Moonlit Betrayal

Chapter 5

"You are all over school," Neville said, popping a chip into his mouth. 

"So what's going on between you and Flint, huh?", he teasingly asked.

"Nothing, but that's none of your business", I snapped.

"Someone's claws are out", Tabitha chimed in.

We were supposed to be watching a rom-com, but the movie droned on in the background, barely capturing our attention.

"Side note: the pranks between you and my brother are hilarious," Tabitha added, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"I'm evil," I said with a dramatic grin, darkly tapping my fingers together in mock menace.

"You try, but you're just adorable," Neville teased, ruffling my hair affectionately.

"Shoo. Don't ruin my vibe," I swatted his hand away, laughing despite myself.

"You know, next weekend is prom," Tabitha said, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.

"Who are you planning on going with?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Do I even have to go?!" I replied, feigning exasperation.

"Didn't Flint already ask you?" Neville's question made me stiffen slightly.

"What? Why would he ask me? No, I hope not," I fumbled, my heart racing at the thought.

"You'd sort of give off a vibe," Tabitha shrugged nonchalantly.

"No, ew, no. Me and your brother? No way," I said, waving my hands in the air as if to dispel the very idea.

"So you're saying you feel nothing for my brother?" Tabitha leaned forward and asked, her tone innocently probing.

"I feel nothing for your brother. He's like a brother to me," I said, standing up in frustration. The words felt bitter in my mouth, and I wanted to puke.

"Ouch, you wound me," a voice suddenly startled me, making me jump. I clutched my chest and turned around to see Flint standing there, his expression a mix of hurt and amusement.

"Brother and me?" Flint took a few steps toward me, his presence sending an unexpected jolt through me.

"Yes, you. You're like a brother to me," I said, narrowing my eyes. His nearness made my heart pound, and I mentally cursed the mate bond for stirring up my emotions.

"Are you sure?" Flint took another step closer, his eyes locked onto mine. He was now just a few steps away from me, his scent filling my senses.

"Yes, I am," I said, my voice wavering slightly. His proximity was wreaking havoc on my composure. My wolf was practically purring with delight at his closeness, causing me to feel both exhilarated and uneasy.

"I'm not going to prom with you," I blurted out, trying to assert some control over the situation.

"Why not? Has someone else asked you out?" Flint's eyes were intense as he closed the distance between us, his breath warm against my face.

"Y...yes. Someone has," I managed to say, standing up straighter. It was a mistake, as now his breath was fanning my face, making me acutely aware of every sensation.

My eyes drifted to his lips. They looked so inviting, so soft. I couldn't help but imagine how they would feel against mine.

"Who asked you out?" Flint's voice snapped me out of my reverie.

"Who did?" I asked, my mind going blank. All coherent thoughts seemed to have vanished, replaced by a dizzying awareness of Flint's proximity.

"That's what I'm asking you," Flint said, cupping my cheeks with a gentle but firm grip, forcing me to maintain eye contact.