The front door of Jesse's quarters fell shut and a low growl was audible from Enora's throat. Her wolf was not amused by Jesse's departure. It felt good to feel Jesse around her, but she still had more questions than answers. And that was something she did not appreciate and her wolf even less so.

She left the bathroom, scowling at herself for hiding, for being hidden. He was so sure of her, but at the end of the day she was a secret. Their relationship was so private not even his betas knew. What would they think about her being here?

She stood in the middle of the room, the carpet stroking her bare feet. She was indecisive, thinking about her next move. She sat down on his bed and ran her hand over the sheets. She waited a couple of minutes and when he didn’t return, she went to his desk. She rummaged around for a pen and a notepad.

We’re not done discussing this. You should’ve informed me. I’m always one step behind and it feels unfair - sleep tight xoxo

She grabbed her heels and left the room, not realizing just how many steps she actually was behind until the first classes the following day.

***

“Jesse's family and mine went on annual vacations every summer and winter break.” Although it was lunch time, Stacey hadn’t yet touched her food. She was spending the welcome break explaining about the connection she and Jesse had since the day she was born.

Enora picked at her own food. Miss Maya had kicked off the program this morning with a history class that exceeded the three hour mark. Maybe she had been imagining things, but she felt rather targeted by the lecture miss Maya had delivered. The woman had spent a lot of time explaining the importance of the proper woman for the Alpha King. This was not a fairytale where a commoner would be crowned queen just because the king fell in love. It was about duty. Honor. Sacrifice. And more of those things all wrapped up in harsh single worded sentences. It had felt as if the words were directed at her. Did Maya know about her and Jesse? She probably had her suspicions as Enora suddenly was on the list.

Stacey looked at Enora curiously and Enora realized Stacey had asked her a question. Except - what was the question?

“Sorry, I was admiring your nails. I love the bright nail polish, it goes well with your bracelet.”

Stacey admired her own nails and then smiled. “Thank you. I thought it was maybe a bit too bold. I mean, it’s neon. But my manicurist convinced me.”

“It’s vibrant.”

“Yes! I like that word. Thank you.”

It was quiet for a bit, until Stacey remembered the question she asked before.

“So, what do your parents do? We have never met before.”

Maybe Enora should’ve lied for Jesse's sake, but she was proud of her family. “My father is a librarian for the council. My mother was a history professor, but she fell ill a few years ago and can’t work anymore. My brother is a beta in the eastern sector. He comes back home every 6 weeks for a week.” And right now she was thankful her brother wasn’t around. He would not appreciate her being here.

Enora could see most females processing what she had just said and some looked at her in sheer disbelief.

“But being Luna to the Alpha King is really important and it’s a respectable job with high status,” Anaïs said after a few seconds of uncomfortable silence. “And your parents are...”

“Does your father take care of your mother, now you’re here?” Liana interrupted Anaïs. When Enora confirmed, Liana offered her a genuine smile. “You must be so proud to be a part of a family that takes care of each other and the pack.”

Enora's face broke out in a smile and she felt her cheeks turn a tad red. “Yes. Although I hoped I was released from history lectures for the time being.”

“And then Miss Maya started her History curriculum,” Liana laughed. “Good to hear I can turn to you if I don’t understand something.”

“Don’t ask me about the pack wars from three centuries ago, dad researched that way too much, I’d bore you to death with all the details I know about that time.”

“I don’t think Jesse would appreciate you talking about that crucial period as boring, it was very important for his family. It’s how they became the monarchs.” Anaïs again.

“Jesse really doesn’t care.” The words were out before Enora knew it.

“How would you know?” Anaïs narrowed her eyes.

“How do you know Jesse would think of it as not boring?” Stacey then shot back at Anaïs. “You don’t know him half as good as you think you do.”

The cold look Anaïs gave Stacey made Enora wish for the lunch break to be over.