Year One

15

“It’s not your fault.” I wanted to ask a question but wasn’t sure I could handle the answer. “Why did they have a red ring to their eyes?”

“You really haven’t been around other paranormals, have you?” The Cole I’d met was back now. A small smirk sat on his face, and his body was relaxed.

“No, I haven’t. That thought hadn’t even occurred to me till now.” Granted, I knew the basics but never had real-world experience. Our pack back home was close-knit. Somehow, even though my parents had been outsiders, they were welcomed with open arms. Apparently, our family was the first outsiders the pack had ever accepted.

“Well, luckily you’ve found an ally with me.” He winked and waved both of his hands with his pointer finger out in my direction.

“Please, never do that again.” I couldn’t help but giggle a little. Cole seemed sincere, and for some reason, I felt like I could trust him. “But really, will you answer my question?”

“It’s because she was feeding.” He leaned on the door and rested his head. “Whenever a vampire feeds and shortly thereafter, the red ring is the tell.”

Okay, that made sense. They both had been drinking from blood bags. “Got it.”

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. “Come on, your room is this way.” He stepped out in front and went to the right. “We got you rooming with someone trustworthy.”

For some reason, I trusted him. “Thanks. I need all the friends I can find.”

“I will warn you she is slightly different.” Cole stopped at the door on the right which was labeled 716. “But both Isadora and I thought this would be the best placement for the both of you.”

Great. Here’s hoping that she won’t attack me.

He knocked on the door and then placed a key in the lock, turning the knob. The door swung open, and he reached in, turning on the lights.

A large couch and television were placed in the center between the openings to two hallways. Right across from the room was a decent sized kitchen that included a table for four.

“Holy crap. I was thinking this would be more like a university dorm.” This place appeared to be a luxury style apartment instead of a dormitory.

“Remember the cream of the crop of the supernatural worlds attend this school.” Cole entered the room and plopped himself on the black leather sofa. “Don’t get me wrong … your classes and training will be horrendous, but we get to live in luxury.”

I glanced down the hallway that was closest to the door. It had a door on the right, and at the end was a bathroom. “So we don’t even have to share showers with the whole floor?”

“You don’t even have to share with your roommate either.” He stood and motioned for me to follow him down the hallway. He stopped at the first doorway and opened it. “This is your room.”

The room was twice as big as the one I had back home. There was a queen bed sitting in the middle with a teal comforter on top. The room had a walk-in closet to the right. I even had a chest of drawers and a dresser. “This is huge, and teal is my favorite color.” I couldn’t stop myself from going to the closet and opening it up. There were clothes that I’d never seen before hanging in there.

“The closet is full.” I flipped on the light and took note of all the various button-down shirts, plaid skirts, a few pairs of jeans, and comfortable shirts.

“Remember me telling you that we didn’t need to go by your house.” Cole stepped into the room and placed his hands in his jean pockets. “This is why.”

I looked at the labels, and they were exactly my size. “But how is this possible?”

“We have our ways.” He shrugged and glanced around. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.” Even the jeans and shirts were name brands. “But it still blows my mind.”

“Once the headmaster locates you, she knows certain things. She knows your favorite colors, and I was able to size you up when meeting you at the baseball game. It’s one of my party tricks.”

“That’s not very comforting.” Even though I shouldn’t have been all that surprised at people’s abilities anymore.

“Oh, come on.” Cole ran a hand over my comforter and smiled. “It’s not that bad.”

“Says the creeper that sized me up.” It was strange that in such a short time, I’d become comfortable with Cole. I just hoped it didn’t change now that I was attending the school.

“Stop.” Cole chuckled and pointed at me. “Now let’s go check out your bathroom and see if we can find your new roommate.”

The bathroom part sounded fun, but I wasn’t excited about meeting my roommate after my last two encounters with students. That girl kissing Rage flashed through my head. My wolf growled at the sight, and I had no clue why.

“Earth to Ravey.” Cole waved his hand in front of my face.

“Sorry, I zoned out.” I had to get my act together and fast. I took a deep breath and forced a smile on my face. “Let’s do this.”

“Okay, stop.” Cole laughed and rubbed a hand down his face. “Your face is kinda scary, so maybe you need a few more minutes before meeting her.”

“Jackass.” I stuck my tongue out at him and then forced an even cheesier smile. “I’ll have you know this look works all the time.”

“Probably because they’re too scared to move quickly and run.” He lifted both hands in surrender. “Just please, don’t hurt me.”

My smile fell, and my mind went straight to the bear incident. “Did I hurt the bear?”

“He’s fine.” Cole walked up to the door and opened it. “Let’s go meet your roommate. That should liven things up.”

I wasn’t going to get anything out of him, so I decided I may as well suck it up and move on. “Alright.” I marched out the door and back toward the den.

“Once you get settled in, you’ll feel a lot better.” Cole walked past me and stepped into the other hallway. “Jess, are you here?”

“Cole?” A musical voice answered him. “Is she here?”

A door opened, and Jess ran down the hallway. She skidded into the room, and her purple eyes landed on me.