Since graduating, my father insisted I continue my studies. He called to ask what I wanted to pursue. I tried convincing him that I didn't want to study anymore and wanted to work at the S.H.I.E.L.D. agency, but he was adamantly opposed to me working, especially as a shield agent.
"I can earn billions if I work there," I argued, but he remained steadfast. Ultimately, I ended up signing on as a part-timer while I searched for a university. I hadn't told Edward or the team members about this decision, knowing they would be furious.
After registration, I returned home and shared the news with my aunt. She sighed in disappointment. She understood the struggles I faced with my father, who had made my life a living hell—something I could never forgive. Sometimes, I wished for a father who understood me like other fathers did. I wanted a dad, not just a father.
The next day at HQ, I noticed my team members staring at me as I walked in. "I didn't want this to happen, but I had no choice," I said, taking a seat. Camile approached me with an edge in her voice, "Then explain to us what the hell happened. Did you accidentally sign?"
"My dad called to ask about my future studies. I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't budge. So, I made a deal to work part-time and continue my studies," I explained.
Edward stepped forward, his voice calm. "Do you want me to talk to him in my own way?" he asked.
"I really want to, but I understand he has standards to maintain. As his daughter, I'm expected to complete my education. You have five degrees, too. So why can't I work part-time?" I finished. He nodded, understanding my capabilities.
Just when I thought everything was settling down, Edward mentioned he had a surprise for me and the team the next day. We were all shocked and curious. He laughed and went to the main office to prepare our first task as a team with me included.
The task wasn't too difficult; we had to survey a location and obtain samples of drugs from a gang. We divided into two teams: Edward, Christopher, Max, and Camile in one group, while Joey, Dean, and I formed the other. I led my group, ensuring the area was secure for Edward's team to operate and identify the drugs in question. After completing our part, we headed to our escape vehicle. I suggested Dean drive, but Joey sulked at the idea until we reached HQ. Everything went smoothly, and we returned with the samples. Edward assigned me the task of writing the report and provided an example to follow. I settled at my office to complete it.
A few minutes later, Chris entered my office and handed me an envelope. I opened it to find information about art universities. "I know you're interested in arts, so I found some of the best in Boston. I can even arrange special registration since you're part of S.H.I.E.L.D. now," he said. I thanked him, grateful for his help, and he left. It wasn't surprising that they had been monitoring my personal life so closely.
Later that night, I surveyed the universities and ultimately chose Boston University's College of Fine Arts. I texted my dad about my decision, and he agreed to arrange registration, though I mentioned that S.H.I.E.L.D. would assist me. He seemed upset, but I was determined to be independent.
S.H.I.E.L.D. helped me arrange my work hours around my class schedule, promising it would take about a week to finalize everything.
The next day, we all gathered at the cafeteria and noticed a young girl walking in with Edward. Confusion spread across the room. "This is Avanora Maxwell, my sister. She'll be joining our team as a part-timer," he announced.
"How can she join without taking any tests?" I asked, baffled. Edward explained she would be a team member, not a Luna, meaning only the leaders needed to undergo tests.
Disappointed, I looked at him. Edward promised to explain more later and retreated to his office. I had grown accustomed to his surprises by now.
That night, we held a dinner with all the S.H.I.E.L.D. members. It resembled a prom, where everyone brought a partner. This event always occurred on the full moon, a tradition since the wolves were in charge of the dinners. I was intrigued but unaware of the true significance of the celebration.
When I arrived at Edward's house in the S.H.I.E.L.D. territory, I felt a sense of belonging. I had grown close to Ava, who was around my age, and she helped me pick out a nice dress. I hadn't yet chosen my partner for the dinner but leaned towards Chris since we had developed a bond.
As I was getting ready, I heard Edward knock on Ava's door and ask to speak with me privately. Ava stepped out to give us space.
"I've hidden something from you," he began. "To become the Luna of the pack, you have to marry the Alpha. I can't marry now because I'm the prince of England and can only do so at thirty. I know this is a lot to take in, so I'll give you time to process it. You need to be my partner tonight," he explained calmly.
I stood there, frozen in shock.
He stepped closer, but I instinctively backed away. Despite his attempts to keep me calm, I felt betrayed. He left me alone, and I collapsed onto the bed in tears. Ava entered and tried to comfort me.
Little did they know, I had feelings for Chris since the day we met at the church. I was scared to confess to Ava, but she felt like a friend and sister. "You have a crush on Chris? What the hell, Maddie!" she exclaimed. "He's not a good guy, and he's my partner. That was decided when we were kids. I hate it, but I had no choice."
I felt guilty, yet curious about Chris. He seemed like a decent guy.
Ava continued, explaining that a year before I arrived, Chris had been involved with a dangerous organization called Viper, known for harming people for fun. Despite being the crown prince of England, his parents hid him to protect him from rivals, so he lived with his uncle at Viper Castle. I stared at her in disbelief. "What?! Are you all good people?"
She laughed and reassured me, "I'm a good person, and I don't hurt anyone for fun. But my brother was a psycho before you came into his life. Chris was caught up in that, but he's not as bad as my brother. Edward had an ex-girlfriend who was a gold digger, a former Luna who tried to manipulate him and turned my brother into a psycho."
I was stunned. "What happened to her?" I asked, still reeling from the revelations.
"She went missing, and Edward didn't actively search for her. Rumors say he might have killed her," Ava said, her voice tinged with fear. My heart raced; I felt a mix of terror and confusion about Edward. "He's fine now and has changed because of you," she added.
Suddenly, we heard a knock. Ava opened the door to find Chris, who had come to retrieve her and asked me to come downstairs since Edward was waiting in his car. I descended the stairs, avoiding eye contact with Edward.
The road to our destination felt strange and isolated. When we arrived, I realized it was a grand hotel named Hotel V.
"I need to tell you something before we go in," Edward said, his smirk barely hiding his tension.
YOU ARE READING
The Forest girl : Luna
Lãng mạnI woke up to the bright light of the sun coming through the window. It hurt my eyes a little. Then I felt like someone was beside me on the bed. My eyes went wide as I saw his figure sleeping beside me. He was only wearing pants at that time, so hi...
