Despite returning to the Pack Residence well after midnight, sleep remained entirely out of reach. A restless energy, fueled by the anticipation of a new school year, buzzed beneath her skin.
To calm her nerves, she spent the quiet hours meticulously organizing her new wardrobe, arranging her shoes, and setting up her cosmetics on the vanity, ensuring everything was perfect.
After dressing swiftly, she made her way toward the Private Wellness area to meet Beta John for their scheduled session.
"Hey, Belle, we need to call a halt to training today," he informed her apologetically. "The Alpha requires my assistance with urgent matters. Just stick to your usual solo routine for now, and we will get back to the regular schedule tomorrow. Sound good?"
Belle knew better than to argue; her duty was to obey. "No problem at all, Beta John," she replied politely, immediately turning her attention back to the heavy punching bag she had been striking relentlessly for the past five minutes.
For another forty-five minutes, she pushed her body through a grueling circuit of exercises. By the time she finished, the clock was nearing five in the morning. Her skin glistened with sweat, and she desperately needed to cleanse herself before heading out. Stepping into her spacious bathroom, she walked across the cool tiled floors to the massive rainfall shower. She twisted the handle, letting the water heat up to its maximum temperature before stepping underneath, letting the scalding spray relax her muscles.
As she lathered her hair, a sudden thought struck her. If she moved fast enough, she could slip out of the house early and avoid Drake entirely today. She knew his habits all too well; he was notorious for waiting until the very last second before leaving. It was barely 5:25 AM. If she hurried, she could be gone before he even stepped out of his room.
In the past, his parents had forced him to drive her, but everything was different now. Over the summer, she had finally gained her independence, purchasing her own vehicle. She wouldn't be trapped in his car anymore, and she certainly wouldn't be humiliatingly kicked out halfway to the school gates like she used to be.
Turning off the water, she wrapped herself in a soft towel and dried off. She took her time applying her makeup and styling her hair exactly how Luna Caroline had taught her, ensuring she looked polished and presentable. She packed her bag with textbooks and her laptop, planning to get some coding work done in the library before the first bell rang.
By 6:25 AM, she was fully ready. She looked every bit the young woman she was becoming, not the shy girl she used to be.
Picking up her things, she crept quietly toward the kitchen, hoping to slip out unnoticed. However, the room was already alive with activity. Helga was busily preparing the morning feast.
"Good morning, Helga," Belle greeted softly, quickly grabbing an apple, a protein bar, a handful of nuts, and a cold bottle of juice from the refrigerator.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Helga beamed, her eyes scanning Belle from head to toe. "My, don't you look absolutely stunning today! It seems you truly enjoyed your shopping trip with the Luna yesterday. I am so delighted to see you finally stepping out of those baggy clothes. A figure as lovely as yours deserves to be shown off, not hidden away."
The older woman reached out and pinched her cheek affectionately. Belle smiled warmly; she might not have known her own grandparents, but Helga had always filled that role with so much love.
"Thank you, Helga," Belle chuckled, returning the warm embrace. "I suppose I just felt it was time for a change. This year is going to be different, and I want to put effort into myself, you know?"
"That is wonderful to hear, dear," Helga nodded proudly.
"I'll see you later this afternoon. Bye!" Belle called out, swinging her backpack over her shoulder and striding confidently out the door.
She climbed into her brand new green Jeep Wrangler, started the engine, and pulled out of the garage. She was finally free to drive herself to Highland High, ready to face the day on her own terms.
Offering a warm smile to Danny, the custodian, she wished him a pleasant day before turning toward the library situated just off the main entrance. Pushing the heavy doors open, she was greeted by the familiar sight of floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the room with light, and rows of sturdy tables scattered between towering bookshelves.
As always, she made her way directly to her sanctuary—the table closest to the rear exit. It was a spot rarely visited by others, making it the perfect hiding place she had relied on for years. She settled in, pulling out her laptop and arranging her notebook and pen, diving straight into her work.
Suddenly, the sharp connection of a mindlink pierced her concentration. It was Alpha Conrad.
"Where are you?" he demanded, his voice cutting through her focus on the project currently in the works.
"Library, I have some work to attend to," she replied swiftly, her fingers never pausing their dance across the keyboard. "Is everything alright?"
"There is a new student starting today," he informed her. "His name is Teddy Moor. He is a Junior, same as you, and shares the majority of your classes. Would you be willing to act as his guide and show him around?"
Belle paused, confused. This was typically a duty assigned to the heir, Drake. Why was it falling to her?
"Are you certain, Alpha?" she questioned cautiously. "Isn't this usually Drake's responsibility?" She treaded carefully, terrified that Drake might accuse her of overstepping, yet equally determined not to appear insolent to her Alpha.
"Yes, it is," Conrad answered, his tone calm and devoid of anger. "However, since you share the same schedule, it makes sense. Besides, Drake gave him a brief tour of the territory yesterday, but he seemed... preoccupied. I doubt that was an enjoyable experience for Teddy."
The Alpha was unusually chatty this morning.
"Uh... yes, of course. I would be happy to help," she conceded, realizing there was no real choice in the matter.
"Plus," he added with a hearty chuckle, "he is quite a handsome young man. Perhaps this is a chance for you to start dating, like the other girls your age."
"Oh, I don't really think about boys much, Alpha," she responded honestly. Her mind was entirely too occupied with anticipating Drake's next move to ever focus on anyone else. Besides, any interest shown in her usually vanished almost instantly. She couldn't prove it, but she was convinced Drake had a hand in driving them away.
"Well, perhaps just a friend then," he suggested gently.
"Perhaps," she agreed. "When should I expect him?" Glancing at the clock, she noted it was half seven. Homeroom attendance was strictly taken five minutes before eight, so they were running short on time.
"He should be arriving any moment. He came straight to the school," the Alpha replied. "Go meet him at the main doors."
"Understood. I am heading out now," she said.