Nora's POV
''Can you get your lazy ass down?'' Mother yelled from downstairs. With a scramble, I picked up my backpack, phone, and laptop. I hurriedly left my room and descended the stairs to the sitting room.
I met Vera, already seated beside mother at the dining table, while dad was sipping his coffee. ''Always late,'' Vera sneered while I eyed her and took a seat beside Dad. ''I suggest you take the gym class,'' Mom grumbled as she sipped her drink. ''She shouldn't bother taking it. It won't help,'' Vera mocked while I scoffed and put two pieces of pancakes on my plate. ''At least she should try it!'' Mother grumbled and got an irritated groan from dad. ''Stop it!'' Dad ordered while fixing his gaze on mom, who grumbled and looked away.
Gulping in pain, I picked up a pancake, took a bite, and forcefully chewed it down my throat. I was already used to mother telling me I needed to register for the gym; not like I have not been trying to control my weight gain. I practically starve myself. Most time, I eat just once a day, and I have no intake of soda, drinks, or junk food, yet there were no signs of me reducing weight.
To my mother and sister, weighing 90 kg was a big deal. They basically see me as the overweight family member who causes them embarrassment. Every day, Mom tells me how much I need to work on myself.
''What are you thinking, my dear?'' Dad asked when he must have noticed I had stopped eating. ''Nothing, dad, I just lost my appetite,'' I said and stood to my feet. ''I will walk to school," I announced to everyone as I gathered my belongings. "That's a good idea," Mom said, as I ignored her and walked away from the table.
''I have told you to stop it.'' I heard dad's voice as I left the house.
As I stood outside the house, I inhaled the fresh air and tightly shut my eyes. ''Today will be a good day.'' Lolita, my wolf encouraged, while I shrugged my shoulders and walked away.
The walk to my school was fifteen minutes, and after a five-minute walk, I saw Vera drive past me at a heavy speed. ''Bitch.'' My wolf cursed while I shrugged my shoulders and continued my journey.
It's strange that we were twins but looked so different. Vera was the family's pride and beauty. She has long black hair that falls just above her hips. Her beauty could not be denied. Her skin is rich and fair -colored, and her eyes are bright and almond-shaped. Her figure is slim and graceful, and her gentle smile brightens any room she enters. Her beauty is effortless, and she seems to radiate an ethereal energy. I can't help but feel a bit envious of her beauty.
On the other hand, I was the family's spare twin. I recall overhearing my mother telling a friend that she wished she had only given birth to Vera. That day I locked myself in my room and cried my eyes out, and no one knew the reason I did not show up for dinner that day.
The buzzing of my phone took me out of my thoughts. With a heavy sigh, I went for my phone, which was in my jacket pocket. I took it out and saw the caller was from Maxwell, my elder brother. With excitement, I picked up the call. ''Maxwell!'' I called out excitedly, feeling my spirit lift instantly.
“Hey, sis!” he answered, his voice sounding vibrant and more excited than I'd ever heard.
“So, how's it going? Are you through with all your exams?”
“Yes! I'm finally done! I'm coming home soon, sis.” He cheered, his voice sounding closer with each word. My heart leaped joyfully, and I could almost see his face from a thousand miles away.
“That's awesome! I can't wait to see you! We'll have to celebrate the big news when you get here!” I said excitedly.
“Of course! I'm looking forward to it,” he replied, a hint of a smile in his voice.
''This is good to hear,'' I spoke excitedly and in relief, at least the only person who understood me was coming back home.
''Are you okay?'' He asked, his voice sounding with concern.
''Yeah, I'm hanging in there,'' I replied, a slight sadness in my voice.
''It's tough, but we'll get through it all together. I'm here for you, sis,'' He replied comfortingly. His words filled me with warmth, and I felt the corners of my lips curling up into a smile. Despite not being here for so long, he understood what I was going through. He was the shoulder I leaned and cried on when Vera snatched my last boyfriend.
''Thank you, Maxwell. That really means a lot to me,'' I whispered.
''No problem, sis. We'll all make it through. I look forward to seeing you soon,'' He said reassuringly.
His words and kindness strengthened me, and I could feel my heart jump with joy as I waited for him to come home.
''Alright, I'm on my way to school.''
''Alright, have a great day, Nora. Stay safe.'' ''You too, bro.'' With that, I ended the call with a smile. Funny how a call could just lift up my mood.
''Let's keep walking,'' I told my wolf and continued our journey. After over ten minutes walk, I arrived at the college gate, which was crowded with students. I knew our school was populated because humans, vampires, and werewolves could attend, but I hadn't seen the school gate this crowded.
I froze for a moment, unsure of how to approach the gate. I took a deep breath and peered around, looking for Dora and Anita, but I couldn't spot them anywhere. With weak feet, I stood in a corner, and that is when I heard whispering. ''I heard he is coming today, and that's why everyone is here to welcome him.'' A girl spoke from behind me. ''Really? You mean alpha Leo is coming here?'' Another asked with a gasp. ''Yes, I heard he has just finished his masters in the UK and is here to pay a visit to the school,'' The first girl explained.
''And who is this alpha?'' Another girl asked, confused. ''Oh, vampire girl, don't tell me you don't know the alpha of this town and pack. The almighty alpha Leo, whose fame had gone around the world. A man gifted with an incredible gift of strength and power, the dream of every lady?'' The first girl asked, while the other girl scoffed.
Through their conversation, I realized all the students gathered here were just here to see the handsome and famous alpha Leo, which was of no importance to me. ''Let's leave,'' I told my wolf and tried to make my way into the college, but no one gave way for me. They all stood still, ignoring my presence like I had never existed. ''Can I please pass through?'' I asked, but got a muted response. ''Gosh!'' I groaned and moved my gaze around and spotted Vera with her clique of friends. ''I have no choice,'' I grumbled and struggled my way to her. I got to where she stood, and just when I was about to ask her to help me pass through, I heard loud screams from everyone.
Curious, I moved my gaze and noticed three black-tinted cars approaching the gate. '' He is here.'' Vera and the other students screamed with excitement, while I just stood and watched the vehicle pulled up.
''Mate.'' My wolf howled in my head, causing me to stagger.