by Sydney Addae
“Trant!” A handsome blond giant called, stopping her. The name Mr. Stringer, principal, employer, and single, formed in her mind. Holding a large corrugated box, the size of a small trunk, he met her in the middle of the hall.
“Good morning, Mr. Stringer.”
Smiling, he passed her the box. “Saved me a trip, these are for your class. Pass them out during snack time and then throw the box down the trash chute before noon. That’s when they take the garbage, and I don’t want the halls littered with boxes and cellophane wrappers.”
She lifted her knapsack further up her shoulder as she took the box and glanced inside at the boxed headphone sets. Perfect.
“Yes, Sir.” Turning, she smiled at people she should know. When she reached her classroom, she located the bathroom and checked it out. According to her research it was the only place they hadn’t installed cameras. For her plan to work, timing was everything.
Elyria had made several adjustments to the bracelet over the past two days until she felt comfortable making the switch. The early morning visit to Ms. Trant had offered tremendous dividends. Ms. Trant’s body lay in Elyria’s den in a comatose state. Not killing the woman with the switch had been an added bonus. She planned to examine Trant later to see how to improve the chameleon.
First she had to survive the day.
Excited at the prospect of pulling this off beneath La Patron’s nose and kicking Asia in the ass, she slipped the small bracelet into her pocket and then washed her hands. The body of Anita Trant was on auto-pilot, doing the things, she’d normally do, especially since the tapes would be studied over and over. Containing a giggle over their frustration, she wished she had someone to share her brilliant plan with. Normally Mélange would be on the sidelines cheering her on. Not this time. Her former lover sat alone in a hotel room moping over her damned mate. Elyria brightened. If everything went as she planned, Mélange would see her mate soon, although not as she expected.
“Good morning, Ms. Trant.” Her assistants filed in one after the other and went to their stations. After greeting them, she continued looking at her curriculum book, going over her notes for the day. In a few minutes they’d meet and go over their goals, discuss any problems and suggest solutions.
Holding the curriculum book, she stepped forward. Like puppets on a string, the other four came together with their books and discussed their ideas, plans, and problems.
“You’re the only one she responds to, Ms. Trant. Maybe she could spend more time in your center,” Jason said.
“Yes, Sarita isn’t trying to make friends like the others. She stares at them while they play or she follows David around. The only exception is when she’s in your center,” Mary said.
“I sent a note home with her yesterday asking her parents for a conference,” Elyria heard herself say. “Maybe we’ll have an answer today. I don’t want to show more attention to one student, it might cause problems.”
“You could run it past La Patroness when she brings them this morning,” Sherry said. “Sarita’s falling behind, we have to do something.”
Ms. Trant nodded and they separated. “Wait. Mr. Stringer wants us to give the students these headphones for assembly later. Pass them out in circle, make name labels now so they can store them for use later. He wants the plastic and smaller boxes placed back into this box and then I have to take it to the garbage chute so it can be hauled away today. Too much trash otherwise.”
They nodded and started making labels. Elyria watched them work, pleased no one noticed anything different. Finding the right crystals, in the right combinations had been difficult. Finally, her wolf lay pliant, allowing Ms. Trant’s wolf and personality the dominant position. Unfortunately, the bracelet still had a 48-hour window, but that was long enough to do what she needed. Anticipation hummed through her as students walked in, greeted her, and went to centers or placed things in their lockers.
Hairs on her arm stood and her skin prickled as a slightly shorter, softer version of Renee walked into the room smiling. Four children ran from behind her into the room and split in different directions.
“Good morning, La Patroness.” Elyria bowed and swallowed hard. The power humming from the female skittered across her skin.
“Morning, Ms. Trant.” She stepped aside and a tall, delicious, dark-haired male walked in holding Sarita’s hand.
Sarita broke from him and ran to her. Without thought, she bent forward and embraced the child. “How are you this morning, ready for a day of fun and learning?”
Large gray eyes, ringed with long lashes stared at her for a long moment and then she smiled. A dimple creased her right cheek, as she nodded. “Yes, Ms. Trant. My Daddy’s here.”
Standing she took Sarita’s hand and walked toward the tall black wolf. Elyria wondered at his heritage, he reminded her of Alpha Hiram of the Fekete Farkas clan, but wasn’t sure. She had heard they reorganized or something, regarding a new Alpha. This one had Alpha potential and the look of a hunter, which could be a problem she hadn’t foreseen.
“Good morning, I’m Ms. Trant, welcome to our classroom.” She nodded to him and glanced at La Patroness, who remained in her same spot.
He returned her nod. “Good morning, I’m Hawke, Sarita’s sire. My mate and I received your note, looked over the tapes, and understand your concern. Do you have a few moments? Or should I make an appointment for later?”
Elyria looked at her watch and then at the students in the various centers. “I can give you a few moments, the bell rings in five and then we start class.”
“Mistress mentioned that.” He looked at La Patroness, who watched the students. Sarita didn’t let go of her hand and he took notice. “I’ll make an appointment for this afternoon when school is over. We’ll try to work out something that’ll allow her to benefit from class.” He stooped and Sarita ran to him and wrapped her arms around her neck. Smiling, Ms. Trant looked down on them.
Asia mated a black wolf? There had been nothing in the notes about that. She’d need to be very careful. Instead of outwitting just La Patron and his littermate, she’d have to fool this one as well, and she could tell he was extremely observant. He hadn’t stopped looking around the room since he walked inside. She’d wager he could pinpoint every item and person in the large space.
“I’ll pick you up this evening pumpkin,” he said, standing. He nodded to her and stepped outside.
La Patroness walked over, placed a kiss on Sarita’s forehead. “Be good munchkin, play nice.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Sarita said, grabbing Ms. Trant’s hand as La Patroness left. Relief filled Elyria’s chest, so far the bracelet held.
“Everyone, time for the circle.” During the course of the next few hours, Elyria was surprised at how much work teachers did. Right before lunch she snapped the bracelet on Sarita’s wrist. It disappeared before Sarita could question her about it. While the children worked at their desks, Elyria pulled out her cell and activated Sarita’s bracelet. The green light flashed, ready. She looked at the clock. Soon she’d need to take the box to the trash.
Ms. Trant hadn’t been the only full-blood Elyria visited that morning. Armin Bret lived on the outskirts of town and didn’t socialize much. He and his daughter, Cyndy, lived alone in a small comfortable home. He worked just enough to provide the basics for his den, spending most of his time on his computer business. When she knocked on his door, he’d been all too happy to give her directions off his property. It took a quick moment to touch him with her device and then snap the collar around his neck. Now he served her faithfully and was an integral part of her plan.
Cyndy Bret left the block table to go to the bathroom. Since she’d been giving the little girl lots of water, Elyria wasn’t surprised. Once Cyndy was in the bathroom, Elyria reached into her pocket and pressed the button on her cell, activating Sarita’s bracelet. Like a stringless puppet, Sarita stood and walked into the bathroom.
A faint beeping sound emitted from her phone indicating Sarit
a used to bracelet for a full body exchange with Cyndy. Elyria released a breath as Cyndy returned to her seat in the next center. She exhaled, if Sarita’s bracelet performed correctly, there would only be a shell left of Cyndy in the trashcan. Waiting for recess so she could check strained her nerves. As the children entered and left the restroom with no alarms, Elyria relaxed a fraction. Jason collected the trash from the headsets and placed them in the box, and then stored it in the restroom.
Smiling, Elyria watched the class go outside for recess, and then walked into the bathroom, and opened the trash can where Sarita had placed Cyndy’s shrunken body. Releasing a breath she removed it, placed it at the bottom of the box, covered it with the trash, and walked steadily to the large garbage chute.
Several other teachers were headed in the same direction with their boxes. She made small talk and was happy when her turn in line came. She dumped the box carrying the body of little Cyndy Bret down the chute. At the appointed time, her father would pick up Sarita, now Cyndy, and take her to a small house she had rented near the state line.
Elyria exhaled and returned to the classroom. Now the real test began. In a short while, all hell would break loose. She had remained with the students at all times in full view of the cameras. Jason had placed the box in the bathroom. Sarita had stuffed the small body in the large trash bin, and Elyria had then taken out the trash. So far the bracelet held, but the real test would be when La Patron scanned her. Her nerves jumped at being so close to him and the other black wolves, but this was her time to prove she was just as worthy.
Her stomach twisted in knots over the upcoming confrontation as she stood in front of her classroom talking with another teacher from across the hall.
Mary walked back inside at a quick pace, looking around the room. “Is Sarita with you?”
Ms. Trant frowned. “No. She went outside with the class…didn’t she?”
Mary’s brows furrowed as she raced through the room, looking beneath tables and in the restroom. “I just took a count and she’s not there.”
“Excuse me,” Elyria said to the teacher and walked into her class to join the search. “She sat with me and went to the bathroom. Not long after, we dismissed them for recess.”
Mary walked out the bathroom. “She’s not in there. Did she follow you? When you left to get rid of the garbage?”
Ms. Trant walked to the wall and punched in some numbers. “Security to 1025.” She looked at Mary. “No. I didn’t see her. There were a lot of teachers taking their boxes, no one mentioned seeing her.”
“Principal Stringer, Sarita’s missing.” She listened as her words echoed and were dispatched to him. Face to the wall, she closed her eyes and then released a long stream of air. A large blonde full-blood, almost seven feet tall strode into the room and headed straight for the bathroom. Two other security men stepped inside and looked around the room. She had seen him before, Jarcee, head of La Patron’s pups’ security team.
The principal entered at a fast clip and headed outside to the playground area. Over the loud speaker she heard the announcement for assembly. It galvanized her to action. She and Mary assisted the children with their headphones and lining up.
She would remain in the class while the other instructors took the children to the large hall. Each of her assistants would be interviewed separately. Avoiding direct eye contact with La Patron’s pups and Cyndy, Elyria walked to the lead security guard, prepared to be grilled.
He didn’t speak. Instead, he and the others left the room. She stared at their backs wondering where they were going. According to the clock, the garbage removal truck had left while the students and faculty were in assembly.
Suddenly, the energy changed, choking the air from the atmosphere. Her heart, Ms. Trant’s heart raced, tightened. She put her head down on the desk, crying. Anita Trant was terrified. Elyria didn’t blame her, whoever wielded that type of punishing energy held her highest respect.
“What happened?” The voice of La Patroness wasn’t warm as it had been this morning. Curious, she peeked through her fingers and then her head hit the desk again.
La Patroness’ eyes were chips of bronze ice. Papers lifted and waved in the room. Ms. Trant’s hair flew on a wave of electrical currents. These powers weren’t La Patron’s alone. Elyria wished she could taste the whiplash of energy cycloning around the room, searching.
The powers released by La Patroness were combined with something deadlier than Elyria ever imagined. For the first time since starting this venture, fear choked her, and the possibility of not seeing the sunrise flashed before her eyes.
“Ma’am, we’ve watched the tapes. Sarita walked into the bathroom and disappeared. Other children used the bathroom after her and no one saw her,” the tall giant said in a low voice.
“How the fuck did that happen, Jarcee? She walked into the bathroom in full sight of everyone and disappeared?” Disbelief, disgust and disappointment melded together in her words.
“According to every camera in this room she walked in and didn’t return. Her scent is in the bathroom, so she was in there.” He sounded baffled. “Ma’am, you’re destroying the room,” Jarcee said in a soft tone.
“I want some answers before…never mind, they’re here.” The wind eased, the sensation of ants racing across Elyria’s skin ceased, but the air still hummed with the strange energy.
Elyria peeked from between her arms on the desk. Sarita’s father stood inside the class, next to him stood a much younger version dressed in some kind of uniform. Both of them stepped aside as Asia walked in. She looked at Ms. Trant, turned and walked to the bathroom. Her mate and son followed.
The amount of time they spent in the room made Elyria nervous. Shaking, she sat up but stared at her desk. Goosebumps took up residency on her arms. Her heart raced, her head lightened. Fear from her and the principal filled the air. She held her head with her hands to stop the constant throb and fought to focus. On one hand she thought she’d piss on herself, she was that afraid, on the other, the epic adrenaline rush made her want to whoop and holler. Conflicted, she remained still and dispelled thoughts of celebrating, it wasn’t time.
The three in the bathroom turned and faced her. Asia stepped forward. Elyria swallowed hard. She couldn’t help it. This woman was magnificent. Tall, broad shouldered, toned with long legs and arms. Asia’s hair had been pulled back into a ball at the base of her long neck, displaying high cheekbones and full lips.
Elyria tamped down the flare of lust at the sight of her enemy. Who knows, if things had been different they might’ve been friends, but that wasn’t meant to be. Asia would attempt to kill her for taking Sarita in a heartbeat. Forcing Elyria down, so that Anita Trant remained on the surface, she stared at Asia.
The woman extended her hand. Elyria knew this would be the first test, bracelet against bracelet. Standing, she met Asia’s gaze with a sorrowful one of her own as she took the woman’s hand and focused on Anita Trant. Tiny brushes spread through her head as her memories were searched and cataloged.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened. She was sitting next to me and went to the bathroom. I moved to another table to help a student and didn’t realize she hadn’t returned from the bathroom. If I had…I don’t know.”
Sweat rolled down her face. The fear was real. These two women could kill her in any form. Asia was more than she appeared, which at any other time would be fascinating, but not right now while her life was on the line.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for my daughter. I’ve seen the tapes and know she is fond of you. Did she say anything? Or act as if something was wrong?” Asia asked, and stepped back with her hands behind her back.
“No. Nothing.” She walked around her desk and went to Sarita’s locker. “Look at this, she did this work this morning.” She handed them the worksheets and artwork. “She talked to a few of the girls at the table. I thought she was making progress.”
“But she still wanted to sit with you?�
� Asia asked, looking at the papers before handing them to her mate.
“Yes, and it was easier for her. I assumed we would come up with another strategy this afternoon, so I allowed her to have her way.” She paused, looking at the two men and then Asia. “Was I wrong?”
“No. From everything I’ve seen and heard, you’re a positive influence on my daughter. More importantly, you care deeply for all the children, it’s good knowing she has a special place in your heart.” Asia said, looked toward the corridor, and then bowed.
Silas Knight, La Patron and Black Wolf clansman, strode through the door, staring at Hawke and then her. Visibly shaking, she bent from her waist and remained in that position. The man was indeed impressive. Unlike his mate, he controlled his power on a short, tight leash. But he was no less potent, similar yet different. This man could crush others with a thought. Being in a room with so much power made her dizzy, pity she couldn’t examine it closer.
“Come with me,” he said, and waved the others out the room.
Ms. Trant remained standing a few seconds longer and then collapsed at her desk. Tears of fear and genuine gratitude rolled down her cheeks. She passed, her bracelet held, which meant Sarita’s bracelet would hold, keeping her as Cyndy until Elyria released her. By then, they’d be miles away where no one could find them.
Chapter 14
Silas stood in the middle of the main hall, his hand on Jasmine, anchoring her energy. He’d never seen her this angry and hurt. Her body vibrated as she stared down the long corridor that branched into several hallways. When Hawke, Asia and Damian met him, he nodded to Asia. “Take Jasmine’s hand.”
Asia picked it up without hesitation. Her eyes widened and her knees buckled. Hawke immediately took his mate’s hand. His body shuddered but he soon straightened. Damian went to take his father’s hand.
