Novel & Cerita An Outsider

"The grand finale piece is definitely going to be released soon." "I can't wait!" Through the door, I heard ragged breathing from inside, thick with rising desire. The sound was exactly like the nightmare that had haunted me these past few days. "Hey! You can't go in there!" Ignoring the people trying to stop me, I kicked the door open. Inside, Vivian's body was barely covered where it mattered, most of her pale young skin exposed to the air. Julian held the camera in one hand. The fingers of his other hand were still hovering over her skin.

The absence of my presence these past few years had made me accustomed to compromising in front of Sophie and her family. Even when Julius replaced me in the family portrait, or when every New Year's dinner table was filled with dishes Julius liked, I endured it. I even comforted myself by telling myself that things weren't so bad if someone could stay by their side in my place. I thought that as long as the family was happy, nothing else mattered. But today, a single apple gave me a wake-up call. If they already saw me as an outsider, why was I still trying so hard to belong?

My bones nearly cracked from the impact as it slammed against the hard floor. I glared at the crowd of people who'd been my family for the first 20 years of my life, now threatening and beating me up all for the sake of an outsider, and felt my heart turn to stone. I wiped the blood from the corner of my lips and glared daggers at them. "I'm going to call the police! Not a single one of you is getting out alive!" Isaac was even more enraged by this. He kicked me hard in the back and thundered, "The police! To hell with that, you stubborn old bitch! I'm going to fucking beat you black and blue!"

My black heels made some noise which is the reason why he faced us. Is this IV? I was expecting to meet an older man, just like the businessmen I’ve seen earlier at the party. But what I am seeing right now is a tall man, probably in his early thirties, wearing a black tuxedo that fits his firm body. He started moving in our direction. Slowly, I can clearly his features. A pair of deep brown eyes are intently gazing at us. A smile crossed his face when he got closer to us, “Finally, I’ve come to meet you,” He extended his right hand in front of me “I am IV, the President of La Resistencia.”

“Who said I’m taking it as mine? Ireregalo ko siya sa isang tao.” The guy laughed in return. “Hay nako. Hindi ko na kailanga’ng hulaan kung sino.” He shook his head. “But I don’t think your lifetime crush will accept this. At higit sa lahat,” he breathed out, “aanhin ni Devon ang kabayo?” Now, these strangers are planning to take me as a present for someone who is an equal stranger. These lower beings . . . ! Once I turn into my real self, I will devour them with no fail!

Robert asked. “I agree,” Caine continued. “You would be playing a difficult game trying to make my people talk, but there’s someone else with them who might be a little less challenging.” The other two exchanged looks of confusion as well as interest. “Someone?” Robert uttered. “Who?” “He’s no Ravennite,” Caine droned on. “He’s an Outsider, and a young one at that.” “What?” Robert was quite surprised. “What do you mean an Outsider? Is he one of ours?”

Kade turned to me and gave a small nod — *your turn*. I swallowed hard. This was it. No alphas to hide behind. No more running. I stepped forward. The pack fell completely silent. “I know some of you are wondering what the hell I’m doing here,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “I’m an outsider. I ran from my old pack. I showed up half-starved and desperate. And now I’m standing in front of you as your Luna.” I looked around slowly, meeting as many eyes as I could.

I glance quickly at the beast in the suit and then continue, "No matter how you dress me up, make me look good... No one...." I look at him again, "NO ONE! Will accept me until Zachariah changes me... And I would be surprised if I am accepted even then..." I push past Jade and Shade, open the door, and out into the street. As soon as I exit, everyone stops what they are doing and looks at me, that same look of disgust, that I am a lowly human and that I am an outsider is evident on all their faces. I turn away from them and head back toward the mansion. This time I can't stop the tear that escapes and slides down my cheek.

A stubborn local journalist, sitting on a concrete bench, with a dying father, a ghost mother, a rival sister in tatters, and a bank account as flat as this city's horizon. The car parks far away. The driver's door opens. A man gets out. Tall. A well-cut dark coat. A presence. Even from a distance, you can tell he's an outsider, someone who doesn't walk at the same pace as the paving stones here. He observes the buildings, the hospital, with an expression that is neither worried nor lost, but… assessing. As if inspecting a potential site. Then he turns his back and walks away, heading towards the city center.

“I didn’t see much of you fitting in yesterday.” “Are you keeping an eye on me, Mr Dark Night?” Despite her smile and light voice, she took a step towards him, a flash of danger in her eyes. “Only as much as you’re keeping an eye on me.” Inga snorted at his retort, but declined an answer. “Seriously, why did they look at you like that?” For the briefest moment, barely more than a flicker, her expression fell giving him a glimpse of the woman beneath. “No one likes outsiders.”