Nora’s POV

I walked through the school's hallway, head lowered. I dared not raise my head; I didn't need to do that to know they were disgusted at the sight of me.

“Oh my gosh, she must weigh a thousand pounds.”

Chuckles erupted from their lips and some of them were loud enough to reach my ears.

“Try not to break the ground, fatty; I'm sure you're not going to be able to afford the repairs.”I sighed. It didn't matter. I mean, I was supposed to be used to it by now, but each time, it only hurt more.

I finally reached my locker but froze when I saw a poster of me glued to the locker.

My heart burned, and my blood ran cold. Was it a crime to be plus size? I mean, I used to think I was beautiful when I was younger, but not anymore. Everyone thinks I'm an overweight freak now.

I had one wish; to be slim like the girl in the pack so I could finally feel included.

I dragged my eyes over the poster, taking every single name written using a marker.

“Fatty, ugly, smelly!” There were so many names there; I didn't bother. I tore off the poster and opened my locker, grabbing what I needed before making my way to class.

Class? Well, that was my only safe space. I was rarely bullied there and whenever I was, a teacher would defend me, so I had learned to stay quiet most of the time.

I wished it never ended… Well, it seemed my luck ran cold because the teacher excused herself, leaving us again.

I knew better than to stay. I quickly stuffed my bag with my books and rushed out as fast as I could. I needed to go to the cafeteria before they did, otherwise, I would have to skip lunch.

The lunch lady didn't spare me a glance, she knew the usual.

“Chicken salad and mixed chopped fruits with orange juice on the side.”

Didn't I get tired of this stuff?

I was, but I couldn't afford to let them see me eat something—

I snapped out of reality when I bumped into someone.

“Ugh!”

I knew that voice. I slowly raised my head and I locked eyes with her. It was Sasha, Queen of Clawbridge Academy and one of my major predators.

“Are you so fat you're blinded by it? Can't you watch where you're going?” She glared, teeth gritted, and knuckles curled hard until they almost turned white.

“I'm so–sorry.” I muttered and tried to make an exit before it was too late.

“Oops, it was too late.”

She blocked my path, two minions standing behind her with their hands over their chest.

“You think you can bump into me and apologize? You're so jealous of my perfect body you're planning to break me!”

Her minions gasped, turning to each other before returning their gaze to me. It was almost like a rehearsed performance.

“I'm sorry, Sasha, I didn't—”

Before I could finish speaking, she pulled the tray off my hands and immediately stared into my eyes.

“Take this!” She dumped the meal on the tray on me, then pushed me so hard I fell to the ground, hitting it hard.

“This should teach you never to mess with me again, fatty. I'm the queen of this academy, and you—”

“That's enough, Sasha.”

I snapped my head to who had dared to challenge Sasha for my sake, but I froze the moment my eyes sighted who it was.

He was even more handsome up close: hazel eyes, blonde hair, and an extremely tall, muscular build. I almost drooled. My savior was Mason, head of the hockey team and future alpha of the Silvermoon pack.

“You're defending the fatty? She literally almost pushed me out of the way and—”

He suddenly gripped her arm, fingers sinking in.

“Ahhh!” Her scream pierced through the cafeteria, and he swallowed, worried for her delicate arm.

“Why don't you pick on someone your size and stop bullying someone for being… perfect?”

I blinked. Did I hear him right? Did he just call me perfect?

“What?” Even Sasha was touched by that line. “What the hell do you mean, perfect? She's nothing but—”

He pushed her lightly, and she staggered backward but was lucky enough to be caught by her minions.

My head was still lowered and I was still gazing at the floor when I saw a hand stretched out to me.

It was Mason's. He offered me a warm smile, something I had not gotten in years, and I struggled to smile back.

“No, this can't be real. Moongoddess!” I exclaimed in my mind but took his arm to not keep me waiting.

I noticed the cafeteria go silent and how everyone's eyes remained fixed on me. Not with wrinkled noses and glaring eyes this time, but with pale faces and slightly parted lips.

I followed his lead. He led me to somewhere quiet and finally stopped when he was sure there was no one there to disturb us.

“Are you alright?” He rested my hands on his shoulders and I locked eyes with him. I truly wanted to cry, but couldn't bring myself to do that in front of the hottest boy in school and my longtime crush.

“I'm sorry about what happened back there. I'm Mason.”

I nodded. He didn't need to introduce himself; I already knew him. In fact, my room back at home was filled with posters of his face.

“I'm sorry you had to go through any of—”

I shook my head. “No, it's fine. Thank you for your concerns and for saving me today; I sincerely appreciate it.”

I lowered my head again, but he raised my chin so I could look into his eyes.

“Don’t worry, nothing like this would ever happen again. No one would ever shame you for being who you are.”

I furrowed my brows. “Why are you doing this? I mean… I'm the fat girl, and everyone knows that. I practically didn't exist to you; why now?”

He inched close, making a rush of warmth envelop me. “Because you don't deserve to go through this. Like I said before, I'm here for you, and no one would ever hurt you again.”

Nora

My eyes were heavy and my body was heavier as I dragged my feet through the hallway. I was unable to sleep last night. I couldn't get his scent and words off my mind.

Why did he want to protect me?

Well, it didn't matter because that was yesterday, and today was a new day. Besides, I could still hear mutters and side talks from people. Leaning in to tell the next person some lies about me.

I finally got to class and took a seat, my mind buried deep as I glared at the ground. I had learnt to lower my gaze, it was a defense against predators like Sasha.

“Mind if I sit here?”

I blinked that voice again. I raised my head, and I almost turned pale.

Mason?

“Hello?” He waved his hands in my face and I blinked twice to snap back to reality.

“Can I sit next to you today?”

I felt my throat dry up the instant he asked that. The seat next to me had been empty for ages. No one had dared sit next to me. I guess they didn't want to be associated with the stigma I carried or the rumors some bullets spread about being fat upon close contact with me.

“I'll save you the trouble. There's no need to…”

I trailed when I noticed he used his rag to wipe the dust off the seat before sitting.

“That's much better.” He flashed me a perfect smile.

I noticed all the eyes in class darting towards our angle. I felt tense, and my palms became sweaty.

“Mason, you shouldn't be here. You should be with the—”

I couldn't finish my sentence because the teacher walked in. She scanned the class with her eyes and the moment she sighted Mason there, she smiled.

“Good morning class,” she began, before starting her lesson for the day.

“Lunch?”

I heard as the last teacher left the class.

“Um, I'm sorry. I can't allow that. I don't want to ruin your career.”

He furrowed his brows, eyes slightly narrowed. “What do you mean?”

I sighed. “I appreciate you trying to be friends, but the sight of me is bad news. I'm sure you're aware?”

He shook his head. “You’re not bad news. Besides, having lunch with you is better than having lunch with these people who can't appreciate this beauty in front of me.” He smirked, and I almost turned red. I didn't recall when last someone called me that.

“So shall we?”

I bit my lower lip. If this was a dream then I never wanted to wake up.

“Come on.” He urged, and I finally took his hands in mine.

He was very sweet and discussed hockey nonstop as we reached the cafeteria.

“What are you ordering?” He asked and when I told him the usual, he rolled his eyes.

“You're not supposed to subject yourself to such suffering. Wasn't that what you wanted to eat yesterday?”

I pressed my lips into a thin line, playing with my fingers behind me.

“We'll have the French fries and orange juice with grilled chicken.”

I swallowed. I didn't remember the last time I had that kind of food in school.

Once both our foods were served, he helped us collect them and move to a seat that was open. He was already seated when he turned his head towards me.

“What's up?” His eyes remained fixed on my expression.

“I don't normally sit here; it's too—”

“You should sit here. You're too beautiful to stay hidden. Maybe that's why I didn't find such a pretty damsel earlier.”

I pressed my lips together, confused. I contemplated if I should sit with him, but we were already here, so there was no need to ignored.

I took a seat and buried my head deep in my food tray.“Did you see that? Mason's hanging out with the fatty.”

“Isn't he going to get fat like her? Oh no! What would happen to his hockey career?”

I felt a lump forming in my throat when I heard that, but instead of feeling ashamed, he stretched out his hands to take mine.

“You shouldn't let anyone bruise your confidence. You're pretty.”

I nodded, eating the meal in front of me as we discussed. It wasn't long before I started chuckling, and I stared right into his eyes as he stared back at mine.

For the first time in forever, lunch was enjoyable.

“There's a game later today. I was wondering if you could…”

I shook my head. I couldn't do that. I didn't attend any school event; I didn't want the building to collapse, as they would say.

“I'm sorry, I wouldn't be able to—”

“But I got you this front-row ticket. Besides, I want to be able to get a glance of your pretty face and guess what?”

I blinked, having no clue, “What?”

“The first goal I'm going to score would be yours.” I felt my cheek puff.

I mean, I didn't expect him to be acting this way. He was far too nice.

He pulled out the hockey front-row ticket and pushed it into my hand.

The feel of our hands stirred something inside me.

“I'll be there.”

He smirked. “Great, see you there.”

***

I didn't expect to be there. Well, maybe I didn't want to lose a new friend.

I cheered, watching how he took forward strides. His speed was incredible and the fact that no other person could touch the puck once it was in his possession.

“Clawbridge Academy, 1point!”

I watched how his teammates celebrated, but he turned towards me, creating a heart shape with his fingers.

I felt warm inside, my lips twisting into a smile. The game lasted for a while, and by the time the game was done, he had scored about 5 points.

The game ended, and it was time to head home. I walked towards the exit when someone walked towards me. It was Mason. Wasn't he supposed to be with his teammates? What was he doing here?

“Nice play and congratulations on your win.”

He nodded. “Yeah, and we're celebrating the win at my place. What do you say we hang out tonight?”

My eyes widened, my crush, asking me out?

“No, I have something to–”

“It's just a party. I know you like privacy, and I can arrange that for us. I hope to see you.”

He didn't give me the chance to decline.

I blinked, watching how he returned to his teammates, my heart racing. I had a party to attend.

Nora

“I don't think I can attend. I mean, everyone's going to…” I trailed off, shaking my head. This was the moment I had always dreamed of, and now I wanted to throw it away? That wasn't going to be possible.

I sighed, going into my closet to pick out an outfit. My baggy jeans were there as usual, but I also wanted something different.

My eyes raked my closet until I stumbled upon a dress I had never worn before.

“Perfect.”

***

I arrived at the packhouse, my heart drumming faster than usual. My eyes looked around until they settled in Mason standing at the entrance. He was wearing a jean jacket and matching pants. To complement the outfit was a white inner shirt and same-colored sneakers.

His eyes darted around; I guess he was waiting for me.

The moment he sighted me, he paused, eyes staring at me.

“You look stunning.”

Again, I felt my cheek burn. He always had a compliment for me.

“Come in…” He gestured without wasting time. I followed him, and he took me to a special room.

The moment we got in and closed the door, the noise from the outside world was blocked out.

“I knew you would appreciate a quiet place, so I made it something you'd like.”

I scanned the place, and I was shocked he put in his best. There were drinks on the table and light music playing inside.

“Okay, okay, what's this about?”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“What do you mean?”

I sighed. “You can't treat me like I didn't exist for years and come back to act like I'm your—”

He interrupted me. “I understand how you feel. You don't have to trust me, but I intend to work hard to build that trust.”

I parted my lips in an attempt to speak, but I couldn't.

“Have a seat.” He gestured, and once seated, I couldn't help but smile. He said the right things, made the funniest jokes and did the sweetest things.

“I think I've fallen in love with you.” The words left his lips as he closed the distance between us.

I felt my chest drumming fast, and I wanted to pull back, but he wrapped his arms around my waist. It didn't go around, but it made me sit still.

“I know this sounds crazy, but I can't stop thinking about you, your smile, and…”

He slammed his lips on mine. My eyes widened at first, and I wanted to fight him off, but he was my crush and the hottest guy in school.

It was also my first kiss. I couldn't blow that up.

Warmth exploded inside of me, and it didn't stop there. He grabbed my waist so delicately I moaned.

“Ugh, Mason…”

I hadn't been touched the way he did to me.

“I know… I love you too.”

He finally pulled away from the kiss, his hazel eyes now a hint of red.

I blinked, but he didn't give me time to process. He lunged at me, planting kisses on my lips, nape and then lower.

“Mason…”

The feeling was incredible. Why did I feel so many tingles?

“Fuck!” He groaned, taking off his shirt and trousers while I was left to catch my breath.

It happened so fast, but the pleasure I felt caused me to moan out his name.

“Ugh, mate…”

Did I hear him correctly?

In that instant, I hit climax, my fingers sinking into his shoulders even as he thrusted inside me until I felt warm liquid inside of me.

I had just been fucked by Mason, the hottest guy in school and my crush.

“I love you,” Mason muttered, running his hands along my chin; that was the last thing I recalled before the darkness swept me away.

***

Mason has been acting strange since that night. He no longer sat with me at lunch or in class and avoided me every way he could.

Well I would say that hurt but not as much as the bullying. Being with Mason made me less of a target, but now, everyone bullied me.

“Where’s your savior?” Sasha asked and scoffed when tears trailed my eyes instead of actual words.

I attempted to leave but slipped and fell, causing laughter to erupt.

“The fat cow has crashed, take cover!”

They pointed fingers, laughing. I ignored them, pushing myself up as I rushed to the school's restroom. The moment I got there, I stood at the mirror, sniffling. I hated everything about myself.

“Why did you make me this way?” I clenched my teeth, fighting back the tears my last night with Mason played on my mind.

“Ahh!” I held my head and suddenly felt the need to throw up.

I pressed my lips in a thin line, but my cheek puffed as I tried to suppress the gag that attempted to leave my lips.

I couldn't, rushing to the toilet as I threw up. Was it something I ate?

So I thought, but before the day ended, my condition worsened, and I had to rush to the hospital for a proper checkup.

“Pregnant.”

My hands shivered as the doctor announced what was wrong with me. I shook my head.

No, it can't be. I'm carrying Mason's baby.

Days passed, and I tried to think of a solution, but the only thought that kept coming was to speak to him about it.

I sighed. I couldn't raise this baby alone; I needed to tell him, and I would do it tomorrow.

The day arrived faster than expected with me waiting for the right time to tell him, but each time, he vanished in plain sight.

I waited for the right moment to meet with him in the locker room before his practice.

I waited, and once I saw him walk in alone, I watched out for anyone else before going in.

“I told you guys I would be able to do it, didn't I?” Mason bragged.

“But isn't she stalking you? That was what you said the last time, wasn't it?”

Mason nodded. “Yeah, Finn, but I'm way smarter than you think. Now, you'll owe me a thousand dollars.”

“Are the rumors true? Does she—”

I zoned out, taking steps back as his words twisted my heart.

Suddenly, I bumped into a locker, gaining their attention.

Mason's face turned pale the moment he saw me, and he attempted to speak, but I didn't give him the chance to.

I stormed out of there, letting the tears that had gathered in my eyes roll out.

I couldn't believe he used me.Wait… I could, what was I thinking? That he would love me?

I was delusional.

I rushed back home, crying until my eyes puffed.

I held my stomach with determination in my eyes. I couldn't bear the same anymore.

I would go to Grandma.