Chapter 12: The Invite.

(Alpha Luca's pov)

I walked with my friends as we laughed about various things while coming out of the locker room. We were in high spirits as we waited for afternoon football practice. 

Playing football was my specialty, it was my favorite sport. It helps me get my mind off certain things most especially Haisley. 

I couldn’t help but think about her constantly.  

Her beautiful eyes and waist-long hair framed her perfectly sculptured face. I could get lost in her beauty forever. 

But her eyes: there was something about them that drew me in. There was pain that I wanted nothing more than to clean from her mind, a secret I wanted to know about. 

A secret she was adamant about letting anyone know about. 

I want to prove myself to her if only she could give me that chance. 

No matter how different she was from other girls, that seemed to drag me deeper into her mystery. 

And when I caught her falling off the ladder, thanks to the moon goddess, I was there to catch her fall, because I feared what would have happened if I hadn't been there at that exact moment. 

The more I thought about how her body was pressed up against mine, the harder my heart pounded against my rib cage. Her vanilla scent filled my nose, it was like a dream come true. If only I could hold her one more time. 

I shook my head, snapping out of my thoughts because someone continuously tapped my shoulder. Turning to see Thompson and the rest of my friends laughing and pointing at me.

“Why are you guys laughing, tell me what's so funny,” my voice was low and calm.

“You were daydreaming. I wonder what you were thinking about.” Thompson mocked, nodding his head like a lizard as everyone burst into laughter.

See; this is one of the reasons I love playing football, to get my mind off Haisley. 

“Very funny, can we go to the cafeteria now? I am starving.” my stomach made a loud growl, signaling it was time to eat.

As we made our way to the cafeteria, we heard a commotion and hurried to check on it.

Students gathered around. I was starving to care for what they were watching. I went to grab a tray when I heard familiar voices coming from the crowd.

Curious to know what was going on, I pushed past the students to see Erica and Natalie bullying a girl. People just never change.

She had familiar features and I struggled to see who it was. 

My eyes widened as I was shocked to see Haisley on the floor half naked. Erica and Natalie had been bullying Haisley and no one cared to help. I felt angry and pissed off. When Natalie wanted to tear the Haisley singlet, without thinking I rushed over to them.

“Let her go” I growled, pushing the girls aside.

I rushed over to Haisley and removed my jacket, covering Haisley's body with it. She curled into it while sniffling, but she wasn't crying. Her cheek was pink and swollen.

The more she sniffled, the more angry I became. I turned over to the students, my eyes ranging. “You all should be ashamed of yourself,” I roared. “Your fellow student is being bullied and all you people can do is to stand and watch. 

“Why be so hea....” I paused mid-sentence when I noticed Natalie stepping closer to me. “Why are you protecting this disgusting slut, baby? That wouldn't make me happy,” she said, running circles on my shoulder with her hand.

I inhaled deeply, my brow tightened, and my fist rolled as if wanting to launch a punch, my blood boiled within. Not only did she bully Haisley, but she was also trying to seduce me. I pushed her with all my strength, forgetting she was a woman as she fell flat on the floor, sustaining some injury.

Taking Haisley's hand, we stormed out of the cafeteria. As we made our way to the field, I felt tension in the air. Her soft warm palm still clung to mine.

What did she do to make Erica and Natalie treat her like that, and nobody stood up for her? The humiliation she went through was too much for her.

I turned to Haisley, her eyes facing her feet as she whimpered. 

Her eyes help so many emotions, most especially loneliness. I could feel the weight of her pain in her grip. I can't help but wonder how long she had been carrying this burden.

I wanted to ask her what happened back at the cafe, but I knew pressing more on it would only make it worse. 

We heard whispers from students as we walked across the school grounds. “What's she doing with alpha Luca and why Is she putting on his jacket?”I heard one of the students say.

Haisley buried her face in her hand, trying to cover the shame she felt. I suddenly felt her hand slip from mine, and before I could turn to her, she ran, her face still buried in her hand.

“Haisley” 

I ran after her. The murmurs from the students became louder as some gasped.

Within minutes, I got to her and grabbed her hand, which made her stumble backwards. “ Leave me alone, please,” she said, her voice laced with sadness and pain.

“No! I am not going to leave you alone,” I said softly, looking at our entwined hands. “I just want to help.”

She pulled her hand and pushed me aside. “I don't need your help,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I don't care if you want help or not, all I want you to know is that I am here for you.” her gaze fell to her feet as she kept silent. 

“Why did you help me? You should just have watched like everyone else.” Curiosity filled her voice. Haisley's question caught me off guard as I didn't want to make her uncomfortable. 

“I– I don't know.” I admitted my voice was low and calm.”I guess I am just different from everyone else, no one deserves to be treated like that.”

“Thank you, but I don't need your help,” she said, removing the jacket. She turned to leave, but I held her hand, stopping her. “I'll need more than a thank you, Haisley.” I smiled when I knew I'd gotten her. She was so cute.

Haisley's eyes held confusion. “What do you want?” I walked around her, as if experimenting with her, “I want you to come watch me at practice today,”