Operation Payback Phase 1

Today is Monday. Last night the girls had a sleepover at my house so that we can get ready for school together. We're starting Operation Payback, phase one.

"So tell me why are we wasting our time doing this again? We agreed that he's a worthless d*ckhead anyways," I ask, as Vesper pulls and tugs at my hair.

"Well, reason number one, he's gotta pay for what he put you through. Number two, isn't this fun? I'm excited to do this!" answers Aurelia.

"And reason number three, it stops Aurelia from going crazy ninja on Bane and gets herself thrown into the dungeon," adds Vesper.

"I still think we're just wasting our time. No amount of work will get me noticed around school when all the other girls are so gorgeous,"

I stare at Vesper through the mirror. Vesper looks like a doll in her yellow gossamer sundress, a white cardigan, and a pair of bright yellow sandals. Her golden curls are in a high ponytail, tied with a white filmy ribbon

"Livana," sighs Vesper, turning me around to face her. "Even without all the make-up and the makeover, you're easily the prettiest girl in school."

"Boys are always staring at you, you're just too dense to notice," adds Aurelia, dabbing some color to her eyelid. Aurelia is rocking her new sleek hairstyle with black shorts and dark blue crop top paired with high top black sneakers and also a black leather jacket. Truly, she looks like a model to me.

"Hey! I resent that," I complaint. "If you think I was already pretty why do we need to do all this then?"

"Honey, the makeover and all this are just to boost your self-confidence...plus, you finally agreed to let us dress you up. It's like having a real-life barbie doll to play with," replies Vesper gleefully. "Oh, I can't wait to have a baby girl with Kane...well, not yet, but in a few more years."

"You'll make a wonderful mother, Vesper," I smile, imagining her with pups.

"Yeah, and I'll probably be the worst mother ever. I'd probably forget where I left my pup when I'm too busy playing Crashlands or something," confesses Aurelia.

We start laughing at that because Aurelia does tend to forget things when she plays her games.

I have on a short pale blue skater skirt, paired with a lacy white bustier like top, and a pair of light blue wedge sandals. My hair is in big loose curls...and I won't give up my favorite black leather jacket. I feel confident as we step out of my room.

"My Goddess, you girls look stunning!" exclaims my mom when we get to the bottom of the stairs.

"Thanks, Lavinia," reply Vesper and Aurelia.

Mom hugs all three of us with tears in her eyes. I think she's thankful for my friends for getting me up and about again. Ready to get back to school again too.

We join dad and Genevieve in the kitchen for breakfast. Mom has made lots of pancakes for us.

Later, Genevieve joins us in Vesper's car for a five-minute drive to school. I know Genevieve enjoys spending time with my friends too. She's known them since she's still in diapers. They're more like big sisters to her.

"I'd like to do my hair like yours too soon," says Genevieve, pulling at a lock of my hair before she jumps out of the car and disappears into the crowd.

"That's the closest to a compliment I've ever gotten from her," I inform Aurelia and Vesper.

"Sisters," mumbles Aurelia, shaking her head. "Sometimes I'm glad I'm the only child."

I notice we draw a lot of attention as we exit the car. I wonder if it's because they know about what happened between me and Bane or because of our new looks.

Some students stop and stare. I hear whispers here and there. My strong werewolf hearing catches the word "Bane's mate" and "reject" several times. I hear some guys lewd comments too. "Damn she's hot, I'd tap that." I catch a girl's bitchy voice saying clearly, "Gosh, who get rejected by their own mate? How pathetic and embarrassing. I'd kill myself if I were her." Either way, I can't say that I'm enjoying it.

Remembering our mission, I hold my head up high, paste a smile on my lips, and defiantly add a sway to my hips. Vesper gives me a smile and a wink before her attention is taken by Kane who is jogging over to meet us.

"Atta girl," whispers Aurelia.

"You look good enough to eat," says Kane with so much affection to Vesper. "All you girls look awesome," he adds when he's finally able to tear his eyes away from his glowing mate.

I see Bane's blond head facing away from us when we get nearer to the classroom that we share. Aurelia's grip tightens around my arm. Bane is talking to Damon. He seems relaxed, leaning against one of the lockers. Well, at least he doesn't have his tongue down Pia's throat this time.

My wolf Nyx perks up and seems more restless the closer we get to him. I think she can't decide whether she wants him or furious with him for treating us like thrash. His delicious smell is messing with me even when I'm very determined not to feel anything towards him anymore. The mate pull is still very strong.

Damon's wandering eyes find me and flicker up and down my body. His blue eyes darken even more when I give him a tiny smile. He keeps staring at me and I give him a bigger friendly smile. Didn't I tell you I think Damon's a nice guy?

Bane sniffs and looks around. His eyes widen as soon as they land on me. I let my smile go slack, my eyes go cold and look away. Aurelia tugs at my arm and whispers something so low, but it sounds like "Phase one a success, moving on to phase two."