Discovering Me

The Last Straw

Great two-a-day classes again. I think as I grab my bag and look at Jeff who’s still looking around the room.

“You ready?” I asked him. I'm starving and can't wait to shower and get some food.

“Yes. That training was intense. You may have gotten knocked around a lot here, but your speed is shown and recovery would almost put you in advance in our training. I didn't know you had it in you. Are you really going to the hybrid academy next year?” He asks.

“No. I’m going this year and will finish my last year of high school there.” I explain as I start to place my bag over my shoulder to leave but am thankful when Jeff takes it from me. We left walking towards the elevators, going to where the guest rooms for our pack is located. We still have an hour and a half before our classes start.

“Ugh. Do I need to call security again to get you away from me? What are you stalking me?” I heard from behind and turned to see Candace walking out of another training room. I rolled my eyes and turned back around to continue walking. I'm too tired to even give her a reaction. “RASHAWN!” she yells and he immediately runs out to her side.

“What's the matter, my Cotton Candy?” I heard him say as we pressed the button to get on the elevator.

“ Your crazy ex is menacing outside our training session. I thought there was a restraining order so she couldn’t stalk us.” She says, throwing herself in his arms.

“There is!” he growls and stalks towards us. “What are you doing over here?” He asks.

I didn’t even want to give him a reply, so I just rolled my eyes at him and looked back at the elevator. What's taking this thing so long?

“Excuse me, Alpha. I’m her escort assigned by Alpha Donnie. We just left from training and now I’m escorting her back to her room. I can assure you she was not stalking you two. She hasn’t even said a word.” Jeff explains and I glare at him. I know he's only trying to be helpful, but I don’t need him explaining anything to them.

“Is that so? Donnie’s class was over 20 minutes ago. What were you doing in that time? You really need to get over me Lexi, I'm a mated man. You're making my mate really uncomfortable,” Alpha Rashawn says arrogantly.

“Did I just hear him right?” Sierra asks me.

“You sure did. His arrogant a.ss think I am obsessing over him” I replied.

“How dare he. I know you’re tired, but let me out. I’ll kick his as.s” Sierra growls

“He’s an alpha, boo. Unfortunately, I don’t think you’d have a chance.”

“Not a strong one. He will never be a strong one with such a weak b!tch as his mate. We don’t even have to suck the life out of him, she's doing it.”

“She is a weak cry baby as.s b!tch. I can’t wait to get away from this place. All the trouble these two keep causing. He better not show up to our room tonight. I should have told Alpha Donnie about that surveillance video that was sent to us. What was he going to do about it?” I vented.

“Oh, this is interesting.” I heard, snapping myself out of my thoughts. Jacob is standing in front of me with his hand on my shoulder. “You’re a siphoning wolf. That’s why I sensed the vampire." he walked over in front of me, putting his hand on my forehead." Young Alpha, I think you and your mate should probably leave. I can only hold her powers so long.” He says, and I look up, seeing both Rashawn and Candace holding their chests.

“I’ve been lenient with you, Lexi, but this is the last straw. I'm definitely reporting this to the elders.” Alpha Rashawn says, panting for his breath.

“Lexi?” I looked up and nodded my head. “Let's get you on this elevator and back to your room.” Jacob said, and I saw Jeff holding the elevator door for us to go in.

“Thank you, Jacob. I’m glad you were here to stop me. I really wish they would just leave me alone. I can’t wait to leave for the academy.” I said, still upset.

“I just wanted to let you know I’m writing a review of this for the academy. I’m not sure what’s going on with your situation but this needs to be documented.” Jacob says, watching me deep in thought. Oh no, I'm panicking because I need to get away from this place. I have to go to the academy.

“I promise I didn’t do anything. Jeff can tell you. I just walked away and waited for the elevator.” I am concerned this whole thing may have messed up my chance of getting into the academy. “ I promise I’ll try to do a better job of controlling my rage. It won’t happen again. Please, I really want to get into the academy”, I continued.

“Oh you’re already in. Especially after the taste of power I saw come off of you. Looks like we've reached your stop, but make sure you’re at the training this evening after lunch.” He instructs.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I walked off the elevator and towards my room.

“Hey Lexi,” Jeff calls from behind me, “ I’m not sure why that Alpha and Luna have such a hard on for you, but know, you can call one of us to escort you anytime. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll tell the guys to keep an eye out to make sure you’re okay. You can also call me if you get in trouble with Alpha Donnie. I'll let him know you didn't do anything. You didn't even touch them. I have to get changed, but I will be back if you are coming down to the cafeteria for breakfast.” He asks.

“Thank you. No, I dont’ think it’s a good idea for me to go to the cafeteria, especially after what just happened. Amber is making breakfast in our room,” I replied.

“Amber Heard? Do you mind if I stop by? I’ll escort you to your class.” He desperately asked. The way he said her name I can tell he was crushing on her. Maybe he's using that as an opportunity to get close to her. He helped me, so the least I can do is return the favor right.

“Sure. I’ll ask Amber to make a little extra for you as well.” I said.

“I’ll be knocking in 15” he says as I open my room. I nodded and walked in.

“Hey Amber, I’m going to take a shower and get changed. Jeff said he'd be stopping by after he get cleaned and will be my escort to class. Can you make him a little something for breakfast too?” I said as I walked in. I see she’s busy cooking on the stove. I hope it didn't add too much to what she was doing.

“Sure. Wait. Jeff Greir? The hottest warrior, Jeff? Are you two a thing?” She asks.

“No. He was sent to babysit me. I actually think he wanted to stop by to see you.” I teased, wiggling my eyebrows.

“OH MY GOD. I need to fix my hair. How do I look? Do I have the ingredients to make his favorite banana pancakes? I think I do. I’ll make that for him.” She begins whipping up ingredients and I laugh, walking into the bathroom. She’s so cute. It would be so sweet if they ended up being mates.

This week went by really fast. Two-a-day training really kicked my but, but I started getting used to it by the end of the week. Jeff made sure to escort me everywhere all week and even joined in with all of our meals. I think that was his way of getting closer to Amber. I can’t wait to see what happens with the two of them when I come back in August.

Jacob arranged so I would be leaving for the academy to start the summer classes so it won’t be as heavy of a class load on me this school year. As it happens, he has a friend who is also a siphoning wolf hybrid and thought I needed to get into training under him immediately. I really needed a change of scenery and was so happy when my parents agreed, since this would be an excellent opportunity. They have already begun packing my things so they can drive me to the academy right after the convention.

There was only a day between arriving back home and time for me to go. I’m both excited and nervous. I’m going to miss my friends and family. I just have a feeling this is the right move for me.

“Don’t get too used to being by yourself. I’m going to be joining you as soon as I can. You had better make a good name for me. Let them know the Colette’s are a force to be messed with.” My brother EJ says, hugging me. He’s 3 years younger than I am and has always wanted to become a warrior.

“Do you know who you’re talking to? I’m going to make sure they know.” I said, hugging him back. “But you know by the time you get there I may not be there long. I’ll probably be assigned an internship position or sent to help a pack in need.”

“Yeah, I know. And I probably won’t be in the field much because I want to be in the tech division”, he says, walking me out of the house. Dad has a few of the pack warriors helping pack my dad's truck and I see Tia, Janet and Amber walking up with what looks like a care package.

“Hey.” I said, waving at my friends.

“Dang girl, are you moving your whole family?” Tia asks as she gets closer.

“No. It actually isn’t a lot. I'm packing just my clothes and a few other essentials. The rest is stuff sent from different members of the pack. Mrs Baker gave me a mini fridge, a microwave and a toaster oven from her shop. And Mr Stapleton sent an old TV he had in his basement and some other things he thought I should have.” I said, pointing at the items being loaded.

“Aww, that’s sweet. Here, Alpha and Luna sent you a care package.” Amber says, showing me the box in her hand.

“I may or may not have eaten your bag of chips that was on top, but don’t worry, I’m bringing you some curtains and things to decorate your dorm from my mom’s interior decorating company.” Janet says, showing me her box.

“I’ll make sure I snack on the curtains if I get hungry on the drive” I say, laughing at her saying that like it’s an even exchange.

That evening we started our 14-hour drive to Oklahoma. My dad was going to do the first 4 hours while Mom and I rested, then Mom was going to do the next 4 hours and I did the next, then we would stop for breakfast and my dad was going to do the remaining drive. We arrived at 9am and headed to the admissions office to meet up with Jacob and Keenan, my new mentor. I’ll have a roommate but she won’t be arriving until the end of summer.

“Hello,” the receptionist at the front counter greeted us. “May I have your name and whom you’re here to visit?”

“Hello, my daughter's name is Alexandria Colette and we’re here to get her set up for the summer.” my dad replied.

“Yes, I see her name here. You can have a seat while I page Jacob. He should be nearby. There are a few other summer admissions he’s helping. He'll take you to Sandra Gray, your student advisor.” She says as she picks up the phone and calls. A few minutes later, Jacob was walking down the hall with a very handsome, tall, muscular man. He was so goodlooking even Sierra had to take a look at him.

“He’s handsome but remember no guys, babygirl.” My mom whispered, taking me back out of my thoughts.

“Not on my radar.” I replied, trying to give a sweet smile. I'll admit they’re both very handsome, but I know I can't afford to look at anyone but my mate. I don’t need any more complicated situations.

“Hey, Lexi. Hello Mr. and Mrs Colette, I’m Jacob Millowoski and this is Keenan Patel. We’re two of the four head trainers here in the academy,” Jacob introduced him.

“So shortcakes, I’ll be serving as your surrogate big brother from this point on.” Keenan says, patting me on the back.

“Shortcakes?” I asked him with a raised eyebrow.

“Well you do have red on with white polka dots like strawberry shortcakes and you are short shortcakes.” He says and my brother starts laughing. “Who’s this guy?” He asks.

“That’s my little brother EJ.” I answered, scowling at my brother for laughing at that.

“I like this guy. That’s the perfect nickname for you, Lexi, especially with your hair. Man, you should see it when it gets wet. It poofs out and she looks like a big mushroom.” My brother says, laughing as I punch him in his arm.

“EJ don’t embarrass your sister.” My mom says, grabbing him away from me.

Jacob and Keenan lead us down the hall and up the elevator to the 4th floor where Mrs Gray’s office is located. She seems very pleasant and lets me know she’s available for me anytime if I ever need her. She gave us an information packet, a campus directory, my dorm key and my schedule for the summer.

We got to the dorm room and it was really nice. It’s one big room but has a divider to separate it into two living spaces with a bed wardrobe and a desk on each side and has a full bathroom for us to share. I pick the side on the left. Dad and EJ brought up my stuff with the help of Jacob and Keenan, while my mom helped me organize and put things away. Everything fits perfectly.

“Hey Lexi, I have to go. I have another student arriving.You have my number so feel free to call if you need anything. Keenan, will you be staying?” Jacob asked.

“Of course, I have to make sure my new little sis has everything she needs and right now my belly is saying she needs lunch. You got us right dad?” Keenan says with a coy smile.

“If you promise to keep my daughter out of trouble,” my dad says.

“She looks so sweet and innocent. I’m not sure what trouble she may have been getting into but I promise we’ll make sure this is a new start. We’ll start this week with lessons on how to keep her siphoning ability in check, but I’ll also teach her how to use it as an offensive tool, not just as a defense mechanism. She’ll learn a lot by the end of the summer”, he says, switching right back into teacher mode.

“Sounds good to me.” My dad says.

“Hey bro. I think I need to be taught where to get the best burger and fries. Don’t think you just adopted my sister without me,” EJ says.

“Of course not. There’s a diner down the street I think everyone will like,” Keenan replied.