LUNAR BOND: The Alpha's Luna

We're coming for you!

"Are you feeling better now?" Nicholas asked, his gaze focused intently on me. "You shouldn't let it continue to bother you."

I took a deep breath, using my hand to wipe my face. "Don't worry about me," I responded, my lashes fluttering to conceal my emotions. "I'm alright now."

"Really?" He challenged, raising an eyebrow, "Then why are you still crying, huh?"

I averted my gaze, my eyes scanning the mundane concrete surface of the rooftop. "How did you know to bring me here?"

"Why?" He inquired, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"You just arrived today."

"Well, isn't that great?" he replied, stretching out his hands. "That means I was able to adapt quickly."

A chuckle escaped my lips; he was rather charming.

"I'm glad to see you smiling again." His voice carried a sincere attentiveness as he spoke: "Don't let him or anyone else hurt you anymore."

I was perplexed as to why he was paying me so much attention, and his eyes held an enigmatic quality that left me pondering.

I didn't say anything; instead, I reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from my face, standing silently in awe of this mysterious individual.

"But what happened?" His ash-colored eyes remained fixed on me, intense and scrutinizing. "Everyone was talking about the kiss and this."

A blush painted my cheeks, and I immediately looked away. There was nothing I could say in response to his question. Besides, we had only just met.

"I understand if you're uncomfortable," he began, "but I just hope you'll be careful."

Confusion filled my face. Why was his expression so serious and focused?

"And," he leaned forward, removing my hoodie from over my head, "stop hiding your beautiful face." My heart fluttered and quickened its pace as I lowered my lashes, taking a step back.

"Once in a while," he continued, "let your hair down, be confident, and don't let anyone walk all over you, especially not on your birthday." I met his mesmerizing gaze, and uncertainty was written all over me. "It's your bestie, Harley. She told me everything." His lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

I silently cursed Harley. Why was she discussing me with this new guy? If it were any other guys, except for Dennis, of course, I wouldn't care. I didn't understand why I felt so conscious around Nicholas.

"Don't worry," he interrupted my thoughts, a playful glint in his eyes as he watched my face, "she didn't say anything bad about you." He chuckled.

"I think I'm okay now," I said, then turned to begin my departure. "Thank you, Nicholas."

"You're welcome." "And you can call me Nick." I turned to face him again, and he smiled, causing my heart to skip a beat.

What is it about this guy that makes me feel so uneasy? I turned around abruptly and hurriedly left the rooftop.

"See you tomorrow!" He called after me. "And whenever you want to make that jerk jealous, you can use me."

I shook my head, a smile playing on my face. The new guy was definitely crazy. But maybe I kind of liked it.

*********

The next day at school, I avoided Dennis as if he were the plague, not wanting anything to do with him. However, I noticed that he had been watching me intensely, probably afraid that I would expose his secrets or something.

After lunch, I returned to class and looked around for Harley, but she was nowhere to be found. She wasn't in the cafeteria either, so I assumed she was probably with Jake or something.

I glanced discreetly to the side, catching a glimpse of Dennis slouched in his seat. His intense stare unnerved me, but I brushed it off, refusing to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his existence.

Just then, Chelsea waltzed into the classroom with an air of confidence, heading straight for Dennis. She plopped herself onto his lap, their bodies intertwining as he casually draped an arm around her shoulders.

Amidst their playful banter and the sound of her infectious giggles bouncing off the walls, it was all too evident that they were intentionally trying to get under my skin.

Good luck to her, though; I bet she'll be glad to find out he's a freaking werewolf.

I felt my chest begin to hurt, though, as my heartbeat quickened with my rising emotions, but thankfully, Nicholas entered just in time.

We can play this game, shall we?

"Hi Nick!" I waved at him, patting the seat beside me. His eyes widened in surprise, but he soon held a knowing look of amusement as he made his way in quick strides beside me.

I stirred up different conversations just to keep myself engaged, and I forgot about that jerk momentarily.

I was actually enjoying his company, and to my delight, some of our female classmates were staring at me, envious of my new-found closeness with the new hot guy.

So Nick was also an orphan like me—the only child too—plus he had recently moved to Albertville from New York. Unlike me, he lives alone, and I actually wish I were in his shoes; I wouldn't have to put up with Aunt Claire and her devilish twins.

Impulsively, my eyes wandered around and caught a glimpse of Dennis gazing at us. His blue eyes darkened with fury and inexplicable anger. Why does he even care? After brutally rejecting me, he can kiss my a#s.

***********

I approached my locker, ready to grab my gym clothes for the day, and I couldn't help but notice a white piece of paper peeking out from the top of the metal door.

Curiosity sparked within me as I reached out and carefully pulled it out, my eyes scanning the handwritten message written in red ink that sent shivers down my spine.

"We're coming for you! -R."

My heart skipped a beat, and a flood of questions surged through my mind. Who wrote this? And more importantly, who was behind it?

As I mulled over the possibilities with my eyes roaming the hallway suspiciously, my thoughts immediately darted to Dennis and his golden werewolves; maybe they wanted to scare me into keeping my mouth shut or something.

Or perhaps it could be the devilish twins; I mean, they were still mad at me for kissing Dennis at the dance.

And then there was Chelsea. Could it be her? She's been trying to pull my legs lately, so I won't be surprised if she results in silly pranks.

I let out a frustrated sigh. In fact, I don't know anymore; I mean, none of their names began with an R to begin with.

Standing there, lost in my thoughts, I realized that it was futile to jump to conclusions without any evidence. And so, I opened my bag, placing the paper inside before zipping it in and waving it off my mind—a silly prank, I concluded.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my locker and made my way to the court.

Today we were playing volleyball, and our knucklehead gym instructor didn't see the need to separate the females from the males.

As fate would have it, I and Nicholas were on the same team, while Dennis and Chelsea were on the other team.

Although perplexed by his expression, a triumphant smile curled my lips at how distressed Dennis looked to see Nick standing next to me.

The scorching sun beat down mercilessly on the sand-covered court, intensifying the already fierce competition of our volleyball game. Beads of sweat dripped down my forehead as I focused on the fast-paced action unfolding before me.

Furrowing my brows, I couldn't help but notice the way Dennis's eyes seemed to fixate on Nick, like a predator honing in on his prey. The ball leaped out of his hands with unerring accuracy, targeting Nick without mercy.

What the heck is his problem? Dennis was being a complete jerk, deliberately singling out Nick.

Yet, to my relief, Nick demonstrated his lightning-fast reflexes and managed to catch most of the balls thrown his way. My worries began to subside, a glimmer of hope flickering within me.

Just as I let my guard down, believing that the worst had passed, Chelsea unleashed a vicious strike, the force behind it catching me off guard.

With a gasp, I braced myself for impact, but despite my anticipation, I lost my footing on the shifting sand and stumbled backward.

Time seemed to slow down as I plummeted, my body crashing into the unforgiving ground.

Pain exploded through my face, and I instinctively clutched my throbbing nose, feeling the warm stickiness of blood flowing through my fingers.

Slowly, I lifted my gaze, and my heart twisted with a mixture of anger and disbelief as I locked eyes with Chelsea. There was a malicious smile playing on her lips, a sardonic triumph reflected in her eyes.

Rage surged through my veins as I realized the truth. That stupid bit*h did this on purpose.

The piercing sound of the gym instructor's whistle shattered the air, bringing an abrupt end to the game.

As the chaos settled, Dennis quickly darted over, concern painted on his face. "Are you alright?" He crouched down beside me, extending his hand with his stupid false worry lurking behind his eyes. "Take my hand."

"Don't touch me!" I shoved his hand away, eyes flashing with a mix of irritation and frustration.

How dare he act concerned now? This was all his freaking fault. I couldn't help but suspect that Chelsea's actions were somehow influenced by him.

In the midst of my pain and confusion, I noticed Harley rushing towards me, our gym instructor and Nick close behind her. Concern laced Harley

"Alice!" As my vision cleared through the haze of pain, I glimpsed Harley's figure sprinting towards me, her worry-laden voice echoing in my ears. "Alice!" she cried out as she crunched besides me. "Are you alright?"

Nodding slowly, I muffled the throbbing ache in my nose with one trembling hand. "I just need to stop the bleeding," I managed to utter.

Harley's gaze shifted upwards, and I followed her line of sight, my eyes landing on Chelsea.

A surge of anger flooded my veins as her sneer caught my attention. "That b***h did it on purpose," Harley snarled, her voice dripping with venom. Searing daggers of hatred shot from her eyes, she fixated on Chelsea. "It's high time someone put her in her place."

From the corner of my vision, I could feel Dennis's intense gaze, his expression twisted with anger and frustration, but in my weakened state, I waved him off dismissively. I had no room in my heart for his hollow concern.

Just as frustration hung heavy in the air, Nick and our gym instructor abruptly arrived by my side.

The bulky man knelt down next to me, his concerned gaze probing my face. "Are you alright, Alice?" he asked, his voice gruff with worry.

Nodding my head, I forced a mask of strength onto my features, determined not to let my vulnerability show. "I'll be fine," I reassured him, my voice steady despite the pain.

"Alright, take her to the sick bay," the instructor directed, his eyes shifting from Nick to Dennis. A hardened resolve etched across his face. "I'll have a word with Chelsea."

As Nick extended his hands towards me, I instinctively reached out, seeking support and stability. With his gentle yet firm grip, he pulled me up from the gritty sand.

Walking alongside Nick, my body still trembling with a mixture of pain and anger, I could feel Dennis's intense gaze lingering on my back.

Intrigued, I turned, allowing a wry smile to curl my lips as I locked eyes with him. The explosion of anger and jealousy in his gaze fueled a sense of satisfaction within me.

He got what he deserve. Turning away from him, I continued on my way with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that the mighty Dennis Henney was now seething with pure rage and jealousy.

You'll regret ever rejecting me, Dennis. I promise you.