Year One

4

“It’s not like we can take our clothes with us in that form. Besides, what if someone saw us stepping out from the woods. The school is going to be packed with people attending the game.”

His condescending attitude really rubbed my wolf the wrong way. It growled and bared its teeth inside me. I struggled with the animal and the expected behavior that a submissive wolf exhibited.

Silence descended inside the truck, and my eyes were glued on the houses that we passed by. Our entire pack lived in the subdivision, which made it easy for meetings and running under a full moon.

It didn’t take long for us to reach the high school. The sun was setting, and the baseball field lights flashed on. There were several students and parents there already, including Ian, Darren, Sheila, and Greg’s dad, Jerry.

“You were making me nervous.” Greg’s dad laughed as he approached us. “I expected you to be here long before now.”

“Sorry, I went to pick up Rave. Her parents insisted I stay and eat.” Greg reached into the bed of the truck and grabbed his baseball bag. “But I’m here now and ready to play.” His eyes glowed ever so slightly, revealing his wolf’s excitement.

“Well, the recruiter should be here any second.” His dad glanced around and frowned, checking his watch. “They said they’d be here by now.”

“Maybe he got stuck in traffic or something.” Greg tucked his red Indian’s baseball shirt into his pants. “Come on, I’ve gotta get warmed up.”

“Alright, I’ll let you know when the scout gets here.” Greg’s dad smacked his back as he walked by. “I’m so proud of you, son.”

I’m sure he was too. It seemed like fate favored some over others. Greg got to fully embrace his wolf and very likely go to the most prestigious Academy for only the strongest supernaturals. My wolf whimpered, and she took a deep breath. We had to hold it together at least until graduation. I was hoping that the stress from senior year was the reason why my wolf was getting so antsy. In a week’s time, it should be all behind me.

“It’s about time you got here, man,” Ian shouted from shortstop as Greg hit the field.

Greg placed his hat on his head and pulled out his glove. “I’m right on time.” He balled his fist and smacked it on the inside of his glove, taking his place on the pitcher’s mound. “Let’s get going.”

Darren saluted Greg from first base. “Whatever you say, boss.” Then, he took a step and threw the ball at Greg.

“I hope you’re as proud of him as we are.” Jerry kept his eyes on his son and took a step closer to me, talking in a near whisper.

I was positive the right answer wasn’t that I couldn’t care less. “Of course.”

“Good.” Jerry nodded his head, and his body became a little less tense. “Now don’t get me wrong. Susan and I are praying each night that you both choose each other to become mates. But we just want to make sure you aren’t going to try to talk him into staying.”

It’s kind of funny that they thought I had so much influence over Greg. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”

“See, this is why you two make such a good couple.” He smiled and bumped his shoulder into mine. “Both of you look out for each other’s best interest.”

Sure, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Granted, I’m happy for him. Although this would give me a chance to figure things out on my own. Greg thought we always had to be going and hanging out with both wolves and humans. It’d be nice to have a break … to breathe.

“Hey, guys.” Sheila strolled up with Susan by her side. Both wore identical red shirts with Indians written on them.

“Are they here yet?” Susan walked over and kissed Jerry on the lips.

“No, not yet.” Jerry glanced around and shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll be here soon though.”

“I can’t believe my baby might get accepted into their program.” Susan smiled so wide that it had to hurt her face.

Maybe one day, I’d be that happy.

“Wanna grab a seat before they get full?” Sheila nodded toward the bleachers.

“Yeah, sure.” I’d hoped to find a seat before she got here. Sheila wasn’t so bad, but her blatant need for male attention made me rather uncomfortable.

“Sweet!” She headed toward the bleachers, and as she passed by the fence, she smiled. “Hey, boys.”

“Hey!” The second baseman grinned back at her. “Looking good.’

“Aw, thanks.” She winked at him and then turned so she was marching up the red bleachers.

“You know you can’t date humans.” That wasn’t a rule a long time ago, but now it was law. If a human and a wolf reproduced, it either caused a woman to die during birth or resulted in major deformities.

“Yes, I know, Mrs. Rule Follower.” Sheila took a seat and rolled her eyes. “It’s just harmless flirting. Unlike some here, I don’t have an alpha that’s crazy about me.”

I wasn’t sure if he was crazy about me though. “Still, you don’t need to lead them on.” I sat next to her and was grateful she chose a section right next to the stairs. At least when I got bored, I had an easy escape.

“So, what do you think will happen with you and Greg when he leaves for Bloodshed?” Sheila glanced at her nails and rubbed her fingers over the newly painted, bright red nail polish.

“I don’t know.” For once, I didn’t have to lie. “I guess time will tell.”

Sheila pursed her lips to the side. “You’re not going to try getting him to stay and lock it in?”

The thought of locking it in made me cringe. “No, it’s what’s best for him. I’ll figure out my own path too.”

“Well, you’re a lot nicer than me.” She shrugged and stared at the ball field. “I’d be begging him to stay.”

Yeah, I was nice. That’s the reason I was so supportive. “What are you going to do after graduation?”

“I’m not sure yet.” Sheila pursed her lips and sighed.

“Well, it’s only a week away.” I don’t know why I was pushing her. “You probably should figure it out.”

“You know what?” She narrowed her eyes at me and frowned.