Werewolf Academy Book 4

by Cheree Alsop

  Her smile soothed the ragged edges of his mind, the places where memories still tormented him, tearing out throats of werewolves possessed as the General’s hounds, watching his parents die without the ability to save them, holding Siale as her lifeblood slipped between his fingers. He had failed in so many ways, yet she stood in front of him, watching him from the door of a bus the exact color of the sunflowers that waved in the breeze near the edge of the gate.

  Her hair got caught in the same wisp of air and tangled around her shoulders. Alex drew in a breath as it brushed past him. Siale’s lavender and sage scent filled his nose. He held the air in his chest as long as he could before letting it out again. The action freed his feet. He walked to her without noticing the dozen werewolves he passed. Several might have yelled at him, but he didn’t pay attention.

  “I’m so glad you’re here,” he said. The words felt inadequate to describe the emotions rising in his chest at seeing her again.

  “I’m happy to be here, now,” she replied, the look on her face indicating that ‘now’ meant ‘now that he was here.’

  Unable to contain himself any longer, Alex grabbed her around the waist and spun her around. Happiness that she was finally there threatened to make his heart burst. She laughed and grinned down at him with her hands on his shoulders.

  “What was that about?” she asked when he set her on the ground.

  He shrugged. “Just helping you down from the bus.”

  She laughed. “Is that right? Are you going to carry my luggage, too?” she asked, her tone teasing.

  “Of course,” Alex replied. “What kind of a boyfriend would I be if I didn’t?”

  Siale stared at him, but the humor failed to leave her face. “So you’re using the boyfriend label right off the bat?”

  Alex had known it was a risk to push things so far, but he had already done it, so he figured he might as well own up to it. “Yes,” he said simply.

  His lack of explanation made her laugh. The sound was music to his ears, like a mixture of the river when it was low enough to run over the rocks near the green houses, and the call of the meadow lark as it welcomed the light of day. He knew he was infatuated, and wanted to stay that way every moment of his life if it made him feel how he did right then.

  “Fine, boyfriend, get my suitcase.”

  Alex grinned. “I have a name, you know.”

  She shrugged. “It’s up to me if I decide to use it.”

  Alex picked up the lone black suitcase that remained of the pile the bus driver had left at the side of his vehicle. He held out his arm and Siale slipped her hand though, holding his elbow as if she was indeed a fine lady being escorted from a carriage.

  “Everyone’s going to think you’re mad,” she said quietly into his ear.

  A shiver ran down Alex’s spine at the brush of her breath against his skin. “That’s nothing new.”

  They were almost to the steps when another voice called out, “Alex!”

  His heart fell. He wanted to keep going, but Siale turned, curiosity on her face.

  Kalia stormed through the werewolves still milling around the courtyard. Those who didn’t have the brains or speed to get out of her way were pushed to the sides without hesitation. Kalia’s icy blue gaze flashed in anger as she took in Siale’s fingers on Alex’s arm. Her expression had enough venom that Siale let her hand fall to her side.

  “I was calling you,” Kalia said, her tone strained as if she was trying to keep her voice calm.

  “Sorry,” Alex replied, plastering a smile on his face. “I didn’t hear you.” He gestured to the courtyard. “It’s pretty noisy out here.”

  Kalia nodded. “Will you, uh, will you help me with my luggage?”

  “Kalia, you’re perfectly capable of carrying it yourself,” Alex pointed out.

  “Let’s help,” Siale said.

  “That’s kind of you,” Kalia replied, her voice cold enough to freeze the sun.

  She turned away and Siale fell in at her side. Alex trailed behind the pair, his thoughts so bewildered he was doing good just to put one foot in front of the other. Kalia kept looking back at him and smiling warmly. Siale talked to her, but Alex couldn’t focus enough to hear what she said.

  He picked up Kalia’s two suitcases, two smaller pieces of luggage, and a small bag the driver had placed at the side of the limousine. They weren’t heavy, just awkward as Alex juggled them on his way to the doors. Kalia and Siale spoke like they were old friends, but the few phrases of conversation Alex was able to catch revealed the same icy tone Kalia had used earlier when speaking to Siale. He wanted to stop her, but wasn’t sure if Siale would appreciate it.

  Alex dropped Kalia’s luggage in a heap inside the door where the rest of the students had piled their stuff in anticipation of the Choosing Ceremony. He carefully set Siale’s only suitcase near the window where it wouldn’t get trampled by the students.

  “She’s nice in an ice queen sort of way.” Siale said from his elbow.

  Kalia was nowhere in sight. Alex breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought she was going to kill you.”

  “It sounds like she’d rather kill you,” Siale said. At his worried look, she laughed. “Don’t worry. She said things will be better this term. I’m not sure why that is, but she seemed happy about it.”

  “Calling all students to the Great Hall,” Nikki’s voice said over the speakers. “Please assemble for the Choosing Ceremony.”

  Surprised conversations filled the entryway. Jaze usually gave the specifics of the Choosing Ceremony while they were still in the courtyard for the benefit of any new students who had arrived for the term. He then gave them time to converse so that the Alphas could get to know those they might want in their packs. Heading straight to the Ceremony threw everyone off.

  “What’s the Choosing Ceremony?” Siale whispered as they followed the flow of students into the Great Hall.

  “It’s where we get divided into packs,” Alex explained. “The Alphas choose and if you want to go in their pack, you accept the choosing. It’s as easy as that.” He gave Siale a warm smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure you’re in good hands.”

  She smiled back at him, but he could feel her fingers tremble slightly on his arm as she followed him to the seats by Pack Jericho.

  “Is this Siale?” Jericho asked as soon as they sat down. The tall, dark-eyed Alpha gave Siale a warm smile.

  “I am,” she replied.

  He shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Alex has kept us all very intrigued about, well, everything regarding you. But it’s clear his obsession was well founded.”

  Siale laughed. “I sure hope so.”

  The members of Pack Jericho smiled in return. Alex realized the way he felt about her laugh wasn’t due to his infatuation. Everyone couldn’t help but join her. Even Trent was smiling despite his concern about the coming Ceremony.

  “I wish I knew what’s going on,” he said.

  “I think things are going to get cleared up,” Jericho replied.

  Jaze crossed to the front of the stage. Instead of nervous, he appeared self-assured and confident. He looked around at the students with the smile that made everyone feel important and welcome. Kids sat up straighter and smiled back in return.

  Chapter Nine

  “Welcome to Vicki Carso’s Preparatory Academy,” Jaze said. “This is the ninth term our school has been open, and I am proud to say that our students have excelled in every area of study. Those of you finishing college courses will be well ahead of human students when you go out into the world. Our goal is to provide you with the keys you need to live happy, full, safe lives.” He met Alex’s gaze. “And so it is with that in mind that we change our areas of focus for this term.”

  The dean lifted his eyes to take in the entire student body. “We have spent the last few terms honing your skills as a wolf. You can hunt, track, fight, and live as wolves; however, in doing so, we have hindered you as well. You ar
e each so quick to call yourself a wolf and embrace your wolf side. This term, we are going to help you accept the fact that you also have a human side. You have talents and abilities that need polishing for that side as well if you are to integrate into society and eventually lead normal lives.”

  The dean looked back at his wife who sat behind him with the other professors. Nikki smiled and gave an encouraging nod. Little William sat on her lap and waved at his dad. Jaze smiled and turned back to the students. “Human life involves learning how to work in populations with diverse personalities. You don’t always get to choose who you work with and associate with on a daily basis. Learning how to get along with others no matter what the circumstances may be is very important to survival in real life. With that in mind, at this Choosing Ceremony, no Alpha will be allowed to choose a werewolf who has previously been in his or her pack.”

  Alex’s chest tightened. He felt like he could barely breathe.

  Jaze continued despite the rush of conversation that rose up in the room. “Also, due to funding needs and other circumstances, Professor Vance has also been approved to begin his football team for competition against other schools in the district. Those of you chosen for the team must learn to use restraint in order to hide the fact that you are werewolves. This is going to be a new practice for most.” Alex followed Jaze’s gaze to where Pack Boris and Pack Torin argued about the Choosing change. “But I know you will be able to handle it,” Jaze concluded.

  Alex doubted many werewolves heard the part about Vance’s football team. Everyone, including himself, was stuck on the fact that no one would be able to stay on the same pack they had grown comfortable with over the terms.

  All eyes were on Torin when the dean opened the floor for the Choosing Ceremony. The Alpha Lifer looked over the crowd of anxious students. No one knew what would happen now that things had been shaken so dramatically. Whispers of, “Who would pick me?” and “I hope I get a good pack,” filled the air.

  Torin looked at Sid, his normal Second, but it was impossible for him to choose the Lifer again. His head tipped slightly to the side and in the next instant, his gaze locked on Alex. Alex felt the bottom drop out of his stomach.

  “I choose Alex Davies.”

  The Alpha’s words rang through the suddenly silent auditorium. Everyone turned from staring at Torin to stare at Alex.

  “Alex?” Cassie whispered from behind him.

  Tennison squeezed his shoulder. “You don’t have to go,” his sister’s boyfriend said.

  Alex looked around quickly, calculating his position. He had been Jericho’s second for the past four years. The Termers despised him because he was a Lifer, and the only other Lifer Alphas had options they would no doubt rather take.

  His gaze settled on Kalia. The new Alpha gave him a smile and mouthed, “I’ll pick you.”

  Alex took a steeling breath. Life as Torin’s Second would be miserable, but unless he wanted to go with Kalia, he was going to have a serious demotion in rank.

  Alex grabbed Jericho’s shoulder. “Promise me you’ll take care of Siale.”

  “I promise,” the surprised Alpha said. “What are you going to do?”

  “Something probably really stupid,” Alex replied quietly. He tipped his head close to Siale. “Stick with Jericho. We’ll talk after this.”

  At Siale’s nod, Alex stood up. “I accept the Choosing,” he said.

  The whispers that had circulated through the crowd were nothing compared to the exclamations and shocked chatter that buzzed around him as he walked to the stage.

  “Seriously?” Torin said when Alex stopped in front of him and turned to face the crowd. “This is going to be a fun term.”

  Alex just gritted his teeth and kept silent. He looked at Kalia, and instantly regretted it. The hurt he saw on her face tore at his heart. She blinked quickly, fighting back tears, and the moment their eyes met, she looked away and glared at the ground.

  Alex hated hurting her, but didn’t regret his decision. Being Torin’s Second might make for a miserable term, but if Kalia had chosen him, dissuading her of her feelings for him would be even more difficult. He kept his eyes on the ground and listened to the other Alphas choose different werewolves for their packs.

  Boris chose Daniel, Drake’s usual Second. Drake went with Parker, an obvious decision. The rest of the Alphas pretty much switched Seconds until the Choosing reached Jericho.

  The Alpha was quiet for a moment, then said, “I choose Siale Andrews.”

  Alex’s head jerked up. Jericho stood behind him, already watching him with a calm expression.

  “When I asked you to watch over her, I didn’t mean you had to choose her as your Second,” Alex whispered.

  The Alpha smiled. “I figured having you as a Second was interesting enough. Your girlfriend was bound to add to the adventure.”

  Alex couldn’t help but smile back. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime,” Jericho said seriously.

  As the last phasing Alpha, it was Kalia’s turn to choose. She took her place on the dais and looked out over the crowd. Alex turned away when he felt her eyes on him.

  “I choose Cassie Davies.”

  Alex let out a breath of relief. At least his sister was with a friend. Kalia wouldn’t take out her frustrations regarding him on his twin. She and Cassie got along too well for that. It would be Cassie’s first term as Second. His sister smiled the entire way to the stage and gave Kalia a grateful hug before taking her place in front of the Alpha.

  The rest of the Choosing Ceremony rushed by in a blur. Pack Jericho was divided up by the other Alphas as were the other set packs. Students stood next to each other as stranger who had never shared quarters or eaten at the same table. Jaze’s strategy to shake things up had definitely done just that.

  Trent and Terith went with Kalia, as did Pip and Amos. Jericho chose both Lifers and Termers as was his usual policy, though he looked as unhappy about the changes as the rest of the assembly. Siale waited a few places away from Alex. She threw him several uncertain glances, and he forced himself to smile in return. They wouldn’t be in the same quarters, probably would have one class together if any, and couldn’t sit at the same table to eat. The light that had been shining on Alex’s new term had suddenly become dim and watered down. His only relief was that Jericho would make sure she was alright.

  By the end of the Ceremony, students were talking and acclimating themselves to their new packs. Torin leaned down and grabbed Alex’s shoulder hard.

  “You have toilet duty when we reach our quarters,” the Alpha growled in his ear.

  “Nobody’s even had the chance to use the toilet,” Alex pointed out.

  “My face better shine in that bowl when you’re through,” Torin said.

  “Your face would look better inside the bowl,” Alex muttered.

  “What was that?” the Alpha snapped.

  “Nothing,” Alex replied.

  Torin stepped closer so that his nose was inches from Alex’s. “I don’t know why you accepted me as your Alpha, but know this. I will make you regret the day you didn’t die beside your parents.”

  Alex let the jab slide by. “Is this about Kalia?” he asked.

  Torin’s eyes narrowed. “What do you think?”

  He stormed away, leaving Alex with the feeling that a whole lot of the term was about to revolve around Kalia Dickson.

  “Why, Alex?”

  Alex gritted his teeth and turned. Kalia’s eyes were red and faint stains from the tears she had unsuccessfully wiped away marked her cheeks. “You know this term could have been great.”

  “I couldn’t do it,” Alex said.

  “What does that mean?”

  Alex winced at Kalia’s demanding tone. “It means that distance right now might keep us from killing each other.”

  “It also might keep you from realizing that I’m your girl,” Kalia pointed out. Her eyes flitted past Alex’s shoulder, then narrowed. “You think you love her, bu
t you’re wrong.”

  “I know what my heart tells me.”

  “You’re heart’s wrong, Alex. You told the General that I was your girl and you loved me.

  Alex’s eyes widened. “I was trying to save your life! He would have killed you right then if I didn’t say those things. Kalia, I’m sorry I hurt you—”

  “Hurt?” Kalia spat. “I’m not hurt, Alex. I’m lost, frustrated, and heartbroken. I don’t know why I’m not good enough for you.”

  The last words were spoken quietly as though she hadn’t meant to say them at all. Alex took a step forward. “Kalia, I—”

  “Leave me alone, Alex. I need some time to think.” Kalia stormed out of the Great Hall without looking back.

  Alex leaned against the stage and fought back the urge to bury his face in his hands in frustration.

  “Alex?”

  His heart turned over. He forced a calm expression on his face and looked at Siale.

  “I take it this is the first time the Choosing Ceremony has been so crazy?” she guessed, her gray eyes filled with understanding.

  Alex was about to nod, but a memory made him smile. “Four years ago, a crazy new Alpha named Jericho chose me as his Second. I think that really got the ball rolling.”

  “You’re welcome,” Jericho said over Siale’s shoulder. “And I haven’t regretted my decision yet.”

  “Do you need Siale?” Alex asked, reading the familiar patient expression on the Alpha’s face.

  Jericho nodded. “I’m just gathering my new pack together so we can find our luggage and our quarters. I thought Siale might like the tour along with the other new students.”

  She met Alex’s gaze. “I would like that.”

  He nodded. “Have a good time. I’ll meet you after dinner.”

  To his surprise, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.