Chapter 18
“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.