XL. I Approve of You

Raine's POV:
I halt my movement and turn around. “Yeah?”

She tilts her head to the side, “Come on. You can sit with me and my friends.”

Before I could respond, Natasha made her movement across the cafeteria. I followed her and all sorts of situations pop into my mind. What if she is pretending to be nice only to embarrass me later? I mean, she did give me the dirtiest look when I came here. She did say that she is supposed to be Leon’s soulmate. With each step, I prepared myself for the worst.

Natasha sat down.

I stood there.

“What are you doing? Sit down.”

I look around the table, only to have five sets of eyes staring back. I settled down beside a girl. They all continued to stare at me while Natasha digs through her backpack for her lunch.

“You’re the Luna,” the girl beside me said.

I smile, “Yeah. I guess.”

I prepared for an insult. After all, they are Natasha’s friends and not mine. But, nothing happened. Instead, they asked me how I’m feeling and if there is anything they could do to make me feel more comfortable.

The girl, named Ani, smiled. “I got Mr.Pearson last year. I can give you my notes so you don’t fall behind.”

I nod, “Thank you.”

I felt uncomfortable.

The amount of friendliness and inviting atmosphere.

After lunch, I caught up with Natasha. “Hey,” I said.

“What?”

“Why did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Invite me to lunch. I thought you hate me.”

Her brows crunch, “All because I invited you for lunch doesn’t mean I like you.” She exhales, “You look like a walking wad of dark clouds all day with that hood over your head. So I felt sad for you. That’s why I invited you to lunch. Don’t think we’re friends or anything.”

I smile, “Thanks.”

“Whatever. Go to class or you’ll be late.”

I nod, “Okay.”

Natasha pouts her lips and flips her hair. “By the way, next time for the third period, go through the library and you won’t be late.” She walks away.

“You’re a nice person. I approve of you,” I mumbled underneath my breath before I head towards my next class.

After school ended, I sat in the front and waited for Harvey to pick me up. I could run away, but it wouldn’t really change anything. I can’t make it far without someone catching me. Plus, I’m tired of running. Physically tired.

My head lifts towards the mountains. Past the large greenness might be my way home. Through my eyes, the world seems to be a bit brighter today. It’s hope. The feeling of hope made the world better. Easier to breathe.

The sound of car honking captured my attention. “Come on!” Harvey screams.

I swung the backpack over my shoulder and made my way towards him. People would bow once in a while when they passed him. It must feel good to hold so much power at such a young age. I closed the car door and put on my seatbelt. “Are you going to do this every day?” I ask.

He put the car in drive. “Do what?”

“Pick me up from school.”

“Not every day,” he responds. I expected that answer. After all, he is a Gamma. He probably has more important matters to attend then pick up high school girls. That somehow sounds creepy. “Probably for a few more days until you feel comfortable. Then, someone else would.”

“I see,” I respond. My sight went towards the window.

“Are your feet okay?”

I nod, “Yeah.”

“Are you okay?”

“I guess.”

Harvey chuckles, “You’re a weird one.”

I glance at him, “What do you mean?”

Harvey shrugs, “It’s just one day you’re freaking out about being here and the next, you’re perfectly calm. If I didn’t know better. I would’ve thought you took some sort of witch’s potion to hide your scent and in reality, you’re a werewolf.”

I chuckle, “So, you’re saying werewolves have a split personality.”

“In all honesty?” The music in the background was soothing. Harvey seems to enjoy country music. “Werewolves are pretty bipolar. But, if we were going to get technical, we’re all diagnosed with DID.”

“Dissociative identity disorder?” I question. “I don’t think so. DID is usually a reaction to trauma as a way to help a person avoid bad memories. Not all of you have it.”

Harvey lifts a brow, “You sure know your stuff.”

I exhale softly, “My grandma’s next-door neighbor was diagnosed with it.” I suck between the gap of my teeth slightly. “Room 21.”

“I thought you were an orphan?”

“I’m labeled as an orphan.”

“So, you have family members?”

“Not in this world.”

Then, silence.

I’m assuming he is thinking the worst scenario possible.

“My condolences,” Harvey said.

I didn’t respond.

Yes, feel bad.

My revenge for your role in my kidnapping.

The days passed by, and I rarely saw Leon which isn’t a bad thing. I spent it in depression just the way my employer wanted.

“Luna Raine doesn’t look happy,” I heard Ani whisper to Natasha.

That’s the confirmation that I’m playing my role well.

Similar to every other day, Harvey would pick me up after school. He would attempt to make small meaningless talk like any other day. Somehow, the conversation would always lead to a sad dead end.

“So, where did you meet Mister Oink?” Harvey asks.

“In the streets, while he was chased by a butcher.”

“Oh, you mean farmer?”

“Sure if farmers usually hold giant butchering knives while screaming: When I catch you, you’ll be bacon!”

We arrived at the Pack House. Miguel was in the front with a few other members. You’re next. He noticed us and waved. I ignored him.

“Luna Raine!” He rushes towards me. I tried to speed up across the lawn but he caught me. “You probably didn’t hear me,” he said. I stared at him. Miguel cleared his throat. “So, you probably heard of the Alpha meeting.” No. “Well, it’s coming up and as Luna-”

“No.”

I step aside.

He blocks me.

“But, it’s your responsibility.”

“Why is it my responsibility?”

“Because you’re Luna!”

“I never even accepted it.”

Miguel points a finger at me. “The Moon Goddess. The woman up in Heave-” I bit his finger. He shrieks like a little girl. “Someone! Someone get her off of me!” He tried to shake me but I only kept firm on my bite.

“Luna Raine!” Harvey screams. “Let go of Beta Miguel’s finger!” He attempts to pry me off. Then, others rush towards us to ensure that I don’t bite off Miguel’s finger. He shouldn’t have pointed at me. It’s rude.

When I released Miguel’s finger there was a large teeth imprint. I spit on the ground. I should use mouthwash later. Who knows what he did with that finger.

“You bit me!” Miguel held his hand like it was the most precious thing in the world. “How can you do that?”

“Easy. I open my mouth and bite it.” I stepped towards him and instantly, Harvey came between us. He’s probably scared that I may bite Miguel again. “Don’t,” I hiss slowly. “Don’t you ever point a finger at me again.”

Their mouths gape open but nothing comes out.

When no one responds, I push past everyone and make my way into the Pack House.

“That’s fucking cool,” I heard someone whisper in the midst of silence.

That was only a part of my revenge.

Halfway towards the Pack House, my legs stop motioning. There’s an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of my stomach. My head drifts towards the window. Someone was watching us.