Jessica
“So, are you going to Randy’s party this upcoming weekend?” Sydney asks me in the cafeteria before she lifts her cola to her lips. Her eyes are locked on Randy, who is a werewolf without her knowledge - he is Luke’s best friend and probably the future Beta of the pack.
“I wasn’t invited,” I tell her and take a bite from my sandwich. Just because I’m Luke’s stepsister, it doesn’t automatically mean that I’m invited to things. I’m not popular, and I like to keep it that way since I’m an introvert.
“Ah, but I’m sure they would be fine with you going there. If not, you could just ask Luke to take you, right?”
“I really don’t want to go to the part anyway.”
“What? Why not?” Sydney sounds shocked. It’s as if she can’t believe there are people who don’t like parties.
I snicker at the thought and smile. “Because I’m introverted as heck? I’m just going to be uncomfortable there and wish I was at home wearing my unicorn hoodie in my bed and eating Pringles - that sounds so much better than partying the weekend away. Food is life.”
Sydney laughs. “Food, books, and school, huh? “
“I only like school because I’m learning about food,” I point out and grimace, feeling a series of shivers race down my spine. “The people I can do without.”
“Alrighty then. Guess I won’t see you at the party, huh?”
I grin. “Nope. I have a date with Netflix.”
***
Later that same day, I walk inside my home and notice that it’s only Luke’s car in the driveway. Then, when I walk inside, I find him sitting on the floor in the hallway.
He wears a haunted look on his face when he looks up at me, reminding me of the one he had in the forest earlier. It was strange finding him there, drenched in a cold sweat, but he said he was fine, right?
“Luke?” I take off my leather jacket and hang it up. “Where are Riley and William?”
“Not here.”
I lift an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“We are alone this weekend. My parents left to celebrate their anniversary at some luxurious hotel,” Luke releases a long sigh and smiles up at me. “Randy is going to have his party here - I hope you’re okay with loud music.”
I stare at him in terror. The last thing I want is to have my quiet weekend ruined by loud music and puking teenagers. I might be one myself, but I at least have some class!
“Why did you tell Randy he can have his party here?” I ask in an offended tone. This is my worst nightmare come true: a bunch of rowdy people preventing me from watching Netflix and having a blast of a weekend up in my room.
Luke stands up, towering over me. “I promise you that it won’t be that bad. Besides, everyone knows you’re my stepsister, so they won’t treat you badly.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about!” I exclaim, feeling my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. “I’m not a pringle ready to mingle, Luke. I don’t want to be around a bunch of strangers doing stupid things.”
Luke takes a step closer to me, his expression softening. “I know that, Jess. But sometimes, we have to step out of our comfort zone and try new things. You might even have fun.”
My eyes narrow, and I sigh, feeling utterly hopeless. “I highly doubt that...”
Luke laughs. “Come on, this could be good for you, you know? Meet new people and such.”
I stare at him skeptically. “I don’t know, Luke. I just want a quiet night in. Maybe I won’t hear the party if I blast music through my headphones?”
Luke shakes his head, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You can try that, but I doubt it will work. Randy’s parties are always loud and rowdy. I think your best chance is to just give it up and party with us.”
I roll my eyes, feeling my resistance crumble. Luke always has a way of convincing me to do things I don’t want to do. “Fine, I will join the festivities. But you owe me big time for this.”
Luke grins. “Deal. Now let’s go get ready.”
I blink in confusion. “Get ready? The party isn’t happening right now, is it?”
My stepbrother laughs. “No, silly! You and I need to get ready for a different occasion - we are ordering pizza and eating it in the car since our parents aren’t at home and can’t stop us. You want a double cheese, right?”
As soon as Luke mentions pizza, my mood lifts. “Of course! And can we get some extra sauce too?”
“Absolutely,” Luke says with a smile. “I will order it now and grab the keys. Meet me by the car in five minutes?”
I give him a bright smile, already heading towards my room to change out of my jeans into a pair of sweatpants. I want to be comfortable for the pizza time. I also run my fingers through my dark hair. Even though I’m not wearing much makeup, I think I look good.
Smiling, I head out to the car, and Luke drives us to the pizza place.
We sit down in a booth, waiting for the pizza to arrive. While I’m looking at my phone, I feel a shiver slip down my spine and look up to see a few girls checking out Luke. They smile flirtatiously and giggle when they notice me. I can’t help but feel uncomfortable since I’m only wearing sweatpants, and suddenly I feel very out of place.
Goddamn it. I should have worn something less...basic. No. Wait. What am I thinking? It’s not like this is a date. I’m just eating dinner with Luke, for Flip’s sake!
“Something on your mind?” Luke asks and rolls his shoulders. I can’t help but notice how his biceps pop out of his shirt as he moves. I quickly avert my gaze, feeling my face heat up.
“Uh, no, nothing,” I stutter, taking a sip of my drink.
Luke chuckles, “You’re a terrible liar, but whatever.”
I choose not to comment, and soon enough, our pizza arrives to distract Luke. But as he digs into the pizza, I can’t help but keep glancing over at the girls who were eyeing him. They were gone now, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling of insecurity. Maybe I should have worn something nicer. Maybe I should start wearing makeup.
“Hey, earth to Jess,” Luke says, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Are you gonna eat that slice or just stare at it?”
I shake my head, taking the slice that Luke was pointing towards. “Sorry, I’m just...lost in my thoughts.”
Luke takes a bite of his pizza, looking at me curiously. “Anything you want to talk about?”
I hesitate for a moment before blurting out, “Do you think I’m...basic?”
Luke raises an eyebrow, looking at me incredulously. “What? No, of course not. Why would you even think that? You have too much attitude to be basic.”
What the hell?!
“Hey!” I snap. “That’s mean!”
He laughs. “Is it? Because I think that’s just the truth. You’re not like other girls, Jess. You have a fire in you that I’ve never seen before. You’re not afraid to speak your mind, and you don’t care what others think of you. That’s what makes you unique.”
I feel a blush creep onto my face, and I can’t help but feel flattered at his words. “Thank you, Luke. That means a lot coming from you, but...I feel like I do care more lately. I’m not sure why, though.”
Luke smiles. “Maybe it’s because you’re growing up, and that’s okay. We all care a bit more as we age. You should just be yourself, no matter what anyone else is doing.”
Luke’s words resonate with me on a deep level, and they help me finish my meal without being overrun by anxiety. Maybe I was overthinking things early and should just be comfortable in my own skin.
As we exit the restaurant, I feel a sense of relief washes over me. The cool night air hits my face, and I take in a deep breath.
“Thanks for dinner,” I say, turning towards Luke.
“No problem,” he replies with a smile.
“Hey, you want to go for a walk?” I ask.
He smiles. “Sure.”
As we walk side by side, I can’t help but glance over at him, admiring the way his broad shoulders fill out his shirt. He catches me looking and smirks.
“What are you thinking about now?” he asks me teasingly.
I feel my face flush again. “Oh, nothing.”
Luke chuckles. “Come on, you can tell me anything.”
I take a deep breath, gathering up my courage. “Okay, fine. I was just thinking about how...good you look.” Damn it, did I really say that out loud?!
Luke’s expression changes, becoming more serious. He takes a step closer to me, backing me up against the wall of a nearby building.
“Is that so?” he asks, his voice low and husky.
I can feel my heart racing in my chest as he leans in, his breath hot against my skin.
“Luke,” I whisper, feeling a sense of desire pool in my lower belly.
He doesn’t say anything, just stares down at me for a long moment before his lips part in a frown. “You’re my sister, Jess. I can’t do this.”
My heart sinks as the reality of the situation hits me. Of course, he’s my brother. How could I have let these inappropriate thoughts enter my mind? I’ve never seen Luke as my brother, but I’m aware that even though we aren’t related, Luke sees me as his sister.
“I’m sorry,” I mumble, dropping my gaze to the ground.
Luke reaches out to gently tilt my chin up so that I’m looking at him again. “Don’t be sorry, Jess. I’m not upset with you. But we can’t do this.”
I nod, feeling embarrassed and ashamed. “I know. I’m really sorry.”
Luke places a hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently. “It’s okay. Let’s just forget about it and go home.”
As we walk back to our apartment in silence, I can’t help but feel like I’ve ruined everything. How could I have been so stupid? What if Luke thinks I’m disgusting or weird now? I really should have kept my mouth shut...