by Cheree Alsop
“Is there an explanation for this?” Professor Briggs asked.
I nodded and looked at the Headmistress. “Somebody once guessed that I was an Alpha. It took being confronted by bears driven vicious through starvation for me to believe it.”
The Headmistress gave a single nod with a proud smile. “I took a chance on you, Mr. Briscoe. I can honestly say I never guessed where that would lead us.”
“The students who haven’t had a chance to be put to the Gauntlet are grateful,” I replied. Sadness filled me when I thought of Lunera, Durnin, and Ross. “But others will never have the chance to grow up away from that kind of fear. Thank you for trusting me enough to give them the opportunity.”
The Headmistress nodded. “Let’s go home.”
I smiled. “I like the sound of that.”
The adult werewolves waved at their children as the vehicles pulled away. Tears showed on some faces while pride was visible others. I couldn’t help wondering how much life would change at the Den now that Meg was no longer in charge. Perhaps things would go back to the way they were before I was brought to the Den, but I hoped not. At least the Gauntlet wouldn’t be used with the teenagers gone. They would have a lot of restructuring to do. I was glad the younger werewolves were gone from the chaos.
The seats inside the SUV faced each other like a limousine. By the scent, it was the Headmistress’ own vehicle, though Mercer was the one who drove. Relief at seeing the gruff Mage away from his bed in the infirmary swept through me. He nodded when I climbed into the vehicle.
“Didn’t think I’d see you alive,” he said in his low, gravelly voice. His customary expressionless face didn’t reveal how he felt about the statement.
“I thought the same about you,” I replied.
He gave a grunt that could have been laughter before he followed the caravan of vehicles away from the Den. My shoulders slumped against the seat. With Vicken cared for, the Gauntlet gone, and the Den fading away in the distance, I felt as though I could finally breathe. Dara’s hand held mine and she traced patterns across the back of my arm as though she couldn’t help touching me. A sigh of relief escaped me and won a smile from her.
The Headmistress spoke up several minutes after the Den had disappeared from sight.
“The gateway between our world and that of the demons is getting stronger,” she said. “I am reluctant to bring new students to the Academy. If it wasn’t for these extreme circumstances, I would have denied them until the demon problem was dealt with.”
Her tone caught my attention. “What’s going on?”
Professor Briggs spoke up. “Your team has been hard-pressed to keep the demons away from our school. Chutka knows we have the pieces of his heart and he’s trying desperately to get them back before we destroy them. He knows his chance of gaining access into our world comes from those pieces.”
“The werewolves can fight,” I said. “They’ll listen to me.” I didn’t point out that they had to. I was still getting used to the idea myself. I didn’t want to take away anyone’s ability to make their own choices.
“We can’t put them in harm’s way just after freeing them from what sounds like a terrible situation,” the Headmistress said.
“If you heard what it’s like at the Den, they’re used to being in harm’s way. They’ve been training for the Gauntlet since birth, pretty much. At least we know they’re strong. They can be relied on,” I replied.
Professor Briggs shook his head. “We didn’t accept werewolves into the Academy as your own private army, Finn.”
The implication smarted. “I know that, Professor. I’m just saying—”
“You’re saying we can use them because they’re students,” Briggs replied. “I’m saying we can’t use them because they’re students. It isn’t right.”
I met his gaze. “I’m a student and I fought to protect the school.”
“That was different,” Briggs began.
“Because I was the only werewolf,” I finished for him. I wasn’t sure if it was the fact that I had survived death at least two more times in as many days, or the fact that their readiness to accept werewolves now after all I had gone through stung more than I was willing to admit, but I was done trying to play nice. “Professor, Headmistress, you’re looking at this the wrong way. The werewolves are strong. They’ll be willing to protect the Academy because it’s all they have.”
“You’re wrong, Finn,” Briggs replied sharply. “If I understand correctly about what they went through at the Den and this Gauntlet, you’re asking them to prove themselves by using their strength to protect our school. How is that any different than the Gauntlet?”
“Because they’re not going to die if they fail!” I shot back heatedly.
“Won’t they?” Briggs asked, holding my gaze. “If we fail to keep Chutka from the Academy, we all die.”
The starkness of his words stole a bit of my fire.
Dara set a hand on my back and I winced.
“What was that?” the professor asked, his gaze searching.
“Nothing,” I muttered.
“Finn,” Dara began.
Anger so hot and demanding surged through me I couldn’t contain it. I turned and slammed a fist into the window next to me. It shattered, but the glass didn’t fall out.
“Mr. Briscoe, contain yourself,” the Headmistress scolded.
I lowered my gaze, embarrassed that I had lost my cool. “I’m sorry, Headmistress. I don’t know what’s gotten into me,” I apologized.
“It’s the heart,” Mercer said with a glance in the rearview mirror.
Everyone looked at me.
“You feel it?” Dara asked.
I stared at her. “The pieces of the heart are here?”
Professor Briggs nodded. “We couldn’t leave them at the Academy. Chutka’s demons have been targeting us. It’s the only way to keep the students safe.”
“But the pieces are in ironwood,” the Headmistress said. “You shouldn’t feel their effects.”
“But he does,” Dara said. “I can feel it.” She gave me an apologetic look. “I’ve felt your frustration grow the longer we’ve been in here. I thought it was just because you’re healing, but—”
“Healing from what?” Briggs asked.
I couldn’t take the silence that followed their words. I sighed and pulled off my shirt, then turned my back so they could see.
“Finn, are those whip marks?” Dara asked in shock.
I nodded. “Like I said, it’s good we got the kids out of the Den. They’re really into corporal punishment there.”
I moved to put my shirt back on, but Briggs grabbed it. “When did you get those?”
I thought back. The days had really blurred together. “Three days ago, I think. I broke a few rules about not hurting members of the Pack.” A grim smile crossed my face. “At least they won’t forget anytime soon.
“Shouldn’t that have healed by now?” Dara asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, but I got shot, then there was the Gauntlet, and then they tried to feed us to the bears. I also got branded,” I said, holding out my arm to show them the wolf head. I forced a light tone when I said, “I don’t think my body knows how to function right anymore.” I took the shirt back from Briggs and slipped it over my head. “Life hurt a lot less when I was human.”
The professor watched me closely. “Are you sure you’re up to going back to the Academy?”
“Of course,” I replied, surprised that he would even ask. “We need to stop Chutka, and I have some classes I’m so behind on you might have to hold me back for my entire life.” I gave Headmistress Wrengold a pleading look. “Unless you have pity on me and grant school credit for killing demons.”
She gave me a half-smile. “I’ll consider it.”
I looked at the professor. “How about credit in Black Cat Philosophies for discovering hundreds of werewolves no one thought existed?”
“How is that related to the class?” Briggs a
sked.
I lifted a shoulder. “They supposedly didn’t exist and now they do?”
He shook his head. “I don’t think you understand the concept of a philosophy.”
I grinned at him. “I’d have to blame that on my teacher.”
Briggs rolled his eyes.
Before he could reply to my sarcastic comment, the Headmistress surprised me by saying, “Finn, our students are poorly equipped to deal with the demons that are plaguing our school. If you can help us train them in demon defense, I’ll grant you credit as an assistant professor.”
I stared at her. “Really?”
“Really,” she replied.
Professor Briggs stared at her as well, “Assistant professor?”
The Headmistress tapped him on the hand with one of her white gloved-fingers. “Don’t look so surprised, Professor. You weren’t much older than him when you took on a teaching position. Let’s give him a chance.”
Professor Briggs watched me for a moment before he said, “We’re all in trouble.”
I had to agree.
Chapter Eight
The werewolves were much better received at Haunted High than I had expected. I hoped I could take some credit for the lack of fear the other students showed, but it was really because the teenagers who came with me were just grateful to get out of the Den and were thrilled to meet other monsters. It reminded me of how I had felt when I realized I wasn’t alone in the monster world. But as I watched the students mingle and get to know each other that night at dinner in the cafeteria, I felt a pang of sadness.
“What’s wrong?” Dara asked quietly.
“Nothing,” I replied. “I just, well….” I didn’t know how to voice the way I felt. I swallowed the piece of chicken that had gotten lodged in my throat and said, “I guess I thought finding a pack would feel differently.”
Dara gave me a knowing look. “They aren’t your pack, Finn. You know that.”
“We’re your pack,” Brack said from across the table.
I looked up in surprise. I hadn’t realized the huge warlock had been listening. He and Lark had been busy telling about the demons we had captured in Lark’s basement home, but while Lark regaled the younger werewolves with details of my clumsy run through the streets, it seemed Brack’s mind was on other matters.
“We’re your pack,” he repeated. “And we have work to do.”
I nodded. “Chutka’s heart.”
“Yes,” Lyris said from Brack’s other side. “It’s time to destroy it.”
I sat back. “What if I said I had a different idea?”
Dara gave me a wry smile. “I’d say if Vicken were here, he would tell you it was a bad one.”
The thought of my best friend struggling to survive at the vampire mansion made my heart ache. I nodded through the pain. “Yes, he would, and he especially would if he heard it.”
“Well,” Jean, the blue-haired vampire from the defense team, prompted. “Out with it.”
“Yeah,” Lorne, the other vampire on our team said. “Don’t keep us in suspense, Finn.” He closed his black-gloved fingers into fists. “I’m ready to finish this demon lord once and for all.”
“Demon Prince,” Dara corrected.
Lorne rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Prince, lord, he needs to die.”
“We can’t kill him.”
Everyone looked shocked at my statement. I clarified with, “Not yet. Not until we make sure every demon my uncle accidentally released into this world goes with him.”
“I thought you said the Maes are going to start hunting demons,” Alden pointed out.
I nodded at the Grim. “That’s what they said, but I don’t trust Madam Opal one bit. I give them a year to start monster hunting again.”
“Why?” Lyris asked.
I lifted a shoulder. “Monster hunting is easier. They’ve been doing it for years, and those Maes members Vicken didn’t inject with my blood can’t see the demons. They’re still a threat.”
“Great,” Dara grumbled.
I lifted a shoulder. “At least for now they’re helping us fight.” I smiled at Dara. “We’ve made a difference.”
She didn’t appear amused. “Finn, you’re changing the subject.”
I had hoped she wouldn’t notice, but Dara knew me better than anyone. I toyed with the last piece of chicken on my plate and glanced around at the other monsters in the cafeteria. No one appeared to notice our little meeting. Laughter, loud conversations, and the sound of trays on tables and ringing utensils filled the air. Regardless, I knew we had to be careful. Alden had been possessed and used against us. Anyone at the Academy could potentially be a spy for the Demon Prince.
“Let’s go to the basement,” I said. “I need Professor Briggs and Mercer to weigh in on my plan.” I hesitated, then suggested, “It probably wouldn’t hurt to have the Headmistress there since this could affect the Academy.”
“I’ll get her,” Lyris offered.
“Thank you,” I replied.
“I’ll get Briggs and Mercer,” Alden said.
“And I’ll bring Lark,” Brack told us. He began to laugh, his deep voice echoing off the walls. “I’m funny,” he said with a grin.
I chuckled as Lark burst into laughter. “And I’ll bring Brack,” she replied. They both laughed louder. It was good to see the witch fitting in.
“Alright. Let’s meet downstairs in ten minutes,” I told them.
Brack was right. It didn’t matter how many werewolves filled the Academy. My pack was made up of vampires, witches, a warlock, a Grim, and an empath. But without Vicken, it didn’t feel complete. I vowed to visit him as soon as we were done.
I had gotten into the habit of checking my phone every few hours since rescuing my family. As if on cue, my phone started to ring the instant I stepped into my room.
I hurried to it. No one called since they knew I couldn’t bring it to class. Cellphones weren’t exactly allowed at Haunted High, but so far no one had caught me. I picked up the phone, but the number wasn’t one I recognized. I answered it anyway.
“Hello?”
“Finn?”
“Vicken!” Even weak, his voice was unmistakable.
“Hey, Finn. You okay?”
“You’re asking if I’m okay?” I asked incredulously. “I thought you were going to die, Vick. I didn’t know what to do.”
Vicken grunted. “It was close,” he admitted. He was quiet for a moment, then he said, “Kiyah saved my life.”
“I know,” I replied. “I couldn’t get to you. They wouldn’t let me. I’m so sorry.” The words were hard to say. If it wasn’t for Kiyah, Vicken would have died chained to the round table at the Den.
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?” I asked.
“Don’t you dare apologize. Kiyah told me what you did. She watched everything. She just finished telling me about it.”
“And he insisted on calling you,” a voice said, her words quieter than Vicken’s as if she was further away.
“I’m having a conversation,” Vicken said. “Werewolves shouldn’t listen in even if they can. It’s rude.”
I grinned. Vicken was definitely feeling better.
“Then vampires shouldn’t talk so loud,” Kiyah replied.
“I like her,” I said.
“You would,” Vicken replied.
I could picture him rolling his eyes. But something to his tone caught my attention. “You like her,” I said in amazement.
“No, I don’t,” Vicken denied.
“You do!” I said, catching the hint of embarrassment in his words.
“Why would I like a werewolf?” Vicken demanded.
I heard Kiyah laugh. “Because I don’t put up with your garbage,” she said.
“You can leave,” Vicken told her.
“I know,” she shot back. “But I won’t. You’re stuck with me until you can walk straight.”
That made me worry. “You’re having trouble walking?”
“I can hear you,” I told him.
“You can’t get mad at everyone who cares about you,” Kiyah said.
“I don’t get mad—”
“Yes, you do,” she replied, cutting him off.
“Stop cutting me—”
“Cutting you off?” she cut him off. “I only do it when you deserve it. You’re worrying your friend and Mr. Ruvine said you need to rest. Now tell Finn goodbye.”
“Bye, Finn,” Vicken said sullenly.
I couldn’t help grinning at how grumpy he sounded.
“Bye, Vick. I’ve got to go anyway. The team is waiting and—”
“What’s your plan?”
I grimaced at the thought of how he would react. “Now who’s cutting someone off?” I asked, stalling.
Vicken’s tone was serious when he said, “Finn, tell me your plan.”
I grimaced. “You’re not going to like it.”
“Sounds like nothing new,” Kiyah said.
“Stay out of this conversation!” Vicken shouted.
Kiyah laughed, sounding as though she wasn’t the least bit perturbed by his outburst.
“Don’t worry,” I told Vicken. “You need to rest. I’m sure things will be just fine.”
“Finn, don’t you dare—”
“Rest, Vicken. Don’t worry. See you soon.” I hung up the phone.
I imagined how angry Vicken was on the other end. It made me glad to be far enough away that I could avoid his wrath. I was sure it wouldn’t be good for his healing process. Hopefully Kiyah would get him to calm down so he could focus on healing, but I doubted it.
The phone rang again. I toyed with the idea of ignoring it, but Vicken was stubborn enough to take one of his limos back to Haunted High to beat some sense into me if I didn’t answer. I sighed and pressed the button.
“Hey.”
“Don’t ‘hey’ like everything’s just fine,” Vicken snapped. “You’re going to a team meeting right now, correct?”
“Yes,” I said cautiously.
“Take me with you.”