***Lisabeth's POV***
Brad’s grip on my arm was too tight, and the fear of being touched by strangers made me tense up. He yanked me back, and in a sudden panic, I lost my footing. Then one of the twins stuck their leg out, causing me to stumble. My heart raced as I prepared for my fall backward onto the floor, but something or someone caught me. I nervously glanced up at the tall, broad figure keeping me steady, but they quickly shoved me forward and walked away.
The cafeteria was silent as I watched the tall, broad student who had disheveled blond curls stride out of sight. Every single person in the room seemed to have an expression of fear on their face. I spun around to check out the source of their stares. Luna January was standing by the side of the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. His aura was that of a true Alpha. He was tall and muscular, with hair as white as snow that cascaded down past his waistline. His eyes were a deep grey, speckled with flecks of gold. His arm was clasped securely around Luna's shoulder. Holy crap they looked perfect together! It seemed too good to be true that they'd invite me into their lives so readily. But the glares on their faces told me it could all be a trick, and I might have been foolish to trust her kindness only to become a laughingstock in the end.
"Good Morning to us!" Emily yipped, seemingly unaware of the tension filling the cafeteria.
She shuffled around in excitement over this man's beauty and power, her fluffy tail wagging, before she put on her best submission pose.
“Ease up there, Em. Can't you see they're mad? I was such an i***t to think they'd let me in here.”
Luna January took a step towards me and I took an automatic step back. All I could think of was my last teacher walking towards me with a stick, ready to punish me for having gotten into a fight. That fight had been to protect another student who was being bullied. Everyone already knew that I was somewhat of a troublemaker, so I gave them hell. But of course, teachers would never witness what made me decide to give those fuckers what they deserved; They would only appear at the end of it all. It didn't matter if my nose was bleeding or if my lip was split - things only got worse after I received my Kitsune, Emily. Because of this, I constantly had to be on guard and make sure we were safe. She always had my back, just like I had hers.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, bracing myself for the reprimand or for a slap. Or worse... being eaten!
Luna January gently placed her soft hand on my shoulder and gazed at me with her tranquil green eyes. "Why would you apologize for someone else's mistake?" she asked in a peaceful tone.
I could feel my jaw drop open; so she giggled and lifted my chin up. The warmth of her touch and the radiance in her eyes made me feel secure. Her hair had a slight curl to it today and flowed over her shoulders playfully.
"Mr. Mercer, do you recall what we discussed about not harassing the students? Are you aware that respect is expected?" the Alpha inquired.
"She isn't one of us! Her scent repulses me!" Brad spat out as he glared at me.
Emily roared, "What did he just say?! Does he think his breath smells good after waking up? I've taken shits that smell better than his mouth!"
I tried to suppress a giggle, instead raising my middle fingers and sticking out my tongue. I could easily take him on if he didn't resort to playing dirty. People always underestimate me because of my size, but I've never lost a fight in my life.
"And she has a terrible attitude problem," Brad snarled.
"I recall her eating peacefully prior to you coming over and stirring up trouble. Am I mistaken, Lisabeth?" the handsome male spoke up.
"Alpha Caspian," Luna January murmured in my ear.
"Yes, something like that," I replied.
I knew no matter how I answered, it wouldn’t stop Brad from provoking more trouble. He had it out for me specifically, so why should I sugarcoat it? Brad emitted an angry growl, his cheat heaving and his eyes darkened to obsidian.
"Growl all you want, alphahole. Emily and I will take you on if we need to," I thought.
"Well, no matter. Your Luna and I saw what happened; this is your LAST warning to stop harassing the students and to treat them all equally, regardless of their shifter status. Do you understand?" Alpha Caspian spoke firmly.
"This is ridiculous! You are treating family like this?" Brad exclaimed angrily.
"I suggest you watch your words before you lose them, tiny Alpha," Luna January snarled dangerously.
Like her flaming red hair, Luna radiated a menacing air of dominance.
"Just because you are related to us does not mean you are immune to repercussions. I suggest you get that through your thick skull," Alpha Caspain growled in fury.
Brad glared back at his uncle before lowering his head in submission. I couldn't comprehend Brad's humiliation right now, with the whole school watching. But still, I felt immense satisfaction seeing this jerk being put in his place – and by his own family too.
My respect for the Alpha and Luna increased tenfold.
"Yes, Alpha," Brad said with clear reluctance.
Luna January then directed her stern gaze to the twins, who quickly lowered their heads.
"Good. Now get out of here before I change my mind," Alpha Caspian commanded.
The twins fled without hesitation, but Brad shot me a warning look before leaving.
"Little brat," Alpha Caspian grumbled under his breath.
Luna January gave Alpha Caspian a light pat on the back and he turned around to face us with a wide smile, revealing his sharp canines. Unsure of how one should respond when facing a werewolf in power, I meekly lowered my head.
"Please, you don't need to do that, Lisabeth. Those little troublemakers do though; they need to learn respect and humility. How did you sleep?" Alpha Caspian questioned me kindly.
I heard Emily whisper something along the lines of "Holy crap, those eyes are mesmerizing! I'd let him discipline me if it came down to it!" I shook my head at her comment about Alpha Caspian's attractiveness - she was always a bit of a horn dog and we were both virgins after all.
"It was really good and thank you for the basket of snacks," I replied.
"You're welcome. We'll take you to your first class. What do you have?" asked Luna January.
"Uhhh, history... Gross," I moaned, reading my map and timetable.
"Yeah, history is dull, but at least it's your final year, so there's something to look forward to, right? Are there any classes that you enjoy?" enquired Alpha Caspian.
"Yeah, art and training," I answered.
I was really looking forward to those classes. I've always been passionate about art and don't mind a good fight either.
We left the cafeteria and crossed the lively campus grounds. The aroma of apples, cherry blossoms, and recently mowed grass permeated the air. The wind was warm, and small birds scavenged the pathways for edibles or discarded morsels. This place was truly remarkable. Apart from Brad and his cronies, I think I'm in for a treat here. But that doesn't mean others will accept me readily.
"Have a great day, Lisabeth," Luna January said as she and Alpha Caspian held hands while walking away together.
"I wish for a love like theirs someday," I whispered before heading into the building.
"I'm sure our fated mate will be awesome. I mean, look at us. We are the shit."
"True that. Alright, let's do this!"
This story has been completed and moved over to A m a z on and A m a z o n K i n d l e. Please see my author's page on F a c e B o o k, Author Lisa Lynn Baird.