The Omega: Mated To The Four
Twenty Three
The morning sun peeked through the windows of the classroom as lid into my usual seat, hoping for a quiet start to the day, of course, that was too much to ask.
“Good morning, carrot head,” Alex’s annoyingly chipper voice greeted me as he plopped into the seat beside mine.
I didn’t respond, keeping my eyes fixed on my notebook. If I didn’t engage, maybe he’d take the hint and go away.
“Come on, don’t be like that,” he said, leaning closer. “At least pretend you’re happy to see me.”
I flipped a page in my notebook, ignoting him.
“What are you writing? A love letter to me?” he teased, his grin evident in his tone.
Still, I didn’t answer.
A moment later, Austin appeared, setting a steaming cup of coffee on my desk. “Here,” he said, his voice softer than Alex’s usual banter. “To stop you from catching a cold after walking in the rain today.”
I glanced at the cup but didn’t touch it.
“Don’t ignore me,” Alex said, reaching over and grabbing the coffee. If you’re not going to drink it, I will.” He took a dramatic sip, smacking his lips with exaggerated satisfaction.
“Alex,” Austin muttered, his tone laced with irritation.
“What? It’s good coffee,” Alex replied, grinning at his brother.
I sighed, wishing the teacher would arrive already.
“You’re welcome,” Austin said, sighing softly as he took the seat on my other side.
I let out a frustrated sigh, wondering how long it would take for the teacher to arrive.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of awkward stares and whispered gossip. By the time the final bell rang, I was ready to disappear. I headed toward the library, hoping for some peace and quiet, but my plans were quickly derailed.
“Where are you going?” Alex asked, his voice cutting through the noise of the crowded hallway.
“Library,” I replied curtly, not bothering to stop.
“We’ll come with you,” Austin chimed in, falling into step beside his brother.
“No,” I said, glancing at them over my shoulder. “I don’t need company.”
They exchanged a look, but I didn’t wait to see what they decided. I marched into the library, found an empty table in the corner, and spread out my books.
I’d barely settled in when the Vandabelt twins appeared, dragging chairs to my table.
“Didn’t I say no?” I snapped, glaring at them.
“You did,” Alex said, grinning as he sat down. “But we don’t take no for an answer.”
1/3
Twenty Three
Austin set his bag down, pulling out a notebook. “We’ll help you with your homework.”
“I’m not doing homework,” I said through gritted teeth.
Alex leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “So, what are you doing then?”
“None of your business,” I replied, flipping open a book on werewolf history.
Before either of them could respond, Elijah and Isaiah walked in, their eyes immediately locking on me.
“There you are,” Elijah said, striding over. “We’ve been looking for you.”
I groaned inwardly. “What do you want?”
“Just to help,” Isaiah said, pulling out a chair and sitting down beside me.
“With what?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
“Your homework,” Elijah replied, taking the seat on my other side.
“I don’t need help,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I’m an honor A–plus student. If anything, you guys are the ones who need my help.”
Isaiah smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Fair point.”
Despite my protests, they all grabbed books from nearby shelves and started reading. It was clear they weren’t going to leave, so I decided to ignore them as best I could.
Alex, who had apparently decided my personal space didn’t matter, leaned over my book. “What are you reading?” he asked, his voice low and curious.
I resisted the urge to shove him away and pointed to the section I was studying. “It’s about the Lunar Veil.”
“What’s that?” Austin asked, leaning closer.
I sighed, realizing I wasn’t going to get any peace until I explained. “The Lunar Veil is a mystical barrier that separates the physical world from the spiritual realm. It’s said to thin during certain lunar cycles, allowing spirits and other entities to cross over.”
The room fell silent as they processed my words.
“Is that what you think happened the other night?” Elijah asked, his voice unusually serious.
I hesitated, glancing at him. “Maybe. When I… disappeared, it felt like I was in another place entirely. The air was different, and there was this strange energy. I think I might have crossed into the spiritual realm without realizing it.”
Isaiah’s brow furrowed. “But how? That shouldn’t be possible without a portal or some kind of magical catalyst.”
“I don’t know,” I admitted, closing the book. “But it’s the only explanation that makes sense.”
They exchanged a look, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and concern.
“Whatever it was,” Alex said, his usual grin replaced by a rare seriousness, “we’re glad you’re okay.”
I looked away, not trusting myself to respond.
