The Last Silver Wolf - The Return Of Shyla Black

5. Gray Fang

Shyla's POV:

1 year ago

Age 17

Gray Fang Pack

I sat on the edge of my bed, holding the letter that would determine my future in my lap. I was too nervous to open it. I couldn't believe it was finally here. My acceptance letter from Lunar Academy ... or possibly a letter telling me I was rejected, which would suck ass.

I've worked my ass off to get to this moment. I'd done test after test after test, with endless hours of training, and passed them all with flying colors, but for some reason, I couldn't open the letter; my nerves were shot, and my palms were sweaty. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I received my academic scholarship a month ago, indicating my schooling would be fully paid for if accepted. Orlando said the scholarship results would be the most challenging part, considering only four omegas from Lunar City were chosen. Still, I couldn't disagree more... the letter burning holes in my hand made me feel a thousand times more paranoid.

This letter is the final piece of my puzzle. But what would it mean to me if I didn't get into the academy? Would they send me back to Dark Moon? I grimaced at the thought. I couldn't go back there, not after somewhat being a part of a decent pack for the first time in my life. I rested my head on the headboard and sighed deeply, thinking how much my life had changed. It's been 3 1/2 years since I've left Dark Moon, and I've been loving life. I no longer have to deal with Denver's random mood swings anymore. At least I assume he is, he's back in the dark moon, living his best life. He hasn’t reached out to bother or ask about me since I’ve got here.

This mysterious healing company that Orlando interns for has sent him a check every month during my absence. I was curious about the company willing to invest so much in my future... a mere rogue, but I didn't ask any questions; I was just happy about the change of events in my life. Orlando says I'll finally be able to meet the professor, Adam Cullen, I've been hearing so much about. When I get into the academy, he's so confident in me, which is another reason why I'm so anxious about opening this damn letter. This professor has changed my life, and I haven't even met him. What would he do if all his money went to nothing? I couldn't bear the thought.

Also, I don't get bullied anymore; the students here mostly ignore my existence. Which I don't mind at all... I prefer the invisible life over bullying and being a target for constant torment any day. It's not like I haven't tried to make friends or come out of my shell. I think being an outsider and not having a pack is hard on a wolf who grew up surrounded by a community that thrived off of loyalty and trust... you can't trust a rogue... which is what I am at the end of the day.

And the best thing that came out of my move was meeting Noemi Ashfall, the Beta’s daughter. She's the only person besides Orlando to welcome me. I would never have left my room if it wasn't for her. She brought me to every pack event, party, and festival, ensuring I was seen and my ideas were heard. She introduced me to her friends, the future Alpha of Gray Fang, Luther, and his Beta Ish. I don't think they like me too much, but they tolerated me for Noemi's sake, and with their stamp of approval, the rest of the pack avoided me or ignored me.

But 2 months ago, when Luther and Noemi scented each other out as fated mates, she threatened to reject him if he didn't fully accept me as a member of their pack when he became alpha. She didn't want me to return to Dark Moon, as much as I didn't want to. She's the only person I'd wholly confided in about everything I went through back in Dark Moon. She was furious and determined to show me that not all packs were like that. But even considering rejecting her destined mate, willing to live without the happiness and fullness the mate bond brings, over little ol me was completely mad.

But that's Noemi for you. Her loyalty is unmatched and, because of that, I will always have her back until the end of time. Luther and I didn't become best friends overnight, but we had a mutual respect for one another, with an understanding that she wanted us both in her life for a long time. I owed Noemi a lot. I have her to thank for my confidence boost. She has been helping me come out of my shell little by little. She also introduced me to many warriors, and everyone has been accommodating with my training. I've gotten quite good, too. I'm among the top fighters in Gray Fang.

I can't believe I have ever learned to fight before; it's so liberating and free. It shocked everyone how fast I got the hang of things and how fluid my form was in battle. I used my anger from all the years of bullying as an outlet to push me to my best self. The training helped me cope with the trauma. Nobody has been able to beat me in a fight, and I don't even have my wolf yet. It was unheard of; I was beating both males and females in their human and wolf forms, which helped me with my application to the Academy...

I twirled the letter in my hand. "Open it! You can do it!" I said, trying to hype myself up. What's the worst that could happen?

I didn't have time to answer that question before my bedroom door burst open. Noemi stood in the door frame, perfectly put together as usual. Her chestnut-brown skin glowed, and she wore a cute lavender jumpsuit with a matching cardigan.

"Hey, I was looking for you; I wanted to see if you—"her voice stopped as her eyes took in the letter I had in my hands. Is that... is that what I think it is?" She ran into the room, shutting the door behind her, and jumped on my bed. "Did you open it?"

"No!" I groaned, shaking my head, "I'm too scared ... will you do it? I've been holding the letter hostage for over an hour," I admitted.

She smiled at me warmly and took the letter from my hand.

“Listen, Shyla, I just want you to know this letter means nothing; you are a freaking superstar warrior, healing, beauty queen, okay?" she said, pulling me in for a comforting hug. I leaned into her embrace and took comfort from her words. “You're stronger than anyone I know, and I mean that.”

“Thanks, Emi,” I hugged her tightly, “Now open it; I’ve stalled long enough.”

“Okay, okay,” she nodded eagerly and tore through the envelope. I held my breath and squeezed her hand.

“Dear Shyla Black,” she read out loud, and I felt like my heart was going to fall out of my ass…

“We are so excited to inform you that you have been accepted into Lunar Academy …AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!” She screamed, discarding the letter; she flung her arms around me in another death-gripping hug, tackling me to the bed. I hugged her back, and before we could stop ourselves.

The door burst open again. Luther, Ish, Orlando, and several other guards on duty snarled into the room, sniffing the air, looking for the threat. Their eyes landed on us, sprawled out on the bed, crying. A look of confusion settled over their faces.

“What’s going on,” Orlando asked, his navy blue eyes narrowed and confused.

“I got into the academy,” I said, jumping into his arms.

“What?! s**t, Shyla, congratulations! I knew you could do it,” he spun me around, and our laughter filled the room. This was the best moment of my entire life. Getting into the academy would be life-changing for me, and if I could accomplish that, I could do anything!

To my surprise, Luther spoke up, “I’ll tell the cooks to prepare a giant feast. This is a cause for celebration.” I glanced at him and smiled with respect.

Noemi kissed him passionately. "That’s a great idea, babe!!! Have them make all Shy girl’s favorite dishes,” she said. He nodded, then left the room, taking the guards and Ish with him…

Only Orlando and Noemi stayed in the room with me.

“You’re going to really love the academy, Shyla,” Orlando said, sitting close to me on the bed. He’s a year older than me, so he’s already enrolled and in his second year.

I ran a hand through my hair and sighed, leaning back against my headboard. “I can’t believe I got in.”

“I can," Noemi said, dismissively waving her hands. I’ve never seen someone make such a progressive transformation as quickly as you! “

I blushed and shrugged. “It’s because of you guys. You’re the only people who gave me a chance and helped me nurture my potential.”

“Well, that changes starting now!!” Orlando clapped his hands together with glee. “They will have to respect you now. No one can deny your greatness.”

“Yeah!” Noemi agreed, “The academy begins in 6 months, and we’re going to get you out of your shell,” Noemi said, running to my desk and pulling out the laptop Orlando had so graciously let me borrow.

“We have to go shopping for new clothes,” Noemi typed in some fashion stores and added several pieces to the cart.

“What’s wrong with my clothes?” I asked, looking down at my oversized hoodie and sweatpants, which had been like a shield of protection for me my entire life.

“What’s right with them?” Noemi asked, scrunching up her nose dramatically. “I love you, but I will not allow you to hide those God-given curves a single second longer.”

I thought about it for a second. It wouldn’t be bad to invest in a skirt or two, plus all the wealthiest people attended the academy. I didn’t want to stick out, bring unwanted attention to myself, and give them any reason to bully me. Maybe the best thing for me would be to blend in with everyone else.

“Okay,” I giggled, “but only a few things.”

“Shhh,” Orlando said, throwing me over his shoulder, “don’t listen to her. Emi gets everything!!!”

“I’m already on it,” she teased, clicking rapidly on the computer.

“Traitor,” I yelled, playfully hitting him on the back. We all fell back on the bed, laughing.

I watched as my friends hovered over the tiny computer, talking happily among each other and occasionally asking my opinion about a shirt color or a dress style.

I have to admit a small part of me wants to come out of hiding, and I no longer wish to live timidly in the shadows… I want to party, laugh, maybe get drunk, and finally experience my first kiss, or … perhaps I’ll even find my mate.?

You never know anything is possible.