Nora

My eyes were heavy and my body was heavier as I dragged my feet through the hallway. I was unable to sleep last night. I couldn't get his scent and words off my mind.

Why did he want to protect me?

Well, it didn't matter because that was yesterday, and today was a new day. Besides, I could still hear mutters and side talks from people. Leaning in to tell the next person some lies about me.

I finally got to class and took a seat, my mind buried deep as I glared at the ground. I had learnt to lower my gaze, it was a defense against predators like Sasha.

“Mind if I sit here?”

I blinked that voice again. I raised my head, and I almost turned pale.

Mason?

“Hello?” He waved his hands in my face and I blinked twice to snap back to reality.

“Can I sit next to you today?”

I felt my throat dry up the instant he asked that. The seat next to me had been empty for ages. No one had dared sit next to me. I guess they didn't want to be associated with the stigma I carried or the rumors some bullets spread about being fat upon close contact with me.

“I'll save you the trouble. There's no need to…”

I trailed when I noticed he used his rag to wipe the dust off the seat before sitting.

“That's much better.” He flashed me a perfect smile.

I noticed all the eyes in class darting towards our angle. I felt tense, and my palms became sweaty.

“Mason, you shouldn't be here. You should be with the—”

I couldn't finish my sentence because the teacher walked in. She scanned the class with her eyes and the moment she sighted Mason there, she smiled.

“Good morning class,” she began, before starting her lesson for the day.

“Lunch?”

I heard as the last teacher left the class.

“Um, I'm sorry. I can't allow that. I don't want to ruin your career.”

He furrowed his brows, eyes slightly narrowed. “What do you mean?”

I sighed. “I appreciate you trying to be friends, but the sight of me is bad news. I'm sure you're aware?”

He shook his head. “You’re not bad news. Besides, having lunch with you is better than having lunch with these people who can't appreciate this beauty in front of me.” He smirked, and I almost turned red. I didn't recall when last someone called me that.

“So shall we?”

I bit my lower lip. If this was a dream then I never wanted to wake up.

“Come on.” He urged, and I finally took his hands in mine.

He was very sweet and discussed hockey nonstop as we reached the cafeteria.

“What are you ordering?” He asked and when I told him the usual, he rolled his eyes.

“You're not supposed to subject yourself to such suffering. Wasn't that what you wanted to eat yesterday?”

I pressed my lips into a thin line, playing with my fingers behind me.

“We'll have the French fries and orange juice with grilled chicken.”

I swallowed. I didn't remember the last time I had that kind of food in school.

Once both our foods were served, he helped us collect them and move to a seat that was open. He was already seated when he turned his head towards me.

“What's up?” His eyes remained fixed on my expression.

“I don't normally sit here; it's too—”

“You should sit here. You're too beautiful to stay hidden. Maybe that's why I didn't find such a pretty damsel earlier.”

I pressed my lips together, confused. I contemplated if I should sit with him, but we were already here, so there was no need to ignored.

I took a seat and buried my head deep in my food tray.“Did you see that? Mason's hanging out with the fatty.”

“Isn't he going to get fat like her? Oh no! What would happen to his hockey career?”

I felt a lump forming in my throat when I heard that, but instead of feeling ashamed, he stretched out his hands to take mine.

“You shouldn't let anyone bruise your confidence. You're pretty.”

I nodded, eating the meal in front of me as we discussed. It wasn't long before I started chuckling, and I stared right into his eyes as he stared back at mine.

For the first time in forever, lunch was enjoyable.

“There's a game later today. I was wondering if you could…”

I shook my head. I couldn't do that. I didn't attend any school event; I didn't want the building to collapse, as they would say.

“I'm sorry, I wouldn't be able to—”

“But I got you this front-row ticket. Besides, I want to be able to get a glance of your pretty face and guess what?”

I blinked, having no clue, “What?”

“The first goal I'm going to score would be yours.” I felt my cheek puff.

I mean, I didn't expect him to be acting this way. He was far too nice.

He pulled out the hockey front-row ticket and pushed it into my hand.

The feel of our hands stirred something inside me.

“I'll be there.”

He smirked. “Great, see you there.”

***

I didn't expect to be there. Well, maybe I didn't want to lose a new friend.

I cheered, watching how he took forward strides. His speed was incredible and the fact that no other person could touch the puck once it was in his possession.

“Clawbridge Academy, 1point!”

I watched how his teammates celebrated, but he turned towards me, creating a heart shape with his fingers.

I felt warm inside, my lips twisting into a smile. The game lasted for a while, and by the time the game was done, he had scored about 5 points.

The game ended, and it was time to head home. I walked towards the exit when someone walked towards me. It was Mason. Wasn't he supposed to be with his teammates? What was he doing here?

“Nice play and congratulations on your win.”

He nodded. “Yeah, and we're celebrating the win at my place. What do you say we hang out tonight?”

My eyes widened, my crush, asking me out?

“No, I have something to–”

“It's just a party. I know you like privacy, and I can arrange that for us. I hope to see you.”

He didn't give me the chance to decline.

I blinked, watching how he returned to his teammates, my heart racing. I had a party to attend.

Nora

“I don't think I can attend. I mean, everyone's going to…” I trailed off, shaking my head. This was the moment I had always dreamed of, and now I wanted to throw it away? That wasn't going to be possible.

I sighed, going into my closet to pick out an outfit. My baggy jeans were there as usual, but I also wanted something different.

My eyes raked my closet until I stumbled upon a dress I had never worn before.

“Perfect.”

***

I arrived at the packhouse, my heart drumming faster than usual. My eyes looked around until they settled in Mason standing at the entrance. He was wearing a jean jacket and matching pants. To complement the outfit was a white inner shirt and same-colored sneakers.

His eyes darted around; I guess he was waiting for me.

The moment he sighted me, he paused, eyes staring at me.

“You look stunning.”

Again, I felt my cheek burn. He always had a compliment for me.

“Come in…” He gestured without wasting time. I followed him, and he took me to a special room.

The moment we got in and closed the door, the noise from the outside world was blocked out.

“I knew you would appreciate a quiet place, so I made it something you'd like.”

I scanned the place, and I was shocked he put in his best. There were drinks on the table and light music playing inside.

“Okay, okay, what's this about?”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“What do you mean?”

I sighed. “You can't treat me like I didn't exist for years and come back to act like I'm your—”

He interrupted me. “I understand how you feel. You don't have to trust me, but I intend to work hard to build that trust.”

I parted my lips in an attempt to speak, but I couldn't.

“Have a seat.” He gestured, and once seated, I couldn't help but smile. He said the right things, made the funniest jokes and did the sweetest things.

“I think I've fallen in love with you.” The words left his lips as he closed the distance between us.

I felt my chest drumming fast, and I wanted to pull back, but he wrapped his arms around my waist. It didn't go around, but it made me sit still.

“I know this sounds crazy, but I can't stop thinking about you, your smile, and…”

He slammed his lips on mine. My eyes widened at first, and I wanted to fight him off, but he was my crush and the hottest guy in school.

It was also my first kiss. I couldn't blow that up.

Warmth exploded inside of me, and it didn't stop there. He grabbed my waist so delicately I moaned.

“Ugh, Mason…”

I hadn't been touched the way he did to me.

“I know… I love you too.”

He finally pulled away from the kiss, his hazel eyes now a hint of red.

I blinked, but he didn't give me time to process. He lunged at me, planting kisses on my lips, nape and then lower.

“Mason…”

The feeling was incredible. Why did I feel so many tingles?

“Fuck!” He groaned, taking off his shirt and trousers while I was left to catch my breath.

It happened so fast, but the pleasure I felt caused me to moan out his name.

“Ugh, mate…”

Did I hear him correctly?

In that instant, I hit climax, my fingers sinking into his shoulders even as he thrusted inside me until I felt warm liquid inside of me.

I had just been fucked by Mason, the hottest guy in school and my crush.

“I love you,” Mason muttered, running his hands along my chin; that was the last thing I recalled before the darkness swept me away.

***

Mason has been acting strange since that night. He no longer sat with me at lunch or in class and avoided me every way he could.

Well I would say that hurt but not as much as the bullying. Being with Mason made me less of a target, but now, everyone bullied me.

“Where’s your savior?” Sasha asked and scoffed when tears trailed my eyes instead of actual words.

I attempted to leave but slipped and fell, causing laughter to erupt.

“The fat cow has crashed, take cover!”

They pointed fingers, laughing. I ignored them, pushing myself up as I rushed to the school's restroom. The moment I got there, I stood at the mirror, sniffling. I hated everything about myself.

“Why did you make me this way?” I clenched my teeth, fighting back the tears my last night with Mason played on my mind.

“Ahh!” I held my head and suddenly felt the need to throw up.

I pressed my lips in a thin line, but my cheek puffed as I tried to suppress the gag that attempted to leave my lips.

I couldn't, rushing to the toilet as I threw up. Was it something I ate?

So I thought, but before the day ended, my condition worsened, and I had to rush to the hospital for a proper checkup.

“Pregnant.”

My hands shivered as the doctor announced what was wrong with me. I shook my head.

No, it can't be. I'm carrying Mason's baby.

Days passed, and I tried to think of a solution, but the only thought that kept coming was to speak to him about it.

I sighed. I couldn't raise this baby alone; I needed to tell him, and I would do it tomorrow.

The day arrived faster than expected with me waiting for the right time to tell him, but each time, he vanished in plain sight.

I waited for the right moment to meet with him in the locker room before his practice.

I waited, and once I saw him walk in alone, I watched out for anyone else before going in.

“I told you guys I would be able to do it, didn't I?” Mason bragged.

“But isn't she stalking you? That was what you said the last time, wasn't it?”

Mason nodded. “Yeah, Finn, but I'm way smarter than you think. Now, you'll owe me a thousand dollars.”

“Are the rumors true? Does she—”

I zoned out, taking steps back as his words twisted my heart.

Suddenly, I bumped into a locker, gaining their attention.

Mason's face turned pale the moment he saw me, and he attempted to speak, but I didn't give him the chance to.

I stormed out of there, letting the tears that had gathered in my eyes roll out.

I couldn't believe he used me.Wait… I could, what was I thinking? That he would love me?

I was delusional.

I rushed back home, crying until my eyes puffed.

I held my stomach with determination in my eyes. I couldn't bear the same anymore.

I would go to Grandma.

Nora

It had been a few days since I arrived at Bloodclaw pack, and Grandma welcomed me.

“You need to eat some more. I mean, the baby needs it,” she urged when she made my favorite, and I smiled.

I was still hurt by what Mason did, but I wanted to make that part of my past. Besides, I had a new future for me, for my baby, and for Grandma. Grandma returned to the kitchen to get her bowl when the doorbell blared.

“I'll get it!” I said and pushed myself up from the dining table, rushing towards the door.

“Who's—”

The words died in my mouth the moment I saw who was standing there. A sharp V formed in both our foreheads.

“Who are…” We said it simultaneously, and there were no words.

“Who is it?” Grandma asked, but I was unable to answer. I didn't know the young man standing there.

“Asher.”

I nodded, slightly turning my head into the house. “It's Asher.”

“Oh Asher, let him in.”

Grandma was still in the kitchen, but I let him in anyway. She returned to the dinner table, and they hugged, making me confused. Then she set the two bowls she had brought from the kitchen.

“Sit, you must be—”

He smiled. “No, Grandma, I brought fresh veggies for you.”

I didn't respond and was nose-deep into the meal I ate. I must have been so invested, I didn't notice he was staring at me.

“Who's she?”

“Nora, my grandchild.”

They made small talk, causing me to roll my eyes.

“You should eat, Grandma; the food is getting cold.”

Not once did I raise my head. Well, I didn't mind until Grandma forcefully made him sit at the dinner table with us.

“I must say, Nora is gorgeous.” Creased lines built up on my forehead. I had heard that before.

Oh right, Mason. He said that and ended up hurting me like I didn't matter.

“Can we perhaps hang—”

“No.”

“But Nora,” Grandma intervened. “He could show you around the pack. You need friends.”

I rolled my eyes. “No, Grandma, I don't. I'm better off alone with my baby!” I held my tummy and pushed myself off the chair. Whatever was said seemed to have triggered my memory of Mason somehow.

“She'll come around. She's just hurt because someone hurt her, but she's the sweetest person you'll ever meet,” Grandma apologized like he was an important personality; well, I didn't care.

Days turned into weeks and weeks into months; my stomach grew, and so did my closeness with Asher.

I found out why Grandma was so careful with her words; it was because he was the future alpha of the Bloodclaw pack.

“Do you love hockey?”

I blinked, taking a pause as I leaned on the tree. He had urged me to go for a little walk, but I started to feel that was a huge mistake.

“No, no, I don't, and please don't tell me you play hockey because I'm going to lose my mind.”

His sudden silence suddenly made my eyes widen. “I can't believe it. I won't make the same mistake again.”

I tried to rush out of there, but he was quick to catch up with me.

“You're not making any mistakes. I have liked you from the moment I set my eyes on you. I also told you I don't care about you being pregnant. We can raise the baby on our own.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “You can't be with me. You need a better Luna, and you're a hockey player.”

He shook his head. “I don't care; I won't stop until you finally agree to be mine.

****

“Who's ready for the game!!!” Asher yelled, and Lucas stretched out his hands to be carried.

“Me, me!”

I watched from a small distance, smiling. I guess this was the best decision I ever made, to put the past behind us and let the future continue.

We weren't married yet because he needed to settle some things with the elders, but he had brought me to the packhouse and gifted me a personal handmaid.

The last two years have been crazy. I had my son, Lucas, moved from Grandma's place to the packhouse. He lost his dad and quit hockey to rule over Bloodclaw.

“Are you ready?” He lowered his voice, capturing my lips in a short kiss.

I nodded, smiling. We usually watched hockey games as family time, and I wanted to admit I fell in love with it.

We arrived at the venue and sat in the front row, eyes fixed on the players seated in the rink.

“It's about to start.” He seemed excited, and Lucas did too. I smirked gently, watching how they bonded.

The match started, and in less than five minutes, a name echoed.

“Mason Storm scores one point.”

The name was too familiar, and my smile immediately faded as sweat formed on my face.

I doubted Mason was here. He properly quit hockey just like Asher to focus on his pack.

I watched again, and my heart skipped a beat when he saw it.

The same technique he used for his back strides. My heart skipped a beat.

“Three points!”

“Asher, I don't feel so good; I need to—”

My eyes were fixed on the rink, and it was then I sensed someone staring at me. He didn't waste time and took off his helmet, making the crowd go wild, but I froze as blood drained from my face.

“Babe, are you alright? You seem…”

His teammates swarmed him. This was my chance.

“I feel unwell. We need to leave now.”

Asher's eyes soften. “Can't you—”

“No, I feel sick.” I forced a gag, and his eyes widened. He grabbed Lucas, and I rushed out of the place while he followed behind me.

My heart raced, and I didn't calm down even after getting into the car.

He got into the driver's seat, staring at the car.

“What's wrong, do you need a doctor?”

I shook my head. “I just need to get home. I feel so sick.”

He nodded, stepping on the accelerator.

By the time we got home, he helped me to my room.

“I'll hold Lucas for a while; you rest, okay?”

I nodded, smiling softly. “I'm sorry I—”

He shook his head. “Don't worry about it. You deserve rest.”

I nodded, but the moment he stepped out, panic set in.

Mason had seen me. Would he look for me, or did I still mean nothing to him?

I had so many fears.