Jude

It's rare.

Apart from me, very few students have the balls to talk about my brother like Beck just did.

It's a risky situation for him, I'm not gonna lie. My brother is a raging psycho who's not afraid to get blood on his hands. I'd be fearful if I were him, that's the truth.

Having said that, what he spoke was so entertaining. I'm not used to people criticizing Quentin in front of him. I snorted so loudly, I almost got out of breath. Of course I had to agree with Beck. I really don't know what Cassie sees in my brother, but who can explain love?

Certainly not the boy who has never been in love with.

All I have is a toxic hidden sexual relationship with my brother's best friend. And that is only because he came on to me. You know how the cliché goes. One day, Jalensky got drunk [inside my house] and found his way into my room.

I wanted to resist him, but he's scorchingly attractive. By far, he has one of the best male physiques I've ever seen from people our age. I was lonely and he was interested, though I probably should never have allowed him to treat me the way he does in public.

It's bad enough my brother is a homophobic prick, I don't need this from other people too.

Now I know people have said before that Kingsley is into me. I'm not blind, I've noticed the way he looks at me sometimes. The problem is that I don't find him the least bit attractive.

I know we are one of the few out students in our grade, but that doesn't mean we have to date each other just because we're both queer. It doesn't work that way. Though I like him and find him to be a lovely boy, he just doesn't do it for me.

I know there's a high chance he's gonna be my mate because he's an omega, but let's cross that bridge when we get there. Like I said, he's not the only omega in school.

As we leave the classroom for the next period, my brother approaches Beck with a threatening gaze.

"If you think dating my brother gives you some sort of immunity from me, you're sorely mistaken. You're going down, fairy. You should know by now how to keep your mouth shut!" - He threatened, glaring daggers at him.

Beck gulped from this.

"No, I don't think anything can grant me immunity from you. I just don't know why you have to be such a dick to–"

Before he could finish that sentence, Quentin punched him so hard he tumbled back on top of the desk and fell backwards. It happened so fast, no one had time to react. Before we knew it, Beck was on the floor crying in pain.

As if he took pleasure in seeing him distraught like that, Quentin kicked Beck while he was still down causing blood to spill from the boy.

"I've told you to shut the fuck up! Next time you open your mouth, I'm gonna kill you." - He snarled at him, angrily.

All of us were appalled by this scene, as my brother left the classroom like nothing happened. I rushed to help him up and offered to take him to the infirmary. The injured boy took a seat for a minute and began weeping.

It broke my heart to see him like that.

"I know I brought this upon myself, I don't know why I had to open my big mouth..." - He muttered under his breath, feeling down.

I raised his head to my eyesight and spoke firmly to him.

"You DID NOT bring this upon yourself, Beck. No one has the right to harm you no matter what you say. He was wrong, not you." - I told him, feeling a rage creeping in.

Beck was mortified. He was feeling ashamed to be this vulnerable in front of our classmates while he was still feeling ill from the hard knock.

"Let's take you to the infirmary now so you can heal properly." - I suggested, before the sideshow gets worse. As if I could feel his pain, I helped him walk towards the school nurse's office.

If things weren't bad enough, the whole school watched as Beck walked with some difficulty and in pain. His shirt had blood on it and he looked rough. Eventually, the school authorities got involved and my brother was called into the principal's office.

Quentin is no stranger to aggression or bullying. I have long been too silent in the face of his reign of terror, but I have never felt so bad for someone as I did for Beck. I'm fuming at this.

My parents were called to school and when they arrived, students bowed their heads to my father as they walked to the principal's office. Once they learned of what happened, my father was beside himself angry at his son. Mom looked so disappointed at Quentin, it was heartbreaking to witness.

Before they left, my parents stopped by our classroom. As soon as they were seen at the door, the teacher stopped speaking and bowed his head.

"Good morning, Alpha. Good morning, Luna. Do you need to speak to your son?" - He asked them, curious as to why they were here. Everyone looked at me since Quentin was already suspended and wasn't attending classes.

"No, Mr. Evans. Would it be okay if we spoke to Beck for a moment?" - My mom surprised everyone, including the boy who got spooked by the surprise visit.

"Of course." - The teacher responded, motioning Beck to walk out of the classroom.

Beck bowed his head to the Alpha. My mom wanted to check in with him about how he's doing and if he needed any help. Overwhelmed by their presence, he told them he was mostly healed by now and thanked them for their interest in him.

My parents apologized for Quentin's actions to which Beck politely thanked them. Shortly after this, they went back home taking their son with them. After the class ended, I too apologized to him for everything that happened.

"If you feel like you don't want to go out this weekend, I'll understand." - I told him, feeling bad about this whole situation and the involvement of my own brother in it.

"Jude, if I were to allow other people's crap to disrupt my life I wouldn't be here in the first place. Of course I want to go out with you, are you kidding me? Who would refuse going to the country club? Your friend has been gushing about her time there ever since she went with Blaine." - Beck reassured me, causing Layla to get wide eyed in the process.

I couldn't help but giggle at his response. For all his trials and tribulations, I'm in awe of his strong spirit. Nothing seems to phase him, even though he was crying not long ago. But I'm glad he still wants to go out with me this Saturday.

"I'm glad you're feeling up for it. I can't wait!" - I said in a chipper tone.

"Me too." - He grinned at me. What a beautiful smile he has.

Despite the tumultuous morning, the day turned around nicely. I'm glad that Beck is healing up well but the anger about Quentin's actions did not leave me. I'm happy that he got what he deserved, for once.

My father may have a blind spot when it comes to certain aspects of Quentin's personality, but he did not raise a bully. The strength of our pack lies in our vast numbers, but we don't flex our muscles to own our people. Not unless they committed a crime.

After I returned home from training, exhausted like always, I collapsed on the couch and waited for dinner to be served. I didn't want to go upstairs to my room, that's how tired I was.

Quentin was upstairs and only came downstairs when mom announced it was time to eat. He looked distraught as I'm sure my parents read him the riot act for his violence. I kept it quiet since I'm angry with him as well.

My father ate his dinner as he occasionally glared at my brother who looked guilty. Mom was quieter than usual, but I could feel her sadness over her son.

"So, how long was the suspension?" - I inquired, breaking the awkward silence.

"A week." - Quentin replied as dad fulminated him with death stares that would have lesser men on their knees begging for forgiveness.

"I still can't believe I was called away from my office to go to school because my son made someone bleed." - Dad sneered, absolutely furious. Quentin lowered his head guiltily.

"Calm down, my love. If you don't relax, the food will make you sick." - Mom warned him, placing her hand on his shoulder and breathing out her calming [mate] pheromones.

"You got it easy. A week is a walk in the park for someone who literally kicked another person after they had already punched him." - I declared and my parents gasped in shock.

"Why did you kick him while he was already down?" - Mom was horrified by this. Dad was too shocked to speak.

Quentin glared at me for speaking up, then looked at my mom remorsefully.

"It's a miracle he didn't break his neck after the fall. He could have died." - I continued. My brother was fuming at me but he has no idea how angry I am.

"Would you stop piling up? I've been disciplined already!" - He protested, itching to sucker punch me.

"I have never been so disappointed in you, Quentin! Assaulting a kid who literally had to flee his pack to escape abuse. This is a new low, even for you! You're lucky I don't home school you until the end of senior year. This is your second strike. The next time someone calls me about my son, it better be because he's getting an award! One more stunt and you won't leave this house until you're mated!" - Dad growled at him, barely able to eat he's so angry.

Dinner was poorly digestible at the Atwood's residence this evening. Later on, Quentin came to my room to call me out on adding fuel to the fire.

"You didn't have to narc on me!" - He protested, standing at my bedroom door.

"You didn't have to kick him while he was down. Wasn't the punch enough of a punishment?" - I shot back, almost deadpanning.

"I know you're loving this, you little fag!" - He sneered as if trying to insult me.

"Just so you know, calling me fag doesn't insult me. I am gay and damn proud of it. There's nothing you can throw at me that is gonna have any effect. But I swear to Goddess, I'll make sure you'll spend the rest of the school year grounded at home without any contact with your friends or girlfriend. If you so much as breathe near Beck again, not only I'm going to fuck your life up, I'll train the hardest just to beat you and become the next Alpha. You'll be left with nothing." - I threatened him, now pissed off.

My brother was taken aback by my words, though he put up a brave face.

"Do you really think you can beat me? Dream on, fairy!" - He scoffed, dismissively.

"I know I can. I don't have to dream. The ball is your court, psycho. It's only September. Can you imagine being home schooled until graduation? Good luck, bitch!" - I provoked him with a devious smile.

Quentin glared at me and left without saying another word. What happened today was horrible, but at least he got the proper punishment - which is not always guaranteed. But I'll always stand my ground, now more than ever.

I'll not be intimidated by him or anyone else.

The following morning, my dad dragged Quentin to help along in the pack house. He said he wasn't going to permit him to stay idle all day. I took the car to school now that we don't have to alternate its usage, at least not for a week.

I greeted Beck as soon as I saw him in the school yard and asked if he was feeling better.

"I am, thanks for asking. I'm good as new, thankfully." - He replied, grinning at me.

"You have such a beautiful smile." - I flirted, smitten by his natural beauty.

Beck bashfully thanked me for the compliment and before we knew it, the bell rang.

We walked together to the classroom, talking about studying related topics. It's weird not seeing my brother in the school. We have always attended the same grade ever since I can remember, though I can't exactly say I miss him today.

For once, I'm completely free of his prejudice. And more importantly, I'm free to flirt with Beck all I want. Meanwhile, students buzzed about my parents' visit yesterday and my brother's punishment.

It's rare that Quentin gets scolded for his antics, but he literally left a boy limping his way to the infirmary. It's not like anyone could ignore Beck bleeding. It's interesting to see the dynamics of his friends and teammates without him.

Everyone seems kind of lost without his overbearing leadership, though Jalensky was quick to fill the power vacuum. Owen looked detached from my brother, so he's the one missing him the least.

Cassandra was clearly bothered, but even she understood he crossed the line. It's one thing to tease someone, but that wasn't teasing. My brother somehow got into his head that he needs to assert his dominance through fear and violence.

But that's not why people respect my father. He's ruthless with his enemies, sure. But everyone else admires him for the leader that he is. A compassionate family man who treats the pack members with respect.

I talked with Lay all through lunch and got the latest on her relationship with Blaine. Despite the lack of physical touch between them, it seems to be going well. I understand she was a bit skeptical at first - considering her track record in this pack, I'd be too - but now she has taken a liking to him.

She told me they have another date planned for this weekend and she sounded very excited. I'm happy for her and I hope he treats her well. She deserves a good guy.

On Friday, my excitement level for my upcoming date with Beck was an all time high.

I had already called ahead and took the necessary measures to secure our date.

"I'm so looking forward to tomorrow, you have no idea! It's been a while since I went to the club. Not since last summer." - I told Beck before class started.

"I'm excited too. I have never been to a country club before." - He smiled enthusiastically.

He looked so adorable, so genuine. It's impossible to not be affected by his sweet charm.

"Great! Now we have to breathe in the stench of these fags thirsting after each other!" - Jalensky commented in a sour tone.

A loud growl escaped my lips that had the entire classroom shook. Beck was embarrassed by his comment. With glowing eyes, I turned to the back of the classroom where he was sitting.

I walked slowly towards him, eyes shining in rage, until I was menacingly one inch away from him. He got up from his seat and stared at me, not backing away from the conflict. I could see everyone expected me to throw arms at him for that slur.

"KNEEL!" - A loud commanding voice took over the room, surprising everybody.

Jalensky was not expecting that, but with no choice he did as commanded.

"Yes, Alpha." - He replied, kneeling before me.

"APOLOGIZE TO BECK!" - I commanded him in the same stern tone. Jalensky looked like he was about to die from the embarrassment.

"I'm sorry for what I said." - He told Beck, remorsefully. He was still kneeling.

"YOU ARE NEVER TO USE ANY HOMOPHOBIC SLUR TOWARDS ME, BECK OR ANY LGBT+ PERSON EVER AGAIN!" - I commanded as my voice boomed throughout the busy classroom.

"Yes, Alpha." - Jalensky replied, lowering his head in submission.

"You may take your seat now." - I spoke calmly and turned around to return to mine.

As Dragomir felt humiliated before the entire senior class, I was being ogled by my peers with freaked out stares. No one expected that from me, but I have yet to show them my true colors. And no one will stand in the way of my relationship with Beck. Not my brother and especially not him.

https://youtu.be/btPJPFnesV4

A|N: BOOM!

Love,

Léo.