Chapter 0018

“That’s almost 30 hours of combat training a week. You do that on top of school and everything

else.” He’s looking at me like he’s never seen me before and I look around at the rest of the group

and their looks aren’t much different.

“I’ve never done the math before, so I’ll take your word for it, but yeah, I guess.” I stammer out,

looking back to the fire and start to feel uncomfortable with all of the attention. I shift a bit and try to

look smaller, if that's even possible. Like it will stop all their staring.

“Aren’t you like the top student in your grade?” Cameron asks me.

“And in advanced classes and stuff too right? I know you’re in my English class for sure.” Dakota

adds finishing his twin’s thoughts.

“Okay, we get it, she’s amazing. Now stop making it weird.” Sierra jumps to my aide after coming

out of her own shock and pulling me in for a hug. I let her pull me to her side, but I keep my focus

on the fire or the ground. I was doing so well fitting in, but now my oddities are starting to be

revealed and I don't really want to talk baout why I avoid people.

“I think we all just got an ego smackdown, and are feeling a bit inadequate right now, that’s all.” Sam

says, wrapping his arm back around my friend, sliding down behind her and pulling her back to his

chest, but still staring at me.

“Speak for yourself, no inadequacies here.” Oliver laughs and we all join in.

“Yeah right, you’re so competitive, I’d put money on you attempting to hit 30 hours of training next

week.” Sam laughs back at him. Oliver doesn’t respond but takes a large gulp of beer, telling me

Sam is probably right and I will see more of Oliver in the coming week. I can’t decide if I like the

idea or not. Training was my oasis from all of the crap going on behind the scenes at school, which

they are a part of. I am not going to pretend like this little show of friendship is going to last. They

have never acknowledged me before today and Kaley made sure everyone at school stayed clear

of me on the threat of physical punishment and my dad made sure I wasn’t involved in any

leadership training that he is aware of. The only reason I got to train with Luna Ava is because she

requested me specifically as the only daughter of a ranked member and my dad wasn’t going to

deny his Luna. I think her and Delta Kyle said whatever they had to say to get me permission to

work with her, especially after I got my wolf.

We were sitting in comfortable silence after that. Small conversations here and there, but nothing

major. I just listened in, but mostly stared at the fire, enjoying the warmth and the calm. This is not

what I pictured a high school party to be like. I expected wild kids trashing the place and loud music,

kids dancing on tables super drunk. I’m sure there are parties like that, but this was very nice.

I should have known things were going too well and something bad was due to happen. Just as I

had the thought ‘I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun’ the sound of a fake high pitched

voice cut through the crowd.

“OMG! Babes! Your favorite girls are here, now the real party can start!” Kaley squeals from the

entrance to the clearing with Jeanie and Marnie in tow.