The Beta Queen

Chapter 4

    I am eating lunch with Rain and Skylar. We are anxiously waiting for Marie, Essence, and Jamie. They are retaking the geometry test. I wasn't able to check my email this morning until we got to school because of the events from this morning.

    Thinking about it now, I frown. I dig into my bag and produce a fresh notebook. I check my phone and see we have another 20 minutes left. I remember the librarian is a werewolf, as most of the staff is in the school, and stand up.

    "Tell the others I said congrats. I need to do something," I tell Rain and Skylar. I turn to Skylar and said, "If I'm not in study hall, please let Mrs. Jackson know I'm in the library and text me to get there."

    Skylar nods and I tell them they can have the rest of my lunch. I grab my bag and the notebook and leave the cafeteria. Some of the boys trip over themselves to open a door for me. I smirk and say thank you. Their attention is unwanted and I know it is because of the change in my attire. Since I know Future Alpha Brandon is my mate, I am confident in rejecting each of their advances.

    I get to the library and get a computer closest to the reference section of the library. I want to know what to expect or if there is anything that can help me with my confusion. I want to know why I have powers only an alpha should have. I stifle a yawn as I get up and roam the shelves. Then a sudden thought occurs to me and I find Mr. Angel, the librarian. 

    "Hello Mr. Angel, how are you today?" I ask.

    "I am fine, thanks for asking. Is there something I can help you with Miss Chestnut?"

    "Yes sir. I am doing some research and would like to know where I might find some answers. I want to know if there was ever anyone that wasn't an alpha with abilities to tell if someone is telling a lie or knows who their mate is before shifting for the first time. Also, with the ability to heal before coming of age," I tell him.

    Mr. Angel gets a weird look on his face and turns away from me. "That sounds like fantasy Miss Chestnut."

    "You just told me a lie, Mr. Angel. Please help me," I said.

    Mr. Angel looks at me with surprise. "How did you know that?" he asked with a frightened look on his face. "You're not an alpha or of alpha descent."

    "This is why I need to know, Mr. Angel. My first shift is in 12 hours. Please help me!"

    Mr. Angel heaves a sigh and leads me to the back room. He unlocks the door and ushers me inside. He locks the door back and then heads over to a painting on the wall. He lifts the painting, laying it carefully on the file cabinets, exposing a safe. At that moment, my phone goes off. I look at the new text message as I hear the bell in the distance. Mr. Angel is putting in the combination to the safe as I answer Skylar. I text back for her to let Miss Rice know I am with Mr. Angel doing a bit of research. 

    Mr. Angel opens the safe and reaches in. He stiffens for a bit before pulling out an ancient book. He looks at it and then at me. I feel his hesitation. 

    “Please Mr. Angel. If that book can tell me anything I need to know about myself, I would like to read it. It may be very useful to me,” I said. 

    He nods and bows down as he hands me the book. “You will need a hall pass, Miss Chestnut. Please use caution while reading this tome. It will only open for the one of which it speaks. Once it is opened by the true werewolf, all other copies will disappear, leaving the one that is owned by the true wolf.” 

    I nod and watch him. He remains in a bowed state until I realize that I must release him. 

    “Thank you, Mr. Angel. You have told me a little something but I feel you know more. May we sit and you tell me?” 

    “Yes ma’am.” I start at being called “ma’am.” We sit down in the chairs near the extra tables. Mr. Angel heaves a sigh before speaking. 

    “Miss Chestnut, do you know about the legend? Have you ever been told the story?” 

    “No, sir. I haven’t.” 

    “Legend states that there will be a wolf born who had the abilities of an alpha, immortality of vampires, and the magic of a witch or wizard. It is also said this true one will be the symbol and enforcer of peace and will reign over the communities of werewolves, vampires, and witches and wizards. It is said the true one will have more than one wolf and mate at the same time.” 

    “Mr. Angel, do you mean there will be fights over me? I mean, if I am the true one?” 

    “Yes, Miss Chestnut. But beware, the rogues do not wish for peace, only power. There have been a lot of attacks on young wolves in other packs as they seek the true one. They do not want the true one to shift. The true one will have full power by the time he/she mates for the first time. Legend says the shifted wolf will yield a great power that makes even alphas bow down to them.” 

    “How do you know all of this Mr. Angel? Is some of this embellished?” 

    "No, Miss Chestnut. This has been told to every member of my family. It used to be somewhat of a bedtime story when I was a pup. That is until I met with more who was told the legend. If the tome doesn’t open for you, you must return it to me so that it can be safely shut away again. Now let’s get your hall pass, a formality for the few humans in the school. I will inform Miss Rice of your coming.” 

    We both stand. Mr. Angel reaches into his pocket and produces a hall pass pad. With speed, he writes my name at the top, checks a box, and signs his name with a flourish. He unlocks the door and we proceed out of it. I turn to him as he locks the door again. 

    “Thank you for the information, Mr. Angel. You have forgotten to replace the painting on the wall. I will let you know soon.” 

    I turn around and head out of the library. I walk down the hall towards study hall. I take out my phone to see how much time is left in that period. I sigh as I realize there are only fifteen minutes left. I slip inside the classroom and into my seat. I slip the tome, as Mr. Angel called it, carefully into my bag, my hand grazing my chemistry book. I have a strong feeling there will be a pop quiz in chemistry, my next class, so I pull out that book and notebook. I quickly go over everything once before the bell sounds, signaling the end of the period. 

    I wait for Skylar to come from the back of the room so I can properly thank her. She is one of the last to get up and she looks frustrated. Our history teacher is human so we have been learning human history instead of our own in school. I know we have a history test today. I take history before Skylar. I put a hand out to touch her arm. 

    “I want to say thank you. And to tell you that the test is multiple choice in history. Calm down, relax. I believe in you,” I told her. 

    “You’re welcome, Shyanne. I just really need to pass this test with a C or better to bring my grade up.” 

    “Call me Shy. And I know you can do it. I believe in you. You got this girl!” 

    We both smile and part ways. I hadn’t realized Skylar was in danger of failing history. I rub my eyes as I make my way to chemistry. It is going to be a long weekend if I am going to get everyone brought up to speed in their classes. I sit down next to Angela, my lab partner. I then link mom to ask Luna Grace to ask the parents of the girls I tutor for the most recent report cards. She is reluctant but she says she would. 

    Just after I thank her and close off the link, Mrs. Jackson announces the pop quiz. She instructs us to clear our desks of everything except a pencil. I chuckle to myself and relax. I’m glad I got that feeling and read over my notes and the appropriate sections of my textbook. Mrs. Jackson walks over to each table, placing two copies of the quiz, before returning to the front. 

    “You may begin,” she said. 

    I flip over my paper and smile. It is only five questions and it is basically covering my notes from the last couple of days. Ten minutes later, I am done and checking over my work. I stand up and take the quiz to Mrs. Jackson, who looks startled I had finished so soon. I take my seat. We aren’t allowed to take anything else out while others still have tests or quizzes. Twenty minutes later, there are still a few quizzes out. I’m beginning to get anxious. Over half the period is done and still no lesson as of yet. I raise my hand. Mrs. Jackson walks over to me. I ask for the bathroom pass. She purses her lips and nods.  

    I go over to the whiteboard and pick up the pass. I leave the classroom and speed walk to the restroom where I attempt to relax. I can feel the anxiety coming to a head. I don’t like my learning halted for anything. It seems only a few of us study on a nightly basis. I wash my face with cold water and dry it and my hands. I take a deep breath before heading back to class. 

    When I get back, there is only one student still bent over the quiz. I sigh as I return the pass to the whiteboard and take a couple of cleansing breaths as I return to my seat. Taking my seat, I sense sadness and detect tears. I look over to the head that is bent and see him wipe his face. Now my anxiety is replaced with pity. 

    I bow my head, understanding his frustration. I take out a sheet of paper and write my email address on it along with a note about chemistry notes. I fold the sheet and wait. I’m going to have Marie scan my entire chemistry notebook into my computer if she isn’t tired after group. That way I can email the contents but keep my original. 

    I sit up straight as I see him stand up slowly. He walks slowly up to Mrs. Jackson’s desk to hand in his quiz. I close my eyes, willing him to hurry. I hear a light gasp beside me and I open my eyes to see the boy back in his seat. He looks a bit bewildered and I look at Angela, confusion evident on my face. 

    “It looked like someone was pushing him but nobody was there,” whispered Angela. 

    “That is weird,” I whispered back in awe. 

    It seems like I am the true one if I made him do that. Before I can think further on it, Mrs. Jackson stands to begin the lesson for the day. 

    “I didn't think it would take some of you this long to complete the quiz. Now we are going to have to zoom through the lesson. Before we begin, Shyanne, could you tell everyone your study habits for this class?” asks Mrs. Jackson. 

    “Yes ma’am. I take great notes in class, meaning I write down everything on the whiteboard. I read the corresponding sections and take notes from them. I then read through my notes on a daily basis, especially in study period. The notes I read through are those after a test. I mark each section of my notebook with tests so I don’t get confused,” I said. 

    “Thank you, Shyanne. Actually, I would like to talk to you all. The end of the year is fast approaching. We have six weeks until the end of this school term before final exams and promotions. The final exam for this class will be comprehensive and count as 40% of your final grade. All tests will be different to discourage cheating. I will give everyone three hours to take that exam. None of you should need that much time if you follow Shyanne’s study method. Now since there are only ten minutes left in this class today, let’s at least get started on the lesson. I will email you all the complete lesson so you won’t get lost.” 

    Ten minutes later, I am on my way to geometry class. I had slipped the struggling boy the paper I written the note on. I am again anxious but this time because I want the day to be over. I take a deep breath cleansing some of the anxiety. I want to get home and open the tome. If I am the true one, it will give me answers. As I walk into the classroom, Mrs. Mitchell greets me with a smile. She ushers me to her desk. 

    “Shyanne, I don’t know why you took it upon yourself to tutor your tormentors but I am glad that you did. All three retests got perfect marks. Yes, I have seen the way they treated you. I am glad to say their grades have begun to improve. If they can keep up and pass my final exam with better than 70%, they will pass, maybe even above average.” 

    “I am glad to see you rethought your accusations of cheating Mrs. Mitchell. I thought the video would give you some insight. Please don’t mention that part to them. They do not know I recorded that session.  And I will be happy to help them.” 

    “Yes, thank you, Shyanne. I apologize for the accusation. I knew they bullied you. That is the reason behind my thinking of cheating.” 

    “Mrs. Mitchell, if we could have an outline of concepts to study for the final exam, I am sure no one will fail.” 

    “I will think about that one Shyanne. In fact, I'll put it to a vote today.” 

    “Thank you, Mrs. Mitchell.” I take my seat smiling from ear to ear. I already knew everyone would vote yes to the study guide and it would allow me to assign additional homework to the group. The bell rang and Mrs. Mitchell closes the door. She walks to the front of the class and stands there, waiting for the movement and talking to cease. Once she is sure everyone is paying attention, she speaks. 

    “First, I want to apologize to the four students I had accused of cheating yesterday. I was wrong. It has come to my attention, that some of you would appreciate a study guide for the final exam. All those in favor of that study guide, raise your hands.” Every student shot a hand in the air. “I will have the study guide ready for you tomorrow. Now, Shyanne has her hands full with tutoring five students. Do I have any volunteers from my other top three students to take on five students each to help them pass this class?” Arnold raised his hand. “Thank you, Arnold. Please see me after class for a list of five. In the next month, we will explore two chapters. In the two weeks leading up to finals week, we will work on the guide together as well.” 

    Mrs. Mitchell turns her back to the class and begins writing on the whiteboard. I turn to glance at the class and see everyone writing in their notebooks. I smile and turn my attention back to my own notebook. 

***** 

    Forty-five minutes later, the bell rings. It is the end of the school day, thank goddess. I gather my books into my bag, being careful of the tome. I walk to the door to open it but a smell makes me lock it. I quietly link Jana about it. She links Brandon. The students behind me begin to complain until I turn to them and tap my nose. They sniff the air and quiet down. 

    “Shyanne, what is the holdup,” asks Mrs. Mitchell. 

    Before I could answer, there is the sound of growling right outside the door. Then Mrs. Mitchell does something strange. She pulls me back from the door and mutters a few words. I see it, but no one else does. I link Jana to not try to open the door of my classroom and for her to tell the others the same. Mrs. Mitchell's next words rock me to the core. 

    “If you have not turned 16 yet, you will be the last to leave. Those who have, please come to the front.” 

    Is she a witch? I wondered. Mrs. Mitchell looks at me and gives a slight nod. Did she just read my question I asked myself in my mind? Mrs. Mitchell gives another slight nod. Why do you conceal yourself amongst wolves? To keep the true one safe, she replied. I hear Marie calling my name frantically. I turn to look at her. 

    “Brandon says we have to go and do so quickly. He said no one should tough the door per your instructions,” said Marie. 

    Mrs. Mitchell walks to the door and mutters a spell and then another one. The door opens and everyone is rushed out. There is a lot of blood in the hallway. We all rush to lockers that were magically opened by Mrs. Mitchell. Grabbing what we need, everyone rushes out of the school, piling into the waiting SUVs. The security detail stays in wolf form while getting the older students to drive back to the packhouse.