LUNAR BOND: The Alpha's Luna

The Apology.

I just freakin' splashed ice cream on Dennis's face. I froze, rooted to the spot, as my heart beat rapidly. My eyes flew to Dennis, and I immediately jerked back. He looked mightily pissed, his face growling with rage and his eyes gleaming with fury. His friends were awestruck by my audacious act.

I swallowed hard and took a cautious step backward. Then, without a second thought, I bolted out—scratch that—I literally flew out of their presence for my dear life. My heart pounded in my chest as I ran toward the classroom.

When I arrived in class, I reached for my desk and quickly sat down in my chair. I took a deep breath, trying to catch my breath and relax into my seat.

An involuntary smile curled my lips. Yes, I was nervous, but I was also glad that I had taught that jerk a lesson. He freaking deserved it, period!

Thankfully, the bell echoed, signifying the end of the lunch break. I prayed silently for the teacher to make an appearance. I wasn't ready to face Dennis. I roamed my eyes frantically, searching for any sign of Dennis or his friends. Not yet. I breathed a sigh of relief.

I reached for my bag and pulled out my history textbook, carefully placing it on my desk. Suddenly, Chelsea, the captain of the cheerleading squad, who was blessed with 5 feet 8 inches, blonde locks, and a beautiful face, swept it away, sending it to the floor.

"What the hell is your problem?" I roared, getting up from my seat. "Why did you do that?"

"Because I can and I want to," she snorted, rolling her eyes at me. Her sidekicks, Tessa and Cherry, who were right behind her, chuckled as well.

I was perplexed by their recent actions. I knew Chelsea and her sidekicks were bullies, but they never seemed to care or notice my presence until I gave that letter to Dennis. I knew she liked him, but she was overdoing it now.

Ignoring their presence, I bent down and reached for the crumpled-up textbook. My hoodie dropped from my face to my shoulders, but Chelsea kicked it further away from my reach with her right leg.

I was livid at this point. "Are you crazy?" I snapped, exasperated, flickering strands of ash-blonde hair from my face as I stood facing her. "If you have something against me, then say it!"

"Oh, really?" Chelsea scoffed, sizing me up with her blue eyes. "Why did you think a silly thing like you could splash ice cream on Dennis's handsome face, huh?" She spat angrily, her face forming a dark frown.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring her obvious rage.

"Probably because he rejected her," said Cherry, and the class echoed with a few chuckles.

My heartbeat quickened, and my face heated up. My stomach twisted in knots, and I wasn't ready to relieve that embarrassing moment. I lowered my lashes, unable to meet their mocking gaze.

"Why are you suddenly speechless?" Chelsea teased, her lips curving into a spiteful grin as she stepped right in front of me. "Cat got your tongue?"

At that moment, a voice interrupted us. "Leave her alone!"

I froze for a second before gazing up to confirm the owner of the voice, and my heart almost flew out of my chest to see Dennis standing by the door.

I moved back impulsively, trying to gauge his facial expressions. He had a smug grin playing on his lips, and, on closer inspection, I noticed he'd changed his clothes. I swallowed hard.

He was now wearing fitted blue pants and a tight white shirt, with his huge biceps bulging out. He looked hella fine, I must say.

"Why?" Chelsea barked, glowering at him, "I mean, she splashed freaking ice cream on you just a few moments ago."

I swallowed hard, gritting my teeth while lowering my lashes to hide my expression. He glanced at Chelsea, then shifted his gaze to me, and I was unable to read anything in his eyes.

My chest heaved in relief when our teacher walked into the classroom a few seconds later, and everyone scurried into their seats.

At that moment, Harley walked into the classroom, amusement written all over her fine face. "What is it I'm hearing?" She whispered as she sat beside me. "You splashed ice cream on Dennis's face?"

"Shh." I roamed my eyes around cautiously, motioning with my finger to keep her voice down. A chuckle escaped her lips, but she said nothing, nodding away.

After the last lecture, I literally ran out of class. I didn't want any more confrontations with Dennis.

I reached for my locker, hastily placing my books inside, when I suddenly jerked and my heartbeat quickened at the sound of a bang on the door of my locker.

"Harles!" I met her gaze, holding my chest in one hand, my eyes reproachful. "Why did you do that?"

"Oh, come on!" She rolled her eyes at my theatrics. "I heard everything," she grinned, her curly hair bobbling as she jumped. "I'm so proud of you, Al!"

A smile touched my lips, shaking my head. Harley could be so extra sometimes. "And now he's probably pissed."

"Who cares?" she mused. "I can't wait to hear the details. But I've got to go now," she said, glancing at her wristwatch. "I've got to shop for a dress for the dance. Too bad you ain't coming."

"I'll be fine, Harles. Don't bother about me."

"Alright, Al," she said, her lips slanted in a pout. "Here," she was handing me some of her books hastily, "keep them inside your locker. I'll collect them on Monday."

I reached for the books, but one of them slipped from her hands, falling on the floor.

"Sorry, Alice," she said as she turned and ran out of the hallway.

I drew a disappointed breath. This was the last high school dance until I graduated. I wanted to go so badly, but that jerk ruined it all. I spent five years in high school, but I never once dated.

I knew I wasn't the most popular. In fact, I loved to think of myself as invincible. But I had at least two guys approach me for the dance. That was until Dennis ruined my reputation.

All I ever wanted was to go out to dance with that jerk. What was even running through his mind? During class, I had stolen a few glances at him, and he had this mysterious look on his face that sent chills running through my spine. Horrible bastard.

I bent down, reaching for Harley's book, but a long and hard hand beat me to it. I glanced up. "Oh cr#p," a nervous gasp escaped my lips as I saw Dennis.

I stood up, breathing quiveringly, and took a cautious step backward, as if to put myself out of his reach.

"What...do...do...you want?" I all but stuttered, meeting his alluring blue orbs. A smile curled his luscious lips.

I looked on perplexedly. Why the hell was he smiling?

He stood up with the book in his hands. "Hmm, 'All About Werewolves'?" he arched a brow in amusement, glancing at the book in his hands. "Nice book," he said before handing it to me.

I reached for the book, took it, placed it inside my bag, then stepped back again, my eyes suspiciously meeting his. Although I wondered what Harley was doing with such a book,

"Alice," he began, and I swallowed, evidently pleased at how my name came out from his lips, "I wanted to apologize to you for my recent behavior..."

I was flabbergasted and didn't comprehend whatever followed after that. My head was spinning, and my stomach was in knots.

Was he truly apologizing right now?

"Alice?" He was puzzled; his keen gaze was fixated on me. "Did you grasp?"

I faltered under the intensity of his stare but managed a nod.

"So will you go out to the dance with me?"

"What!" My eyes widened with a gulp as he got me out of my daze.

"Come on," he urged, a smile touching his very red lips. "Let's just call it even and start afresh."

I know this scene. He was being fake nice to me, trying to lure me into the lion's den and devour me. No, I won't fall for his antics... until, "Please?" he said, his panty-dropping smile and cheerful crinkled eyes making me reconsider.

"Yes," I blurted out, the word escaping my lips before I could stop myself. I found myself nodding enthusiastically too.

Wait, no! That wasn't what I meant. I wanted to put him in his place. It wasn't supposed to be that easy, damnit!

"So where should I pick you up? Your home?" he asked.

"No!" I shook my head frantically, his arched brow showing his confusion at my impulsive reply. "I meant," I hurriedly explained, "I'll be at my friend Harley's house."

"OK. So what's her address?"

"I'll text you the address."

His amused gaze met mine, and he seemed confused. "You have my number?"

Oh cr#p! Of course I do. I know so much about you, you have no idea.

Embarrassment flushed my face, but I managed a small nod while lowering my lashes.

A smirk appeared on his face as he nodded, saying goodbye.

Okay, what just happened? Butterflies swirled in my belly as I watched him disappear out of sight. Dennis freaking Henney just asked me out to the dance!

My body collapsed inside my locker. At first, all I wanted was to give him a piece of my mind, but I'm glad he came to his senses and it turned out like this.

I can't wait to fill Harley in on the details. I hurriedly clanked my locker shut and made my way outside, leaving the school premises. I had a dance to prepare for.