Chapter 8

Zena's POV~

I move fast through the big hall so I can get to my dorm room to change out of these hell-soaked pads.

The boy fighting against me had only won in today's training because of my menstrual cramps.

Well at least i didn't draw attention to myself this time.

My feet hit the floor quickly, but suddenly a loud CRASH happens right next to my ear. Sharp bits of glass fly everywhere like little knives.

I jump and hug my arms over my chest, feeling terrified. I can even hear my heart beating like a goddamn drum.

The big light from the ceiling almost hits my head. It hangs by a tiny wire which swings back and forth continously.

Just then, a sharp pain pierce through my belly. It feels like someone is sticking a needle inside me and twisting it. My legs turn to jelly and I fall down with a loud thud.

Silly cramp! I say in my head.

I hiss in anguish and let out a loud scream which comes out louder than i imagined. I swear, I really wish I am a boy right at this moment.

Being a girl has to be the hardest thing to do in this school.

I notice the other students stand around in a big circle. They make "ohhh" sounds and talk in quiet voices.

I look up through my messy hair while my eyes search the crowd. I can see my two mates standing in the midst of them, and even Marcus who has been running after me earlier is there too.

For some reason, they look sorry for me. Their faces aren't mean but… soft. The twins run over fast to help me stand up.

This time, I don't push them away or try to run. The pain in my stomach is biting me too hard that i grit my teeth to stop me from screaming like a banshee again.

Skye comforts me and i imagine her soft white paws on my skin.

The teacher who heard the commotion and noise also comes over with a grumpy face.

He looks up at the hole in the roof where the glass fell from. He looks at the mess on the floor and then he looks at me. "You got lucky, kid," he says groggily. "You guys, take him to the room and make sure he is okay. The rest of you, go away and don't litter around like hooligans! Class starts at 12."

The twins put my arms over their shoulders. I can't help but feel so small and tiny between them.

We walk slowly down the long hall to our dorm and then we get inside, they put me on the bed close to the window. "Sit here Zane. Don't move around, okay? We will get water," Cade says.

Is that a smile I see on his face?

His voice is deep, but it is a little soft.

I notice it doesn't sound like a growl this time. I take my time to study his features well because i never really got the chance to stare at him up close.

He has really long eyelashes which i never noticed before.

There is also a tiny birthmark right under his eye.

Cade touches my shoulder very lightly. I feel his warm breath hit my cheek when he stands up and It makes my skin feel all tingly.

Meanwhile, Caleb grabs a glass and Cade pours the water out of a bottle. I watch them work together to help me.

My heart is doing a happy dance even if I am hurting from this pain.

They are taking care of me? It feels ironic that Cade especially who always calls me a “Caveman" is doing something this nice.

Look who is taking care of me now.

I take the glass with shaky hands and drink it fast. "Thank you...," I say. I feel my face getting hot and red.

Caleb doesn't move away as soon as he is done. He reaches out and his index finger trails down my cheek in slow motion. I feel his finger stop at my chin and he tilts my head up.

For a second, I forget how to breathe and enjoy what i think is the moment.

"Zane," Caleb says. He is sniffing the air with a strange face. "Why do you smell like that? You smell... different."

My heart drops into my shoes. I see him look at his brother. I squeeze my fingers into a ball so tight my nails are poking my skin. I want the floor to open up and swallow me.

"You don't smell like a wolf boy, Zane," Cade says, stepping closer. "What are you hiding from us?"

Of course It is because I am wearing that thick pad and the blood is fresh.

I have a heavy flow today and it is making everything around me smell metallic. My period will really be the end of me. The cramps are so bad it feels like my insides are being ripped out by a claw.

To manage their suspicion, I know I need to make money to buy better stuff to hide my smell. If I don't, I am going to be in big trouble. I will be for sure cooked!

I force a laugh, but it sounds more like a bark. "Oh, that? I went to see the lady nurse this morning. I felt sick and she gave me a big hug to make me feel better. It must be her smell or something. You guys are thinking too much!"

I jump up from the bed and proceed to walk away even though my belly screams at me to stop.

"Okay then," Cade says. He looks at me funny, but then he smiles a little. "Want to play Fortnite? We are gonna play before class. Can you play with us?"

He is being nice again.

It is hella weird but I can't stay even if I want to enjoy this moment with my two mates. If I sit on their chairs, I might leave a stain and that would be the end of me. "I gotta go to the bathroom. I'll be right back!" I say quickly.

I wait until they look at the TV screen, then I grab my metal box from under the bed and hide it under my shirt before leaving.

Walking down the hall is hard. I have to hold my stomach because it hurts to walk straight. It seems life in this academy isn't as easy as it seems. My secret will be exposed if I don't stop being careless.

I need to find Marcus. He is the only one who has a private bathroom. I can't go to the big ones because the other boys will see me. I turn a corner and then another one. My head is spinning so fast and my vision starts to get blurry.