Elaine POV
“Look your first class is in the auditorium,” Fran said. “Are you okay?”
I took in a few large breaths. I joined Fran by the notice board as she read a piece of paper. As people walked by us their eyes washed over me then they laughed. Each gaze was like a bolt of fire. They were practically touching me and my body recoiled.
“I’m fine… it’s probably nothing.”
Fran frowned slightly. “You should get going. The class has already begun,” she said.
I nodded. “I’ll see you later.”
“Of course, can’t wait to hear about it.”
We went off in different directions. The auditorium was easy to find. I slipped in and it was huge. I scanned the area for an empty seat as the lecturer paced the stage. Just my luck the only available seat was in front right next to the lecturer!
I was a bundle of nerves as I walked down to the front row. I battled wolves and witches this should be a breeze but a thousand pairs of eyes watching every move my limbs made was equally daunting.
“Look what we have here,” the lecturer said.
He was a tall man, approximately five foot eleven with thick black hair and pale blue eyes. He had a face unaccustomed to smiling judging by the wrinkles around his mouth and forehead. He stood in front of me after I took my seat.
“I thought it was only just a rumour,” he said.
“Excuse me?”
He frowned deeply I assumed it must hurt.
“There has never been a wolf from the Black Claw Pack in this auditorium or in this school ever!”
I flinched. “I understand but-”
“No, Ms Ryker, I don’t think you understand the levels of hatred of our Packs and I don’t think those boys do too!”
My lips parted in surprise. Boys?
“However, since we have no choice but to accept you into our space I will hold you to a higher standard than everyone else at this school. I don’t want any problems I don’t even want to smell trouble coming from you! If I do you’re out of here. Do I make myself clear?”
I plastered on my best fake smile. “Crystal clear, Sir.”
“Good. Let’s get back to the task at hand. No more distractions.”
I slipped in my seat, my face turning red and my body vibrating with nerves.
It’s going to be a long semester.
***
The day was finally over and I had a ton of research papers to do. I got the same bad vibes from the two lecturers I met today but none of them were as vocal as Mr Coleman. I had one more thing to do before I went home. I couldn’t wait to get home and curl under the covers and die of mortification.
What would tomorrow be like?
“Elle!” Fran called as I walked off the school property.
“Oh hey, I thought you left already to see Blazer,” I replied.
She walked in step with me. “I didn’t want to leave without seeing you. How was it?”
She bit her bottom lip and cringed.
I lifted a shoulder. “The worst case scenario happened but it’s alright, I guess.”
“It’ll get better, Elaine,” she warmly.
“I hope so…”
“Do you want to grab something to eat? I don’t have to visit Blazer right now.”
“No, you go ahead. I have something to do in town first.”
“Fine, but you should grab something to eat. Promise me.”
“Yes, Fran I promise. I just… have to get this out of the way first.”
I’d been avoiding doing this for a week now because I was scared. It was better this way so I could do it alone. Fran gave me a hug before we set off in different directions. A few minutes later I found a pharmacy next to a pet store.
After walking and quickly finding what I needed I felt a weight over my shoulders.
“This brand is very accurate but I always recommend getting two tests to be super sure there are no hiccups,” the pharmacist with bright blonde hair smiled as she handed me another pregnancy test.
“I don’t think I can handle waiting that long,” I laughed nervously.
“I know what you mean. You don’t have to take the second one but it’s always good to be sure.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
I stuffed the tests in my bag and walked out. I scanned the street to make sure no one I knew saw me. The last person I needed to see was Ross because he couldn’t keep a secret and he was Azaire’s best friend. He would snitch on me in a heartbeat.
My stomach growled and demanded to be fed. Fran was right I needed to eat. Gracie’s Joint had great sandwiches however when I walked into the restaurant it was buzzing with people. I recognized some of them as college students. Hadn’t I had enough for one day?
I’d take my order to go. I filled in the sandwich order and turned to wait in a booth when I was stopped by a girl slightly shorter than me with plump pink lips dark chocolate eyes and a sharp bob cut.
“Elaine Ryker, I’ve been dying to meet you but you eluded me at school,” she said, her tone high-pitched. It just grabbed your attention when she spoke.
She extended her hand. “I’m Zoe Prescott. I’m sure you’ll be familiar with me soon.”
I returned Zoe’s smile and shook her head. I’d been in this Pack for six months, not two minutes. I knew who Zoe Prescott was. She considered herself the best and most influential social media influencer in the Pack and better yet her older sister dated Azaire.
“It’s nice to meet you, Zoe,” I said.
“I’m sure it is. You and I will be perfectly acquainted soon. You deserve a proper welcome,” she winked.
“Order fifteen!”
“That’s my order. I’ll see you around,” I said.
“Sure! Tell Azaire, Zoe says hello.”
I offered her a small smile. Like hell, I will.