Tears of the Crescent Moon

"Oh, shoot!" Ember exclaimed when she suddenly bumped into someone's body. A pile of books tumbled to the ground, Ember quickly got down to gather her books and other belongings. "Watch where you're going, nerd," said the deep but teasing voice of a male. He even offered a hand to help her up. Ember's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, She clearly heard its voice but she just ignored it. This kind of scene isn't new to her, anyway. "Thanks, but no thanks," she mumbled as she turned her back to him without even looking at who it was, her voice barely audible. Ember went to her favorite spot that day. She sat under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, engrossed in her studies. The gentle rustling of leaves was interrupted by a deep chuckle. Looking up, she met the mischievous gaze of a man leaning against the tree. "Studying again, huh?" Drake's voice dripped with amusement, and he flicked a leaf towards her. She knew him.. Who wouldn't recognize the spoiled and naughty son of a great and brave Alpha? Drake Wilderwyn is known as the school's resident bad boy, he was rarely seen without a smirk on his face and a trail of admirers following behind. His leather jacket, paired with his trademark messy hair, made him seem untouchable. Ember's eyebrows furrowed as she brushed the leaf away, trying to focus. "Yeah, well, some of us take our education seriously." Drake grinned, leaning closer. "Lighten up, nerdy princess. You're at Full Moon Grove to enjoy life, not bury your nose in books." Ember raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "And what about you? Shouldn't you be out causing trouble somewhere?" Drake's laughter filled the air. "Oh, I do that too, but it's more fun to bother the studious types." As the bell rang, Ember gathered her books and made her way to her last class. To her disbelief, Drake strolled in and took a seat right next to her. "Looks like we're classmates," he smirked, giving her a wink. Ember sighed inwardly, focusing on the lesson. But Drake wasn't done. Throughout the class, he slipped her playful notes and made snarky comments under his breath that left her flustered. "Doesn't she know how many women are waiting for my attention? Other girls almost passed out when I stared at them!" Drake exclaimed while he was with Nyx. They are at the school canteen that night, waiting for their food to arrive. "I think she's different from other she-wolves here, Paw! Your charisma won't affect her. Why waste time for her anyway?" Nyx replied. "She's just– challenging…" Drake replied while staring at Ember who's sitting not far from them. Nyx chuckled knowingly. "Ember's not like the others. She's got layers, man. You just have to find the right approach." Drake slammed his hand on the table and let out a frustrated sigh. "No way. I can't believe someone like that nerd could ignore me, Nyx! Didn't she know who I am? No.. I won't allow it!" he exclaimed with determination. "So, what's your plan?" Nyx asked. It seemed like he could already guess what was on his friend's mind. "Just watch, Paw. I'll get that girl's attention eventually," Drake said, his voice filled with certainty. A week later, Ember found herself in a precarious situation again. The school bully, Aurora, had set her sights on her, making her daily life a living nightmare. "I heard that Drake has been noticing you." It was Aurora, grinning at her. "Hey, Paws!" she called out to some students who were also there. As expected, the attention of the other students in the canteen shifted towards them. "Look at this nerd, pretending to be conservative, when all she really wants is to get Drake's attention!" she shouted at them. She furrowed her brow. What? That spoiled-wolf, Drake?! "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, attempting to walk away from Aurora, but she suddenly grabbed her hair and pulled, then proceeded to slap her. "You, w***e pretentious nerdy b***h!" She fought back, but was taken aback when a few more girls joined in and started ganging up on her. Her uniform was almost torn to shreds as they relentlessly attacked her. Her glasses' lenses shattered, and her hair was almost pulled out. Nevertheless, she didn't shed a tear over what happened. She vowed to herself that she wouldn't let her bullying classmates see her defeated. She stood up with her head up and went to the back of the school. It was there that she let out her anger and cried. That's when she felt a tap on her shoulder, she immediately wiped her tears before turning around, she was amazed to be met with Drake's intense gaze. But the annoyance she felt became intense. "Are you here to tease me again?" But Drake shakes his head. "I've got an offer for you," he said, his tone surprisingly serious. Ember eyed him cautiously, unsure of what he could possibly want from her. "What kind of offer?" Drake leaned in slightly, his lips curling into a sly grin. "I'll protect you from those girls. In return, you pretend to be my girlfriend." The furrow on Ember's forehead deepened as she stared, her laughter fading as she turned her head. "Are you crazy? I got beaten up by your delusional fans because they thought I was stealing you from them. And now you're telling me you want me to be your girlfriend?!" "Yep!" He replied with a sense of pride in it. "Once they find out you're my girlfriend, they won't be able to hurt you anymore because they'll be up against me. As for me, they'll also stop following me because they respect my decisions," He responded with a smug tone. I shrugged. "You know what? I don't have the time to play with you," I said and rolled my eyes afterward. "You're lucky, the most strong and well-formed wolf wants to play with you. If you only knew how many she-wolves are waiting for me to notice them," Drake said boastfully. "Why can't you just leave me alone, huh? If there are plenty of she-wolves vying for your attention, why don't you choose one of them to agree with your nonsense? I'm sure they'd jump for joy!" she exclaimed before turning away. But Drake only grinned, he felt like not only was he lowering his pride, but letting this hard-headed nerdy she-wolf trample on it too! Angrily, he faced Ember and almost pressed his face against hers. "Want a real answer, hmm? I'm not used to being ignored by a she-wolf, especially a nerd like you. But I also don't want someone constantly tailing me. So I am offering you a deal which will benefit us both. But if you keep avoiding me, I'll make sure your glasses' lenses shatter every day, and before this year ends, you might lose your precious glistening white fur, too." There was a threatening tone in his words. Ember's mind raced, torn between disbelief and consideration. It was an absurd proposition, but her desperation to escape Aurora's torment everyday made her contemplate the idea. "Think about it," Drake added, his voice softer. "You won't have to worry about Aurora and other jealous she-wolves anymore, and I'll get those girls off my back. Plus, it could be fun." He smirked and even winced at her. Ember let out a deep sigh. Fun was not a word Ember associated with her life. She has no plans to become one of this Playboy's toys, she doesn't want dealing with an arrogant, bossy, and demanding son of an alpha ever! But she can't explain why despite her mind's objections, a part of her is agreeing with what this male wolf in front of her is offering. It's like there's a natural magnet pulling her to give in, playing tricks with her mind.. Or it's better to say that for some reason, the hidden wolf within her dominates whenever her bodies come closer with Drake. Added to that was the promise of relief from the constant bullying she had to deal everyday was too tempting to ignore. Ember closed her eyes; the truth is, she knew she could defend herself if needed. She was strong and smart, after all, so she decided to refuse the offer.. She had already planned the words of refusal she was going to say, but she was surprised by the opposite movement of her body, she suddenly faced Drake before she nodded slowly. "Okay, deal."