Feral Mate

Chapter 2

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The next day, Ashling woke up at 05:00 and took her time waking up. It was 05:30 when she got up to shower and get dressed. She decided to wear the thin brown school stockings as the air outside has a bit of a bite to it, but that could be because she lived close to the river. She knew she would probably regret it later, but for the moment she was warm. She slipped on her brown school skirt and cream t-shirt, tucking it into her skirt. She them rummaged through her cupboards for her brown tie with the school emblem on it and swiftly put it on as it was already tied. Lastly she put on her brown blazer and school shoes. Not bothering to make her bed or tidy her room, Ashling went to eat her oats and brush her teeth.

She hopped into her dad’s Stormtrooper, a white Kia Picanto, and waited patiently for her dad. She was still not old enough to drive but just a few more months and she would qualify for a motorbike licence.

When she arrived at school, she walked through the gate toward and toward her class to set down her bag. Suddenly she found a pair of hands over her eyes. “Um…Mia?” Her best friend took her hands away with a shocked expression on her face. “How the hell did you know it was me?!” Ashling chuckled. “You’re the only one that does it, you twit,” she replied. Feeling like she was being watched, Ashling turned to find Keerin looking at her. She smiled at him and waved. He smiled in return and turned back to his group. Three of the boys broke away from the main group and came toward her and Mia, who was looking a bit lost. “Met him yesterday after school,” she explained. Mia’s mouth formed an ‘o’ in understanding. The boys had reached them. “Hey, you’re Ashling right?” the larger of the three asked. He had dirty blond hair and sky blue eyes. “Yes… is there anything you need?”

“Just wanted to make sure we were in the right place.” He replied. “Right place?”

“We’re in your class, Luna. At least that’s what we were told.”

“Ah. Wait. What did you call me?”

“Oh, Luna? It’s an… endearment. Means moon.”

“And why would you already have an endearment, never mind such a strange one? We just met.”

“Your eyes are a silver-grey. Like the moon. And I give everyone endearments as soon as I meet them. Helps me remember them.”

“Are you implying that she’s not memorable?” said Mia, seeming to want to be part of the conversation. The boy looked at her a moment too long for Ashling’s taste so she cleared her throat, looking at him expectantly. He just rolled his eyes. “I have a question: What are your names?” asked Mia. Ashling raised her eyebrows… she hadn’t thought to ask. “I’m James, the i***t with the bag is Mason and the tank is Chris.”

It was true, the boy standing on his left was easily the biggest sixteen year old she’d ever seen, with muscles bulging on his arms and broad shoulders. “I don’t want to be weird, but if we are going to be friends I might as well. You, Chris are going to carry my bag to math!” Mia burst out looking at him with wide eyes. “And why can you not do that yourself?” he asked with a deep rumbling voice that made her cringe back. “Hey! No need to be rude. She was just joking around. Come Mia, I think the boys are looking for us.” Mia looked toward her friend with hurt in her eyes and nodded. Ashling looked back at the boys and gave them her best death glare. It was enough to make all three of them look down. Then she looked at Keerin accusingly. She could have sworn is eyes were a different colour and he’d somehow gotten buffer… if that was possible.

Wonderful way to start the day.