THE RED MOON

"Happy birthday Belle! Wake up now!" In the early morning, while I was still enjoying my late sleep, I heard my brother Brandon yelling in my ear. I moaned and covered my head with my pillow to try to get rid of him.

"Go away! I'm trying to sleep!" I shouted through the pillow, even though I was sure that my voice came out choked. Shortly after, I heard Ryan, the eldest of the triplets, ask me in a teasing way:

"Well, if you don't get up right away, we'll have to force you to do it. Are you sure that's what you want?" Instead of answering him, I turned my head the other way round.

"Very good Belle! You don't give us a choice then", said Charles, the youngest before everything became strangely silent. Just when I was about to check what they had intended to do, I found myself on the ground with three huge burdens on me. I moaned desperately when their weight crushed me.

"Why are you so stupid? ", I yelled at them when they finally managed to let go of me. I didn't really think what I had said; I could never. Although they are very boring, they are the best brothers someone can have.

"Because we love you, little idiot! ", Ryan strongly replied as he rested on his elbows, while looking at me with a teasing smile. Yes, and he was supposed to be the most mature.

Unfortunately, not at all.

"Come on, get up now! School starts soon and mom has prepared a surprise birthday breakfast for you. "

I looked at them as if they were stupid (what they were), that they thought it was going to make me move.

"Can't I stay at home? It's my last day anyway, so where's the problem? ", I asked them while biting my lip, trying to stop myself from laughing, since they were wearing colorful party hats.

They ended up persuading me to get up.However, it was not easy. They had to convince me, and above all, bribe me with cookies. I slowly got up before heading to the bathroom and taking a quick shower. Once I finished, I went out and changed. I approached my mirror to examine my appearance. I've always dressed simply. I put on a plain black T-shirt with blue jeans and sneakers. I didn't think someone had to dress well for school. What's the point?

I tied my hair in a ponytail, without putting a lot of makeup on myself since I didn't wear it at all.Some girls liked to wear it, but I was not one of them. I just didn't like the "sensation" it gave me on my face. Once satisfied with my appearance, I went down, but I bumped and crashed into someone's chest. I looked up and saw that it was Ryan. I then went to Brandon, then finally to Charles. The moment they put me down, I was out of breath.

I thought they were trying to kill me.

I loved them with all my heart and I knew that this feeling was reciprocal, but they sometimes forgot that they were stronger than me. My surprise breakfast was composed of pancakes with chocolate.Miam!It was a dream breakfast,even though Charles tried to steal one of my pancakes, which almost pushed me to stab his hand. Twice, indeed.

No one touches my food.

After eating my delicious breakfast, I went upstairs to pick up my bag and homework that I had forgotten to put away. Once I had packed everything, I went down. I said goodbye to my parents before jumping into my brothers' car. The trip was silent, me reading one of my favorite books, Charles and Brandon glued to their phones, and Ryan driving.

Honestly, I was so happy to leave this place for a year. For some reason, my school was really lagging behind. They always continued to attack the "nerds" of the school. What was pretty much just me. Of course, there were "geeks", but everyone classified me among the "nerds", stupid labels. I was constantly harassed, but what could I do about it? Maybe I was going to be able to defend myself? Indeed, there is a serious problem with this.

Edmond de la Combe.

He was a football player, handsome, but a perfect moron. And the main reason why my life at school was hell. Of course, one day, I just wanted to erase that sufficient smile from his face, but then I remembered that he was the future Alpha. We couldn't get in trouble with them. People seemed to like to call me "Lost Belle the Nerd".

It didn't even rhyme!

Indeed, I kept remembering that it was my last day in this place in a while. I was dying of impatience to be freed from them later in the day.

Finally, when I arrived on the school grounds, I looked around and saw everyone hanging out and talking with their friends. At least, I knew I had a few people waiting for me inside.

They made being there a little less painful. With this thought, I got out of the car, just like my brothers.

"What are you guys doing? "I asked them as they stood in front of me, crossing their arms on their chests, trying to look intimidating. I rolled my eyes before giving them my attention.

"Now that you are sixteen years old and can find yourself a companion, we want to discuss some things with you. First, when you find him, you must not let him mark you.

Secondly, if he has been bothering you from the beginning, you call us immediately. Don't try to play hard, call us and we will come as soon as possible. Finally, we will pick you up here and take the road right after. Understood? "

"Yes, my fathers, Goodbye!"After saying goodbye to them, I went to the entrance of the school. I watched them leave, which made me nervous. I swallowed while feeling people's eyes on me.But I couldn't concentrate on that, because only one thought was in my head.

"I hope I won't meet my companion today.What if.....?"

Once in the courtyard, I lowered my head and started heading towards the entrance of the building. My family members were not aware of what happened when they dropped me off there.

However, I couldn't tell them anything. I should deal with it myself. Well, it wasn't like I was alone in this place.

As I was about to climb the steps of the entrance, I heard someone call my name. I stopped and looked around, looking for the person. I knew who it was, since only two people in this school called me by my real name.

Dominique.

We have been friends since we started high school. I always remembered our first meeting. That day, I was calmly having my lunch, and he, crazy that he was, had decided to try to steal my lunch.

I punched him in the face and he slammed me on the ground, which cost us both to be glued.It was interesting to be glued with him. I didn't know that a person could throw a spitball so far that it reached the inside of a sleeping teacher's nose. I didn't know what I would do if I lost him as my best friend.

"Happy birthday, Belle! ", he shouted, pulling me in his embrace, hugging me tightly in his arms. In my turn, I wrapped my arms around his neck, smiling. He withdrew before bowing dramatically and handed me a velvet red cupcake with an Oreo icing . Yum!

"Thank you, Domi," I said, giving him another hug before taking a small bite of the delicious cupcake.

"And here is your gift..."

"Domi, I told you I didn't want a gift."I whine while pouting

In front of him while crossing my arms on my chest, always holding the cupcake.

"Yes, you've always said it, but when did I start listening to you?"He scored a point. No matter how many times I told him not to buy me gifts, he always did. I raised my hands as a sign of capitulation, giving him a mischievous look. He smiled before rummaging through his bag and taking out a small black box. He opened the box, which startled me. Inside was a small bracelet with a half-heart on which we could read "Best... "

"Domi, it's so beautiful. Thank you!" I said, putting the bracelet on my wrist before hugging him again. I stepped back, then I asked for the other half. He winked at me before taking out his car keys and showing them to me. I smiled when I saw that the other half was in the form of a key ring, on which you could read the word "Friends".

He then began to put the two halves together, showing the whole: "Best friends".

"I love it! Thank you very much Domi. "

It was honestly one of the best gifts I had ever received.Dominique and I have always had this thing of surpassing ourselves to offer gifts. To tell the truth, by the latter, he had beaten me flatly. I needed to improve my game.

"If I ever miss you, you can just look at this, and remind yourself that I will be there waiting for you, when you come back," he said sincerely, putting away his keys.

"I could never forget you, Domi. Unfortunately, you would make sure that I never forget you," I said in a teasing tone when we heard the bell ring.We looked at each other before climbing the stairs and entering the school. We went to our lockers, took our books before going to our respective classes.

Walking alone was a little difficult for me. However, I was not a "wimp", but I had chosen not to Fight against people, or complain by saying that people harassed me all the time. But this only happened when Dominique was not there.

I finally reached the classroom and noticed that I was the first person to arrive. I rolled my eyes, knowing that it's not surprising. I took my seat in the front and waited for the bell to ring.

I glanced to my left, through the window, to notice a luxury car parking in the school yard. A man came out of it and I immediately recognized who it was. It was indeed the Alpha Edmond de la Combe. Even I couldn't deny that he was a handsome kid, but unfortunately, he knew it too. He slept with everything that moved and had breasts. And it was a fact, not a simple personal opinion. I turned away from him when I heard the bell ring.

People began to enter the class, followed by the teacher. I scratched my neck feeling my wolf start jumping with excitement. It was strange. I could feel her in me but she hadn't said a word yet; I didn't even know her name. I just shrugged my shoulders, not wanting to take care of this crazy she-wolf for the moment.

The teacher made the call before the bell of the first hour rang. I got my things back before leaving the room and heading to my first class. It took a little longer because I was jostled twice by a group of athletes. I just ignored these morons before entering the classroom.

I took my seat, which was surprisingly at the bottom, and waited for the teacher to start the lesson. While everyone was filling the room, I simply ignored the rude comments they were throwing at me, being used to all this now.

When will these people grow up?

Is it too much to ask?

The teacher finally entered the Classroom and started the lesson, discussing something we had already learned. I still didn't understand anything. We always move on to a new class, but we are always taught the same things. Of course, not all classes are like that, but most are. It was becoming extremely boring. Couldn't they teach us something different for once?

I immediately stopped fulminating in my head when I smelled the most delectable perfume there is. It was a combination of mint and chocolate.My two favorite smells combined.

Then, my she-wolf announced the only word I had feared since I woke up this morning.

"Companion?"

"No! No! No! No!"

"It can't be possible. I can't meet a companion now. I'm leaving today. I won't see him again for a year. What if he rejects me? I can't be there for that, I can't," I objected to my shewolf inwardly.

After my she-wolf pronounced the exact word, I began to panic mentally. I kept thinking about so many different scenarios and none of them ended well. My hands began to sweat and I began to hyperventilate.

My she-wolf screamed with joy, calling her male again and again. I knew she wanted me to follow the smell, and judging by the way the smell became stronger and stronger, I knew it would be there from one minute to the next, I didn't stay around to find out who I was destined to be with. Instead, I pushed back my chair and ran through the back door of the class.

I wasn't ready for that. I didn't want a companion.

My she-wolf kept yelling at her partner, growling at me for running away, but I didn't care. Not only did I not want to, but also, I could not face it. All I could think of was how disappointed he could be after discovering that I am his companion. I knew I was probably exaggerating, but I couldn't help it. I had already gotten used to disappointing others.

As these thoughts crossed my mind, I ran to my haven of peace.The only place where I could sit and think to calm my heart and thoughts.

The library.

The main reason I went there was the second person in this school who brought me a lot of joy;Chloe.

Chloe was the only other person in this school who treated me like a real human being. To see it more clearly, we were almost the same, even if she was so much more beautiful. I knew she didn't have class at that time, so she would be there.

Unlike me, Chloe was very shy with people, except with Dominique and I.

When I entered the library, I immediately spotted her. She was sitting on the floor in the farthest corner, and reading her favorite book: "How to act like a man". I had never read it personally, but she had recommended it to me.

Chloé was very beautiful, with her long blond hair and incredible body. This was something very different between us. She was still wearing her glasses, but she will no longer need them when she is almost sixteen years old.

It saddened me when I realized that I would not be there for my two best friends' birthdays.

I approached her and sat down. She closed her book and looked at me with confusion.

"What's going on? You never show up here so early, "she said seriously, but always with a sweet smile. I sighed and leaned my head against the shelf, which made her smile fade and gave rise to a worried look on his face.

"I found my companion," I whispered while playing with my fingers. I knew what Chloé thought of the companions. She had always wanted one, so I was sure she resented me for being so ridiculous at that time.

"It's great, Belle! Who is it " She shouted, but she immediately shut up when the librarian silenced her.

"I don't know. I didn't stay there to find out,"I said nervously.

Then, I began to tremble when I saw her smile disappear. Instead of frowning, as I thought,she gave me a look of sympathy.

"Why don't you want to know who it is?Is it because you're moving? ", asked Chloé, placing her hand on my shoulder with a slight pressure.

"Yes and no. There is no reason. What if he rejects me, Chloé? No one in this school would want to be my companion, and why won't my companion be one of them?" I speculated, before moaning and hiding my face in my hands.

Just then, I heard my phone beep, indicating a new message. I sighed and took out my phone, scrolling through the message. I looked at the name and saw that it was Brandon.

"Hi, Belle, mom and dad said we're leaving early. So we are outside. Hurry up. It's time to leave."

Looking at this message, relief immediately invaded me. Thus, I no longer had to worry about meeting my companion at this critical moment. I turned myself to Chloé, and I explained the message to her. She drew me into her embrace and wished me good luck. I left the library and went in search of Dominique.

Finding Dominique was easy. I saw him in his class and he saw me. He asked to apologize, then he went out. I told him I was leaving now, and he took me in his arms. I smiled as he hugged me tightly, telling me how much he would miss me. I withdrew from his hug before saying goodbye and moving away from him. Then I rushed to my locker to get everything I needed.

And that's where I felt it.

As I was going to close my locker, its smell filled my nose. I was going to run away, but it was too late when I was put against the row of lockers.

I moaned because of the pain, but I ignored it when I felt the flame run through my body. I didn't want to look up, knowing the identity of my Companion. My body challenged me and I was defeated. The shock was the only thing I felt when I looked into my companion's eyes.

The future Alpha Edmond de la Combe.

"It's a joke, I hope?! Why do you have to be my partner?! Of all the people who exist, why you? ", he said. Every word he spat hurt me, I couldn't deny it. I knew where all this was going to lead, and it happened.

"I, Edmond de la Combe, rejects you, Belle Johnson , as my companion. "

He thus sneered in my face. Then, my phone began to vibrate. I knew they were my brothers, which made me nervous. No one should make them wait. I knew that if I made them wait, they would pick me up and find me. So I tried to repel Edmond,saying the first thing that came to my mind.

"I don't care! Let go of me now!" I knew he was disconcerted by my outburst and, for a second, I thought I saw pain passing through his eyes, but it immediately disappeared. Instead of letting go of me, he gave me a black look and pushed me again.

"Why don't you care?! I just rejected you! How can you not be upset?! ", he screamed, starting to crush my shoulder with the amount of pressure he exerted on it.

"Leave me out! I knew you would probably reject me! Now, let me go. We'll meet again in a year! ", I yelled at him before pushing him away from me. I couldn't explain where all this confidence came from. I was just a little fed up with him, fed up with all his torments, his words, his actions, and now this.

I cracked.

I was completely shocked to be able to repel an Alpha, but I probably took it by surprise. I started to move away, but I glare when he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back. I looked up at his confused face .

"What do you mean, we'll meet again in a year? ", he asked with obvious concern on his face. Why was he worried?it's not like he cares about me?

"Go ask your father. Now, let me go! ", I replied. After telling him this, he slightly released his grip on my wrist. He was obviously distracted and I took advantage of it. I moved away from him and left him there. I pushed the front doors and saw my brothers' car.

I was finally free. I could finally leave this hell I was living, leaving behind the person who had made my life a hell. But I wasn't completely happy.

Entering the car, my brothers asked me why I was so silent, but I didn't answer. I could only focus on the pain that my she-wolf and I were going through because of this rejection. I knew it was going to happen, but I didn't know it would hurt so much. I couldn't let them see this pain.I refused.

I tried to talk to my wolf, but all she could do was whine in pain. I promised her that I would never let anyone hurt us again. The return home was quick and before I knew it, we were on our way to the airport.