Our Luna | Short story [COMPLETED]

1

I’m Anna Winston. My twin sister and I are about to turn 18. Even though she’s younger, my parents clearly prefer her. Our father, the Beta of our pack, believes Hannah might be a good match for one of our soon-to-be Alphas. Yes, Alphas—they’re twins and will be sharing the title. My older brother, Richard, is set to become the next Beta, and he’s the only one who treats me well.

Hannah shifted into her wolf form when she was 16, while I transformed just a few months ago. My wolf is larger than hers, but others insist she appears more “feminine.” Her wolf is small and brown with blue eyes, while mine is a rare, striking white with blue eyes. Yet nobody seems to appreciate it. People say we’ve each received different “gifts,” as if her traits balance out mine. Even though I’m faster and stronger than she is, it doesn’t seem to matter to anyone. In human form, we look identical, but Hannah stands out—stylish, popular, while I’m simply the “elder twin,” an ordinary student.

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Today is my eighteenth birthday. I dress for school in a blue sleeveless crop top, white high-waisted jeans, and white sneakers. At 5'9", I’m not into heels, but Hannah, who’s 5'7", wears them. I tie my brownish-black hair into a ponytail and head out for school. Hannah has her own car, while I don’t. Richard used to drive me, but he’s busy with Beta title transfers, so I decide to walk. It’s only a 15-minute route.

I plug in my earphones and walk along the sidewalk, murmuring the song to myself. The road is mostly empty during working hours. I buy a coffee on the way. My best friend, Nancy, isn’t coming to school today because she has a fever. I don’t really want to go either, but here I am.

I notice an elderly woman has dropped her bag, and her belongings are scattered on the ground. She seems human. I squat beside her and help gather her things.

“Thank you so much, dear,” she says, smiling at me, and I smile back.

“Your bag seems heavy. Do you need any help?” I ask, concerned.

“Oh, sure, my house is nearby,” she replies. I quickly finish my coffee and toss the can into the bin.

I help her to her home, and she turns out to be very sweet.

“Thank you so much, Anna, dear,” she says, patting my cheek. “Would you like to come in?”

“No, Grace, I have to go to school,” I reply, glancing at my watch.

“Oh no! I’m going to be late. I’ll stop by later.” I wave goodbye and dash off to school.

When I arrive, classes have already started. I rush to my locker and accidentally bump into someone’s back, falling hard on my butt.

“I’m so sorry—” I stop mid-sentence when I see who it is.

“Alpha?” I whisper.

“MATE! MATE! MATE!” My wolf shouts, and I freeze on the spot. His apple scent hits my nose, and tears fill my eyes. I quickly look down, knowing he wouldn’t want me. I can’t bear to be rejected by him now. I see him extend a hand to help me up, but I get up on my own.

“I’m sorry, Alpha,” I say quickly and run off before he can respond.

I enter Mr. Powell’s lecture. Thankfully, I’m his favorite student, so he lets me slip in. But I can’t get Nicholas’s blue eyes out of my mind. Nicholas is the younger twin, and according to my parents’ assumptions, he should have been my sister’s mate. Hannah even told them she liked him. Every negative thought swirls in my mind, convincing me he’ll reject me. I can’t believe I’m this unlucky. My wolf scolds me for jumping to conclusions.

When the lecture ends, I walk out last, hoping not to run into him.

“Did you hear? Hannah and Alpha Nicholas are mates!” someone nearby says. I freeze, feeling tears well up.

He’s my mate! I bite my lip and dash to the washroom, where I cry softly. Why does this always happen to me?

After two more classes, I head to the cafeteria. I stop in my tracks when I see Hannah sitting on Nicholas’s lap, feeding him lunch. My wolf seethes with jealousy. I turn around and leave, avoiding them for the rest of the day.

On my way home, I run into Grace again.

“Anna, dear, we meet again,” she says with a smile, and I smile back.

“I’ve made some cake. Would you like to try some?” She gently pulls me toward her home.

“Is it a special occasion?” I ask as we enter.

“It’s my husband’s birthday,” she replies.

“Where is he?” I ask, glancing around.

“He passed away six years ago,” she says quietly, and I quickly apologize. She just smiles and brings out the cake. She gives me a slice, and I feel tears pricking my eyes.

“Is everything alright, dear?” she asks.

“It’s my birthday too,” I say softly.

“Aww! Happy birthday, dear.” She hugs me, and I hug her back.

After we eat, I help her clean up. She goes upstairs to get something when there’s a knock at the door. I open it, look up, and freeze.