¹ Claws of Legacy: Legacy's Descent ✓

CHAPTER 9

You and your friends were gathered in the kitchen, baking cookies, when the door suddenly swung open, and Lonnie entered, wearing vibrant pink floral pajamas. Your nostrils twitched slightly, and your eyes briefly flashed red, but you kept your reaction hidden. This was just a friend almost catching you and your pack, nothing significant.

"Oh hey, guys!" Lonnie beamed as she scanned everyone before focusing on the bowl in front of Mal. "Midnight snack, huh?" she remarked, curious. "What are you making?"

You swallowed, aware that even though you might be the offspring of a creature known for killing people, lying wasn't your style. So you remained silent. "Ah, nothing special, just something—" Mal began, but Lonnie interrupted, dipping her finger into the mix.

"No, wait!" all of you called out, but Lonnie merely gave you a puzzled look. "What? I'm not going to double dip," she said casually as if nothing was wrong with it. You furrowed your brow, poked your cheek with your tongue, and attempted to detect any unusual scent from Lonnie. However, you drew a complete blank.

"Uh, how are you feeling?" Mal asked, sharing a concerned look with Evie. "Is there something missing?"

Lonnie shrugged, seemingly oblivious to the underlying tension. Jay stepped forward, flashing his most charming smile that would have easily worked on a normal human. However, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of irritation that he was trying so hard for her. Thankfully, Lonnie just gave him a blank stare before turning around.

"Could use some chips," she said, heading towards the refrigerator and opening the door. Sensing an opportunity, you brushed Jay's shoulder with your fingers and interjected, "And that is..."

Lonnie turned around, holding a bowl of something in her hand. The scent wafted through the air, sweet and mouthwatering, making your mouth water in response.

She grinned, exclaiming, "Just something from the most important food group ever!" She grabbed a handful, plopped it into the bowl, and then offered a few to you. You took them, popped them into your mouth, and couldn't help but brighten up. Jay gave you an amused stare, which you caught, and you nudged him playfully before walking over to Mal and Evie, sharing some of the small chips with them. They smiled, clearly enjoying the taste as well.

Lonnie's voice trailed off as she reminisced about comforting moments with her parents, particularly the experience of enjoying freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk. You felt tight in your chest as the memories of your parental absence resurfaced. You had never known your mother, as she hadn't been sent to the island, and your father had passed away before you hatched. No one on the Isle cared for you; you were left to fend for yourself. However, meeting Mal and her group changed everything. You had found a place among them, becoming part of their pack, and they had become your chosen family—the only family you would ever need.

Your voice tightened as you responded, "Well, it's different where we come from." Lonnie gave you a perplexed stare, and you shared a comforting glance with Mal, standing close to her. Eventually, Lonnie seemed to understand, and a look of heartbreak washed over her. "Oh, I... I'm so sorry," she said, a tear rolling down her cheek. You swiftly wiped it away, flicking it into the bowl. The sadness dissipated, and Mal intervened, saying, "Yeah, well, big bummer, but we have to get these into the oven, so thank you so much for coming by. Really, really, have a good night." She guided Lonnie towards the door, and you all waved as she left.

You sighed in relief and giggled, "Let's get this started!" Mal nodded, assigning each of you small tasks. Once you were done, Mal packed the cookies into a baggie, and you headed to bed.

-ˏˋ♥̩͙♥̩̩̥͙♥̩̥̩ ⑅

The next morning, you were putting stuff in your locker with Mal when Jay approached, leaning against yours. "Hey, Y/n, Mal, don't you girls think this is kinda weird? I mean, it's not that bad here," he expressed, seeking agreement. You wanted to agree with him, but Mal quickly came to your defense, snapping, "What's gotten into your head? You're evil; you're bad news. Snap out of it!" She emphasized her point by snapping her fingers. Jay flinched slightly but then smiled at her and nodded. "Very well, thank you, Mal. I needed that," he said before heading off.

You let out a sigh and leaned against your locker. Mal gave you a sympathetic look. "I'm so sorry I had to do that, Y/n, but you know—"

"That your mother will flip if we don't pull this off? I know. Honestly, while I can't stand her, I can't have you or others in harm's way. So, I'll go along with your little scam because I love you," you interrupted, kissing her cheek. Then you walked away, leaving her to work her magic with Ben.

When you returned, you found Ben staring into Mal's eyes, and although your heart ached at the sight, you kept your composure and moved a little closer. Jay and Carlos joined the group, patting him on the shoulder, and Jay greeted Ben. Ben smiled, seemingly enchanted. "I... feel like I can sing your name," he said, looking directly at Mal. "Mal!" he started to sing, but Mal quickly covered his mouth to prevent drawing too much attention.

You snorted in amusement and took Mal's hand as Jay led Carlos and Ben away. "Well, that went well," you commented. Mal gave you a look and squeezed your hand while Evie laid a hand on your shoulder. "Shall we watch our boys crush on their crushes?" you suggested. The girls chuckled, and together you made your way to the bleachers to watch the game.