\[Serenity’s POV\]
After that day, the man, who ended up taking on the name Maverick, worked to become a member of Emerald Moon despite his special circumstances. And even if he was considered a criminal because of his attacking me, this was a place and a pack that allowed those who sinned in the past to redeem themselves.
Of course, it took a lot of showing his loyalty for my father to fully trust him, but eventually it did happen, and because of that, he could join the ranks of the Alpha and Lunas special forces, which was amazing given the fact he didn’t possess a wolf anymore.
By the time I turned sixteen and was able to enter into The Academy, he became my bodyguard and followed me there. Although he drew a lot of attention given his handsome face and his toned body, which he spent many hours building back up after his ordeal, he brought me comfort and solace. Especially since all the students were immediately against me given who my parents were and my pack's history.
Maybe it was because deep down I knew that he knew the truth about what I could actually do since he was the one who shared this secret with me, aside from Tristan, of course. And because Tristan was aware, he went to great lengths to create a serum that could repress whatever it was in my blood that took away the wolf gene.
With his serum, I was a normal person, for the most part, and could attend school with the rest of the future upper-ranking wolves without any worry, except for the random bouts of attempted bullying that ended in failure.
Now, two years later, I stand in the middle of the hall of The Academy while the rest of my peers move about their days, all except this tiny creature that stands in front of me.
She looks almost like a pixie with her translucent skin and bluish black hair, but those eyes, something about their hazel depths make me want to get to know her.
“I’m Eleanor.” She announces, holding out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to respond, but stop as my wall, which I spent many years putting in place, slams into place. Instead, I simply watch her curiously as she waits for me to say something.
“Wolf got your tongue?” She asks, giving a tinkling laugh. “Or are you worried I’ll bite? Don’t worry, I won’t, unless you ask.”
‘Who is this?’ Mahogany growls, joining the exchange. ‘Doesn’t she realize people are watching?’
Frowning, I peek at the students who have stopped to watch us. I was sure that they were probably wondering what exactly this girl, Eleanor, was doing talking to the schools shut in.
Although I did my best to try to get along with my peers, it was basically the same here as it was back in Emerald Moon. All the upper-ranking students were males and children of alphas who looked down on the possibility of a woman taking the place of an alpha herself. It was ancient thinking, but it was so damn engrained in their minds that they just couldn’t seem to drop it.
‘I think she’s new.’ I murmur, once again taking in her tiny frame. ‘She looks to only be a freshman.'
‘Freshman or not, it’s strange.’ Mahogany murmurs. ‘Why is she singling you out when there are so many students?’
For a moment, I don’t respond, as I find myself wondering the same thing, but something told me she didn’t have any ill intent.
“Serenity.”
As Maverick’s deep voice reaches me, I feel my nerves beginning to relax.
“You’re going to be late for class.”
Nodding, I give an apologetic smile to the girl in front of me.
“Sorry, but I need to go.” I say, beginning to move. “It’s nice meeting you, Eleanor.”
Finished speaking, I manuever my way around her. I was sure that my being slightly impolite wouldn’t matter too much. Once this exchange was finished, we wouldn’t meet again anyway.
Lifting a hand and waving, I begin to move while Maverick follows close behind me.
“Wait!”
Eleanor’s voice echoes around us, drawing even more gazes and attention.
“Should I get rid of her?” Maverick asks, leaning so close to my ear that his breath tickles my skin.
Shivering, I try to ignore the things that this simple action does to me.
“No,” I respond, keeping my voice calm. “There’s no reason.”
Plastering a smile on my face, I turn and watch as Eleanor scurries toward me.
“I’m sorry, Eleanor.” I say slowly. “But I really do need to get going. I’m going to be late for class otherwise.”
“Oh, sorry.” She gasps, understanding flashing in her eyes. “I’m sorry to have held you up, but could we possibly meet up later?”
Meet up later. Why on earth was this girl so insistent on getting close to me? Did she possibly make a bet with her other classmates? Was this some type of prank? It didn’t really make any sense.
“I’m sorry.” Maverick says now. “But Serenity doesn’t have time for whatever childish scheme you’re concocting.”
At his words, Eleanor’s eyes widen, and anger flashes in them, but as quickly as it is there, it disappears.
“Who are you?” She asks, eyeing him without any fear. “And what is your relationship with Serenity?”
As she speaks, even more students stop and begin to watch. From the look of expectation on their faces, it is clear they’re expecting something interesting to happen.
“Maverick.” I say as he opens his mouth to argue. “We should really get going. Eleanor,” I continue, turning my gaze toward her. “I think it would be best if you stayed away from me. You’re new here and probably don’t realize it, but associating yourself with me is social suicide. Do yourself a favor and don’t approach me again.”
With that, I give a smile and then begin to move, making my way through the crowd that has gathered. As I move, Maverick follows closely behind me, reminding me that even when I felt alone in this sea of people, he was there for me. He was definitely my rock and my anchor when I felt like I was spiraling, but I could never let him know that.
Peeking behind me, I watch as he lazily follows, quietly ignoring the looks that he is receiving, and when his gaze meets mine, I feel a zing rush through me.
“Something wrong?” He asks, eyeing me curiously.
“No,” I sigh, trying to ignore the fluttering in my belly. “Nothing’s wrong at all.”