by Cheree Alsop
Everyone laughed.
Jaze smiled at the pair. “It’s good to have you back here,” he told Alex. “This place was definitely missing something without you.”
Alex looked around at the dean’s quarters that had been his second home at the Academy. The pictures on the walls showed him and Cassie as they grew. Photographs of little William as a baby and shots of the Academy as it was built were framed in different colors. One picture caught Alex’s attention. It was of a house on a little street. He recognized it as the house Jaze had shown him where he and his mom had moved next to Nikki’s family. He smiled at the thought of Jaze close to his age moving unknowingly next to a house of hostile Hunters.
“It’s good to be here,” Alex said. “Thank you for having us.”
“Yes,” Siale told them. “This breakfast is wonderful.”
Nikki gave her a warm smile. “Thank you. We love to have the company.”
“So about the prom,” Jaze said, bringing them back to the topic at hand. “Do you have a list of students you think should attend?”
Alex handed over the paper he and Trent had worked on. “I thought eleven werewolves would be enough. I didn’t want the school to feel like we were overwhelming them, but strength in numbers is smart also, considering that we don’t exactly know what we’re getting into.”
Jaze nodded. “Good thinking.” He scanned the list. “I think you’ve chosen well.”
“We’re worried about the rest of the students feeling left out,” Nikki told them. “We wouldn’t want to foster jealousy or anger on the side of those who can’t go.”
“What if we hold a prom here, too,” Siale suggested. “That way all the students can have fun.”
“That’s a great idea!” Nikki replied. “Everyone had a great time at the last dance. I think that’s the perfect solution. We can announce it at lunch.”
“Another dance?” Jaze said with a hint of trepidation in his voice.
“Oh, come on,” Nikki encouraged. “You know you love the decorations, the flowers, the dresses and tuxedoes.”
“I really don’t,” Jaze said.
Nikki laughed. “I know. I just like to tease you.”
Jaze tucked a strand of her long black hair behind her ear. “And that’s why I love you.” He gave her a kiss.
Nikki gave Alex and Siale an apologetic smile when Jaze sat back. “Sorry you guys.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” Siale told her. “Love is the reason we do any of this.” Her hand slipped beneath the table and took Alex’s.
He smiled at her. “If we can help werewolves live in peace with humans, maybe both races can live happier lives together without being afraid of what could happen.”
Jaze smiled at both of them. “You two really are making a difference.”
Alex shrugged. “I learned from the best.”
Nikki announced the plan for the prom at lunch. Soon, the entire school was caught up in plans for the dance, dresses, tuxedoes, colors, and decorations. It turned out that Jericho’s mother was a seamstress. She offered to come measure the students for their clothes and order them to save trips to a tailor.
When Wednesday arrived, Alex attempted to dress in his tuxedo. He finally gave up and found Trent trying to brush his buzzed hair.
“It looks the same,” Alex said.
“Yeah,” Trent replied. “I guess it’s hopeless.”
“At least you know Jordan likes it that way.”
That brought a smile to Trent’s face.
“I’m not quite sure what to do about these,” Alex said, handing the small silver and black items to Trent.
“They’re cufflinks,” Trent replied. “Why didn’t mine come with cufflinks?” He helped Alex fastened them through the buttonholes at his wrists.
“Because the less complicated a tuxedo is, the better?” Alex asked as he struggled to tie the bowtie. “Seriously, this is ridiculous!”
“Let me,” Trent told him.
Alex felt silly standing there as his best friend tied his tie.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this nervous,” Trent noted.
“I can fight Extremists and Saa gangs, but give me a dance and I can’t get anything to go right,” Alex replied.
The small werewolf gave him a sympathetic smile. “Everything’s going to be just fine.”
“Trent, I’m taking a dozen werewolf students to a human high school. A thousand things could go wrong.”
Trent cracked a smile. “Yeah, they could. But a thousand things could also go right. You just have to look at is as a cup half full situation.”
Alex shook his head. “I’m thinking of it as I’m possibly leading my friends into a gigantic trap. What if the prom is a set up? What if the Saa gangs choose to seek their revenge against me and students pay for it? What if...”
“Calm down,” Trent said. He put a hand on Alex’s shoulder and gave him a serious look. “We’ve already scoped out the school. The Black Team is in position and Jaze’s pack will be chaperoning in case things go wrong. We already know the Greyton City Police Department will be out in force to protect the students against the Saa and protestors. The drone is overhead and we’ll have the helicopter nearby in case of an emergency evacuation. It’s going to be fine.”
Trent smiled at his friend. “You have to stop carrying the fate of the world on your shoulders. If something goes wrong, it’s not your fault. If something goes right.” He grinned. “Well, that’s not your fault, either. You just have to let things flow where they will. Go with it; stop trying to control it.”
Alex let out a slow breath and nodded. “Thanks, oh wise one.”
Trent chuckled. “I’m always ready with sage advice.”
“That’s what I appreciate about you,” Alex told him.
Trent opened the door and they walked down the hall. Students already dressed or getting dressed filled the stairs.
“Oh, seriously?” Trent complained when Torin wearing only pants shoved past him. “Why are you so sweaty?”
“Just worked out,” Torin called over his shoulder. “I want to look buff in my tux.”
“If you can get it on,” Trent muttered, wiping his face.
“I bet he rips it while he’s dancing with Shannon,” Cassie said, catching up to them wearing a flowing dark blue dress that matched her eyes.
Alex paused mid-step. “Shannon? Torin is going with Shannon Styles, the Termer?”
“Yeah, crazy, huh?” Trent said. “You missed a lot while you were gone.”
“How about Boris?” Alex asked, daring to hope that Kalia’s brother would find someone to distract the Alpha from trying to kill him.
“No go,” Cassie replied with a shake of her head. “He’s too angry to notice anyone.”
“That was tactful,” Tennison said from behind her. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a blue vest that matched Cassie’s dress.
Cassie gave her brother an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Alex. You might have made an enemy for life.”
“Tell me about it,” Alex muttered. He spotted Boris standing at the bottom of the stairs watching the gleeful students with a look of pure hatred on his face as they hurried around him.
The Termer Alpha was wearing a pair of ripped jeans and a shirt that said ‘Doom’. Alex wondered if Boris had chosen the shirt on purpose or if it was just an ironic coincidence.
“Maybe I’ll go another way,” Alex said, hesitating.
“What, out the window?” Trent guessed. “That’s quite the drop. You could ruin your tux.”
“Better than what Boris will do to it,” Alex replied.
“Don’t be afraid of him,” Cassie said. Their halt on the stairs caused a roadblock in the flow of students. Several muttered about inconsiderate werewolves as they pushed around them.
Alex lowered his voice so only his friends could hear. “I’m not afraid of Boris. He has a right to be upset.” He took a calming breath and admitted, “I’m a bit nervous as to
what to expect tonight at the school, and with all the adrenaline, I’m worried that anything else is going to set me off.”
Trent’s eyes widened. “You mean rage mode?”
At Alex’s nod, the small werewolf began to push past students back up the stairs. “Clear a path, people. Alex is coming through. Seriously, get out of the way!”
Alex chuckled at his friend’s panic. He was about to follow Trent back up when the door to Pack Jericho’s quarters opened.
Siale stepped out, her gaze downcast with self-consciousness as she pulled the door shut behind her. Alex’s breath caught at the sight of her in the lavender dress edged in gray silk. Her wavy brown hair was caught up in a matching gray silk ribbon; a few strands had been left free to curl down to her shoulders. The dress itself was low at the shoulders, slim around her waist, and flowed out below her hips. The effect was captivating.
“Alex, are you coming?” Trent asked, surprised at his friend’s lack of progress. He followed Alex’s gaze to Siale. A laugh came from him that was cut off when Jordan stepped out from Pack Maliki’s quarters. “Oh, man,” he breathed.
Jordan looked even more self-conscious than Siale in her flowing green dress. She had a green flower in her spikey red hair that set off her eyes.
“I think I’m not going to be able to make it tonight,” Trent said. He turned to dart back down the stairs.
Alex caught his arm. “What are you talking about?”
Trent gestured back toward Jordan without looking at her. “I’m not worthy to take someone who looks like that to the dance! Look at me? I’m a nerd who just pretends to be cool enough to hang out with you.”
Alex stared at his friend. “Is that what you think?” He could feel Siale’s eyes on him from above, but kept his attention on Trent. “Trent, listen to me. Without you, I would’ve been killed, lost, or gone crazy more times than I can count. You’re the only reason I’m still here.”
Trent shook his head. Alex kept his grip on his friend’s arm to keep him from running away.
“Trent, will you look at me?”
The little werewolf finally did. Alex was stunned to see the tears in his friend’s eyes.
“What is going on?” he asked quietly.
Trent scuffed a shoe on the carpet of the stairs, oblivious of the students who hurried past them. “Do you really believe all those things?” the werewolf asked almost too quietly for even Alex’s keen ears to hear.
Alex let out a breath. “Yes,” he said, his words earnest. “Of course. Trent, you have been the very best friend a person could ever hope for. You built me a motorcycle, for crying out loud. That’s amazing! Who does that?” He ducked his head to meet the werewolf’s eyes. “You deserve someone incredible because you’re incredible. You got that?”
A small smile touched Trent’s face and he wiped his eyes. “You sure?”
“I’m positive,” Alex answered. “Now let’s go give our girls the men they deserve.”
Trent and Alex walked side by side up the stairs to the girls who waited for them. Siale gave Alex a tight hug. “That was so sweet,” she whispered in his ear so Trent couldn’t hear him. “You’re a wonderful person.”
“Don’t tell anyone,” Alex whispered back.
She gave him a warm smile and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Trent grinned at Alex as he escorted Jordan down the stairs next to them.
“Tonight is going to be a great night,” the little werewolf said.
“Yes, it is,” Alex agreed.
Chapter Twenty-nine
“Oh man, look at that!” Trent exclaimed when they landed at the small airfield next to Greyton city.
Alex smiled at the sight of four limousines parked near the tarmac.
“Do you think those are for us?” Terith asked, clutching Von’s arm in excitement.
“I sure hope so!” Von exclaimed. He adjusted his glasses and stared out at the vehicles again.
“I guess there’s one way to find out,” Jaze said. He opened the door and led the way down the steps from the jet.
“Jaze Carso?” A man in a black suit and graying black hair asked, walking up to them.
Jaze smiled. “Mayor Hendricks.” He shook the man’s hand. “Thank you again for welcoming us into your city.”
“My pleasure.” The mayor’s gaze shifted to Alex. “Thank you for bringing peace back to our streets, son.”
“Happy to do it,” Alex replied, shaking his hand as well. “It’s a wonderful city.”
“I’m glad you think so,” Mayor Hendricks replied. “I hope you find it suitably hospitable for our little get together. We’ve been quite excited about it.”
“Us, too,” Alex told him.
“Mayor Hendricks, this is my wife Nikki,” Jaze introduced, helping Nikki down from the last step.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” the mayor said, shaking her hand.
“We’re happy to be here,” Nikki told him.
The mayor watched the rest of the werewolves climb down from the jet. “So few students?”
“We wanted to bring more,” Jaze explained, “But we felt easing into things might be best considering the difficulties of the past.”
The mayor nodded in acknowledgement. “Understandable. I appreciate your sensitivity to the situation.”
“Same to you,” Jaze said.
The mayor led the way to the limousines.
“This is awesome!” Pip said, leading Maggie, his date, into the first vehicle.
“We really can fit into two of them,” Nikki said from beside the next limo.
“That’s okay,” Mayor Hendricks said. “We’ll let the kids enjoy them.”
“Awesome!” Trent called, climbing into the next one with Jordan. Terith and Von followed.
“Which one are you going in?” Jericho asked Alex. He was looking at Pip’s limousine skeptically as high pitched exclamations about how amazing it was continued to emanate from the vehicle.
“Not that one,” Alex answered.
Siale gave him a sympathetic smile. “Why don’t you join us in the third one? The last time I spoke to Cherish, she was so excited to see you that she could barely sleep.”
Jericho’s answering smile was enough of a reply. Alex led the way into one of the remaining limousines and climbed inside. He couldn’t help staring at the lush interior.
“They really went all out,” Jericho said.
Alex nodded. “It’s a good sign.”
“Still worried this is a set up?” Siale asked with a teasing smile.
Alex gave a small shrug, his tense muscles relaxing. “You can never be too careful.”
Jericho laughed. “No one has ever accused you of being too careful.”
“That’s for sure,” Alex agreed with an answering chuckle.
They followed Jaze and Nikki’s limousine to Greyton High School. The tension Alex had been feeling before returned at the sight of crowds around the front of the school. Several of the humans held signs of protest. The police kept them behind yellow tape to keep them from reaching the limousines. Inside the school, Alex could see students dressed in prom outfits peering through the windows in an attempt to get a glimpse of the werewolves.
“Should we phase and give them something to gawk at?” Jericho asked, his tone level.
“It’s all good,” Alex reassured him. “Things will calm down soon enough.”
He was surprised by the werewolf’s concern. Jericho was usually the most stable of the students at the Academy. Alex realized that as an Alpha, Jericho felt the need to protect the grays. It made Alex feel a bit better to have someone else as concerned as he was about the safety of the students he had invited.
“Welcome to Greyton High School,” a man said, opening the limousine door.
Alex recognized the voice as belonging to Principal Dalton. He climbed out of the vehicle and offered his hand. “Principal Dalton, I’m Alex Davies. It’s great to meet you in person.”
The princip
al looked Alex up and down, his expression surprised. “Great to meet you, Alex.”
“Is something wrong, Principal?” Alex asked, feeling a bit self-conscious with the man’s scrutiny.
Principal Dalton caught himself and shook his head. “Sorry. I think I expected you to be a bit more, well, worn by your experiences. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot.”
Alex gave him a calm smile. “Trust me, Principal Dalton. I carry plenty of scars. Luckily, werewolves are a hard lot to keep down.”
“Glad to hear it,” the principal replied with relief in his voice as though he was grateful for Alex’s composure despite his blunder.
Alex offered Siale his hand to climb from the limousine. “Principal Dalton, this is my girlfriend, Siale Andrews.”
“Nice to meet you, Siale,” the principal said with a warm smile.
“And this is my good friend Jericho Hunt. He’s one of the Alpha students at the Academy.”
The principal shook Jericho’s hand. “It’s good to make your acquaintance.”
“The same to you,” Jericho said. “We’re grateful for this opportunity.”
“Us as well,” the principal said. “Thank you for your trust.”
The mayor came up behind Principal Dalton. “Jake, I have someone I would like you to meet.”
When the principal turned around, the mayor said, “Principal Dalton, this is Jaze Carso and his wife Nikki. They have come as chaperones for the prom.”
Alex left the adults to talk and joined up with the other students from the Academy.
“This is a bit crazy, right?” Trent asked him quietly.
Alex followed his gaze. Humans held signs that read ‘Werewolves are wild animals’, ‘Werewolves have no right to be here’, and ‘Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing’. Others chanted, “Go back to your cave,” over and over again. Police officers held back those who tried to reach the werewolves. Alex searched for Officer Dune, but couldn’t find him among the crowd.
He looked past them to other humans who seemed merely interested in the proceedings. Alex recognized several parents of the girls he had rescued, and at the edge of the crowd, a few familiar faces caught his attention. He wanted to wave at Anders and his crew from the tattoo parlor, but chose not to draw attention to the fact that there were other werewolves in the city. Anders met his gaze and nodded with a smile. Alex returned the gesture.
