Luna Alyssa's Revenge

Chapter 5

_Alyssa's POV_

Damon took me home that night. The silence between us was thick but not uncomfortable. As I gave him directions, I could feel his eyes on me now and then, a subtle check-in to see if I was okay. His concern was evident, though he didn’t say much about it.

As we pulled up to my house, Damon shifted the car into park and turned slightly to face me. “You sure you’re alright?” he asked, his voice low but gentle.

I nodded, though the weight of the evening still pressed on my chest. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. It’s just… been a long night.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I’d say so. You disappeared from the ball like you were being chased by something.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I was just overwhelmed.”

“I figured as much.” He leaned back in his seat, watching me carefully. “But I want you to know, Alyssa. If there is something bothering you, you can talk to me.”

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. Damon seemed trustworthy, kind even, but after everything with Logan, I wasn’t sure I could let my guard down that easily.

“I appreciate that, Damon,” I said quietly, offering him a small smile. “But right now, I just need to figure things out on my own.”

He nodded. “I get that. Just… don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything, alright? I meant it when I said you can count on me.”

There was something in his voice that made me believe him. He wasn’t just saying it to be polite; he genuinely cared. I nodded again, this time more firmly. “Thank you. Really.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. “Here,” he said, unlocking it and handing it to me. “Put your number in. That way, you don’t have to go through the pack to find me if you need anything.”

I hesitated for only a second before taking his phone and typing in my number. After I handed it back, he did the same, giving me his contact information.

“There,” he said with a smile. “Now you can call or text me anytime.”

I smiled back, feeling a little more at ease. “Thanks, Damon. I appreciate it.”

His eyes softened as he looked at me. “You’re welcome, Alyssa. Anytime.”

As I opened the car door to step out, his voice stopped me again. “Take care of yourself, okay? I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ve seen enough tonight to know you’re dealing with more than you’re letting on.”

I paused, gripping the door handle tightly. His words hit close to home, but I wasn’t ready to open up about everything—not yet. “I will. Goodnight, Damon”

“Goodnight, Alyssa,” he replied, his voice gentle.

I stepped out of the car, feeling the cool night air wrap around me as I made my way up to the house. The moment I opened the door, my mom was waiting for me in the living room. Her arms were crossed and there was a worried expression on her face.

“You were supposed to be home by eleven,” she said sternly. “It’s past midnight, Alyssa.”

Guilt settled in my chest like a heavy stone. She didn’t know what had happened, and it was better if she didn’t. “I’m sorry, Mom. I lost track of time. There was so much dancing, I didn’t realize how late it had gotten.”

She sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly, though the worry didn’t leave her eyes. “This can’t happen again. I was worried sick. I couldn’t sleep while knowing that you weren’t home.”

“I know,” I whispered, stepping forward and giving her a quick hug. “It won’t happen again, I promise.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but eventually, she nodded. “Alright. But next time, make sure to call if you’re going to be late.”

“I will,” I promised, stepping back and offering her a reassuring smile.

With that, I headed up to my room. The moment I closed the door behind me, I leaned against it, letting out a long, tired breath. Everything looked the same—the same posters on the wall, the same bedspread, the same familiar scent of home. It was like stepping back in time, reliving the past all over again.

But now, I had the chance to change the future. I wasn’t the same girl I was before. I had plans and I had the drive to see them through. I had come back for revenge.

The next morning, I woke to the smell of pancakes—my favorite breakfast. A small smile crept onto my face as I stretched and made my way downstairs. Mom had already set the table, the stack of pancakes looking as fluffy and delicious as ever.

“Good morning, honey,” she greeted with a warm smile. “I made your favorite breakfast.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I said, sitting down and digging into the pancakes. They were perfect, just like I remembered.

But before I could finish my meal, there was a knock at the door. I started to stand, but Mom waved me off. “I’ll get it. You finish eating.”

I nodded, taking another bite as I listened to her open the door. Then, a familiar male voice floated into the kitchen, and my heart stopped.

“I’m here to see Alyssa.”

No. It couldn’t be.

I stood up quickly, my heart pounding in my chest. I peeked around the corner into the living room, and there he was—standing at the door, holding a bouquet of red roses.

Logan.

My breath caught in my throat. How had he found me? Had he followed me home?

He smiled, his eyes locking onto mine, that same smug expression on his face.

“Hello, Alyssa.”

I couldn’t breathe. He had caught me.