novelxo Chapter 1 The King Triplets
Content warning: This story contains mild language and suggestive themes.
Emily.
Bollocks. I'm really going to do this. I'm actually going to ask Damien Moore out on a date.
Me, Emily Blackwood, the invisible hybrid werewolf freak of Spring Lake High. My hands are shaking worse than a hippogriff on a 10-shot latte as I nervously smooth my unruly curls. Deep breaths, Em. You've faced far scarier things than asking your crush on a coffee date - like that time a giant black wolf sneezed on you in 3rd year Training class. Ugh.
I still can't believe Damien, the most perfect boy in existence, saved me from drowning in the freshman swim test. Being a witch-werewolf hybrid, swimming has always been a challenge for me. While werewolves are naturally skilled swimmers, my witch half seems to counteract any aquatic abilities I might have inherited. I remember flailing helplessly in the deep end of the pool, my limbs feeling like lead as I sank deeper and deeper. Just when I thought I was done for, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me back to the surface.
Even though I was a total outcast, Damien didn't hesitate to dive in after me. He held me close as he swam us both to safety, his blue eyes filled with concern. From that moment on, I knew I was a goner. I mean, the bloke is basically a god amongst the fur-brained jocks at this school. Captain of the hockey team, 4.0 GPA, chiseled jawline that could cut glass...and don't even get me started on those soulful blue eyes. Cue the swooning.
It's been two years since that fateful day, and I've been pining after Damien like a lovesick puppy ever since. I've lost count of how many times I've imagined us going on romantic picnics by the enchanted lake, holding hands as we stroll through the mystical gardens, or sneaking off to the astronomy tower for a midnight snog session. Okay, maybe that last one is a bit too spicy for a first date, but a girl can dream!
Anyway, it's now or never. Today's the day I finally woman up and ask Damien to grab a coffee or lunch sometime. No more pining from afar like some lovesick Chihuahua. I've got this.
"EMILY ROSE BLACKWOOD!" A shrill voice pierces through my mental pep talk, nearly making me tumble out of bed. Ugh, it's my "Mom Alarm Clock" - a bossy magical speech bubble that's decided 6:30 AM is the perfect time to screech at me. A little magic from a purebred witch. "If you don't leave for school in 15 minutes, you'll be late!"
"I'm up, I'm up!" I grumble, frantically throwing on my Spring Lake uniform - a prim white blouse and a blue and bronze plaid skirt that screams "Future Stepford Witch." As I race out the door, my phone buzzes with a text from my bestie, Arya. Arya: Babes, there's a 30% chance of rain. Think they'll cancel morning gym, so we don't have to huff and puff behind the furry freaks? 00
Arya Singh is the only one who truly gets my struggle as a hybrid wolf at Spring Lake High. She was born wolfless. We're both on the fringe of this aristocratic werewolf high school.
Emily: If only we were that lucky! Prepare for pure humiliation [
Arya: Ugh, I'd rather face a boggart in my knickers than deal with Coach Fang's sadistic obstacle course. [
Emily: Same, girl. But hey, at least we'll suffer together! [
Arya: Oh btw, did you hear the news? Damien is joining our gym class today for some hockey demos!
My heart skips a beat at the mention of Damien. This is it?! The perfect opportunity to casually invite him for coffee after class. I quickly type out my response, my fingers trembling with excitement. Emily: OMG really?? Today's the day I finally ask him out!
Arya: YES GIRL GET IT! Just watch out for the "three demons" I Rumor has it they'll be there too...
I frown at the mention of the infamous King Triplets - Leo, Luca, and Logan. The sons of Alpha Christ, leader of the Windridge Pack, and the most egotistical, violent bullies at Spring Lake High. They have a reputation for tormenting "inferior" students, especially hybrids like me. I've managed to fly under their radar so far, but I know better than to poke the beasts.
Emily: Ugh, seriously? Way to kill the vibe. Whatever, I refuse to let those fleabags ruin my shot with Damien!
Arya: That's my girl! Go get your prince, Cinderella!
I can't help but grin at Arya's unwavering support. With my bestie in my corner and the stars aligning in my favor, I feel like I can conquer anything...even asking out the most perfect boy in existence.
***
Twenty minutes and one near-asthma attack later (cardio is not a hybrid's friend), I'm walking towards the hockey rink, practicing my "ask Damien out" speech under my breath.
"Hey, Damien, I was wondering if you'd like to grab a coffee or lunch sometime? No pressure, just thought it could be fun..."
I'm so caught up in my mental rehearsal that I don't notice the dark figures looming behind me until it's too late.
"Well, well, if it isn't the little witch, come to play with the big bad wolves." A deep, mocking voice sends ice through my veins. I whirl around to find myself face-to-face (well, more like face-to-chest) with none other than the notorious King Triplets.
Leo, the ringleader, stands in the center, his golden eyes gleaming with malice. With his chiseled jaw, tousled black hair, and an athletic build that screams "alpha," he's the epitome of a teenage heartthrob...if you're into the whole "bad boy" thing. Which I'm definitely not. Nope. Not me.
To his right is Luca, the "charming" one. His lips are curled into a smirk, his tawny hair artfully disheveled as if he just rolled out of bed. Which he probably did, considering his reputation as the school's resident playboy.
And then there's Logan, the quiet one. He's hanging back, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he watches me with a calculating stare. I've heard rumors that beneath his brooding exterior lies a brilliant mind and a wicked sense of humor...not that I'll ever find out for myself.
"Hate to break it to you, sweetheart, but Damien doesn't date outside his species," Leo sneers, flicking a stray curl from my face with a clawed finger. "Especially not freaky half-breeds like you."
I feel my cheeks flush with humiliation and rage. How dare he eavesdrop on my private conversation and insult my hybrid status!
"I-I wasn't asking YOU, you egotistical fleabag!" I stammer, trying to inject some venom into my voice. But it's hard to sound threatening when you're a 5'2" hybrid facing off against three 6'4" alpha wolves.
Leo just laughs, a cruel, rumbling sound that seems to echo through the empty hallway. "Aww, the little hybrid's got claws," he taunts, grabbing my wrist in a bruising grip. "Too bad she doesn't know her place."
I try to yank my arm free, but it's like trying to move a mountain. Leo's golden eyes gleam with sadistic amusement as he leans in close, his breath hot against my ear.
"Listen up, witch," he growls, his voice low and menacing. "You're playing with fire, chasing after a wolf above your station. Keep throwing yourself at Damien, and you just might get burned."
Tears of pain and humiliation prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. I won't give this bully the satisfaction of seeing me cry.
"Fuck off, Leo," I spit, finally wrenching my wrist from his grasp. "I don't take orders from mangy mutts like you."
For a moment, Leo looks stunned, like he can't believe a lowly hybrid would dare talk back to him. But then his shock morphs into pure, unadulterated rage.
"You just made a huge mistake, little witch" he snarls."Nobody disrespects the King Triplets and gets away with it. YOU HEAR ME?"
What the hell just happened?
Did I seriously just mouth off to the most dangerous bully at Spring Lake High?
I'm so screwed.
If Leo makes good on his threat, my life at this school is about to become a living nightmare. But worse than that, I've probably blown any chance I had with Damien. No way he'll want to date a hybrid who's been blacklisted by the King Triplets.
Tears blur my vision as I slump against the lockers, burying my face in my hands. Why did I have to open my big, fat mouth? Why couldn't I just keep my head down and stay invisible, like I have for the past two years?