XXXIX. Lunula High School

Raine’s POV:

It was one of those days, where it should be cold; but it wasn’t. Instead, the sun was bright and early. It was much too early to function properly. My eyes squinted once the rays expanded across the sky. It felt warm, but when I took my sweater off, I’m chilly.

“Well, here we are,” Harvey said.

Everyone around me was wearing shorts and a t-shirt while I’m covered in jeans and a jacket.

They weren’t kidding when they said werewolves’ temperature is much higher than humans.

I shoved my hands inside my pocket and ignored the curious stares around me. Of course, they’re interested in me, I’m sexy. No, let’s be realistic. It’s because I’m human and their supposed Luna.

The paperwork to transfer into Lunula High School happened much faster than I anticipated. I guess no one in the government really cares that much about an orphan.

“I’ll escort you to the office for your schedule,” Harvey said. I nodded once and followed him into the building. All school buildings somehow look the same, maybe some campuses appear more elegant than others. While we made our way towards the biggest one, I noticed a few not too far off of campus.

“What are those?” I ask.

Harvey glanced over, “Oh, that’s the dormitory. Some kids live on campus.”

“Why?”

“Various reasons. Orphans who don’t want to become rouges. Parents don’t want them to be at home. Parents are away for business. It can be anything.”

“Why aren’t they at the Pack House?” I question.

“Not enough room. Pack House nowadays is more for those who really work for the Alpha. Not everyone in the pack personally communicates with the Alpha. Some never even saw how Leon looks,” he explains.

I didn’t question any further.

The corridors were bustling with students and various adults. It was chaotic, filled with noisy chattering once in a while. I can sense it, the stares. The moment I look at them, their heads would turn away.

It’s the same as any other high school except with more stares toward me.

We made it into the office and the woman on the front desk gave us a bright smile. “Hello, Gamma Harvey,” she said. “How are you today?”

“Hello, Beth. I’m good. Thank you for asking.”

Beth tilts her body and her smile widens. “You must be Luna Raine. Welcome.”

I nod, “Good morning.” Beth seems like any other lady. Large sweater and oversized glasses. The thing that seems to comfort people who approach her are her smiles, warm and inviting.

“Give me a second. I’ll grab your schedule.” She got up from the chair and went to the back of the office. Not too long after, she came back with a small slip of paper. She hands it to me, “Here you go. We scheduled your classes according to your old schedule. If there’s anything that seems off. Feel free to come and talk to me.”

I nod, “Thank you.”

Harvey bid Beth goodbye and we returned into the hallway. It was less noisy, and when I heard the warning bell; I knew it was time for students to go to class. Before we went to my first period, Harvey gave me a tour around campus which includes the library, computer room, cafeteria, and gym.

“I’ll come by to pick you up after school,” he said.

I nod, “Okay.”

Harvey tilt his head, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

His face scrunches, “You look miserable.”

Well, considering I was forced to be here away from everything that seemingly brought me comfort for the past year. Yes, I am a bit miserable. Plus, I had always hated it. Being the new student at school, and knowing no one.

“Sorry,” Harvey said. “For putting you into this type of position.”

“Does this happen often?” I ask. “How Lunas, are forced to give up their lives and go with their Alphas?”

“The truth?”

I nod.

“Yeah. Most of the time.”

“Why?”

“Well, Alphas take care of their packs, but they also need someone to take care of them. It’s pretty stressful to take care of a lot of families and you’re forced to never show your weak side. The only time you can is in front of your Luna.”

“I don’t understand. It’s not Luna’s responsibility to take care of the Alpha. They didn’t ask for that.”

Harvey exhales and leans against the wall, “Have you ever wondered why wolves howl to the moon?”

I shook my head. “No.” Why would I ever wonder about that?

“There are three reasons why we howl to the moon. One, wolves howl to the moon to communicate with others in heaven. Two, to communicate with each other. Howling is the most direct way of communicating across long distances. Three, we howl to the moon because we’re lonely.”

“I don’t understand.”

“According to legends, Alphas are the loneliest of all wolves. They would lead packs but have no one to rely on. The Moon Goddess saw that and shed tears on her children. So, she granted everyone the ability to sense their soulmates.”

“Then, what about rejections and second chances?” If your soulmates are so perfect for you, why are there stories of wolves rejecting their other halves? It doesn’t make sense.

Then again, I’m not one to talk.

But, my circumstances are different.

I am not from this world, therefore, I am not obligated to follow the natural orders of this world.

That’s what I choose to believe.

“Second chances are meant to be for wolves who’s other halves enter unseeable situations.”

“And rejections?”

Harvey shrugs, “Defiance?”

“Defiance?” I question.

“Yeah. You know that the Moon Goddess is the mother of all werewolves. But, we’re also mortals with the capability to think; establish our own opinions, ideas, and beliefs. Not all werewolves want someone to make all the decisions for them. So, I would assume, it’s defiance.”

I stared at Harvey who looked at me in return. “You’re very knowledgeable.”

He smiles, “I try to be. After all, I am the Gamma.” He exhales softly, “You should go to class. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me later.”

I smile, “Thanks.”

“I hope my nice personality makes up for my sins in the past.”

I pinch my fingers together, “A little bit.”

“And make you feel a bit more comfortable in Crescent Moon?”

“Don’t push it.”

He chuckles, “No pushing. See you later.”

With a deep exhalation, I made my way inside the classroom. The teacher stops writing on the board and turns to the right. He places the white marker down. “You must be Raine.”

I head inside, feeling the strong gazes to my right. “Yes. I’m sorry for being late.”

He smiles, “Not a problem. Take a seat and we’ll discuss where you’ll be later.”

I’m grateful that he’s not one of those teachers who forces their students to introduce themselves in front of the class. I mean, what kind of teacher does that? Put the brand new kid in the spot like that.

My eyes roamed around the classroom, as I made my way towards an empty seat. Then, I saw her. Natasha. I didn’t know she was in high school. She didn’t acknowledge my presence.

After class ends, I met with the teacher and discussed how we’re going to catch me up. He evaluated my transcript from my old high school and said I’m good to move forward. He discussed with the other teachers and they mutually agree in not giving me extra coursework. I could start at the same position as everyone else. I have a feeling my status somewhat influenced their decision.

“I would like to ask,” Mr.Pearson said. “Why do you have so many tardiness and absences?”

I adjusted in the seat. “I worked part-time since I’m legally an orphan.” I threw it out there. Yeah. There’s no point in hiding it.

“Does the human community not provide enough?”

“They do, but I have other necessities I needed to cover.”

He leans forward, “Such as?”

“My pet pig,” Helen said Mister Oink is doing fine, but he won’t stop squealing at night because he misses me. Mister Oink wouldn’t go to sleep unless he listens to my voice. He likes it when I sing to him.

Mr.Pearson stares at me, “Your pet pig?”

I nod.

“Why do you have a pet pig?”

I look down at my clasped hands and adjusted in my seat once more. “Because I’m lonely.” It’s not a lie. At night, I do get lonely.

Mr.Pearson clears his throat. “I see.” He decided not to question me any longer. Probably because he feels uncomfortable. I am an orphan who is mated to his Alpha.

The additional paperwork Mr.Pearson had for me pushed into the second period. After I attended third and fourth, it was time for lunch. I closed my locker and made my way into the cafeteria. Everyone was in their own crowd, lost in their own little world. At first, they would look, but now the novelty had worn off.

After I got my lunch, I stood near the wall and stared all around. The chitter chattering of noises seemingly faded out. And as I stood there, I could only hear the beating of the heart.

I tugged on my hood, and with my face down. I made my way towards the double doors.

In the past, I would’ve walked up to someone who is seemingly familiar. I would’ve brought up something I noticed from them. Give them a compliment about their hair or jewelry. Maybe, asked them a question that’s not too overly uncomfortable. Then, they would invite me to sit down and introduce their friends to me. Their friends would become my friends.

It’s easy.

I wouldn’t hang out with them outside of school, but I’m there just enough to never be left out of the group.

It doesn’t happen much nowadays.

It feels difficult to socialize.

I ran into someone and looked up, “Sor-” my voice hitched inside my throat when I saw Natasha. “Sorry,” I said and moved aside. I do not need any drama on my first day of school.

“Hey,” Natasha said.