Goldie’s POV It’s been a hard couple of months. I haven’t been able to get back up to the rooftop since the fire. Which meant I couldn’t send or receive any messages from Shannen. Kane never returned to the academy or his pack. He is officially a rogue now. At first, I ended up sharing a bedroom with a girl called Morgan. But after sharing a room with me for one night, she demanded I be moved. My screaming during the night freaked her out. Now I am officially back in Matty’s bedroom. Three of my classmates have graduated since that night. Two haven’t. Both of them went missing before they were due to return home. We have been working hard preparing for the Alpha versus Beta competition. Matty is so excited about seeing his Alpha friends. He can’t wait for me to meet them. I’m starting to worry he might spontaneously combust because he’s that happy. Every human and wolf in the academy is doing so well with their wolf training. Coach Jamerson and Principal Andrews even take our w
Coach Jamerson’s POV Leading up to the competition, the students worked so hard. Principal Andrews and I decided to organize a late-night group run as a reward for all the students. We were to set off at dusk and return by dawn. A few tutors offered to take a group as well. Meaning we can each take six students. Once I got the names of the students I’d be taking, I grinned. Miss. Harper, Mr. Sharper, Mr. Lowery. Miss. Knowlton, Mr. Stubbs, and Mr. Dunne. I called a meeting for my six students, as I want them to know who is in charge. “I know most of you will outrank my wolf North. But when we go out there, I am in charge. Don’t bother showing up tomorrow if that is something your wolf can’t handle.” I told them. It can be dangerous out there, and I want to get us all back safely. Tala’s POV “This is amazing,” I yelled at Goldie as we chased after North. Normally, he wouldn’t be the type of wolf I would follow. It was made abundantly clear by Goldie that I had no choice t f
Asher’s POV As we walked towards the academy’s gates and before, we shifted. I told Carl and Kyle about the truth. It was only fair. They both laughed, not giving a damn. All they cared about was that they got away from Alpha Academy for a few days. Cooper, Cody, and Colt now run united. They know their place and are so much happier. Cooper compliments them frequently. Coach Carter’s efforts brought them closer together. He is a man I will ensure has a place at the palace when we take the throne. Of that, me and my wolf both agree. We visit pack after pack, day after day. Talking to the border patrol. Coach, Carl, and Kyle stay back each time. If there are six of us, they may be on guard. So the three of us approached. Every time they say there are no young women with that name and description, my heart sinks. “Have faith, brother. We will find her,” Fin tells me as we walk away from yet another pack’s borders. He looks like I feel, so I know he is trying to reassure himself a
Asher’s POV We climbed into the car, and I offered to drive. Coach Carter still seems shaken. The car is silent for a while. “Are you okay coach?” Fin finally asks. “Not really. A couple of my students are no longer in this world. I should have been there. I should have been the one to protect them.” He says, choking back a sob. We all just sit in silence and let the man grieve. He doesn’t even know which students have died, and he is already feeling guilty. Another hour passed. We pull over and switch drivers. I am sitting in the back with a glum-looking coach. He is taking their deaths personally. With Fin driving, Dex pulls out a notebook and starts writing something in it. “Did we visit Ribble Valley Pack?” He asks. He must be writing about our recent trip away. “Have you considered that you should be speaking to the Alpha, not the border patrol?” Coach Carter spoke for the first time in hours. “I mean border patrol guards don’t know every pack member. Whereas the Alpha
Goldie’s POV Mrs. Henderson stays in Matty’s room while I shower. She told me I would have to go to my old bedroom afterward. I am not allowed to be in contact with Matty or Kobe until after the investigation. This is standard practice, I know this. As I stood in the hot shower, I thought about Coach Jamerson. A man died because he wouldn’t turn against me. I thought about him and cried. I cried because he had become more than a tutor. He became a friend. He willingly gave up his free time to train with me and Killian. It wasn’t just us. He would help anyone. Although he was not as firm as Coach Carter. He fitted in here. Now, because of some stupid grudge Broady and the rest had with me, he’s gone. After my shower, I walked into Matty’s bedroom to collect my belongings. I get dressed and shove as many of my essential things into my backpack. There is no telling who will do the investigation or how long it will take. “Is that all you want to take, Miss Harper?” Mrs. He
Goldie’s POV After enduring two plane rides and a lengthy run, I am standing in front of the pack’s border patrol. “We weren’t expecting to see you here, Goldie. Alpha Stan told us your dad was leaving for Beta Academy yesterday.” They told me. Dad is not at home, and Samuel is calling out for help. That can’t be good. Oh, goddess, please let them be safe. I pray as I run to my house. I burst through the door, expecting the worst. But it’s quiet. I wander around and there is nothing out of the ordinary. “Maybe your dad took them to Beta Academy with him,” Tala suggested. Maybe Samuel sent that message by mistake, I thought to myself, thinking I had possibly overreacted. As I walk towards the door, I question if I have done the right thing by coming here. But I have to face the consequences of my actions. I left while there was an ongoing investigation. Kellie wouldn’t have gone to Beta Academy to support me. She can’t stand me. Maybe that’s why she went to see me get re
Asher’s POV After Matty found her phone. He told us she would head home. Her sister Shannen’s message implied something serious had happened back home. I can’t believe it. Maria has been at Beta Academy this entire time. Why hadn’t I thought about that being a possibility? As we sat on a private plane that Uncle Jasper organized. I crack my knuckles as I stare at Matty. He has been with her this whole time, and I am jealous. “Tell us about her?” Fin asks Matty, breaking the silence. “What do you want to know?” Matty responded. “Everything,” I said calmly. But really, the only thing I want to know is how they ended up sleeping together. “We share a birthday. We met at the airport when we were on our way to Beta Academy. I left early, seeing as my birthday sucked.” Matty said as he looked at his dad. “Matty I...” Uncle Jasper spoke. But we wanted to hear about Maria. “Let him finish, please,” Dex asked politely. “We hit it off right away. We couldn’t stop laughing and joking
Goldie’s POV I opened my eyes and looked at the ceiling. It’s not one I recognize. Where am I? “About time you woke up,” Tala said. “Glad you’re back,” I responded. I can feel someone next to me. By his scent, I know it’s Samuel. I look over and see a sleeping Shannen, next to a sleeping Matty. All my favorite people are in one room. All my favorite people bar one. My dad. I think that’s what that dream was all about. My parents finding happiness together in the afterlife. A happy ending to an awful situation. But why aren’t I with them? I was, but now I’m not. I rolled over and hugged my brother. Samuel wakes up in my arms. “Goldie,” he shouts ecstatically. Returning my hug. “Hey bro,” I respond. That’s when Shannen comes over and joins us in bed. I pulled her in for a hug, too. When she pulls away from me, I see bruising on her face and a lump on her head. I can’t believe Kellie would do that to her daughter. When they pull away, Matty is standing there. “Hey