Chapter 13

Renee’s POV

I expect the principal to sort this out right as this would be an excellent opportunity for him to exemplify his credentials, but to my horror he rushes over to Nilo with great concern.

He wraps Nilo into a hug, fawning over him, checking his body for scrapes and bruises. “What happened?”

“She has a toy that I asked to play with and she said no. She wasn’t sharing!” Nilo tattles.

Robert looks down at Debbie. “That is not the kind of behavior we adhere to at Young Paws Prep,” Robert declares, not withholding the shame in his voice. Robert doesn’t see it but Nilo smirks at Debbie.

I go over to Debbie and check to make sure she’s okay, and prevent her from launching herself at night because she looks ready to attack. And this doesn’t need to get any worse than it already is.

“Is that the whole story?” I ask Debbie, wanting her to have a chance to explain the situation herself.

Debbie picks herself up from the ground and brushes the tiny black-top rocks off from her knees. I know this will leave a bruise and I have to force myself to remain calm. I also notice the tear in her dress and dirt smeared across her bow.

Debbie could have just as easily had a bone broken. Part of me wishes now more than ever that she was healed from her debilitating illness, then again her fighting back would only draw more attention and that’s the last thing we need.

“What is going on here?“ An all too familiar voice asks, and I know who it is before I even turn my head.

“Eric, the principal says confirming what I already thought. He gives a slight bow and fumbles over his words. The boy runs over to Eric and Mia. Realizing that this little boy called Eric daddy just a few moments ago means that Eric was lying back at his office.

Nilo is indeed his and Mia’s child. I don’t know why I even considered that Eric was telling the truth.

“Daddy, this annoying girl is trying to come to our school,” Nilo says, pointing a finger at Debbie, who stands next to me with her little hands on her hips. Annoying? Nilo sounds as whiney and manipulative as Mia, If anyone is annoying it’s him.

Maybe that’s why Eric says he isn’t biologically his father, there’s no resemblance to him at all, not even physically. Nilo is just like Mia.

Mia scoffs. “Would a prestigious school such as this one even admit a wolfless person? My son shouldn’t have to be exposed to such an inferior bloodline.”

Robert’s face reddens to a crimson color. “Of course not,” Robert says breathlessly. He turns on his heels and his eyes harden. “You and your daughter are not allowed to come within 50 feet of the building,” He orders.

I look just beyond his shoulder over at Mia who has a smile of satisfaction. For a moment I feel sorry Eric is stuck with her, then I remember that’s his choice.

I put a protective hand on Debbie’s shoulder and roll my eyes. “I was mistaken, I don’t want my daughter attending such an elitist school anyway,” I grab Debbie’s hand. “Come on Debbie we're leaving,”

I intend to march us away while we still have our dignity but Eric steps out in front of us. His broad build is even more accentuated by the sun casting a large shadow behind him.

“Principal Robert, shouldn’t all children in the pack be treated equally?” Eric asks accusingly. Mia looks at Eric with offended silence.

Still, Eric continues. “What kind of school is it that shows favoritism to children rather than teaching them and building them up all the same to respect one another.”

Robert is taken aback and looks as though he’s been caught in a whiplash between the difference between Mia and Eric‘s response. “If you are someone who flatters the powerful and walks over the weak, then you are unfit to be teaching children,” Eric says further scolding Robert.

I want to be bothered by the amount of times Eric has stood up for me considering I should be able to fend for myself, but this is for Debbie. Word by word, Eric’s voice builds her confidence back, and for that I’m grateful.

Unfortunately, Eric defending her is only going to increase her desire of her wanting him to be her father.

Just then, Debbie peers out from my side as if checking to see if the scene is clear.

Robert’s head hangs in embarrassment, “I am so sorry Alpha,” he says, wiping the sweat from his brow, and then turning to me, he extends his hand out. “We would be honored to have Debbie attend our school,”

“Unfair!” Nilo shouts, dramatically throwing his arms in the air.

I hesitate for a moment, but then figure it’s likely no other school would have us and besides this is the best kindergarten around. It would be wrong to prevent Debbie from receiving the best education because of my pride.

I take Robert’s hand in mine and shake it firmly. “Thank you,” I say.

Just as I think everything is settled, there’s a sudden rush of wind. And just as quickly as it came, it ended.

Everyone becomes stunned as we all realize what just happened. Debbie had pushed Nilo to the ground, snatched her toy back, and is now hiding behind Eric‘s broad body.

Aside from surprise written across everybody’s face, Eric is the only one whose eyes have a shade of confusion.

Principal Robert is the first to speak, “Speed is only associated with alpha traits,” he says letting his voice trail off, unable to finish his sentence. I can’t blame him because from their perspective, it doesn’t make sense.

Everyone looks at Eric. In the pack, he is the only one who is an alpha. Nilo, still on the ground, realizing what happened begins to whimper.

In A fit of rage, Mia screams and storms over to Debbie. She raises her arm intending to strike her, but Eric grabs Mia’s wrist in mid-air shooting her a warning glare.

Mia yanks her arm free and reluctantly complies with Eric’s command to back off. Instead of going after Debbie, she goes to pick up Nilo.

I see this is my chance to leave before anybody can ask further questions but Eric steps in my way and pulls me aside. Unable to escape his grip and resist his strength, I have no choice, but to follow.

I barely have time to orient myself before Eric is in my face. “Who is the father of Debbie?” He barks, but I refuse to show any sign of weakness or give him any reason to further his belief.

“I already told you, she is from a previous relationship.”

“Okay then if that is the story we’re going with, who is this ex-boyfriend?” Eric asks as if knowing there isn’t one.

I shake my head. “It’s none of your business,” I wish I could just give him a fake name, but I know he would look into that and find out soon that I had just lied to him. There would be no point.

Eric takes a step back and sneers. “I propose we do a fitness examination for the health of all of the students here,” Eric proclaims loudly enough for everyone to hear.

“I agree,” Mia chimes in like she and Eric had made this decision together. Only Robert pays her any attention.

“Of course, madam,” Robert says.

It’s that moment I realize for certain that Eric does indeed suspect me. I also have no idea how this fitness exam will go, I have no way to control what happens.