He stared at me as he smirked. “I can only assume some of you have put it together. Yes, I am that Rowan. And yes, I am the king. But no, you don’t have to call me King. I would honestly prefer if you didn’t. In class, anyways.” He winked and turned to his computer. He turned on the projector, linked it and then turned back to us while everything finished starting up. “But there is one thing I have to do.” He released his aura, and it slammed into us. It was the first time I actually felt someone’s power enough that I had to fight to stay standing. He watched everyone drop to their knees, except me. I stood a fraction of a second too long. His eyes widened, and he pushed more power at me. I just winked back and got to my knees to keep up appearances. He gave a tiny nod in appreciation and walked the front of the classroom. “Since I am here for this class only. I do not want it to be known that I am here. For one thing, I do not want females throwing themselves at me, and second, I do
Rowan shook his head and made his way to the back of the class. “This isn’t my typical first class, but I feel like we have certain things that we should go over.” He slid on to his desk. “We as wolves have a hierarchy for a very simple reason. The strong protects the weak. The high rank you have, the more people you have to worry about.” He wiped his face. “Alphas have to know that there are better ways to get information, though.” A man named Steven chimed in. I snorted. “Okay. Tell me how you would have done it.”“What?” Steven turned to face me. “You said we have to know there are better ways. How would you have done it then? The alpha was in danger. We didn’t know how deep the betrayal went. Within a day, we had a rogue attack that was organized, that multiple rogues were working together like they were in a pack. Without the information I could gather, my father would have been dead, the pack over run and demoralized. As the attack targeted women and children. So what would y
I shut my computer and packed it away. Everyone else was doing the same. “Amy, can you hang back a minute?” Rowan called and I wanted to groan, but I just nodded and stayed in my seat. Everyone walked by me, and a few stopped by the side of my desk. “Amy?”I looked up and met the gamma from the beginning of the class, Steve. “Yeah?”“We just wanted to apologize for earlier today.” I was shocked. “What?”Steve just laughed. “We aren’t stupid enough to not realize that we spoke without knowing the full story. We judged you without knowing what you had to go through, or the decisions you had to make. I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions and calling you those names.”The other two nodded. “We are sorry, too. We don’t honestly know what going into running a pack, but we know our alpha keeps us as safe as possible. And probably had to make some of the same decisions you have had to make, and we wouldn’t want anyone judging him.”I sat back and stuck out my hand. “I appreciate it.” They sh
I jolted back, and he raised his hands. “Sorry. What did you say?”“The included basic food plan was removed ten years ago.” I said it again. “Why are you confused? You work here.”“I don’t, actually. I volunteer here. Like I said, this is my hobby, and I enjoy this kind of thing. And it’s not like I have a pack or anyone other than the council to worry about.” He tossed out the words so carelessly, and I winced. “Does it bother you?” I asked, but he brushed me off. “I’m not privy to the interworkings of the school, so I didn’t know.” His eyes flashed, like his wolf was fighting for control. But I couldn’t make out the colour before it was gone. His human eyes were a stormy gray, and I felt my lower body clench. Nix was panting in my mind, and Megan, my sweet girl, was sitting back and watching the show. You two are foolish. Her words were quiet, but there was a tiny bite to them. That cooled my thoughts of the king. Megan lost her mate before she could enjoy the feelings, and that
I walked into the main cafeteria that doubled as a store and grabbed a basket. I took my time going through the store first. The mini fridge I brought should be down to temperature and needed to be stocked. I grabbed an array of drinks, water, sodas, chocolate milk. Then I moved on to snacks. I had already decided to turn the top shelf of my desk into a small pantry for shelf snacks. I grabbed crackers, chips, sweet cakes, and a few apples and bananas. I moved onto the cafeteria portion for food. I saw something that caught my eye and I rushed over. They had small refrigerated dinner boxes. Sushi and teriyaki chicken that looks absolutely delicious. I grabbed a few boxes. Some for tomorrow and a few for dinner tonight. I was starving. Shifting takes a lot of calories to do, and Nix is on edge. Protein would help with that. Once I was full, I headed to the cashier. I stood behind a few people and zoned out until something caught my ear. “I can’t believe you gave us ten thousand dolla
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Nina stepped closer to me. “Who are you to talk down to me?” She snarled in my face, but I couldn’t help the laugh.I raised my hands again with my basket hanging from one. “Listen, who I am isn’t your concern. But it just seems very convenient that you are taking credit for something that was supposed to be anonymous.”Nina stepped closer. “Just because Professor R stood up for you doesn’t mean I’m afraid of you. Professor R is a man. And like any man, his attention will drift, but let me make myself very clear, he’s mine. He might support you now, but he will come back to me.”I looked up, met her glare, and started laughing. “What the fuck does he have to do with you claiming to donate money?”She stepped closer. “I just want you to know that just because he stood up for you today doesn’t mean he will cover for you now.”I had to bend over; I was laughing so hard. “He knows who donated the money. As does Alpha Vince and Mrs. Sandlewood. Somethin
I turned to look back at the white faced Nina and the screeching pack of girls around her. She was trying to battle back, but you could tell she had lost steam. Suddenly, there was a loud beep that went through the air. Everyone froze, and I turned back to Wendy and she mouthed the word, ‘Announcements’. I just nodded and turned back to the line to wait my turn to pay. “Good evening students.” Alpha Vince’s voice came over the speakers, and I had to stop my eyes from rolling. “It has come to my attention that there are a lot of students claiming that they were the ones that donated the money to the student body. I wanted to clear up some facts, so that there were no more infighting.” I turned wide eyes to Wendy, and she winced. “He wouldn’t.” I whispered, but knowing him, he would. He would one hundred percent claim the donation for Brandon or himself. “Let me be very clear about this. The person who donated the money wanted to stay anonymous. And anyone that has made the claim tha
I made it back to my room, and I wanted to collapse. I dropped my bags at the door, and took off my shoes. I grabbed the bags and put everything away. I left the sushi to have for dinner and put the rest into the fridge. I grabbed my laptop out of my bag and set it up to watch a show while I ate dinner. Once I was finished eating, I took a quick shower and had crawled into bed when I remembered I had to call the king. I groaned as I pulled myself out of the bed to the safe. I punched in the code and unlocked the lockbox inside, and grabbed the phone. I crawled back into bed with both of my phones. Ronnie had saved his number into my main phone, so I had to get the number off one for the other. I saved the number under King Rowan, pulled my main phone in, and then dialed.I was hoping he wouldn’t pick up. I checked the time, as the phone rang for a third time and realized it was nearly midnight. I winced as the phone call connected and a deep voice, rough with sleep, answered. “Hello?
I felt the world fall out from under my feet and I staggered back. Only Toya kept me upright. I knew he was going to do this. I just didn’t think it was going to happen so close. “You have got to be joking.” Wendy cried. Hanna and Micca both growled, and I saw Sterling wince. Not in submission, but just from the ferociousness of the two. They sounded like they would kill someone. “Tell us you are lying, Sterling.” Micca’s voice was low, and I didn’t have to glance to know her wolf, Muse, was very much present.Sterling looked away again. “I’m not sure. Jora just told me. But the King made a statement that there was going to be an announcement tomorrow. And I figured you should know.” I nodded. “Don’t let them up. I’ll come down in a minute.” Sterling nodded, grabbed his bag, and left. But I turned to my friends. “I have to go check my email and my phone.”Everyone nodded, but Toya followed me back into my room. “If there isn’t an email or text, or voicemail from that fucking man ab
Months later…“I can’t believe our first ‘year’ is done.” Wendy collapsed onto my sofa as we all shuffled into my living room. “I know. It’s been insane. But at least they are giving us a week of being class free before we start classes again.” Hanna stretched out onto the floor. She groaned as she rolled on my thick fur carpet. “Next time you nest, come to our place, please.” She laughed as Wendy threw a pillow at her. She tucked it under her head. “What?” She turned onto her side, staring at the rest of us. “You’re telling me you aren’t super jealous of her fur lined, super comfy everything?” She laughed as Micca curled up on the other half of the sofa and Toya lounged on the love seat. She pointed at my chair. “Look at that thing!”I smiled as I settled in, and the contented purring of my wolves came back to me. “It’s honestly great.”She huffed and crossed her arms. “See.” The rest of the girls laughed. I looked around, and it blew my mind, seeing the difference. All of them had
I laughed as I clutched her hand as a lifeline. My mind kept dragging me back to that day. I had spent so much of my time focused on my next move that I had pushed my last life to the back of my mind. Or I tried to.But when ever I was asleep, my mind would bring me back to that day. To my son’s softly staggered breathing, and his face pressed against my skin. I wake up with his scent in the air and I have to search my bed to remember that he is gone. Never even existed in this life. “Before I tell you, I need to explain this. In my last life, I knew nothing I do now. I didn’t even know about my second wolf. It had always just been Nix and me.”“Nix?”“My black wolf. My secret Lycan.” I snorted. “She is my alpha. Megan, my grey wolf, is a gamma. Still Luna rank, just not as strong.” I heard a snort in my mind. I sent back love, and she sent a wave back. “Your power?” Toya asked, but I shook my head slowly.“Because of who I am, I needed to balance my power and be able to control it
The longer she stared up at me, the more I felt the need to squirm under her gaze. “Toya…”“Holy fucking goddess.” Toya jumped to her feet. “Are you serious? This makes so much sense.” She turned in a circle, talking to herself. “The fact you are so powerful.” She started to list things off. “That I felt drawn to you. Instantly, we had a connection.” She whirled back to facer me. “You said wolves. Does that mean you have a wolf, and a Lycan…Do you have two forms? Do you have actual powers, or does it just bump up your aura and power level?” The questions poured out of her like vomit. She couldn’t stop.I held up my hand, and she froze. “Come sit back down.” She sat next to me and I concentrated on my hand. A wisp the size of a tennis ball appeared, and she gasped. Her eyes growing wide as she stared at me. “You have power?” I laughed and nodded.“Yes, I have power, actual power. That’s why we can always talk openly here and not have to worry about being overheard. I snap a shield in
I watched Toya settle. “Good.” Her answer startled me a bit. “Good?”She nodded. “I was worried you were going to say yes.”I laughed. “Why?”“I don’t trust her. Never have. But I thought she was already your friend when she came over with us, but when I saw you didn’t know her, I was thrown.” Toya picked at her nails. “My wolf doesn’t trust her.”I laughed. “Neither does mine.” I settled into my new couch and I felt a content filled purr work its way up from my chest. I had to shake my head and push up off the couch before I embarrassed myself even more. Toya stood with a groan. “Is there anything else coming today?” We both looked around the room and stared at the new couch and love seat. Both we a soft grey that was over plush. I knew as soon as I saw them with Sterling, I needed them. I shook my head. “The chair was on back order.” I smiled when I thought of my reading chair. It was a double wide seat with a soft plush cover. That one really made Nix want to purr. Just the ide
“Push.” I called out and I felt the sofa shift. “We almost have it.” I heard a groan, and then we were through the doorway. “Ugh.” I moaned. “Finally.”“Why did you have to change the fucking furniture?” Toya groaned as she placed the new piece down in my bare living room.I collapsed onto the last piece of the huge sectional we just moved in. I could feel the need to nest itching at my skin and I didn’t know why. “Has your nesting ever kicked in?” I turned to face her where she had sunk into the overly plush dark grey fabric my wolf craved as soon as she saw it in the store.I turned my mind inward and called out to my wolves…but other than the random needs she sends my way, Nix has been MIA since Rowan left and Megan has stayed away too.Hello? I called out, but nothing. I miss you both. I hoped I could see them, but I understood; she needed her space. I just wanted them to know how much I missed them. I was so absorbed with my wolves that when Toya finally answered me; I was surpr
“Punch Wendy.” I screamed as she tapped her hand against my glove, and I wanted to growl my frustration. Well, frustration was an understatement. I was pissed. Rowan’s words still ricochetted in my mind. ‘I’ll court these women and see what I can find.’ He was mine…the thought still bounced in my mind. He was mine. You are oddly territorial over a man that isn’t our mate. Megan pointed out but Nix stayed silent. She had been silent since Rowan left last night. Why are you so quiet? I asked as I focused on Wendy’s attempt at a combination. She was getting better. I cracked a smile when she landed the last punch.“Good job Wendy.” She panted as she grinned. “Thank you.” She panted as she caught her breath. “I’ve been practising at home.” “I can tell. Go grab a drink.” I pointed to the sideline and turned my attention back to Nix, but all I got was her tail disappearing into the trees.What is going on with her? I asked Megan, who got to her feet.I think she is trying to figure ever
We kissed for longer this time. Nix and Megan came to the edge of my mind. I know they were there to watch me, stop me from making a choice that would affect all of us. But they were letting me have this. I reluctantly pulled away from his face and the smile that lit his face made me want to kiss him again. “I’m sorry.” I completely let go of his face and I felt my face burn.“You are perfect.” He whispered, which made my face burn even more.“Why does my father want you to accept a chosen mate?” I turned the conversation back to what was important.“He doesn’t. He just wants me to pretend I have.” Rowan leaned back, but grabbed my hand in his and threaded our fingers together. “The council has been pushing Nina at me because she is the niece of one member, but there are a few other candidates. He wants me to fight against the council and then maybe next year or so, when you are ready, to court these women.”“Why?” I felt the telltale burn at my gums. My fangs wanted to descend again
His words were a soft balm on the pain I was feeling. But I needed to get a little space. So I slid off his lap, and I saw a flash of hurt flash in his eyes. “I like him too. But my wolf actually feels the same about another, so I understand.” I slid next to him and grabbed his hand. “But what did you mean about an opportunity?”Regret flashed in his eyes and then they faded to his normal brown. Rowan was back. “Hi.” He was struggling with something.“Hey.” I smiled and grabbed his hand. “What’s wrong?”He sighed. “What I’m about to say will make zero sense and I know already it isn’t fair, but it’s how I feel, okay?”I turned to face him. “Okay.”“I don’t like that your wolf likes this unknown male.” Hu huffed out a laugh. “And like I said, I know I’m a hypocrite. Okay, I do, but I wish you both just liked me…”I listened as he explained and smiled, but it was a little sad. “I feel exactly the same way. But we can’t change our wolf’s mind. They have to figure out their own feelings,