CHAPTER 10.

The short time it took me to navigate my way from the training grounds to the cafeteria was enough for Ruby and her friends to spread the news of my inability to produce any powers. The moment I stepped into the hallway, I could hear the whispers, the murmurs. People stared, some talked quietly, while others didn’t care about being discreet.

“Who cares if she hears us? She’s basically human, we can totally kick her ass.”

I heard a group say as I walked past them, I’d never been so humiliated in my entire life. What happened to the bold, fearless girl who practically ruled the halls of Hartville high? What happened to Astra, the born leader?

Was I really going to be a nobody?

I was already feeling bad enough, everything with Levi and possibly not having any special abilities. Now this. It was all too much for me.

“She really doesn’t have an ability?”

“What kind of werewolf is that?”

“No wonder she was raised with humans.”

I clenched my fists and kept walking, pretending not to notice the way heads turned as I passed. The stares burned into my skin, but I refused to let them see how much it affected me. My wolf, Lola, growled in the back of my mind, a low, frustrated rumble.

“She’s done this on purpose,” Lola muttered. “That girl, Ruby, she wants to humiliate us.”

I didn’t reply, but I knew Lola was right. It hadn’t even been an hour since training ended, and Ruby had already spread the rumor. The rich, entitled werewolf had made it her personal mission to make me feel like an outsider. And it was working.

I couldn’t keep going, the thought of walking into the cafeteria, of facing even more whispers and judgmental stares, made my stomach turn. Instead, I took the corner to my right and headed toward the field, climbing the bleachers to sit alone. I couldn’t eat, I had no appetite. Everything was a mess.

The crisp afternoon breeze did little to soothe my nerves, but at least out here, I could breathe. I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I found the name I was looking for: Ella.

It had been two days since I spoke to her—since I left Hartville and entered this world I didn’t belong in. I sent multiple messages, but she hadn’t replied any. I understood that she was pissed about my sudden departure, but I needed her now more than anything.

I pressed the button and brought the phone to my ear. It rang twice before a familiar, bubbly voice answered.

“Astra? Oh my god, I was just thinking about you!”

A lump formed in my throat at the warmth in my friend’s voice. I had missed this—missed having someone who didn’t look at me like I was a freak.

“Hey, El,” I said, forcing a small smile. “I needed to hear a friendly voice.”

“What’s wrong?” Ella asked immediately, her excitement shifting into concern. “You sound…off.”

I sighed, leaning back against the metal bleacher. “It’s just…everything’s different here. People aren’t exactly welcoming.”

Ella groaned. “Let me guess. Mean cousins?”

“Something like that.” I hesitated, knowing I couldn’t explain the whole truth. “They don’t like me, and now everyone’s talking.”

“That’s ridiculous. You’re Astra freaking Finnegan. You’re the most badass person I know.”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Not here, I’m not. I’m the girl who’s different. The one who shouldn’t even be…in their gathering.”

There was silence on the other end before Ella finally spoke. “Who cares what they think? You’ve never needed anyone’s approval before.”

I sighed, wishing it were that simple. But here, in Moondew, things weren’t like they were in Hartville. I wasn’t just another girl. I was a weakling in a world that demanded strength.

“I just…I don’t know if I belong here.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

“You do,” Ella said firmly. “You belong wherever you choose to be. And if your dad’s family can’t see how amazing you are, then screw them.”

Right. My dad’s family. I hated lying to her, but I couldn’t exactly tell her I was a werewolf, living amongst pack members.

I closed my eyes, letting Ella’s words wash over me. Maybe she was right. Maybe I needed to stop caring about what the pack thought and start proving them wrong.

“Thanks, El,” I murmured. “I really needed this.”

“That’s what best friends are for,” Ella said brightly. “Now, tell me more about your family. Any cute brother or cousin I should know about?”

I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips for the first time today. All felt right with the world once more, and I started to even believe that maybe things weren’t completely hopeless after all.

The rest of the day passed in a blur, keeping my head down and avoiding unnecessary interactions. I was drained, emotionally and mentally, by the time the final bell rang.

As I stepped outside, I spotted a familiar car pulling up. Jerry.

My older half-brother leaned against the side of the sleek black vehicle, arms crossed, watching me with his usual easygoing smirk. “Tough day?”

I sighed, slipping into the passenger seat as he slid behind the wheel. “You have no idea.”

“Anything I can help with?”

“Can you drive me back to Hartville?” I said, he furrowed his brows. “Then you can’t help me.” I sighed, burying myself into the car seat.

“Look, I’m sorry they’re giving you a tough time, but I’m here if you want to talk.”

Jerry was trying and I loved him for it, but I didn’t think anyone would understand what I was going through right now. I was stuck between being a wolf and a human, I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. No one would relate.

But at least there was someone I could talk to him about.

“What’s up with that Ruby girl?” I found myself saying with so much spite in my voice.

Jerry glanced at me. “Who? Ruby Obrian?”

I nodded, anger boiling inside me as I remembered everything that happened today. “Yeah, she acts like she owns the school.”

A thought came to my head. What if she actually did? Everything would make so much sense.

I looked at Jerry. “That’s it, isn’t it? Her family owns the school?”

“Well…” Jerry began, “No, but her family is important. They’re part of the council.”

“The council?”

He grinned, knowing I didn’t understand what that meant. “The council that was formed after the great war.”

My sat up straight, shaking my head, not wanting to hear anymore. It was worse than I had thought.

“How’s that possible? They must be about a thousand years old,” I whispered under my breath.

“We’re werewolves, most of us live longer than humans if we stay out of danger. Plus, the council is handed down to generations.” He explained, even though my question wasn’t really directed at him. “Her family is rich, most of it is old money, but rich regardless.”

I heaved another sigh, resuming my position on the seat, now more depressed than ever. “She’s a pain in my ass.”

Jerry chuckled. "You and everyone else’s. I know what’ll cheer you up though, there’s a surprise waiting for you back home."

My face lit up.

I raised a brow. “Good surprise or bad surprise?”

He smirked. “I said it would cheer you up, didn’t I?”

I smiled, curiosity sparking in my chest as we drove home. When we finally pulled up to the house, my eyes widened in shock.

Sitting in the driveway was a brand-new car. Sleek, black, and shining in the afternoon sun.

My jaw dropped. “No way.”

Jerry grinned. “It’s all yours, dad picked it out himself.”

I couldn’t contain my joy. Julian was trying, he was doing everything to make me feel at home. And as much as it would take more than a car to do that, it was definitely a step in the right direction.

Maybe being here wasn’t so bad after all.