The Hunter's Werewolf

7. 🐺

Mondays are a grueling affair, the dull, unrelenting signal that another week of school is upon us. I loathe these mornings, especially after weekends that feel far too short. The meager two days simply don't suffice for catching up on projects and resting. Our country's educational regulations are merciless: five days a week, at least six hours a day. It's a rigid system, stifling any dreams of an extended weekend. But I know better than to skip school today. The cost would be too high—lower grades and attendance jeopardize my chances of securing a spot at a prestigious Ivy League school. Scholarships to Princeton, Harvard, Yale, or Stanford aren't won by rebels; they're earned through dedication and impeccable records. Our family has a tradition of attending the top schools, a legacy that began with my grandparents. Each one of them attended an Ivy League institution, a custom I'm expected to uphold. On Mondays, the rush begins: boys scrambling to finish weekend homework or prepare for school. They're notorious for staying up late, lost in video games or movies, leaving mornings in chaos.At least us girls have our bathroom. Without it, the morning routine would devolve into chaos, a battleground of hair straighteners and makeup brushes. One of the most infuriating aspects of mornings is when the boys invade our bathroom space. They lack patience, unable to wait a few minutes for someone else to finish. It's maddening, especially when we need extra time for our hair, makeup, and outfits. Today, I woke up early to get ahead. I showered and then roused Hazel and Kaylie, both notoriously slow in the mornings. I always help Hazel, the slowest of the three, to get ready. By twenty minutes past seven, everyone was up, and we headed to the kitchen. I brewed coffee and prepared bagels with cream cheese, while the younger ones got hot chocolate. They're too young for coffee; it would make them hyperactive, especially Hazel, whose energy is already boundless.At school, the scene is predictable: everyone resembles sleep-deprived zombies, their energy drained by the weekend's fleeting respite. As the first bell rang, signaling the start of homeroom, I grabbed my books and a water bottle, packing some snacks for the day. As I closed my locker, a familiar voice broke the morning monotony."Hey Charlie, I'm sorry for startling you," Alex said, peering down at me with an apologetic smile."It's fine," I replied, trying to shake off the surprise. "I'm used to being startled by my adorable siblings, who always find new ways to give me heart attacks.""So, you're easily startled like a kitten, huh? You and those cute YouTube videos," he said, chuckling."Not my fault. Try living in a mansion with siblings who scare you at every turn," I said, adjusting my backpack straps."You live in a mansion?" Alex's eyebrows shot up in surprise."It's the largest property in the area, hard to miss," I said, heading towards class. "You might come over sometime. I'd have to check with my parents first, though.""Cool. Let's work on our project tonight. Are you free?" he asked, his smile broadening."Yeah, I'm free. How about six p.m. at Starbucks?" I suggested, walking with him down the hall."Perfect. I'll see you then," Alex said, his tone full of confidence."Wait, I lost my number. Can I borrow yours?" I asked.Alex blushed slightly. "Sure, here's my phone. Give me yours so we can exchange numbers and take a picture so we'll recognize each other.""Deal. But can you hold my cupcake while I'm in the bathroom? Don't you dare lick it," I said, handing him the cupcake and taking his phone."I might lick it if you don't hurry up," he teased."Okay, smile for the camera," I said, snapping a photo of him with his best German Shepherd smile."Now it's your turn. Hold the cupcake up, ready? One, two, three!" he said, pushing the cupcake towards my face."Alex! Did you just smash my cupcake into my face?" I exclaimed in shock."Yeah, but I didn't mean to. Now you're my loyal friend with frosting on your face," he said, typing my name into his phone's contact list."What did you put as my contact name?" I asked, peering over his shoulder."Cupcake. It fits the picture perfectly," he said, struggling to stifle his laughter."You better delete it or keep it a secret," I warned, giving him a playful punch on the arm."Ouch! That hurt. I have a game to play later," Alex said, rubbing his arm."Now you have my number and an embarrassing picture of me. I need to get to class before my brother sends out a search party," I said, grabbing my books."I'll see you in class, then. Later, cupcake," he called out."For the last time, my name is Charlie, not Cupcake!" I shouted after him as he walked away, his laughter echoing down the hall.Navigating through the crowded hallways, I felt the familiar frustration of being late. Students were glued to their phones, oblivious to their surroundings. I sometimes wish they'd look up from their screens. I avoid social media drama, preferring to use it for keeping in touch, sharing my artwork, and staying informed. Being a Luna comes with its own set of challenges. As the next Alpha in line after my twin brother Colton, I carry the weight of our family's legacy. The new laws established by my father and Uncle Ian have shifted the rules, allowing Kaylie and me to take on roles that were traditionally reserved for males. We now share responsibilities, including planning events like the Harvest Feast and supporting our community.The school day raced by, a blur of lectures and bell rings. With no cheerleading or football practice that evening, I planned to play board games with the younger kids. After a spirited round of Scrabble, I would shower and prepare for my evening with Alex. Stepping out of the shower, I found Kaylie and Hazel waiting on my bed, their outfits and makeup ready. They could run their own beauty salon with their expertise in fashion and cosmetics. I couldn't wait for the Harvest Feast, where I'd wear a princess-like dress, a special surprise from Kaylie.After getting dressed, I sat at my vanity, where Kaylie did my hair while Hazel added curls. Twenty minutes later, the boys barged in with DVDs. They gawked at me, taken aback."What? Why are you all staring?" I asked, facing them with natural makeup. "It's just me, and you'd better be quiet before Hazel throws a cheese puff at you.""You look beautiful. Who's the lucky guy?" Hunter asked, snatching a cheese puff from Hazel's hand."What guy?" Colton demanded, crossing his arms with a protective glint in his eye.I slipped on the earrings Hazel gave me for my birthday. "Relax. The guy's name is Alex. You met him when he was new.""Oh, right. He's cool, but if he hurts you, I can't hold Colton back," Troy said, nudging Hunter."Relax. We're just going to Starbucks for coffee and food. I'll be back soon. It's not like I'm running off with him," I assured them, checking my hair in the mirror."If you need us, just call or text. We'll be there in three minutes," Colton said."Char, could you bring something back for me? Like a Frappuccino or hot chocolate with peppermint?" Hazel asked, handing me some change."Sure, I'll grab something for Hazel. I've got to go now or I'll be late," I said, grabbing my bag and heading out.I left the house quickly, avoiding my father's and brothers' overprotective tendencies. I drove to Starbucks, typed in the address, and found a spot after twenty minutes. Inside, I chose a table near the door, hoping not to be jostled by the foot traffic.As I waited, I chatted with Kaylie and Hazel over silly photos and flitters. I heard a familiar laugh and turned to see Alex standing there with his cheesy smile. My face flushed red from embarrassment."You really don't make the best first impression with those cute, silly faces," he said, pulling out a chair for himself."You shouldn't have seen that. Promise you won't tell anyone?" I asked, setting up my laptop."Who would I tell? Especially when you're so adorable, even Hazel's duck face is cute," Alex said, pulling out his stuff."She thinks it's funny. Maybe you'll meet her someday," I said, pulling out my wallet."I'd like that. So, do you want coffee or something to eat? My treat," he offered, reaching for his wallet."I don't have much cash. My twin brother took my last twenty," I said, frowning."No worries. I've got it covered. What would you like?" Alex asked."I'll come with you to look at the menu," I said, standing up."Alright, but remember, I'm buying," he said with a wink."Again with the cupcake nickname?" I said as we walked to the counter."Sorry, it's sticking with me. Only you can call me that," I said, looking at the brownie display.At the counter, we placed our orders. Alex paid, and we waited for our drinks and snacks. As we settled back at our table with our food, we began discussing our art project and our upcoming ideas.Alex's enthusiasm for art was infectious, and we quickly found common ground. We spent hours discussing creative concepts, our project coming to life through our ideas and sketches.As the evening wound down, Alex walked me to my car, his smile never wavering."Tonight was great. Thanks for coming," I said, slipping my keys into my bag."It was. I'll see you at school. Have a great night, Charlie," Alex said, leaning in for a quick hug.I waved goodbye and drove home, my thoughts a whirlwind of excitement. I was eager for the next meeting, hoping it would be just as memorable.---Would you like to make any changes or add details?