“Why am I here?” I said, resting my arms on the chair as I tried to appear comfortable. The padding was made of horse hair and what felt like glass.
“As you might have guessed, I need something.” He said, sitting back into his chair, into a more neutral non-threatening position.
I took a big gulp and observed the wolf who hadn’t moved since I sat down. His eyes were trained on the Viking, but he wasn’t afraid of him like the others were.
“What is it?”
“First, let me tell you what I do. It might make your decision easier.” He says, then clears his throat. I made him nervous.
“How about starting with how you found me?” I took control. I knew Hazen had something to do with it, now I needed to understand how and why. We had been dating for over a year. These last few months, things had changed. He was hot and cold. But I never thought he would have done this to me.
“We searched for you when we heard about your potential. It took many years. Nelly did her job well to hide you.” The Viking nods as if to compliment her.
“She’s safe?” I ask, as my blood pressure starts to build. She had become a motherly figure to me out of necessity. When I was taken from my parents, they brought me right to her house. With the other hunters.
“Yes. Nelly and her house are fine. They understand our mission.” He reaches for my glass and drinks it down. “It wasn’t an easy decision to take you.”
“And Hazen?” I demanded, to know his part in all of this.
“Is a very dumb boy. You’d do well to stay away from him.” The Viking said, about the only thing we could agree about.
“And you?” I asked, uncertain if I like him or not. He seems forthcoming, I wonder if he would answer this question truthfully.
“It would be best not to cross me.” He winks at me before taking the last drink. “I can’t tell you much about myself. Not many people know I exist, so I am offering you that. I clean up after certain supernaturals, somewhat like what you do with hunting, but on a different level.” He pauses, to consider his words.
“You want me to work for you?” I asked, annoyed he wasn’t getting straight to the point like I thought he would.
“In a way.” He stands up and walks over to the bookshelf. “I’m going to ask you to do something. You won’t want to do it. I need you to trust me.”
I roll my eyes and sink back in my seat. Story of my life, “Why would I want to help you?”
“Because in return, I offer you your freedom. No more working for House’s. No more hunting if you don’t wish to do so.” He sits back in his seat, crossing his legs and intertwining his fingers – waiting for my answer.
For the first time in my life, I’m speechless. I’m not sure how to reply. Thoughts pass through my mind and brain fog sets in. What did he just say?
“It won’t be easy, and I need you to want to accept this mission.” He opens his desk drawer and passes me a blank sheet of paper. “Once completed, this paper will give you the address of your birth parents. I cannot guarantee what you will find.”
I fight back unexpected tears when I reach for the paper. My hands shake as I pick it up and look for any writing on it.
“It’s protected by a magic spell. I wish I could tell you what it says, but I don’t know its secrets.” His voice is sincere.
“Umm.” I clear the phlegm from my throat, “I’ll do it. Whatever it is.”
“You could die. That’s a large possibility.”
“I don’t care. Just tell me what to do.” I stiffened my body, and prepare mentally to go into battle. I wasn’t afraid of what could happen. I’d change my life over and over again to find my family.
“I’ll send Clark in with you.” He nods at the wolf.
I look over at him, and he is back in his human form – this time with clothes on. I’m still attracted to him even though he just wanted to rip my throat open. He’s clearly unaware of the Vikings plans and not on board with them.
“Where are we going?” I wipe my nose with my sleeve, not caring how gross I must look right now.
“Millwood Academy.” The Viking states. “You can call me Elliot.”
“That’s not your real name,” I said, looking for any sign of deception on his face. I studied him for a guideline of his truths and lies.
“No, that’s not my real name and best you don’t know it. After this mission, pray you never see me again, Penelope.” Elliot walks, over to his bookshelf and opens a secret panel. He grabs a box and brings it over to the table. “Everything you require should be in here. If you need me, let Clark know.”
I look over to Clark, who is surprised at what just transformed and was none to impress to be working with me on this. I reach for the top of the lid to open it but, Elliot puts his hand over mine.
“Once it’s opened, you can’t turn back.” He lifts his hand and takes a step back, as if this thing could explode.
I immediately open the box, without another thought about the potential danger. Inside were books, clothes, and papers...
“You will be enrolling into Millwood Academy. A supernatural college. You’ll have never heard of it. It’s only for the upper crust of the bloodlines.” Elliot said, as he lit a cigar.
“Thanks for reminding me.” It was a dig to Nelly’s house. We were the lowest of the low, we would hunt anything that paid well, which was why we were in such demand.
“You’re an unknown. This is also a chance to find out more about your powers.” Elliot said from behind me. “If you so choose.”
His words made me freeze. Was that the real reason he wanted me?
“Take care, son.” Elliot squeezes Clark’s shoulder. “Watch your backs.” He calls over his shoulder as he walks to the door, “I’ll send word of your first steps once you’re settled in.”
“Wait!” I call after him, but Elliot closes the door. He was a wolf like Clark? Why couldn’t I pick that up? “How long will we be there?” I direct my question to Clark, who had stood up and was making his way to the door.
“However long it takes,” Clark said in a low sly tone and a side glance to me, not bothering to hide his irritation.
Chapter 3
Clark and I arrive together, with little talk on the way to the Academy. I couldn’t figure this kid out. One minute I think he’s on my side, and the next he’s itching to get the heck away from me. One thing was undeniable, how hot he looks in a uniform. His beefy build could barely hold the shape the jacket was designed for. The seams beg to rip open every time he moves his arms, not that I would mind. He’d be eye candy if I can get over his moodiness.
Our limo pulls up to the gate and Clark is quick to jump out. As I move across the seat toward him to get out, he slams the door shut in my face. Well, this is going to be enjoyable.
“I’ll get it,” I call out as I open the door. I fix my skirt, which had hiked halfway up my legs as I slid along the leather seat, before I swing my legs out the door. Not the first impression I was going for. Clark had already left me for a group of girls that had googly eyes over him. “Great bodyguard,” I mumble, and his head points over to me. Shit! I forgot how great wolves can hear. Mental note not to mumble around him.
“Don’t worry about me.” I wave toward his fan club as he averts his attention back to them. I watch them for a moment then take in the grand scale of the gate and the buildings behind them. One of the girls reaches for his arm, it’s a familiar touch. He’s been with her before.
“You just going to stand there?” Clark calls to me as his fans pull him inside of the gate.
I grab my bag and leave his. “I’m not your maid,” I mumble, wanting him to hear me. I follow along like a good student. There is a long pathway to the main Academy building, signs along the path seem to make navigating the campus easy. From what I guess can only be the main building, is enormous and at least a few hundred years old. The stonework is enchanting, and I can’t wait to see what the inside looks like. I’m so enthralled, I don
’t notice that Clark has stopped and I walk smack dab into him, dropping my bags to the ground.
“Let’s walk in together. That will set some boundaries.” Clark said, not offering to help me with my bags.
“Yes, Sir.” I salute him, and he narrows his eyes at me. A fine pair we are.
He walks to the front entrance, and I follow behind him. Just as we get to the door, he decides to be a gentleman and offers that I go first. I walk in, and it’s just as beautiful as the outside. The hallway is filled with trees and is wide open. The façade of the building hiding it’s magical insides.
“Clark,” A stern older man appears from the Admittance entrance. “I wasn’t told that you would be here this semester.” He seems none too pleased.
“Principal Stanton. Great to see you as well.” Clark’s face lit up with a smile, something I hadn’t seen before. “This is, Penelope.”
Principal Stanton barely glances my way. His lips are pulled to a thin line and his eyes are on Clark. He was obviously unaware of my attendance and was displeased.
“Nice to meet you,” I said, unsure of what to do, I offer my hand.
“Enrollment is through those doors.” Principal Stanton walks past me. “No running in the hallway.” He calls out to a boy. The students part as he walks through them in the hall.
“Vampire,” Clark said, as we watch him walk away.
“A vampire as a principal. Interesting.” I said, with a chuckle. Not a move I would have made. Vampire was the only part of my heritage I knew, but from who I descend from was a mystery.
“Forget everything you know about supernaturals. Everyone here is from the original bloodlines. No one is tainted. Your rules don’t apply here.” Clark nods toward the door for enrollment. “Let’s get your classes.”
His jab about “no one being tainted” is not lost on me. It was a dig and one that hit me hard. Of course I’d always known I wasn’t a fullblood, but it’s never been thrown in my face like Clark has just done.
I follow him inside, and he makes his way to the desk, with a few handshakes from students. He flirts with the student at the counter, and I’m surprised to feel jealous. He wasn’t my type, but there was that stupid fantasy.
“I’m Penelope,” I slid in front of him and let my hand linger on his arm. “I’m super pumped to be here.” I plaster on my biggest fake smile and force all my enthusiasm on her. She pulls back, obviously annoyed I encroached on her flirting with Clark, who also seemed to be annoyed with me.
“You’re here with, Clark?” She smiles, as her eyes dart back and forth between him and me. From the look on her face, she can’t believe we’d be together.
“Yes.” I grin as I lean on the counter, in front of her view of him.
“I’m just helping her get settled.” Clark corrects me from behind.
I look back and wink at him, detecting a slight hint of annoyance for breaking up his game with this chick. I jump back and wrap my arm around his, intrigued that he doesn’t pull away from me.
“Here’s your schedule.” The friendliness in the girl’s voice disappears as she practically throws the paper at me.
“Don’t I get to pick classes?” I ask, thinking back to the TV shows I had watched. I never went to school. Nelly thought it was pointless. She taught me to read and write, and I went to the library to study things I was interested in.
“No.” Her reply was curt, and she was eager to move on to the student behind us. “Next.”
The student behind me pushes forward and knocks hard into my back, practically body slamming me out of line. He chuckles to his friends as Clark grabs my arm and just as we are about to walk away, she calls me back. “This is yours too.” She hands me a bulky envelope. “Dorm card keys.”
Clark took me by the arm and led me back to the hall. “What was that?”
“She annoyed me.” I stare up at him and squint my eyes. And so did you, I wanted to add. “Thanks for protecting me back there too.”
Clark ignores my plea’s. “Where did they put you?” He grabs the envelope and opens it. A broad grin cracks his face. “Perfect.”
“What does that mean?” I yank it out of his hand and try to figure out why this is so funny.
“Let’s get to class. We have three together. The first one you’re alone.” He grabs my elbow, and we walk fast.
“Do we get in trouble if we’re late?” I ask, as I’m whisked away. I try my best to look at all the beauty as I pass by in full speed, thinking I may skip a class to be on my own to explore. We round a corner, and I see the most attractive being I’ve ever laid eyes on. It’s like those dumb movies where everything turns into slow motion.
All I can see are his long legs headed my way. His dirty blond hair bouncing up and down as he moves. His bright blue eyes could be seen from years away. “Who’s that?” I dig my heels in to stop Clark from dragging me, but he puts his arm along my back and forces me forward.
“Someone you’re not allowed to talk to.” Clark’s tone was different, like I had better not cross him – for real. A side I hadn’t seen yet.
“So this is the new girl?” The boy steps in front of us and licks his lips as his eyes undress me.
“Get out of our way, Ivor.” Clark moves forward, shielding me from this boy.
Ivor grabs Clark from the back and shoves him into a locker and uses some sort of magic to keep it closed. “We’ve been waiting for you to arrive.” He steps closer to me, almost as if he was going to lean in for a kiss.
My head was spinning, I should help Clark, but I really want to kiss this boy. Clark is going to be really really pissed at me now. “I’m, Penelope,” I stutter as I look back at the locker. “You really shouldn’t do that.” When I turn back to Ivor, he pins me to the lockers. He leans in and smells my neck. The heat and sweet scent of his body is enough to make me pass out.
“Vampire?” I laugh nervously. I know I got this one right.
“Intuitive little one. You’re not as dumb as they said you’d be.” He smiles, and his eyes are mesmerizing. He places both of his hands over my head. I could easily slip away, but I’m fine under his spell.
“People are talking about me?” I say under a heavy breath, while Clark bangs from inside of the locker next to me. What is wrong with me? I have to help him.
“I like you just fine. I test the waters on both sides.” Ivor brings his head down closer, the sound of his wet tongue leaving his lips has me weak in the knees.
Clark burst free from the locker, in full wolf form and is ready to fight Ivor. A group of students has gathered around us to see the fight. Where were the professors? Someone has to stop this.
Ivor’s eyes are still on me. He has a smirk on his face as he pulls off his jacket. He was enjoying this. I had never seen a wolf and vampire fight before and didn’t want to be the cause of a battle between the species. I slip away from Ivor and walk over to Clark, who only had eyes on Ivor.
“Let’s go. He’s not worth it.” I walk past Clark, hoping that he would follow. Instead, he jumps toward Ivor.
“That’s enough!” A female runs toward Clark, stopping him before he could land on Ivor. With a swift move of her hand, Clark is thrown against the wall. Seconds later, he changes to his human form, again naked. Huddled over in more pain than he should be in. I’m by his side immediately, covering him up with my jacket, but he pushes it and me aside. Not ashamed to be naked in the hallway with students all around, but mad at me for leaving him in that locker.
“Are you okay?” I touch his shoulder to try to comfort him. He winces and moves his body away from me.
“Who started this?” She searches the crowd. Her long black wavy hair is paired with striking green eyes. The students back away from her and disburse the hallway.
“Who do you think?” Clark said, firmly holding his ground from the floor.
The girl looks to Ivor and snaps her fingers for him to follow. As they walk past us, she stops and grabs my arm – digging her long finger
nails deep in my skin. “Stay the fuck away from my brothers', mutt.” She pushes me back down. Ivor sends me a devilish wink as they walk away.
The bell rings, and it’s just Clark and I left in the hall.
“What the hell just happened?” I asked, uncertain of my part in it. How could all that happen in less than five minutes?
“That’s two of the Stanton siblings, Ivor and Alexandra. You have to stay away from all of them.” Clark grabs my wrist hard and shakes my arm.
“The principal’s kids?” I quickly put together.
“He’s their uncle. Another reason to stay away. You have to start listening to me, Penelope.” Clark stood up, and from one blink to another, he’s fully clothed again.
My head reels as I try to process what happened. Was I compelled? No not possible. I had hunted Vampires before. None had ever been able to compel me – likely because I had vampire blood in my veins.
“Hi,” A short little blond with too much enthusiasm tries to gain our attention. “Sorry to interrupt. Kind of odd timing but I’m your new roomie, Una.” Una said, awkwardly extending her well-manicured hand.
Una was a short sassy blonde, styled with the latest of everything. Shifter was my guess. She would be an easy target if she was to be hunted.
“I have to get to class,” Clark mutters as he takes off down the hall.
“It’s Okay. We have the first class together. I’ll walk you.” Una smiles, as she links arms with me, “What a first day.”
“You’re telling me,” I say as I try to settle my stomach. I wasn’t used to being attracted to anyone. I kept to myself, and I liked it that way – well until I met Hazen.
“I’d stay away from Alexandra. She has a reputation, so that means her brothers too. They are also all too Hot Hot! It’s impossible not to gawk at any of them.” Una gushes as she walks me to class.
“What about Ivor? Is he seeing anyone?” It felt weird to even ask, given what had just happened.
“He sees who he wants to.” Una winks at me. “Be careful of that one.”
Millwood Academy - First Term Page 2
