Chapter 40

Chapter 40
HARLEY

The next morning, I arrived at school feeling like I was carrying a secret too big for words, one that pulsed in my mind and heart with every step I took. Everything felt surreal—the school’s familiar hallways, the voices around me, the way people moved as if nothing monumental had shifted. But for me, everything had changed.

I spotted Lauren by our lockers, her eyes bright with curiosity as she waved me over. I could tell she was dying to know where I’d disappeared to the day before and, more importantly, what was going on between me and Shane.

“Hey!” she greeted, her tone casual, but her eyes betrayed her intrigue. “So… what happened yesterday? You just vanished with Shane. And, um, is he really your brother?”

I let out a small, nervous laugh. “I was going to ask you that, actually. He kept saying you were his sister or something.”

Lauren rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Shane’s… well, Shane’s got a lot going on in his head,” she said with a smirk. “He says all kinds of things, but trust me, half of it is just him trying to sound mysterious. He’s not actually my brother. You know that, right?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her exasperation, but my heart raced as I thought about what I was about to tell her. I leaned in closer, lowering my voice to a near whisper. “Lauren, can I tell you something? It’s… kind of big.”

Her eyes lit up, and she leaned in as well, looking around to make sure no one else was listening. “Of course. You can trust me.”

“Okay.” I took a deep breath, glancing around one last time to ensure we were alone. “Shane… he’s not just some mysterious guy. He’s… a wolf. Like, an actual werewolf.”

Lauren’s expression shifted from curiosity to confusion, then to something resembling shock. She blinked at me, as if processing what I’d just said. “Wait. Are you serious? He’s a… werewolf?”

I nodded, feeling a strange relief at finally saying it out loud to someone who wasn’t part of Shane’s world. “Yes. And… I’m his mate.”

Lauren’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide with disbelief. “What? That’s… Harley, are you sure?”

“I know it sounds insane,” I admitted, my voice barely more than a whisper. “But I’ve seen things, Lauren. I’ve met his friends, his pack. This isn’t just some fantasy. It’s real, and somehow, I’m… a part of it.”

Lauren shook her head slowly, still trying to process everything. “Wow. That’s… I don’t even know what to say. You’re telling me that you’re dating a werewolf? Like, actual howling-at-the-moon, shapeshifting werewolf?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction, despite the weight of what I’d just revealed. “Yes. And he’s the alpha of his pack, which means… I don’t know. It means I’m supposed to be something more than just his girlfriend. But it’s so overwhelming, Lauren. I don’t know if I’m ready for it.”

Lauren reached out, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Hey, you know I’ve got your back, right? This stays between us. I won’t tell a soul. But, Harley… are you okay with all of this?”

I hesitated, glancing down at the floor. “I don’t know. Part of me feels drawn to him, like I’ve found something I didn’t even know I was missing. But… the other part of me feels completely out of place. I’m just human, and his world is… it’s dangerous.”

Lauren nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile. “It sounds like a lot. But maybe you don’t have to decide everything right now. Just… take things one step at a time.”

“Thanks, Lauren,” I whispered, grateful for her understanding. “It’s good to know I have someone I can talk to about all this.”

“Always,” she said, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “Just… try not to get yourself eaten, okay?”

We both laughed, the weight of the conversation lightened by her humor. As the school day went on, we slipped back into our usual routine, talking about everything and nothing. But in the back of my mind, Shane’s world lingered, a constant reminder that my life was no longer simple.

After school, I made my way to the place where Shane and I had agreed to meet. My heart raced as I saw him standing there with Kade, Connor, and Jasper by his side. Their expressions were serious, their usual lightheartedness replaced by something heavier, more intense.

Shane’s face softened when he saw me, and he reached out, taking my hand as I approached. “Hey,” he said gently. “Ready?”

“Ready for what?” I asked, my nerves prickling as I looked at the others, who were watching me with a quiet intensity.

Shane took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. “To return with me,” he said, his voice steady. “To reclaim my throne and take our place together.”

I blinked, stunned. “What do you mean… return? And take our place? Shane, what are you talking about?”

He held my hand tighter, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and something deeper. “Harley, my place is with my pack. I’m their alpha, and with you by my side, I can finally reclaim what was taken from me. Together, we can lead them.”

I pulled my hand back, feeling a wave of panic rise in my chest. “Shane… I’m human,” I whispered, my voice laced with fear and confusion. “I don’t belong in your world. I don’t know the first thing about being a Luna or leading a pack. I… I’m not ready for any of this.”

His expression softened, and he took a step closer, reaching for my hand again. “You don’t have to be perfect, Harley. You’re already enough, just by being my mate. We’ll figure the rest out together.”

I shook my head, taking a step back. “No, Shane… this is too much. I can’t just leave everything behind and pretend like I belong in a world I barely understand. I… I’m sorry.”

Before he could say anything else, I turned and walked away, my heart pounding as I left him standing there. The weight of his world felt too heavy, too impossible for someone like me to carry. And as much as it hurt, I knew I needed to find my own strength before I could even think about stepping into his.