Chapter three

Elias’ pov

After training I took a quick shower in the locker room and met up with Zoey in the hall before going home. “I have no idea what I did to that girl to hate me so much,” I told Zoey, while explaining what happened at the locker and during training. I didn’t tell Zoey how great Jade smelled when we were working out, like lavender and mint. “You know people are allowed to not like you, even if you are going to be their king,” Zoey replied. “I know, but she seemed to hate me right of the bat,” I said confused. “She is really pretty though,” Zoey said and I started laughing “She is right?! Really gorgeous for someone so angry” I said. At that moment Jade walked by looking at me with anger, but she was also blushing. O crap I made it even worse, she really hates me now. “Maybe she just doesn’t like boys,” Zoey said hopeful. “Well I kind of saw her staring at me when I took my shirt off, so I am not sure. But you’re welcome to try,” I responded.  We walked to the packhouse together. Zoey had stayed at the packhouse for a while when she first arrived. After her parents had found a job they moved into the new houses my dad had build. Her parents had opened up a butcher shop in town which they both worked at, so Zoey spend most days with me until they were finished at work. It had been this way since we were kids, Zoey had become like part of the family.

When we got to the packhouse we saw Jade talking with Keva. “I’m actually looking for a job,” Jade said. “I don’t have a job for you here, but I would wish you would take a room in the packhouse instead of that motel.” “I am fine in the hotel, but thank you for offering,” Jade said. Zoey started walking fast, leaving me behind. “I couldn’t help but overhear, but my parents are actually looking for someone for their store. It’s a butcher shop though, so I hope you don’t mind blood and meat.” Jade looked at Zoey with kind eyes “I actually have some experience in this area, I am really good with a knife,” Jade replied. Wow Jade looked ever better when she wasn’t so pissed off. “Do you want to come with us inside a bit while I call my parents?” Zoey asked. Jade looked around wondering who Zoey had meant by “us” and saw me standing there. Her eyes changed from kindness to hate again “sure, why not,” she said turning to Zoey.  Zoey and Jade walked ahead, with me a few steps behind. We walked to the kitchen to get something to eat, while Zoey called her parents in the hallway. My mother was in the kitchen to greet us. “Hi Elias, did you have a nice day at school?” she asked as she gave me a kiss on my head. Even though I was almost 18 she didn’t stop hugging or kissing me. I had felt embarrassed when I first hit puberty, but now I didn’t care anymore. I actually really liked her showing affection. I knew her parents never showed her much kindness or affection, but she was the opposite of them. “It was okay mama, we have a new student. This is Jade,” I said as I pointed to Jade. Jade looked down at the floor and quietly said “Hi Luna, it’s nice to meet you.” My mother ignored her shyness and started to ask Jade questions. Where did she come from, where was she staying at, why did she transfer here? Jade kept looking down and while answering the questions “I stayed at another pack with my grandmother, but she fell ill and couldn’t care for me. I had heard great things about the Crimson Moon pack, so I decided to come here. I am staying at the motel in the city.” My mom seemed shocked a girl my age was here by herself “No you are staying here Jade! You save your money on something else, you can eat and sleep here for free.” Jade wanted to decline, but my mother stopped her before she could open her mouth “you won’t refuse an offer from a Luna right?” she said half jokingly. Jade nodded “thank you Luna, I’ll get my stuff later.” Right then Zoey walked in “my parents would love to meet you, I can bring you there later if you want?” Jade thanked Zoey and we all grabbed some snacks and headed to the living room. My baby sister Briana was sitting there, well baby she was 12 by now. She gave me a hug “hi Elias, can you help me with some math later please?” Briana asked. My mom always said I had her brains and Briana had that off our dad’s, which was good because everyone expected the King to do well in school. I actually loved learning, I hadn’t gotten the chance to travel much out of fear of attacks on me. But within books I could learn about the world, about our history and about other packs. That part of being King I was excited for, I could finally see the world without needing my mother for protection. I loved her, but being the only one to protect the future King was a big responsibly. I wanted her to have her own life, which didn’t revolve around my destiny. The only reason she got her powers was to protect her son and when I became the White Wolf her powers would disappear, how screwed up was that. Zoey plopped down next to Briana on the sofa, leaving room for just me and Jade. I could see she hated the idea of sitting next to me, but it seems she did not want to look rude in front of the others. Her leg touched mine for a second when she sat down and I could feel little sparks where they connected. She was friendly to Zoey and Briana, but seemed to ignore me for most of the afternoon. So I just kept quiet most of the time. Briana and Zoey went to the kitchen to grab some drinks after a while and I turned towards Jade “So what have I done that offended you so much? I would like to be friends if you’re going to stay here.” Jade looked at me and laughed “Friends?! No thank you, your majesty.” Normally I wouldn’t take an insult like this, but for some reason it didn’t hurt my pride just my feelings. I walked away, saying nothing. I walked towards Briana and said “let’s get to that math homework, the sooner we’re done the sooner we can have fun.” I said goodbye to Zoey and left with Briana to the library. “What a nice new girl,” Briana said. “I think she likes you.” I laughed “Really? No she hates me,” I replied. “I think she likes you, she kept looking at you!” Briana said giggling. Well I was pretty sure Jade was just looking at me while imagining all the ways to hurt me, I thought. That girl hated my guts. But I couldn’t get her out of my mind. Maybe it was because she wasn’t fanning over me like the rest of the girls in the pack. But something about her felt so nice and familiar, like she and I had a connection. Is this what it feels like when you meet your mate? Because if Jade was my mate the Moon Goddess had a funny sense of humor.