Fell For You

The New Kid On The Block

I stared out the window, watching sunlight ripple across the school courtyard. My mind was miles away. Ms. Davenport hadn't shown up today — no sub, no announcement, just an empty desk and a class full of restless kids pretending to care.

Teresa, my usual seat partner, was also absent. Instead, some guy I barely knew plopped down next to me and started flirting like we were in a bad teen rom-com. I gave him the stink eye until he got the hint and mumbled something about borrowing a pen before scurrying off.

Peace at last.

Or so I thought.

The screech of a chair dragging across the floor snapped me out of my daydream. I looked up — and there he was.

Luke.

He sat down beside me like he owned the seat, the smirk already in place. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his skin golden under the classroom light, and his brown eyes... unsettlingly calm. He wasn't just confident — he was composed. Like someone pretending to be normal.

He leaned back, his black shirt stretching over his shoulders. "You don't mind, do you?"

I shook my head, forcing a polite smile.

"I'm sorry about yesterday," he said casually. "The cafeteria thing."

I tilted my head, pretending to think. "Right — the part where you poured ice water down my front? Yeah. Next time, maybe try watching where you're going."

His grin deepened. "Duly noted."

From across the room, a group of girls giggled, whispering behind their notebooks. Luke didn't even glance their way — just smirked like he was used to it.

"So," he drawled, turning back to me, "you're a freshman in a sophomore math class. Impressive."

I shrugged. "Guess I just like numbers."

"Or you're smarter than you look." His tone was smooth — practiced.

I gave a flat look. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

He chuckled softly. "Maybe. Or maybe it's a test."

I rolled my eyes, gathering my things as the bell rang. But before I could leave, he leaned closer, voice low. "You know, you could come out with me sometime. I get it — you've got a boyfriend. But he doesn't have to know."

I blinked, staring at him. Bold didn't even begin to cover it.

Then I smiled sweetly, leaning in just enough for him to think he'd won. "Sure," I whispered. "There's this cute little place next to It's Never Gonna Happen. You should check it out sometime."

His smirk faltered just long enough for me to enjoy it.

I slung my bag over my shoulder. "Oh — and maybe try bothering someone who's desperate enough to fall for your cheap lines."

He chuckled as I turned away. "Feisty. I like feisty. See you around, Melody."

His voice lingered behind me like smoke. I didn't respond — just kept walking, each step heavier than the last.

Halfway down the hall, the adrenaline burned off, leaving behind a throbbing ache in my head. I winced and pressed my fingers to my temple.

Why did I just do that?

I could've ignored him. Walked away like a normal person. But no — I had to snap, to provoke.

The same heat that surged through me during training, that sharp pull I couldn't explain, had flared again. For a second, I could've sworn my heart wasn't just racing — it was echoing. Like something else inside me was responding.

I exhaled shakily, forcing the tension down.

"Get it together, Mel," I muttered under my breath. "Before you get yourself into real trouble."

But as I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that it wasn't entirely me who'd reacted to him.
Something else had — something buried just beneath my skin.

Later that after the sun had started to sink behind the trees, bathing La Push High in amber light. Students spilled out the doors in noisy waves, laughing, shouting, slamming lockers. I walked slower than the rest, clutching my bag strap, lost in my own thoughts.

It had been a long day.

A long week, really.

When I stepped outside, I spotted Embry waiting near the steps, hands shoved in his pockets, his easy grin already tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Hey, Mel," he greeted, voice light. "You free to hang for a bit?"

I smiled, a little surprised but genuinely happy. "Yeah, sure. What's up?"

He rocked on his heels, then glanced behind him. "Actually..." He stepped aside.

My smile faltered slightly when I saw who stood there.

Kristina.

Her expression was hesitant but soft — guilt tucked behind her eyes, her hair fluttering in the light breeze.

Embry gave us both a small nod. "She wanted to talk. I'll catch up with you later, alright?"

He squeezed Kristina's shoulder gently before walking off, disappearing into the thinning crowd.

The air between us felt heavy, awkward in a way that only happens when two people miss each other but don't know where to start.

Kristina took a deep breath, her voice quiet but steady. "I... needed a breather. And a talk with Embry. He reminded me of what's important."

I nodded slowly, waiting.

She looked at me then, really looked — the way only someone with a soul-link could. "You are. You're my pack, Mel. Maybe I don't see through everyone's eyes or feel what you all feel — it's not in my nature. But I hear you. I feel you. And that's enough for me."

Her words sank into me like warmth spreading through cold veins.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I didn't mean to make you feel like you weren't part of it," I said softly. "You've always been part of it. My part."

Kristina's lips trembled into a small, shy smile. "I just needed to figure out where I fit, that's all. Between the fox and the wolf... it gets loud in my head sometimes."

"Yeah," I said, chuckling lightly. "Tell me about it."

There was silence for a moment — the good kind, the kind that feels like breathing again after holding it too long.

Then, impulsively, I grinned. "Hey, how about you, me, and Leah do a patrol run together soon?"

Kristina blinked in surprise. "You mean—like, officially?"

I shrugged, still smiling. "Why not? I could use a girls' patrol night. Besides, someone has to keep Leah from scaring the tourists."

Kristina laughed — a real, unguarded laugh. The tension between us cracked like a shell, and suddenly everything felt right again.

She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. I hugged her back just as tightly, the faint trace of her fox energy brushing against my wolf. It felt... balanced.

"Thank you," she murmured.

"For what?"

"For not giving up on me."

I smiled into her shoulder. "Never."