happen. Soon after, it’s time for the next class. I quickly grab my things and head to my microbiology class. This week can’t go by fast enough.
*NOAH’s P.O.V*
Dole’s night classes are cancelled until after the debutante ball. This only stresses me out more as Cynthia wants to spend more time together. Its weird how all of a sudden her attitude towards our relationship has changed.
“So what color should my dress be babe?” She asks me as she holds my hand. I try to slither my hand out of her grip but this only makes her grip tighter. Like always we are among the last to leave school. Her guard is waiting by the entrance to take her home.
“Whatever you want” I tell her. Hopefully she can just pick a color and I can go home.
“Should we get a limo?” She asks. I nod as I keep looking into the distance.
“Wow! So much enthusiasm” she tells me sarcastically. She’s stops walking and faces me. “Noah I want us to be happy again” She leans in and her scent suffocates me. She grabs me by the neck and tries to go in for a kiss. I gently move her hands away from me. I can’t do this. I know I told Celeste I would try but this is too much.
“Cynthia-“ I try to stop her but she puts her finger to my lips.
“I love you Noah. You are and will always be my first love” She leans in for a kiss again. I can’t do this anymore! I back away from her as I digest what she has just said. She notices what I’ve done and tears form in her eyes.
I take a deep breathe. I know I promised Celeste I wouldn’t do this but I can’t continue this lie. I just can’t. It isn’t fair to Celeste but it definitely isn’t fair to Cynthia. She deserves better. Someone who will truly love and cherish her.
I take her hand into mine and look deeply into her eyes, “I can’t do this anymore Cyn. I don’t love you the way you love me. Not any more. I should have told you earlier but I was a coward. I’m sorry. I am”. Tears roll down her face as she tries to take her hand away. “I’m breaking up with you Cynthia. I’m sorry” I let go of her hand as she sprints away crying. I feel like a pile of s**t for not having done this sooner. I watch her get into the car and then watch it drive away.
The whole ride home feels like a huge relief. Although I feel guilty for what I’ve done to Cynthia, I can finally love Celeste the right way.
You did the right thing, Hunter keeps reminding me.
I just wish I didn’t have to hurt Cynthia. I didn’t deserve to be her first love.
She’ll be fine. Once she finds her true mate, she’ll forget all about you. She forgive you eventually.
Once I get home, I notice Carla has a little baby in her hands.
“Who’s the baby?” I ask her.
“Gabriel. He lives in the orphanage but I thought tonight he would like to sleep in my arms” she beams as he lets out a small cough. She nuzzles his little hand as she continues to cradle him.
“Very kind of you sis” I tell her.
I walk by her to get to my room. I shower and come down for dinner. Dad explains that Katia will arrive Thursday afternoon. He also explains how we must be on our best behavior. Alpha Sean will visit the school and meet with the headmaster before coming over.
“Can we still expect Cynthia?” My dad turns to me.
“No... she’s... busy” I tell him. My mom gives me a questioning look but doesn’t press for answers.
After dinner, I head upstairs to grab a sweater and sneak out.
As I reach the beta’s house, I’m careful not to set any of the alarms. I notice that Celeste’s bedroom lights are dimly on. As I climb the side of her house, I reach her window. I give it a light tap before she helps me in.
Once I’m in, I notice her arms across her chest and her lips forming a tight line.
“What?” I dumbly ask.
“You broke up with her?!”
“I had to” I tell her as I sit on her bed. She stays standing as her eyes follow my every moment.
“Why? I thought-“
“I couldn’t do it anymore. I was suffocating” I say interrupting her. I hold out my hand to her. She hesitates before taking my hand and sitting next to me.
“What happened?” She asks me.
“It just wasn’t fair to her. I don’t love her. She doesn’t deserve to be treated like this”
“It was only until the ball”
“I can’t do that to her” I look at Celeste who’s beautiful eyes meet mine.
She caresses my cheek before smiling. I take her hand and pull her closer to me. Our lips inches apart as her scent is engulfing me. She smiles and leans closer to me. I want this and I know she wants this. Her hand moves towards the back of my neck as her lips press on mine.
Million tiny sparks erupt all around my body. Hunter howling in joy as my mate has physically accepted us. I pull her onto my lap by the waist as she gasps in surprise. I take this chance to enter her mouth. My tongue exploring the inside of her mouth as she slightly moans. My fingers slowly entangled in her hair as she continues to hold me.
When we finally pull away panting, she buries her face on the side of my neck.
The rest of the week goes by fairly fast. Cynthia is excused from classes by Headmaster Murphy. My nightly visits are what I mostly look forward to every day. Before I know it, it’s Friday and Alpha Sean is here.