Five

TESSA’S POV
After the incident that happened in the soccer field before we went to class, Mikhaela was right that I had to deal with more attention from these shifters. I did my best to keep my attention fixed on the professors during discussions, but the stares and whispers of my classmates bothered me to the bones.
True to what Aunt Alice have told me, the university focused on molding their students on how to use their powers which all came from Moon Goddess Selene. Unlike the usual subjects back in White Bridge High, those three subjects I’ve attended focused on phases to control our enhanced abilities and our minds. I’ve seen how my classmates were able to control their abilities without breaking a sweat; how they could easily stop their enhanced hearing ability from becoming a nuisance; and how to balance their strength so they wouldn’t be able to destroy things.
As for me, the enhanced hearing was bothersome. I could hear even the tiniest whisper of a mouth, and I didn’t know how to stop it. I’ve decided to wear earphones when it totally irritated me. Sighing, I closed my notebook and put it inside my bag.
Mikhaela looped her arms against mine. She was seated next to me, and when I glanced her way, I noticed her eyes sparkling.
“Have you already prepared for the event tonight?”
“Event?” My forehead creased. “What event?”
And do I have to be there?
Mikhaela gave me a wide-eyed look. It was as if she was telling me that I was missing something very important. I heard our two classmates talked about the “event” behind us too. One of them even mentioned about buying such an expensive gown to use for the party, which I had no idea about.
“It’s the future Alpha’s birthday celebration!” Mikhaela responded, and her tone became excited upon mentioning that man-the future Alpha, whoever he was. “Don’t tell me that Alice didn’t inform you about it? Everyone in the pack will come. It’s an open party!”
“I… I’m not sure. My aunt hasn’t discussed it with me yet, so-”
“You have to attend, Tessa!” she interrupted me before I could finish what I was about to say. “I’d be happy to introduce you to my parents. Ever since Alice listed you as the new members of the pack, some of the highly ranked people have been curious about you. It’s not every day that we get to welcome someone from the human land, so you better attend the party and flaunt yourself there. It’s going to be a fun night, for sure!”
Mikhaela’s definition of fun appeared to be different from mine. It had only been a few hours since we met, yet I could already tell how outgoing she was. I gave her a thin smile before I answered.
“I think I will pass for now,” I said.
Her mouth dropped. Seconds later, she shook her head. “Come on, new girl. The pack will be your new family, and as a new member you might want to consider showing yourself to everyone as a form of respect.” Then she pouted her lips. “Just come on!”
I paused for a few seconds, contemplating. Mikhaela was right. My mind told me that being around so many shifters could be problematic, but I just couldn’t deny the fact that if not for them taking me in, I would probably be dead on the street right now.
In the end, I nodded my head as I heaved a deep breath.
“Alright, I will talk to my Aunt and see if I can attend.”
“You better attend!” Her eyes narrowed.
I chuckled. “Fine. I’ll come.”
“Perfect!” She stood up and slung the strap of her sling bag over her shoulder. “I have to go to grab a dress. I’ll see you later, new girl!”
I also grabbed my back pack and stood up, completely aware of my classmates’ attention on me. The fact that my wolf remained locked made them wonder about what really happened to me in the past that led me to be this way, abnormal. A classmate even whispered that I might be cursed or something, which I found ridiculous. Even my professor was puzzled that he could not mind link me, and that seemed another mystery for everyone in the class.
Biting my lower lip, I left the room and let out a sigh as I walked to the hallway. The first day of classes was done, and I could not wait to be home again. My favorite song was playing at full blast, which gave me comfort. Thanks to my aunt, who gave me a phone as a gift. I’ve never had one before, back when I was living with the Steinfields.
A sting of pain struck my chest as I thought about that family. With my lips forming a thin line, I shunned that unwanted thought away and was about to turn left into the hallway when a group of men, specifically in soccer uniforms, appeared, running and chasing each other, causing one to bump my shoulder and make me fall.
“Ouch!” I groaned softly after my elbow hit the cemented floor.
As the group of men continued to laugh even after seeing me fall, a pair of feet stood before me, which silenced them afterwards. My brow furrowed at that sudden silence. However, when I looked up to see who the man was, my mouth instantly dropped open.
It seemed like the world stopped when his gaze met mine.
The man in front of me made me breathless. He looked so dashing that I found his existence surreal. His bright blue eyes sparked with curiosity, full of joy and shone like two blue jewels set in snow that would never wear out; his Viking-gold hair complemented his orbs; his bristly eyebrows were on fleek. He had this hawkish nose, concrete jaw that could make women want to touch him, and his lips looked entrancing.
“Are you alright?” he asked. His deep voice made my insides swirl.
“Uhm… I…” I blinked thrice and swallowed hard.
To my surprise, he offered his hand for me to hold. But I was too shy to accept it. In the end, I stood all by myself as he continued to glance at me.
“I’m sorry about how my team behaved,” he said.
That’s when I only noticed that he was wearing a soccer uniform. Was he their coach?
“T-That’s fine. I’m not hurt,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.
He gave me a smile… the kind of smile that could make a woman see a line of stars. How could a shifter like him be this attractive?
He put his hands inside the pockets of his shorts, still smiling. “Are you sure? I can take you to the clinic if your elbow feels any pain.”
I bit my bottom lip, trying hard enough not to feel giddy on the inside, and then I shook my head and pretended that his words didn’t impress me.
“No, I’m fine, really. But thanks,” I responded, and I don’t know why I smiled at him.
“Tessa Finley, right?”
I nodded. My heart rate picked up upon learning he knew my name.
“How did you…”
Amusement was painted on his dashing face. “Every man at this university knows when someone special transfers here, especially if it’s a woman.”
Damn. I could feel my cheeks flushing in shame, and it was hard to tell whether it was because this man knew my name or because every man knew me already… Nevertheless, it was overwhelming, but not in a bad way.
“I guess I will see you around, Tessa,” he uttered, still with a smile flashing on his lips.
“S-Sure.”
He chuckled softly, tilted his head to look at me with curiosity one last time before he walked past me to join his team. I heard them teasing him, and it made my heart pound so hard. Biting my lower lip, I ran away with an indescribable feeling engulfing my chest.
“Look who just arrived,” Aunt Alice walked up to me when I entered our house.
Panting, I offered her a smile. She hugged me and then pulled back with a creased forehead.
“You look flushed. Was there anything exciting that happened on your first day at school?” she asked curiously.
“Yeah…” My lips formed a smile.
My aunt crossed her arms as she examined me thoroughly.
“Hmm, your heartbeat sounds like you have just met your crush.”
I gasped at what she said. “C-Crush?”
She smirked and jerked her head to the left. “I’m tempted to read your mind to know the reason for your flushed face and smile.”
“Oh, no! Please don’t!” I snorted and placed my arms on my head, as if that would actually stop my aunt from reading my thoughts.
Since Aunt Alice was also a vampire, she could read my thoughts and even dreams at night. I could hide nothing from her. But as much as possible, I wanted my thoughts to be just… mine, especially after that encounter I had with the most entrancing man I’ve ever met.
Aunt Alice giggled. “I’m just kidding, my love. Change your clothes. We’ll go in the market to look for a nice dress for you to wear.”
“For the future Alpha’s birthday celebration? It’s been the talk of the town,” I said.
She nodded and then sighed. “Yes. I thought it would be best for you not to come as you’re still adjusting to life here. But the Beta’s daughter linked with me, and told me you must come to show some respect to the highly ranked families.”
“It’s fine, Aunt Alice.” I smiled at her.
Her amber eyes glowed. “Hmm, that’s odd. I thought you didn’t like to socialize.”
I didn’t know how to socialize. But the idea that I’d be seeing that man again at the party makes me excited. I bet it wouldn’t be fair if he knew my name and I didn’t know his.
I should come.