The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 31

Ellie POV

I just wanted one peaceful meal. One.

But by lunch, I honestly thought things couldn’t get worse.

That was my first mistake.

The cafeteria felt like a coliseum, and I was the sacrifice of the week. My friends and I barely step into line before the whispers start circling like vultures.

“I heard Ellie set Vivian up—”

“She deserves it after stealing her sister’s mate—”

“Oh my god, imagine the Mate course. The tension is going to be insane.”

I freeze mid-step, fork in hand, because excuse me?

Before I can decide whether to throw the fork or swallow it whole, Sarah beats me to the punch.

“Hey!” she snaps, slamming her tray onto the table with enough force to silence a ten-foot radius. “Watch your mouths. Ellie didn’t set anyone up. She has every right to choose her own path and you all know nothing.”

I blink at her.

Damn.

Okay Sarah. Go off.

The gossipers shrink back instantly. One girl mutters something about “overreacting,” but Sarah’s glare shuts her up faster than an Alpha command.

She was sweet, but even I knew she wasn’t one to be poked. Sarah reminded me more of a bear than a wolf at times.

We settle at our usual table, but the tension hangs overhead like soggy clouds.

“Seriously,” Sarah huffs as she opens her juice. “People act like you personally planned the apocalypse.”

“I mean,” Mimi, a girl from our second period, says grinning, “if Ellie had set Vivian up, I’d respect it.”

I snort. “Please. I don’t have the energy to set myself up, let alone her.”

“Oh! Speaking of energy,” Sarah says, popping a grape into her mouth, “you should probably just partner with Lucas for the Mate course. He clearly has your back.”

My entire table erupts with laughter, although Mia seems serious.

I roll my eyes so hard I swear I see the back of my skull. “Hilarious. Truly. But no. I’m not partnering with Lucas or Dominic. I’m not partnering with anyone.”

Mimi waves her fork. “You say that like The Moon Goddess isn’t already rehearsing your matching outfits.”

“I’d rather fight a mountain lion barehanded.”

Sarah laughs, but there’s a knowing edge to it. “Still… Lucas would be better than most.”

I open my mouth to brush it off—but I can’t.

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