by Cheree Alsop
“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” he replied. He nodded and Siale followed his gaze.
“Dad!”
Red awoke and sat up so fast he fell off his chair. He scrambled to his feet and was at his daughter’s side in a blur.
“Siale, you’re awake!”
She gave a little laugh that was music to Alex’s ears. He climbed off the bed, aware of how much he already missed holding her in his arms.
“I’ll give you guys some time to catch up,” he said.
“You don’t have to go,” her father replied.
Siale’s warm smile filled Alex with happiness. He returned the smile. “I’m going to check on Trent. Do you want anything?”
Siale shook her head. “Just you back here with the news that Trent’s okay.”
“I’ll bring it,” Alex replied.
He walked down the hall feeling as though he floated. Knowing Siale was going to be alright banished the last of the darkness that had filled him through the long night. His aches and pains were gone to the point that he barely felt them; one more day and he would never know he had been injured.
“Well, don’t you look like a new person,” Meredith said when Alex poked his head in the nurses’ lounge.
He surprised his mother by crossing straight to her and giving her a big hug. “Thank you for saving Siale.”
“She’s awake?” Meredith asked, returning his hug.
Alex nodded and stepped back. “She’s going to be just fine, thanks to you and Lyra. I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Your smile’s enough,” his mother replied fondly. “I’ve missed it.”
Alex leaned against the table. “Did you get any rest?” A closer look at his mother revealed the same dark circles under her eyes and weariness in her gaze even though she tried to hide it. “I’m guessing not.”
Meredith shook her head. “Not really, but it doesn’t matter. Sleep can wait when our students’ lives are on the line. Fortunately, I can say we saved everyone we could, including Trent.”
Alex nodded. “Red told me. I’m on my way to visit him.” He asked the question he didn’t want to. “Mom, how many students did the curs kill?”
Meredith hesitated as if she didn’t want to tell him. She finally gave him. “Four. Three Termers and Kayce.”
Alex rubbed his forehead. Kayce was one of the younger Lifers. He hadn’t known the werewolf well, but the redhead had been a regular on Raynen’s pack. “Which Termers?” he asked.
Meredith’s eyes studied the floor, letting Alex know just how much it hurt her to lose them. “We lost Daniel Adamson.”
“Boris’ Second?”
His mother nodded.
Alex let out a slow breath. Boris had taken quite a few blows. While Daniel wasn’t Boris’ usual Second, having been chosen just for the shakeup term, the pair had seemed to get along and work well together. Alex knew Boris wouldn’t take the loss well.
“We also lost James Duncan and Pip Jones,” Meredith said quietly.
Alex paused. He looked at his mother. “Pip? He died?” At her nod, regret rushed over Alex. Pip had almost gotten him and Cassie killed a few years back, but the little werewolf with the big ears had only been trying to protect his family. Since then, Pip had become an integral part of Pack Jericho. The thought of the pack’s quarters without the enthusiastic werewolf was an empty one.
“His parents took his body back for burial,” Meredith said, her voice soft as if she knew Alex was hurting. “They asked for a private funeral. With everyone going home tomorrow, Jaze felt it would be best.”
Alex nodded. He inhaled a shuddering breath and let it out. “What do you do?” he asked quietly, more to himself then his mother. He looked at her. “What should I do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Drogan’s curs were looking for me. Maybe I shouldn’t go with Red when the Termers leave tomorrow. I should be helping Jaze hunt them down so they can’t hurt anyone else.”
His mother watched him closely, understanding him as only a mother could. “You need to go.”
Alex shook his head, but Meredith spoke before he could.
“I want you to leave this place.”
Alex pushed away the small pang of hurt at her words.
“This may be home,” his mother continued, “But there is pain here and unrest. You’re not safe. You need to go and give Mouse and the others a chance to make it safer for you and the other students. You shouldn’t have to live in fear, Alex. I don’t know how many of the other parents are going to let their children come back. And maybe they’re right.”
The unspoken concern hung in the air. Alex set a hand on Meredith’s arm. “Mom, this is my home and my family is here. I want it to be safe as much as anyone else.”
“Then give them a chance to make it that way,” his mom replied with a touch of pleading in her voice. She covered his hand with her own. “Go with Red. Take Cassie and Tennison, and have some fun where Drogan can’t find you. Experience what you’re supposed to at your age.”
“I’m going to propose to Siale.”
Alex’s words hung in the air for a moment. Meredith stared at him, her eyes bright with surprise. Her mouth turned up in a smile so huge that when her eyes filled with tears, Alex didn’t know what was wrong.
“Mom?”
“I’m so happy!” she said, her tears breaking free. She threw her arms around his neck and sobbed, “My little boy is getting engaged.”
Alex chuckled and patted her back. “It’s okay, Mom.”
“I know,” she replied with a half-sob, half-laugh. “I’m just so proud of you I don’t know what to do!”
“Come with me to pick out the ring,” Alex offered, trying to keep from his voice how anxious he really was about the task.
Meredith took a step back so she could look at him. “Really?”
Alex nodded with another chuckle at the hopeful shock on her face. “Of course. You’re my mother.” He gave her a warm smile. “I need your input in these things.”
Meredith went into planning mode. “We’ll bring Cassie, for sure,” she said, looking at Alex for confirmation.
“Definitely,” Alex told her. “She’d kill me if I left her out.”
“Maybe we can get Jaze to fly you guys to Red’s a day later.”
“That’s a great idea,” Alex said with relief. He had been worried trying to figure out how to look at rings without Siale being there. The extra day with her father would no doubt be welcome for both of them. Telling her Jaze needed him to finish a few things at the Academy wouldn’t be a far stretch. He was highly interested in the changes Mouse and Brock would be making, and wanted to do what he could to ensure the safety of the Lifers who would be staying at the Academy during the summer.
“Go check on Trent,” Meredith told him with a warm smile. “I’ll work out the details.”
Alex gave her another hug. “Thanks, Mom. I knew I could count on you.”
He made his way down the hall to Trent’s room. Instead of finding Jordan waiting worriedly by the side of her love’s bed, he found Trent and Jordan sitting on the bed holding hands and talking.
Alex tapped on the open door with his knuckles. “This is a much better way to find you,” he said with a smile. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“Come in, Alex!” Trent said. His voice was scratchy, but he looked so much better Alex knew the werewolf would be completely healed by the next evening.
Alex crossed to his friend’s bed. “I came by before, but...”
Trent nodded. “Jordan told me. She said Siale was in bad shape, too.”
“She’s going to be fine,” Alex told him, taking the chair by the bed. “She’s tough, like you.”
Trent shook his head. “I’m not that tough.” He touched the bandages around his throat. “If it wasn’t for Jordan, I wouldn’t be here.”
“I’m more grateful for that then you know,” Alex said, smiling at Jordan. “You’re my right-hand man
, Trent. What would I do without you?”
“Get into more trouble,” Trent confirmed. “I wouldn’t be nagging in your ear for you to take care of yourself.”
“At least you make me consider it,” Alex answered.
Trent chuckled. The sound was a bit rough and he put a hand to his neck as if it bothered him a bit.
“I’ll go get you a drink,” Jordan said, excusing herself. She patted Alex’s shoulder on her way past. “Dr. Benjamin said he needs more sleep.”
“I won’t keep him for too long,” Alex promised.
They watched Jordan leave. “You have a good girlfriend there,” Alex said. “I don’t think a dozen werewolves could have pulled her from your side.”
Trent nodded, his eyes on the doorway as though Jordan couldn’t return soon enough. “She’s my reason to breathe.” He glanced at Alex. “I hear you took care of most of those curs.”
Alex sat back in his chair. “A few of them. Not enough.” He indicated Trent’s throat. “They caused a lot of pain, and students died.”
Trent swallowed and winced. “I heard about Pip,” he said quietly.
Alex nodded. There wasn’t anything to say. They had known the small werewolf for the same amount of time. Both knew how much he would be missed.
“Are you leaving tomorrow?” Trent asked.
Alex hesitated, thinking of his conversation with his mother. “I feel like I shouldn’t.”
“But you are,” Trent guessed. At Alex’s nod, Trent sat up straighter. “Good. You should.”
“I feel like I’m abandoning everyone,” Alex admitted.
“Just me,” Trent told him. At Alex’s concerned look, the scrawny werewolf grinned. “Kidding, Alex. Geesh. You take everything so seriously. You need to get out of here.”
“That’s what my mom said.”
“She’s a smart woman,” Trent replied. “And I’m not just saying that because I got an A in her class. She knows what’s best for you. Listen to her.”
Alex voiced what was bothering him. “What if the curs attack again? I won’t be here to help fight them.”
“Jordan said they found seven bodies, six in and around the lake, and one in the forest with its eyes gouged out. It apparently ran into a forked tree trunk, strangling itself after it was blinded. A bunch more were shot at the perimeter.” Trent watched Alex, his eyes searching his friend’s face. “How many more do you think Drogan has?”
“I don’t know,” Alex admitted. “But the way he talked made it sound like they had a lot. They’re strong. I couldn’t have beaten them if I didn’t jump in that lake.”
“They were looking for you?” Trent guessed.
“Yeah, for sure. The way they followed me when I ran was obvious.”
“So we’ll make it obvious that you left,” Trent replied, already thinking ahead. “If they know you’re gone, it’ll protect the Academy. Drogan can waste his time looking for you, and the students and staff will be safe.” He smiled. “I know you. Thinking Drogan’s after you instead of anyone else is the only way you can relax.”
Alex was amazed at his friend. After everything Trent had gone through, the werewolf was still watching over him. He heard Jordan’s footsteps and stood. “You’re amazing, Trent. Hang in there, okay?”
“You too,” Trent said.
Alex hesitated beside the chair. “Seriously, though. You almost died. I don’t know what I would have done.”
Trent smiled at him. “Now you know how I’ve felt nearly a dozen times, and why I keep telling you to take care of yourself.”
“Friends are hard to come by.” Alex put a hand on Trent’s shoulder. “Brothers are a whole lot harder. Take care of yourself, brother.”
Trent’s smile stayed with him as he made his way back up the hallway. He entered Siale’s room filled with resolve. Life was going to change again, but he was ready for it. The warm smile that melted his soul when he walked through Siale’s door let him know he made the right decision. He crossed to Siale’s side, ready to make his life what he wanted it to be.
Chapter Twelve
To Alex’s surprise, most of the professors went with them to pick out the ring. Apparently the news that one of their students planned to propose made everyone excited. The moment they stepped into the jewelry store, Alex felt the eyes of every salesperson lock on him.
“I, uh, would like to pick out an engagement ring,” he said to the closest person.
The man’s eyes flicked to Jaze and Nikki, then back to Alex. “We’re more than happy to oblige, Mr. Davies.”
Alex’s attention, which had strayed to the display boxes nearest the man, immediately locked on him again. “You know who I am?”
“Is there a problem?” Vance asked, coming up behind Alex.
The salesman shook his head quickly. “Not at all. We’re happy to accommodate any of our customers.” He gave Alex a searching look. “We’ve seen you on the news. It’s just that we seldom have werewolves in here.”
At the word werewolves, silence settled over the store. Despite Greyton City’s steps in werewolf acceptance, there were still conflicts regarding werewolf approval with the rest of the nation. It was a tense subject.
“Perhaps you would like something in our white gold settings,” a girl said from further in the store.
Alex nodded. “I think she would like that,” he replied carefully.
The man in front of him smiled and the tension dissipated. “Splendid. We have a new selection of princess cut diamonds that might be of interest.”
Alex glanced back at Cassie. His sister shook her head, her expression one of relief. She followed Alex and the others to the back. “You’ve become a celebrity,” she whispered.
Alex ran a hand through his hair. It was getting longer than he usually wore it. “Maybe I should get a haircut before we leave.”
“Might not be a bad idea,” Tennison answered from Cassie’s other side. “Change your appearance. It’ll give you a break from hordes of adoring fans.”
Cassie pushed Tennison’s shoulder and he laughed.
“But still, it’s not a bad idea,” she agreed. “Gem does a great job.”
“I’d be happy to!” the little werewolf with neon green hair said from across the store, reminding Alex that every werewolf could hear their quiet conversation.
“Thank you,” Alex told her.
Gem grabbed Dray’s hand and skipped beside him to another counter. Kaynan and Grace fell in next them. Alex could hear Kaynan describing the different settings and diamond cuts to his blind wife. The exactness of the werewolf’s descriptions made Alex feel completely lost when it came to selecting the right ring. Gratitude filled him when Nikki and Meredith started trying on the rings he picked out so he could see what they looked like.
“I think you should get this one,” Cassie exclaimed, holding up a ring with several smaller diamonds on an intricately worked silver leaf-shaped setting. She lifted her hand, admiring the ring in the light.
“It’s pretty,” Alex acknowledged. “It’s just not the right one for Siale.”
“What if she likes my tastes instead of yours?” Cassie challenged.
Alex grinned. “Then she’d be after Tennison instead of me.”
Cassie laughed. “Good point.” She turned back to the ring on her finger, leaving Alex to his decision.
“I do like that one.” Alex studied the ring his mother held.
“It’s beautiful; I like the simple design,” Meredith replied.
Uncertain which ring he should pick and worried about choosing one Siale might not like, Alex excused himself and wandered around the store again.
Tennison fell in beside him. “Having a hard time?”
Alex sighed. “Yes. Who would’ve thought it’d be this hard? There are so many rings here they all start to look the same. What if I pick the wrong one?”
Tennison tipped his head back toward Cassie. “I know which one I’m getting.”
Alex stared at him.
“What?”
Tennison winked and continued down the aisle. Alex stared after his sister’s boyfriend. He tried to picture her getting engaged. They felt so young, but after everything, living to see seventeen felt like an accomplishment. He knew Cassie would be happy with Tennison. The tall, lanky werewolf leaned over a display close to the end of the store.
“Hey, how about one of these?” he asked.
Curious, Alex made his way to the werewolf’s side. He peered down into the case of what turned out to be vintage rings that were definitely of an older make than the others in the store. They were beautiful and had their own style.
One in particular stood out. It had a diamond in the middle with seven small light purple stones around it that reminded Alex of the dress Siale had worn to the prom. Purple set off her gray eyes so beautifully and was her favorite color.
“Did you find another ring that strikes your interest?” the young saleswoman asked.
“Can I see that one?”
She lifted it out with a warm smile and set it in his palm. Alex knew immediately that he had found the right one. The white gold setting was the perfect accent for the simple diamond.
“I like that one, too,” the saleswoman said. “The purple gemstones are amethyst. European soldiers believed amethyst protected them in battle back in medieval times.” At Alex’s curious look, a blush ran across her cheeks. “Sorry. I love mythology behind gemstones. It’s fascinating.”
“It is,” Alex agreed. He studied the ring, picturing it on Siale’s finger. It was perfect. Even the thought of the amethyst providing protection was a reassuring one, even if it was just a myth. The world used to think werewolves were myths, too. He nodded. “This is the one.”
“Do you know her size?” the woman asked.
Alex stared at her. He hadn’t stopped to think about things like finger size. Of course girls had different sized fingers. He hadn’t planned on being asked the question.
“Here,” Cassie said, showing up at his elbow. “This should help.”