Having Two Mates {2024}

TEN.

HALEY

Haley learns his name is Nathan.

At least that's what Danny Michelson-Yun says as he takes the empty seat next to her on the bus.

"That's who you're looking for, right?" The raven haired boy pulls out a neck pillow and over-the-ear headphones.

Haley's ears warm.

Haley's head has been on a swivel searching for familiar faces. This was her first time by herself since arriving to the high school. Although she hasn't been at school long, she's spent almost every notable moment with or within sight of Alex. Nathan's arrival brought the same as they share two classes. She only expected to see Nathan since a majority of their Homeroom are aboard but hasn't spotted Alex nor Melanie yet.

"Kane will meet us there." Danny scrolls through his playlists. "He can't quite leave things unattended."

"Wouldn't that be where you come in?"

Dark eyes meet hers. "Do I look like someone's Right Hand to you?" Danny asks with a raised brow.

"Assuming that is the equivalent of a Beta?" Haley gives him a once over and grins. "Yes."

"Ha!" He throws his head back, laughing. "She jokes."

Seeing him up close, making fun of her, he doesn't come off as the infamous asshole of Newport High. Definitely attractive. His features softer than his scowl can erase. His dark fringe curls into his eyes, making him more boyish than what she assumes a high school villain would have. On the villain's day off, he's dressed down in dark cargo pants and an oversize sweatshirt. A silver chain hangs around his neck. dipping under the fabric. Haley has to bite down asking how a werewolf wears silver without harm realizing it may be yet another Thing Haley Doesn't Really Know About The Supernatural.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Haley asks instead. "School trips don't seem like your kind of vibe."

"Contrary to popular belief, I quite enjoy school activities." He supplies calmly. "I bleed school spirit. Seeing everyone happy warms my cold heart just bit." He pinches the air for emphasis.

"Right."

"I'm serious." He pulls out a Tupperware with sliced seaweed rice rolls. He offers to Haley but she declines. He shoves two into his mouth, "I am supervising, you could say. Considering."

The phantom feeling prickles her shoulder. Haley reaches for it, trying to rub out the static. It has been a while since that's happened so she's not surprised Danny notices her discomfort.

"How are you really?"

She knows it's not like the question hasn't been on the tips of everyone's tongues but no one has dared to ask her straightforwardly. Treating her like she'd be too fragile to talk about it. Not that she gave them any reassurance that she could handle it. She did have a knife at her Mate's throat only moments after regaining consciousness. But Danny is the first person to genuinely ask her how she's been since that night and it feels nice to hear it out loud. Chilling. But nice.

Even with a mouth full of gimbap.

"It still hasn't fully registered." She sighs, staring at her hands. "I haven't been able to sleep a lot. Or eat much. I'm filled with a lot of questions I don't have the words to ask yet."

She finds him watching her carefully.

"If you were normal, it would raise cause for concern." He swallows. "But you're anything but. And you're here. Alive. So try to focus more on that as best as you can."