My Winter Romance: The Lost Lycan Luna

3

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Laura and her group of friends. They single-handedly made my first year a living hell. They made me want to transfer before I even met Professor Bakers.

Why are my classmates showing up all of a sudden? They all couldn’t have been invited; Dominic said we would be the only ones here.

“Yes, sweetheart?” He answers. “I swear I just saw Joseph, Mirabel and Laura. Someone next to the drink stand looks awfully like Michael.” I call out the names of those I’ve seen.

“That can’t be right, sweetheart. I’ve been here the same time as you, but I haven’t seen anyone. Besides, you know they wouldn’t be at a venue and not come and pay their respects.”

That was the cocky, privileged attitude he had and displayed every now and then. I’m grateful that he has always been nice to me, but I can’t deny his being a b***h.

“I don’t know.” I trail. “Hey,” Dominic calls out. We’re no longer dancing now, just standing still on the upbeat dancefloor.

“How about you go get us a refill? Wine would definitely help you loosen up.” He recommends.

“I’ll drink with you.” He reassures me. “Okay.” I nod and make my way out of the dance floor and towards the punch stand. I reach for the cups when I feel it, eyes boring into the back of my head. I turn around abruptly, but I see no one. I feel the hairs at the back of my neck stand, and my grip weakens. I reach for the spoon, filling both our cups and turning back to face the dancefloor.

The couple next to me don’t even hide it. The woman spares me a glance before whispering to her husband, who in turn looks at me. Okay, I need to find Dominic and get the hell out of here. Does my dress look so cheap that it gave me away? If that were the case, I’m certain Laura and her friends would not have spared letting me know their mind.

I need to find Dominic.

I head for the dancefloor, turning my neck left and right, searching for his brown tailcoat. I check the corners as well and the snack stands. Nothing.

Maybe I should leave without him? I see more people staring; something is definitely going on here. I turn my head towards the entrance, and I don’t miss it.

Professor Baker is here. That can’t be. Dominic… Dominic assured me. Where the hell is Dominic?

Forget Dominic, I need to get the hell away from here. I turn and head towards the stairwell. Maybe there’s an outside exit, some back door or some s**t. I hurry up the stairs, leaving our punch glasses at the drink stand. I’m very thankful for my choice of silent kitten heels; the rooftop should be safe.

I hear the sound of smooching before I come face to face with the horror. My boyfriend, Dominic, has his hands under Laura’s now short dinner dress. Are they f*****g?

“What the hell, Dominic?!” I cry out. He pulls away from her slowly before looking at me from my feet up. I’m suddenly self-conscious. I clutch my arms, very aware of the winter cold. My shawl did nothing against the harsh wind.

“What the hell, what, towngirl?” Dominic scoffs. Laura is still attached to him, barely pulling down her dress. My eyes go to her thighs, and as if on cue, Dominic caresses them, further wounding my heart.

Why?

“Why, Dominic? Did you ask me out downstairs as a joke?” My voice cracks. I can hear my heart pounding in my ears. I feel nauseous.

I stagger back, but the sound of Laura’s taunting laughter brings me back. “Take it easy on her, babe.” Dominic cautions her.

Babe? Babe?

“What do you mean, babe, Dominic? Are you two—”

“The real question is: why the f**k did you think Dominic would ever be attracted to you? I told you, babe, she’s a f*****g leech. Doesn’t know when to stop.” Her words cut like a knife wound.

I don’t… How could I be so stupid?

“I’ll have to admit, when you told me about this, baby, I didn’t think she would be so dumb and gullible. But man, you’re dumber than I thought!” Dominic points at me.

His words hurt ten times more than Laura’s. They felt like literal pins lodged in my heart. How could he be so cruel?

“Haha. I told you, baby! I knew she was a loser. I don’t know how a f*****g town girl got the scholarship over Max. A leech in the central city! We need to exterminate,” Laura yells.

My head spins, and I’m instantly nauseous. Dominic opens his mouth and rains even more insults. “You know, Cassie. When my princess here came to me with this plan, I really didn’t want to. You know I’m a fair man, Cassie.”

“Yes, baby! So fair and just!” Laura seethes. “But Max, Max was my friend, you know. He deserved the scholarship, not you.” Dominic says coolly.

“Is this what this is about? We’re going to be done with law school next year! You all would never have to see me again. I’ve done nothing.” My voice cracks.

“I can’t believe this.” I cry. The tears flow down my cheek, and I let them. Laura bursts out laughing, pointing at me while clinging to Dominic.

“Why, you haven’t even heard the best part, and you’re crying! Why don’t you tell her, babe?”

“Well,” Dominic scratches the back of his head. “I was hoping to get the look on your face when you were picked up. They should be here any second.”

Gulp.

“Who?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper. “Why, the central police, of course! Professor Baker is not happy about your allegations, you know.”

All the blood drains from my body, and I immediately feel lightheaded. I fall back, losing my balance; my knees hit the floor.

Great. I’m right where they want me. I’m sure I look pretty f*****g miserable right now.

I wince, trying to pick myself up. I feel pressure on my head; it’s Laura, pushing my head down with her foot.

Talk about humiliating.

“I think she’d make a pretty succulent wall sacrifice, don’t you think? You think leeches bleed red?”

“Of course, baby. I decided the moment she made those false claims about my godfather.” Dominic says.

Bakers is his godfather? How could I have been so stupid?

“My dad would be pleased. The church favours female sacrifices way more than men.”

My classmates discuss my near apparent death, and all I can do is listen.