THIRTY

THIRTY
“Oh, really?” She finally notices us, her eyes narrowing as they land on me, then shift to Selene.

I can’t move. Trapped between two broad-shouldered guys and mid-bite with a mouthful of burger, I just sit there, frozen.

“You never let anyone else sit with you. We’re around all the time and not once have we been invited to eat with you. Is this something new?” she asks, voice laced with a mix of sarcasm and curiosity. “Guess I’ll tag along next time then.”

I can’t tell if she’s whining or fishing for approval, but either way, it takes me a painfully long moment to chew and swallow without choking. The last thing I need is to humiliate myself in front of these guys—again.

While I’m still recovering, she eyes my plate, and a smug little smile curls across her face.

“I hope you’re smart enough not to eat that whole mountain of grease,” she says with a smirk. “You wouldn’t catch me putting that anywhere near my body.

That stuff ruins your figure—and we all know you have to look your best for your mate. No guy wants someone who looks lazy or sloppy.”

Her gaze cuts straight through me. And just like that, I drop my burger back onto the plate, suddenly aware of how much food I’ve scarfed down. 

I’ve never cared before—I eat when I’m hungry. But she’s the most popular girl in school, always surrounded by boys, always in the spotlight. No one really notices me. 

I know I’m not overweight, but somehow, her words still hit hard. Loud enough for the whole diner to hear, too.

“You serious?” Ethan cuts in, voice sharp. His arm rests across the back of my chair, a subtle but definite shield between us. “After how much we burned off in training today, I’m surprised she didn’t order a second plate. She put in more work than any of us.”

He pulls me slightly closer with his tattooed arm wrapped around my shoulders.

“Exactly,” Leo adds, throwing an arm around Selene, who’s still happily munching her fries. “I like a girl who can eat. Shows she can hang with the squad. Not chasing dumb trends.”

He flashes me a quick wink, clearly remembering the omelet and hash browns I demolished before even touching the burger.

I give him a grateful smile, and the other guys chime in with quiet agreements, backing him up.

“You all worked out together? Seriously? Is that some new kind of bro ritual for hooking up? Is that why you ghosted me last night and disappeared? Because you're messing around behind my back?” 

Her hand lands on her hip like a warning, but there’s more hurt than anger in her eyes as she glares between the twins.

“No! God, no. That’s not what happened at all.” I sit up straight, panic crawling up my spine. “They really were at training. I help out at Delta now—”

She cuts me off with a sharp wave of her hand, silencing me instantly.

“Don’t bother defending them, you little traitor,” Raven snaps, eyes narrowing on me. “Let them speak for themselves. I’ll decide if they deserve forgiveness. You? I’ll deal with you later.” 

Her voice is icy, and I drop my gaze to my lap, cheeks burning. If she thinks I’m after her precious twins, this week’s going to be hell. Thank god it’s Ethan beside me and not Dakota.

“We’re not even together,” Max says flatly, gesturing between himself and Kaley. “So there’s no cheating to talk about.”

“Yeah, and who we choose to hang out with? None of your business,” Dakota finishes, picking up right where his brother left off. Classic twin move.

“We’re supposed to be mates!” Kaley shrieks, her voice echoing through the diner. “Figure it out already and stop letting some random girl sneak in where she doesn’t belong.” 

Her finger jabs toward me like I’ve personally offended the moon goddess.

Then, with a dramatic toss of her platinum hair, she spins around and storms out, her little posse scurrying after her before anyone else can respond.

“What was that whole ‘mate’ drama about?” Leo blurts out, eyebrows practically climbing off his face. 

“Please tell me she’s not going to be our Luna. I swear, I’ll lose it. We’re sixteen. Isn’t she younger? Like, Leoe age as Little Bit? How the hell would she even know who your mate is?” 

He’s spiraling now, talking faster and faster, somewhere between panic and disbelief.