Year One

9

“Oh, you’re the recruiter?” Greg tilted his head and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Cole pushed his friend in the shoulder, making him back away.

“Well, then we have a problem.” Greg’s blue eyes began to glow. “Since we hadn’t approved any of your kind to come here.”

“Thanks, man.” Cole glared at his friend for a second before spinning back around to face us. “Yes, I am. But right now, you both need to go and find your seats.” He pointed behind where the teachers were climbing the stairs onto the raised platform. “We’ll talk afterward.”

Any trace of anger was removed from Greg’s face. “Of course.” He turned around and headed to the seats with a little bit of a skip to his step.

Not wanting to attract any additional attention, I headed straight to my seat, which happened to be right next to Sheila. Right as my bottom hit the seat, she turned my way. “Greg just told us that the vampire from Bloodshed is here now. I can’t wait to see what happens after graduation.”

Our principal stood at the podium and gave a large smile. “We’re glad to have so many people here today to witness their loved ones graduating high school.”

Do you think they’ll take him right after graduation? Sheila moved in her seat and flipped her hair back. I thought we’d have him all summer, but if they’re here now … well, maybe they’ll take him right after this.

I have no clue. My stomach was already in knots knowing they weren’t here for him, but I didn’t want the s**t to hit the fan. I’d gladly trade places with her. My wolf side cringed at that thought.

For the rest of the ceremony, I couldn’t pay attention to anything. It was an hour later, and the whole time, I focused on what may happen when this was all over. Granted, I’d always known I wasn’t going to be able to do everything I wanted because as a pack, we needed to stay together. Still, I’d have some kind of say in my life whether it be that I became a nurse, teacher, or even an accountant. Now it seemed as if any control that I may have had was gone.

Raven, aren’t you coming? Sheila patted me on the arm and took off after the front of the line.

I jumped out of my seat and followed behind her. Thanks.

What’s wrong with you? Sheila glanced over her shoulder and frowned. You’re not acting normal.

Yeah, I bet she’d like to know. Nothing, it just feels surreal.

It wasn’t long before it was my turn to go up the stairs. I climbed halfway and waited as they announced Sheila.

“Sheila Wilburn.” The principal called out and clapped her hands as Sheila walked across the stage and grabbed her diploma.

“Raven Wright.” I can do this. I hit the platform and headed straight to the principal. Mom and Dad cheered while Greg clapped down below.

There were only two other people after me, and the graduation would be over. Now, it was time to face my future.

“O

h, honey. We’re so proud.” Mom was by my side in a flash.

My heart was pounding too hard. I needed to calm down, or everyone would know I was apprehensive.

“Baby, can you believe it.” Greg appeared behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “We’re free from this hell hole.”

“It’s bittersweet.” Jerry shook his head and tilted his head toward mom. “Our babies are grown up, but at least, yours will be staying close.”

“That’s very true.” Dad reached over and slapped Jerry on the back. “But you’ll have a fighter when it’s all said and done.”

“He’s already an amazing fighter.” Ian appeared beside me but didn’t even acknowledge my presence. “I can’t wait until he teaches me everything he learns from that school.”

“Unfortunately, he’s not going to have that opportunity.” Cole sauntered over with his buddy right behind him.

“If that’s the case, why are you here?” Jerry turned around, and his nostrils flared.

“Because we’re here for someone else.” The muscular guy stepped forward and towered over Jerry. His mere presence was commanding.

“Oh, really?” Ian’s eyes lit up. “Is it me?”

“Come on, Raven.” Dad’s voice tensed, and he grabbed my hand, pulling me apart from Greg. “It’s time to go.”

“Actually, that’s not possible.” Cole appeared in front of my Dad, blocking his path. He looked at me and winked. “See, I told you I’d see you again.”

“You’ve met him before?” Greg’s mouth dropped, and his face turned a red shade.

This was the moment I’d been dreading and praying it wouldn’t happen. “At your game.”

“But you’ve listened to me for the past week complaining about him never showing up.” His breathing increased, and he looked past me to Cole.

“I bet she convinced him of picking her over you.” Ian glared at me, and his nose wrinkled.

“You think I’d be so easily persuaded by a pretty face?” Cole’s demeanor became rigid, and his face was a stone of indifference.

“What? No.” Ian shook his head no and raised both hands. “I just meant …”

“Well, she’s not going with you.” Mom stepped in front of me, shielding me from the vampire. She lifted her chin in challenge.

“I agree with Ms. Wright.” Greg spread his shoulders and glared. “If I can’t go, no one can. I’m the next alpha. Tell them, Dad.”

The muscular guy faced Mom down. “If we leave without her, there will be severe repercussions.”

“Of course, she’ll go with you.” Jerry clapped his son on the back.

“Are you being serious?” Greg’s mouth dropped, and he jerked back as if he had been slapped. “Dad, you can’t be agreeing to this.”

“Greg, remember your place.” Jerry’s eyes glowed as he commanded his son to be silent. “If Bloodshed wants Raven, then so be it.”

“What? No.” Mom turned to face him with her mouth gaping open.

“Liz, she has to go.” Dad’s voice was strong, but I heard the rare tremble in it.

This whole situation was strange. I knew it wouldn’t be great, but I didn’t expect this. My wolf side was brimming with excitement.

“So, there we have it.” Cole grabbed my hand and tugged.