Chapter 6
ASTERION SCHOLARS TOURNAMENT
Eligible seniors enrolled at any institution in the Asterion School District may apply. The tournament will comprise three rounds, each dedicated to one of the following subjects: metamorphological science, inter-species history and shifter literature. Competitors must be 18 years of age or have signed permission by a parent or guardian to enter. Enter to win: First place with $5000 cash prize, second place with $2500 cash prize, third place with $1000 cash prize.
Viviane’s POV
“Come on, Viviane. It’s five thousand dollars!” My best friend, Kiera, is jumping up and down in front of the school bulletin board.
I shake my head, “I can’t get up on a stage in front of that many people.”
Kiera rolls her eyes. “Oh please, I know you sang for Nerissa last week. Though I still don’t understand why you’d help that selfish cow.”
“That was different,” I argue without conviction. “No one could see me.” Well, someone saw me, but I’m not counting him.
“But you still did it.” She insists. “You put yourself out there. Besides this is academics, not art or sports – you could do it in your sleep.”
“Being able to do something doesn’t mean you should.” I counter.
Kiera takes me by the shoulders, ignoring my slight flinch from the sudden contact. “Viviane Belle, you have the highest GPA in the school but only the teachers know it because you never open your mouth in class. People should know how brilliant you are.”
“I don’t need other people to know I’m smart – I know it, that’s all that matters.” It’s the truth, but I still have a hard time meeting her eyes. When Keira gets passionate her pupils go vertical like a cat’s. She truly is a feline shifter, a lynx to be more specific.
When I first arrived at Asterion High she sought me out, thinking we were one in the same. We’re certainly similar, but not because we are the same species. Kiera doesn’t know what I truly am, but anyone who isn’t a wolf in Asterion is an outsider. We have to stick together.
“But think of the money.” Kiera urges. “Five thousand dollars could get you and your mom into a new apartment, in a neighborhood where you don’t have to be afraid just walking down the street.” Her brown eyes are wide, full of genuine concern. “Even third place could make a big difference for you.”
She’s right. Five thousand dollars is a lot of money. It might not get us out of our neighborhood, but it could certainly pay for some of Mom’s medical bills. Still I hesitate. “I don’t know.” I waver, torn between my desire to help my mother and my fear. It’s dangerous to draw attention to myself.
“We’ll do it together.” She repeats, “I’ll be right there with you, the whole time.” Kiera grins, tugging on my hands, “Come on, what’s the worst that could happen?”
I could be outed as a mermaid and sold to the Bloodstone pack where Damien will grind me into fish food.
“I’ll apply.” I finally agree, “but that’s all. I’m not promising I’ll do it if I’m invited.”
“Well you need to make a decision fast.” Keira quips. “Because yours is going to be the first invitation they send, Miss Valedictorian.”
Caspian’s threat rings in my ears all the way through seventh period. There’s only half an hour left in the school day, and the idea that he might be waiting for me again has my heart doing flip flops in my chest.
I don’t know what I’m going to do about him. I’m not sure if I truly believe he thinks I’m his mate. It seems far more likely this is just one of his games. The future Alpha goes through a new girl every week and while I don’t know his tactics, I imagine the mate line would be pretty successful with most women.
Maybe this is what he does. How many of my classmates have convinced themselves that the Gods fated them to be with Caspian, only to be kicked to the curb a few days later? It’s a cruel thing to do, but then again, the Nightshade heir isn’t known for being kind. Or ethical. Or Honest. Or Virtuous.
He’s really only known for one thing: Causing trouble. A lot of trouble.
He’s the last thing I need in my life, and he’s the last person I can afford to let near me.
Thunder crashes overhead as I step outside, and sweet relief fills me – there’s no way Caspian is going to be walking or riding his bike home in the rain. I step away from the main door, digging in my bag for an umbrella. As if conjured by the storm, Kiera appears at my shoulder, frowning at the blackened sky, “You should come home with me for a bit, just until the rain stops.” She lives only three blocks away, a far easier commute than the fifteen I walk every day.
“Alright, but no nonsense.” I tease, “Homework first, then junk food.”
Kiera throws her head back in mock beleaguerment, “Fiiine.” She groans.
Together we unfurl our umbrellas and step into the downpour. We’re almost to the corner when a flashy red car pulls up beside us, engine rumbling. I stiffen instantly, but Kiera merely looks curious. The tinted windows roll down, and a familiar pair of blue eyes glint at me from the passenger seat.
I don’t recognize the driver, but one glance at Kiera tells me she does – that or she is extremely interested in getting to know him. Caspian shoots us a wolfish grin, “Can we offer you ladies a ride?”
“Thank–”
I clamp my hand over Kiera’s, cutting her off. “No.” All three of their heads turn in my direction, expressions ranging from amusement on the men’s faces, to befuddlement and exasperation on Kiera’s. “Thank you.” I tack on at the end, forcing a smile. “But it’s only a couple of blocks. We’ll be fine.”
Rather than driving off, the passenger door opens, and Caspian steps out. “All the more reason for you to let us take you, since it will be so little inconvenience to us.”
I start to object again, but now it’s Kiera’s turn to put her foot down. She gives me a little pinch and while I’m yelping and rubbing my arm, she replies. “That’s so thoughtful, we would love a ride.”
I narrow my eyes at my friend, trying to figure out if she is falling for Caspians charm offense or if this is just her feline sensibilities wanting to be out of the water at all costs. Kiera offers me a pointed look in return, tilting her head towards the car in obvious encouragement to stop being weird and get in.
Helpless to refuse, I let Caspian shepherd me into the back seat. I almost find the courage to glare at him, but one look at his harsh features puts the idea to rest. Kiera slides in beside me, giving them her address.
“I’m Kiera and this is Viviane.” She introduces us with a wide smile on her pretty face.
“Caspian.” The future Alpha replies needlessly, “And this is Chase.”
The driver, a good looking wolf with bronze skin and black hair grins at us in the rearview mirror. “Are you sure you want to go straight home? There’s a party over in Old Town this evening – we’re already headed there if you want to join.”
“Thank you, but no.” I jump in before Kiera can accept. “We have homework.”
Both men laugh, “Come on, live a little.” Chase coaxes, “You’ve got the rest of your life to do homework.”
“He’s right.” Caspian agrees, his deep voice doing uncomfortable things to my insides. “Let us show you a good time. I promise we’ll have you home by curfew.”
“You also promised you’d give us a ride home.” I mutter under my breath. Too late I realize my mistake, I’m in the car with three shifters, whispers and mutters won’t keep their keen ears from hearing you.
The men simply laugh again, but I see Caspian’s eyes flash in the windshield reflection. I sink down in my seat, wrapping my arms protectively around myself. In the next moment the car zips past Kiera’s house without slowing.
It seems like our answer didn’t really matter – they were going to take us to the party whether we wanted to go or not.
“This is unbelievable!” Kiera gasps, gazing around the room in wonder.
Old Town is famous for its mansions, historical homes screaming wealth and status. The residence where we currently stand is no exception. I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere less. The air reeks of smoke and alcohol, and the people around us are wearing my annual income on their feet.
“We shouldn’t be here.” I whisper.
“We were invited.” Kiera reminds me, “By Caspian Shaw no less. We may not fit in but we have every right to be here.”
“I don’t like him.” I admit uneasily.
“He was our ride, that doesn’t mean you have to spend time with him.” She reasons, still gaping at the riches surrounding us. “This might be the only time we ever get to go to a party like this. Don’t let Shaw ruin it for you.”
Already I see him coming toward us again, Chase in tow. “Somehow I don’t think I have a choice.”
Hearing my defeated tone, Kiera turns, her eyes immediately locking on Chase. Understanding clicks in my brain, I’ve never seen my friend look at anyone the way she is currently looking at the Alpha’s friend.
Damn it. I can’t leave her alone here, but I don’t want to drag her away from someone she so clearly likes either. Chase offers her a red solo cup, which she accepts with a beaming grin. I’m so busy watching her I almost don’t see Caspian offering me a drink as well.
I look at him warily, and he grins. “Don’t worry, it’s only punch.”
I reach for the glass, but at the last moment he pulls it out of the way, forcing me to change direction to grasp it. “Ah, so you can see.” He smirks.
I back away from him, sensing what’s coming next.
“So why do you wear those, kitten? He reaches for my sunglasses, and without thinking or meaning to, I bring my staff down on his hand with a ringing slap!
My mouth drops open in shock. Oh my Gods. I hit the future Alpha. I hit Caspian Shaw.
And from the look on his face – he is pissed!
