The Prophesied Claim

Bad Teacher

“I have to go to work too,” I tell him as he buckles his uniform pants the next morning. The clock already reads 5 AM, and despite the warmth of his body on the sheets and the enticing scent, I can’t laze around. He pauses, a frown coming over his face as he examines me sprawled in his bed. For claiming I need to go to work, I haven’t moved very far. 

“That’s a good idea. You’ll be pretty safe at the school. Too many people to sort through to find you. Lots of nasty smells.”

I snort and toss off the covers, “What body spray and gym clothes aren’t an aphrodisiac?” 

He shrugs, smacking me on the butt as I bend down to dig for clothes, “Don’t know about body spray, but I’ve smelled your gym clothes. Pretty potent stuff. If I wasn’t feeling possessive, I’d suggest selling it online. Quite a market for used panties and shit.” 

I’m laughing too hard to successfully pull my dress over my head, “Seriously? Did you really just decide to sell my panties? That is extremely perverted.” 

“I’m a cop.” He states as though that explains everything.

Since my car is still parked at my apartment, he drops me at school on his way to the police station, promising to pick me up later. I assume that means he won’t be working security today, and feel a bit of relief. His constant presence does nothing for my self-control and having him in the workplace is like dangling drugs in front of an addict. You can look, but don’t touch. Remember what it feels like, but don’t partake. Obviously, that doesn’t work so well for me. 

My good mood translates into a few excellent classes, lunch is completely uneventful, and the only look I get of Miss Busty is to note she seems entirely too chipper for someone who unsuccessfully propositioned an officer of the law. While Alec is definitely not on security duty, I catch a glimpse of Owen with another officer I recognize from Finn’s group. Neither act as though they know me, just patrolling nonchalantly in the halls, but Owen winks in my direction. Probably acting on Alec’s orders I think. As 3:00 PM rolls around, I’m successfully finishing lesson plans and updating grades when the inglorious Mr. Smith shows up at my door. 

“Ms. Madison,” he begins shutting the door behind him, “I’ve had a disturbing report regarding your behaviors outside of this building.” 

I pause in the act of shuffling papers into folders for student pick-up. I sincerely hope there isn’t some illicit video footage of me ripping my clothes off in a public park, and while I feel a serious level of sick panic at the thought, I opt for an attitude of confusion when responding. 

“Oh? What seems to be the problem, Mr. Smith?” I fold my hands on my desk and try to look at him as innocently as possible. 

He stuffs his meaty hands in the pockets of his dress slacks, “Did you abandon your car on the side of the road yesterday afternoon?”

This doesn’t seem like a problematic behavior, and has an easy enough explanation, “I wouldn’t say abandoned, sir. I became quite ill yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Brunswick actually witnessed my illness in the women’s restroom, and was unable to continue driving. My car was parked and I had someone else drive me home.” 

“Don’t lie to me! Mrs. Brunswick reported you were drunk, possibly on drugs as well. You were behaving erratically, violently ill, and even threatened her with bodily harm.” 

Well, I think that certainly explains Miss Busty’s overly enthusiastic self today. She’s been in the office today, and probably found a shoulder to complain to about my supposed delinquent behavior. 

“Sir, I’m not sure what Mrs. Brunswick would gain from such a report. I believe I was ill with food poisoning, as I feel much better today. I’d be happy to submit to a drug screening if that would help alleviate your mind, but this type of accusation is unwarranted and shouldn’t even be spoken of without my representative present.” 

He shakes his head violently, “It’s too late for that, the superintendent was contacted by law enforcement. They informed him you were arrested yesterday for driving under the influence and were issued a citation. You’re being placed on administrative leave indefinitely. The union is in full support.” 

The shock is overwhelming. It’s one thing for Miss Busty to complain and create a crazy story about my behavior, but to have someone actually contact them from law enforcement? That seems beyond unbelievable. I’m not even sure what to say in my defense at this point. 

“Mr. Smith,” I try to sound reasonable, “this is very out of the ordinary. Why would law enforcement contact the superintendent to lodge a complaint against a teacher? Doesn’t that seem a bit odd to you? I am an excellent teacher. I had excellent references for this job and no record. I don’t even have a speeding ticket.” I claim the last with a mixture of pride and disbelief that this is happening. His face is resigned and it’s clear there won’t be any talking to him. I’m being fired. 

“An officer is coming to walk you from the building. I’ll need your ID, security badge, and keys now. You won’t be allowed back on the grounds until after the school board has reviewed the situation. Take only personal belongings. The officer has been instructed to search you before allowing you to leave the premises.” 

I’d like to say I made some incredibly compelling speech or last stand to defend my good name, but I don’t. Instead, I feel tears threaten as I meekly hand over what he’s demanded. Then, I gather all of my personal belongings and wait in silence for the officer to arrive to walk me from the building. I think about calling Alec, but don’t see a reason to, he’s probably already aware of my situation. After all, it’ll probably be Owen walking me to my nonexistent car. 

When Mr. Smith comes back to the room, he isn’t alone this time. A man dressed in full police uniform is with him, while familiar looking, I chalk it up to the uniform. He’s definitely not someone who was with Finn, so probably not a wolf. Great, I think. Alec probably doesn’t know then, or this is such a low-grade situation they’ve let a human handle it. No need to call the wolves for a displaced teacher. 

“Ma’am,” the officer greets me, “I’ll need to search you before we leave.”

Having never been in this situation before, I have no idea of proper protocol. I simply nod and wait for his instructions. 

“You’ll need to stand and face away from me. Spread your legs please. Raise your arms above your head. Interlace your fingers.”

I was always a star student, and follow his instructions immediately. He impersonally touches my body, running hands up and down to check for who knows what, I try to ignore it, but when he feels around my waistband, something drops to the ground with a soft smack. I frown as he glances at the object on the floor. I can’t see what it is, but suddenly he’s cuffing me and reading me my rights. Mr. Smith is shaking his head resignedly, but doesn’t comment as I’m frog marched into the hallway.

“What’s happening? What are you doing?” I demand in a panic. 

“You’re being placed under arrest for possession of what appears to be crystal meth. Your belongings will be available after your arraignment.” 

“It’s not mine,” I scream completely panicked, “I don’t even take cough syrup!” 

“Tell it to the judge, ma’am.” 

I’m hyperventilating, when I brilliantly remember, Alec is a cop. Obviously, I should just mention him and this will all get sorted out. 

“Do you know Officer Garrett? Alec Garrett?” I demand. 

The officer glances at me, and I feel a chill work its way down my spine, “You think that fucker’s gonna do anything to help you now?” 

Suddenly, I realize why he seemed familiar. It’s Donald. 

Donald’s lip curls into what might be a smile, all pretense of professionalism gone, “Ahhh, I was wondering if you’d remember me. You still smell delicious.” he whispers the last in my ear, his tongue darting out to lick, and the sudden need to vomit makes my stomach heave. 

Obviously, I should’ve called Alec. Clearly, this guy isn’t part of the pack and really isn’t going to be interested in my personal safety. 

“Why are you here?” I demand. I would congratulate myself on such a great question, but the sound of my voice sounds a bit strained. 

He shrugs, and I realize we are quickly reaching the exterior doors of the school. I can see his squad car parked at the entrance and another officer is waiting with the door open. He quickens his pace, even giggling slightly as he shoves me through and toward the car. The unholy glee on the second officer’s face galvanizes me into action. 

The first rule of surviving a kidnapping attempt is not to allow yourself to be taken to a secondary location. You’re supposed to fight like crazy. Despite the uniforms these men are wearing, I really think this counts as a kidnapping attempt. So, I start resisting. 

As we get closer to the open car door, I allow my body to go completely limp against Donald’s larger frame. Startled, he isn’t prepared when I swivel and bring my knee toward his crotch. I’ve forgotten though that Alec told me the werewolves have faster reflexes, and rogues especially have allowed their animal side nearly full control.

Instead of burying my knee in Donald’s crotch, it glances off his thigh. Off balance with my hands in cuffs, I start to fall only to be jerked to my feet and backhanded. The blow across my face leaves my ears ringing, and I realize werewolves must also have enhanced strength. I feel the sting of warmth as my nose starts dripping down my face. 

“He’s going to kill you for that,” I taunt Donald, and see the slight paling of the second officer’s face at my threat.

“b***h, he doesn’t even know you’re gone,” the second blow doesn’t register as my vision darkens. 

When I wake up, we’re speeding down the highway. Donald and the other wolf are silent as they drive too fast in the gathering darkness. I surmise we must have been driving for quite some time. We’re no longer in the squad car, so they must have switched after knocking me out. I’m handcuffed and gagged, which is not the most comfortable of situations and laying sideways in a tiny seat is less than ideal. I stay quiet, hoping to get some idea as to their plan, though I’m doubtful that knowing my fate will make it better or more preventable. 

When the car starts to slow, I feel my adrenaline start pumping. Then, the engine shuts off and they leave the car. I try to control the panic that is starting to take over, but I’m not sure how to contain the hysteria. If they can smell me as easily as Alec can, they’ll know how upset I am. It might even make whatever happens next worse if they know I’m terrified. 

The car door opens and a different man grabs me around the waist, hauling me bodily from the vehicle. We march to a tiny, ranch style house that sits offset from the rest of a neighborhood. Either they own the neighborhood or the cover of darkness is able to disguise the fact someone has a prisoner. I mean, really, I’m being dragged into a house with the front porch light on still wearing handcuffs and a gag. Seems like someone might find that a bit odd. 

I don’t know what I expected, but the inside is completely trashed out. Literally, trash is everywhere. Dirty clothes and take-out boxes dominate the interior of the first room and the small group gathered in what I surmise is the living room are sitting amongst the debris. No one seems to notice anything wrong, but I start to become more afraid of contracting hepatitis than anything else they might have planned. 

Donald’s standing at attention at the couch, and seems to be gleefully reciting the tale of my capture. The man listening switches his attention as I enter the room, and I stumble as I recognize his eyes. 

He has Alec’s eyes.