HANNAHMost people tell you that high school is where you get to figure out yourself and teenagehood is the best stage of your life, but honestly, that's bollocks.I think high school was a place where everyone got picked on depending on how popular they were. There was a hierarchy; the rich and famous sitting at the top of the list with their huge ego.And then, there was me, Hannah Baker.I lacked the three keys of coolness in high school, and I'll tell you what they are.One, don't try hard at anything. Unfortunately, I tried too hard at everything, especially my grades. I'd won best student of the year three consecutive times in a row and was best friends with most of my teachers. I also tried hard to stay out of Arlene's way, you know, big pudgy Arlene, who liked to pick on people.Two, make fun of people who do try. I bet you already know the drill. In high school, everybody made somebody's life hell—except me. Everyone made my life hell.I was at the bottom of every social list
HANNAHI found myself reading those lines repeatedly, and every time, it felt like all the air was being drawn out of my lungs.I couldn't do it. I wouldn't…The thought had jumped out of my mind almost immediately. Asher and his father wanted me but like a prized calf, carved up for auction. This had nothing to do with love or a change of heart – it was a display of dominance.I was all too aware that after the mating ceremony, Asher's terrible attitude would come to the forefront, and I would be stuck in a relationship that could potentially be life-threatening.That was not the life I envisioned for myself or the romantic dream I had always hoped for. The letter was essentially a death sentence and nothing else."I-I can't be his mate," I voiced when I finally found my voice, my lips trembling. I looked at Alpha Wallace and shook my head. "I won't let them take me."My fingers shook as I returned the letter to Jace, who could now meet my gaze. It dawned on me that I couldn't blame
HANNAHI used to wish every day could be Halloween or the masking ceremony. That way, I could wear a mask all day, and nobody would recognize me.But that was impossible.Meaning that wherever I went, PEOPLE would spot me and recognize me despite my efforts to blend in with my environment.And with people come great problems. Unfortunately for me, my problems followed me everywhere, especially my biggest ones—bullies.Here's something about the bullies in my life: they are like glitter; they get everywhere and are hard to get rid of. And today? Not so different from other days.For the first time in many years, I woke up in a room that wasn't mine. To say that I felt different would be an understatement.I had breakfast with Willa, disappointed that the triplets left for a pack meeting without informing me. At least, they should have texted or told me a little about the details of their meeting with their father last night."We should go shopping," Willa suggested as I drank my tea
HANNAHJace jumped into the driver's seat swiftly after handing Willa some money to settle the bill without properly explaining to her the matter at hand. I was lost in thoughts, wondering what possibly might have happened. I was so absorbed in my own worries that I didn't even notice Jace's request to fasten my seatbelt. It wasn't until he reached across me and his hand brushed against mine that I jolted back to reality.He fastened the seatbelt himself."Try to be calm, he said, trying to put my mind at rest. But my worries were stubborn, refusing to dissipate. I nodded, attempting to appear composed, but my heart continued to race with anxiety. He reached for the ignition, inserted the key, and swerved the car onto the bustling road, merging into the stream of vehicles heading towards my home.As we drove through the city, the familiar landmarks and sounds became blur, my focus was captured by the uncertainty ahead. Jace's attempts to calm me down did little to alleviate my growing
HANNAHI jumped out of bed at the first ring of the alarm and turned it off. I grabbed my bathrobe and rushed to the bathroom, still trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. My mind felt foggy, but my body seemed to be on autopilot, moving through the familiar morning routine. As the water from the shower poured on my skin, I jerked fully awake.I had picked out a dress the previous day, carefully selecting an outfit that was neither too pretty nor too plain. I didn't want to pique Asher's interest in me, but at the same time, I didn't want to appear too basic and risk losing the triplets' interest. I dried my hair, combed it, and packed it into a neat bun, securing it with a few pins. I checked my reflection, making sure I looked presentable. Then, I waited downstairs for my mother to get dressed. When she was ready, we departed and arrived at the meeting location ten minutes before the scheduled time.I was nervous as I stepped out of the car and onto the grounds of the Alpha's es
HANNAHFive days had passed since the meeting, and a routine had begun to settle in. Jace and his brothers had ensured my safety by sending guards to secure and watch my house, and a private driver to pick me up and drop me off at school or wherever I went. They knew for sure I was going to pick them over Asher, but they. needed to take extra measures in case Asher tried to make a move. They weren't taking any chances, knowing how unpredictable and volatile Asher could be.School hours had come to an end, and I waited for my driver to come get me. The usual bustle of students chatting and laughing faded, as most of the students had left for home. I stood there, lost in thought. After about twenty minutes of waiting, he arrived, apologizing profusely as he explained that he was caught in an unavoidable traffic jam. I nodded understandingly, and we exchanged pleasantries and I got into the car."Seatbelt." He called out. I smiled and reached for my belt. When I had fastened it, he start
HANNAHTWO DAYS LATERThe day had finally come for me to choose a mate. I sat in the meeting room, my mom sat beside me, her eyes cast downward, a scarf over her hair, covering half of her face to conceal the scars from the beatings she had received just two days ago. The room was heavy with unspoken words and expectations. Everyone was present, the Alphas from both packs, the triplets and Asher too. All of them were staring and waiting for me to make my decision, but I was lost in thoughts.I recalled the stern look on the leader's face as he warned me to comply. I remember he said he was going to kill my mother if I tried anything outside of his plan, and I feared for myself and my mom's life. His words echoed in my mind, "In two days, at the meeting, you will choose Asher as your desired mate.If you don't, there will be severe consequences. Your mother's life is already hanging by a thread. Don't make it any worse." I felt a chill run down my spine as I thought about the danger I w
HANNAH TWO DAYS LATER The day had finally come for me to choose a mate. I sat in the meeting room, my mom sat beside me, her eyes cast downward, a scarf over her hair, covering half of her face to conceal the scars from the beatings she had received just two days ago. The room was heavy with unspoken words and expectations. Everyone was present, the Alphas from both packs, the triplets and Asher too. All of them were staring and waiting for me to make my decision, but I was lost in thoughts. I recalled the stern look on the leader's face as he warned me to comply. I remember he said he was going to kill my mother if I tried anything outside of his plan, and I feared for myself and my mom's life. His words echoed in my mind, "In two days, at the meeting, you will choose Asher as your desired mate.If you don't, there will be severe consequences. Your mother's life is already hanging by a thread. Don't make it any worse." I felt a chill run down my spine as I thought about the danger