Sofia Landeiro
LEAH
I wake up the next morning, my head pounding slightly. Sia’s feeling down, so I promise her a run after school. I throw on some clothes, say goodbye to my mom, and dash outside. Jake’s already waiting for me, his truck idling in the driveway.
“Hey, Leah!” He squints at me. “Wow, you look rough. I mean…just really tired. What’s up?”
I roll my eyes at him. “Thanks a lot. I just didn’t sleep well. It’s not a big deal,” I tell him.
He shifts the truck into drive and we head off to school.
“Is it true what Maria said? Did you get an invite to the big ball?” Jake glances my way.
I’m sitting with my hands folded in my lap, staring at my fingernails, lost in thought.
“Mm-hmm,” I mumble, turning my gaze to the window and watching the trees pass by.
“But you might not have to go, right? You turn eighteen before then,” he says, trying to sound casual.
I turn to him, surprised. “If I find my mate before the ball, I don’t have to go, no.” Is he fishing for something? Could he be hoping we’re mates?
He just nods, pulling into the school parking lot. He parks a little ways from the school building, and we walk together toward the entrance. Ahead of us, Sally is lounging against her convertible. Typical. Her family is loaded, and she’s the biggest spoiled brat you can imagine.
“Hi!” she yells, waving at us. Well, mostly at Jake. She glances at me and flashes a fake smile. “Hey, Leah! Wow, great to see you. You look so good today.” She winks at me, making sure I catch her sarcasm. I look like hell today, with huge dark circles under my bloodshot eyes.
“Did you get your invitation to the king’s ball? It’s going to be so fun! I hope hope hope I’m his mate! I would love to be a queen! I’d be good at it. You know, my birthday’s this week, too, so I’ll be eighteen by next weekend. That means I have a chance to go to the ball and meet the king and…” Sally drones on and I tune her out.
I couldn’t care less about that ball. If everything goes as planned, I won’t have to go or worry about that arrogant king. Sally keeps babbling about what dress she’ll wear and how she’ll do her hair all the way into the classroom. She only shuts up when the teacher walks in and asks for quiet.
Maria rushes into class at the last second and I smile at her. She’s always been there for me. When I was twelve, Sally and her “cool kids” gang picked on me every day. I’m smaller than most kids my age, so I guess I was an easy target.
Eventually, my mom sees all the bruises on me and signs me up for an after-school fight club. I start training with them twice a week. By the time I’m fifteen, I’m training four days a week and I’ve gotten pretty damn strong.
Sally and her gang stop messing with me when I stand up to them and they realize I’m stronger and more skilled than they are. I take a break from class because after school you go through combat training with the pack. I’m sure I’ll be in the top ten in the combat classes.
It’s not usual to go to med school and do combat training at the same time, but I really want to do both, and our alpha has given me the okay. Alpha Jason has always been good to me and my mom, especially since we lost my dad.
“Leah! When does the Civil War take place?” The teacher’s sharp voice snaps me out of my thoughts. Shit, I know this.
“From 1861 to 1865,” I answer confidently.
The teacher smiles and nods. He turns back to the board and continues the history lesson. I let out a sigh of relief and sit back. I force myself to pay attention for the rest of the class. I have good grades and I don’t plan on messing them up in my last days of high school.
After class, Jake, Maria, and I head out to the schoolyard. We sit in the grass outside the main building and chat about the weekend. My mom can’t afford to throw me a birthday party, but I’m just as happy spending it with her and my two best friends. They’re coming over, and we’ll have a barbecue, listen to music, and play games.
“Speaking of parties, Sally just invited me to hers,” Jake says.
I don’t like how excited he sounds. I scrunch up my nose and watch him closely. “Her birthday’s this week too. When’s the party?”
Jake picks up his phone and scrolls. “Oh shit, it’s also on Saturday. Same time as yours.” He scratches his head and looks at me. “Her party is going to be epic—live music, catering…” Jake trails off then backtracks. “But of course, I’d much rather be at your party, Leah.”
I look down at my lap and nod, feeling the tears prick my eyes. “You know what, do what you want,” I say, standing up. I’m hurt that he’s even considering going to Sally’s party instead of my little celebration.
“Where are you going?” Jake calls after me as I start walking.
“I’ll take the bus home today,” I reply and keep walking toward the bus stop.
Jake runs after me and grabs my arm. “What are you talking about? I always drive you,” he says, sounding annoyed. He starts pulling me toward his car and I try to pull my arm back.
“Let go! You’re hurting me,” I yell.
Maria runs up to us and tries to get between me and Jake. “What are you doing?” she asks him, giving his arm a light slap.
“Sorry, I…” He releases my arm, glancing around. “I apologize, Leah. I’d be glad to give you a ride home.”
“Maria and I have plans to hang out today, so she’s coming with us.” Without another word, I pivot and head toward his truck. It’s not a lie; we’ve agreed to go for a run in the woods today. Our wolves are feeling antsy, and we need to let off some steam. Maria shoots Jake a glare as she climbs into the truck. We remain silent for the entire ride home. As I jump out of the truck, Jake rolls down his window and yells, “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at eight!” before driving away.
I can’t figure out what came over him back there. I just witnessed a side of Jake I’ve never seen before, and I can’t deny that it’s left me a bit rattled. I’m not sure how to handle it, so I decide to let it slide this time.