Helanie:
A few minutes later, after I caught Penn glancing at and quickly looked away upon realizing my mistake, I saw him approach our side of the table. He crouched down to whisper sothing into his sister’s ear.
She listened attentively, nodded, then quickly left her seat for him, walking around the table to sit next to Lamar.
Penn took the seat beside , clearing his throat.
"White is your color, huh?" he began, making shift uncomfortably in my seat and glance at him.
"Thank you," I replied with a polite smile, accepting his complint.
"About the other day when I accused you--I guess my alpha rank had gone to my head," he admitted. "I didn’t realize how tough life can be for those who fall victim to higher-ranked werewolves’ bullying. I suppose I was too stuck-up, feeling privileged for never having faced the sa. That made sympathizing feel... far-fetched for ."
He leaned slightly forward, one arm stretched across the table, his posture straight. His tone was soft and understanding, his words carrying a depth that surprised .
"I do accept simple apologies, though," I joked lightly. He chuckled quietly, almost to himself.
"Are you dating anyone?" he asked suddenly. The way he closed his eyes, as if enciuraging himself to pose the question, made gulp in utter bewildernt.
Questions like these are usually preludes to a date offer, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for that--if I even wanted it with Penn, of all people.
"No! I just want to focus on my tasks and the academy for now," I replied, feeling awkward about the extra information I tacked on. I only said it so he wouldn’t ask out, even if he was planning to.
Maybe I was overthinking, but his constant stare and awkward deanor made it clear why he was here.
"Oh! Well, that’s a great way to achieve bigger goals," he said, nodding. Then he added, "May I know when you might open the doors to the possibility of dating soone?"
The fact that he was so charmingly persistent was, admittedly, praise-worthy.
"Why do you want to know? Do you have soone in mind you think I’d look good with?" I teased, watching him frown and scoff.
"One thing you should know about , Helanie," he said, his posture softening as he turned toward . Leaning closer, he whispered, "I don’t do public service. If I see sothing impeccable, I’d rather keep it for myself than offer it to soone else."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, covering my body in goosebumps. He straightened again, smirking as I swallowed hard.
"I saw you stand up for yourself, fighting anyone who crosses you," he continued. "And the way you protect your friends--whether it’s by throwing yourself as bait for the lycan or saving them from punishnt--that’s rare."
He laughed lightly, then turned serious again. "You’re different in so many ways. I’ve t plenty of higher-ranked she-wolves--dated so of them, even--but none have shown the kind of strength and uniqueness you do. Sotis, I even wonder if you’re lying about being the daughter of Ogas or not having a wolf."
He reached for his wine glass, taking a sip to compose himself after giving what might have been the sweetest complint I’d ever received.
However, I was stunned by his words about my rank. Could it be true that my wolf was entirely different from my parents’?
"That’s very sweet of you," I muttered awkwardly, deliberately avoiding the topic, while my phone beeped repeatedly in my lap.
"You must think I’m so weird," Penn said, his tone light but confident. "Just yesterday, I was judging you harshly, and today, here I am, sitting next to you, hoping you’ll change your mind about dating soon." He took a big sip from his drink before continuing. His confidence didn’t surprise ; alphas were always like this--straightforward, until they decided not to be honest anymore.
"We could start by being friends. How about that?" I raised an eyebrow as I posed the question. He tilted his head thoughtfully before responding.
"I don’t want to end up friend-zoned like Lamar and Gavin," he mumbled, smirking smugly.
"It’s different with them," I replied. "One of them is like a brother to , and the other was dating my friend." I trailed off as I noticed Lucy shifting uncomfortably in her seat to my right. That’s when I realized she had been eavesdropping on our conversation.
"Is dating my friend," I corrected myself quickly. Penn laughed quietly, his amusent evident.
"So how about the two ’friends’ go for a walk after tomorrow’s task?" he suggested, his tone casual but intent.
I narrowed my eyes at him, then nodded. "Sure, I like the idea of a little walk--especially after losing ourselves in the task," I said with a playful shrug as I reached for my orange juice.
I noticed his gaze lingering on for a mont too long. "You know about the task?" he asked, tilting his head curiously. I nodded in confirmation.
"Breakfast is over," I announced, glancing around the table to see everyone finishing up. "Shall we all head back so I can inform everyone about the task and the rules?"
"Sure, I’ll help you gather all the Pokémon," he whispered with a grin as he got up from his chair.
His sudden playfulness felt suspicious. It made wonder what was going on. Was sothing different today? Instinctively, I touched my pendant to ensure I hadn’t taken it off. First Maximus, and now him--what was happening?
We all got up and began walking back to the guesthouse. With so space to myself, I decided to check my ssages. I had expected them to be only from Kaye, but confusion crept in when I saw a text from Maximus as well.
Professor Kaye: Screw midnight. et in two hours back at the mansion. I need to discuss the task with you.
Professor Maximus: Why is that alpha boy flirting with you? Are you two dating?
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