© Claimed By Him ~ Elektra Orfanos

Nothing.

There is absolutely nothing on werewolves in this place.

How can that be? No I need more information! If I talk to the girls they'll get suspicious.

My fingers ran along hardwood shelf as I pictured his ferocious bright eyes glaring down at me from the foot of my bed. Why would I imagine that? Why would my mind be so cruel as to make up that image?

"This is ridiculous." I whispered. I knocked my head against the book's spines sighing in irritation. This can't be it! So many stories are told of the beast you would think there would be a book on how to take him. I guess no one is as thick as me to walk down that slippery lane. It was foolish of me to assume the library would have anything. Even the librarian looked at me as if I were insane when I questioned if they had a mythology section. Either that or he was surprised there was a young girl alone daring to widen her knowledge.

Suddenly I overheard a familiar voice from the aisle next me. I flinched at Curtis's voice as he whispered some nonsense to someone or maybe he is actually crazy and talking to himself. I peeked through the top of the books and the shelf and realised my great nemesis and Curtis are here dressed in all black portraying death's ever so scary soldiers. Not looking too unattractive except I think Evan's scowl is rubbing off onto Curtis's face.

What would Evan be doing in a library he is hardly the reading type?

That would mean he has some intelligence. Wait, yes sadly that does make sense since his insults sting worse than whips on the behind. I would know...

He would have to be smart to come up with the venom that drips out from that mouth.

"What were you doing with her?" Evan questioned. Oh I wonder who he is talking about? The queen of France and founder of wigs with ships in them? The crazy cat lady that keeps training her cats to poop in our garden? No? Oh who then? Oh right! Me. Yay...

Finally Curtis replied slamming a book shut. "We went out with her friends, I wanted to get to know her better. After what you said to her... That was horrible." I wouldn't use the word horrible since he took pleasure of my brother's death but good enough I suppose.

"Twas the point." Evan said casually as if it were nothing.

"I don't understand why you don't like her she seems like such a nice girl. We had loads of fun."

"Why would I ever like her? And why would you want to get to know her? She is scum." I dug my gloved fingers into my palms. I am scum? I am scum!

"Takes one to know one you ass licker." I whispered angrily then trudged down the aisle. I had to pass their section to get to the exit and immediately Curtis took notice of me. I don't know how he did but he did!

"Luna?" I pretended not hear and continued walking to the spiral staircase to get to the first floor. I grabbed the railing just as he leaned on my back almost toppling us both over. "Luna, not so fast I think I might throw up." I turned and held him up by his shoulders noticing how sick he looks.

I silently laughed. "How is the hangover treating you?" I'll be nice to him. He's done nothing wrong to me. He kind of reminds me of Michael.

"Not too well." He admitted. He took my hand in his and brushed his lips over my knuckles. I can feel his breath seep through my glove warming my skin underneath and I pulled it away awkwardly. Too many men are invading my personal space and I don't know how long I will stand for it. I've got to stop being so easy to go up to. I gazed over Curtis's shoulder wondering where Evan went and why he hasn't blessed me with his presence.

He probably didn't leave the isle and why would he? It's just little Luna, the girl as fat as the moon.

"I'm surprised you're even out after last night." I said steadying my eyes back onto his.

"I'm surprised you don't even look effected." He replied looking ready to vomit. "Pardon me but you still look luminous." Heat raised in my cheeks and I had to avert my eyes down to our feet to hide it.

This is not the first time a boy has tried to woo me.

But this is the first time I have received a genuine compliment without someone trying to grope me.

"Luna luminous. Nice pun." I said after a few seconds of silence and stared up at him through my lashes.

"I didn't mean for it to be," he blushed. "I didn't even think of that." He scratched the back of his neck nervously.

I mentally rolled my eyes. "Hm... Right. Well I won't take up your time or your cousin's." I began to back away then walk down the staircase.

"Wait."

I froze and glared up at him. "What is it now?"

"Excuse my abruptness but to be honest I do feel like we're close."

"Not that close." I snickered.

"Still I would like to see you again." He said so seriously. I had to batt my lashes a few times to process the tone, the expression and his body language.

"No thank you."

"Damn you're difficult."

"Then maybe you should stop talking to me."

"Have I done anything to offend you? If I have I don't remember but I'm sorry." He said rather loudly earning many glances in our direction.

I stormed up to him. "Keep your voice down."

He leaned forward holding onto the railing and almost closing the distance between our faces. Is he still drunk? "Then explain why you refuse to see me again."

"As fate would have it we're together now. I thought you were all about destiny and mystic faith..." Or whatever.

"Don't tease or I'll start shouting."

"You're bluffing."

He wasn't.

I slapped my hand over his mouth and dragged him into a secluded isle which probably isn't the best idea since he's so keen to go after my ovaries. "Alright stop before we're thrown out." I hissed removing my hand.

"Could you be anymore humiliating?" Evan's voice made me jump out of my skin. Where did he come from?

"Don't sneak up on a girl like that." I spat at him.

"A girl? I am pretty sure I see some facial hair." He pointed to the top of his lip making Curtis scowl.

I curled my lips in. "Couldn't be said for you could it baby face?"

"Evan not now." Curtis glowered at him.

"We are leaving. You've embarrassed yourself enough being caught apologising to this slut."

"Oh you lavish me sir." I turned away from Evan before he could reply.

"Luna I apolo..." Curtis started so I hushed him.

"I have to go." He was about to protest but I held my hand up to stop him as I walked around him. There was a slight tug on my dress as I stepped but Curtis's hands were too far to reach. I glowered at Evan for a moment before staring back at Curtis. "May the fates bring us together again."

"If the fates are cruel they will." Evan muttered.

"Hilarious." I muttered under my breath speeding down the metal staircase.

Soon after I heard pounding steps behind me and a scowl from Evan so I walked faster till I was out of the building. Curtis stopped me at yet another staircase towering over me on the top one as I stood on the third.

"Wait, Luna I have something to say." He cleared his throat dramatically. Why won't he just leave me alone? It's nothing personal but I have no interest in relatives of the enemy when I have a new enemy to face. "'Hear my soul speak. Of the very instant that I saw you, Did my heart fly at your service'"

I recognise that line: The Tempest, Shakespeare. Positively romantic if I had no other priorities than marriage and lovers. But I can't hold myself back from the attempt. I have to reply with.  "Flattery will get you no where unless it comes with a kiss."

He smirked. A smile unmistakably portraying pride on how he's 'won me over'. "Are you daring me to kiss you?" He took one step down and his breath fanned my face.

I can't deny he has looks. He could charm many other normal girls but I'm not sane and I don't have time for flirtations. I have a wolf to tame and that wolf has a more thrilling voice than his. Or perhaps I am attracted to dangerous men. I'm just destined to die sooner than I expected.

"Only so I have reason to smack you." I stormed off whipping my dress back dramatically.