Chapter 39
The hug only lasts a moment or two but for everyone outside of my weird little family on stage, it seemed to be a decade.
They were all at a loss for words and it was actually pretty funny to witness.
Once William turners back to the crowd his warm, awkward smile he shared with mom and I vanishes.
Stepping up to the mic, everyone tenses, I could visibly see it. Though I guess that’s only natural when the pack Alpha appears before you suddenly and has something to say.
“Now before we continue with the ceremony I would like to make a quick announcement,” William said once more looking over the crowd, his voice full of authority.
I have no idea if mom can pick up on it or not but the effect it has on everyone is wild.
It’s like they are enthralled and compelled to do whatever he says. Perhaps that’s how being in a pack and having an Alpha is.
I’m not quite sure honestly because I haven’t dived that far into my studies to really grasp all the things that are unique to the wolf shifters.
Anyway, I quickly focus back on William as he continues, holding his hand out to mom.
She places her hand in his and steps up next to him, not a shred of worry or anything on her face, just her usual kind, sweet smile.
“This lovely woman is Clarissa Sterling, my wife and the mother of Katie Sterling, this year's competition champion.”
His words aren't spoken harshly, rather quite softly and sweetly but the impact they have on everyone is like you just hit the room with a bomb.
Everyone is speechless. William Landry is known throughout the otherworld’s community and their pack as being all about business all the time.
He’s never shown any interest in romance or love, or even remarrying for years, now suddenly he has a wife, and a step daughter.
I could see all of their reactions quite clearly now that I was standing up a bit more.
Yet, the one with the best expression of all, was none other than Rebecca. She sat frozen in her seat like a statue, her usually rosy, healthy looking , sun kissed skin was now deathly pale.
I couldn’t help but cock a smirk the moment her eyes found mine already looking at her. She seemed to pale even more.
Plus, she probably realized that William and my mom heard what she said when they came in a few moments ago.
I’ll admit I was feeling pretty good after that.
Following William’s surprise announcement the rest of the ceremony continued. Being I was the winner of the whole competition, not only did I get the prizes for coming in first and second during the prelims and semi-finals.
I also received the prize to partner up with any company after graduation that works with Lupine. I was beyond happy at this point.
So, when I also received a place in the summer’s advanced training camp, which usually requires over a year on the wait list before you can go on, I was ecstatic.
The summer advanced training camp was set up to help students of A Class learn how to team build.
As well as teach them the tool to lead in the future and gain the necessary skills to succeed once they graduate.
This camp was a perfect opportunity for me to network and get the chance to pick our teachers' brains on what companies look for, stuff like that.
Also, once you pass the assessment at the end of camp, depending on how you did, you could earn prizes again.
If you think about it, a lot of the school's reward system is a bit much, not that I’m complaining or anything. It’s just so different to the other schools I've attended.
Anyway, as an added bonus, I won’t be trapped at home with Adrian and Draven and all their drama. This was going to be a great summer.
A week later after finals were all finished and everyone was packing up for the summer.
I was lucky enough to have barely unpacked once I switched to the A Class dorm because of being so busy with my probation period, and then training.
So, I only needed to load my boxes into my old car and take them home and relax for a few days before it was time to meet back at school for camp.
For the next three days I texted Cathy, who thankfully was alone attending the camp this year so we had already decided to pair up for any and all activities.
We also wanted to bunk together but from what Cathy heard the instructors assign sleeping arrangements. So, the most we could do was cross our fingers and hope we get lucky.
When I wasn’t chatting with Cathy or hanging with mom and William, which was surprisingly fun.
I would hang with Adrian in the gym or do laps in the pool as he complained about his latest bedmate.
It was weird at first but, after a day of fully living in the villa with everyone, it kind of felt like an actual family.
Well apart from Draven, who's been pretty much MIA since the finals. If we run into each other it's little to no verbal communication and intense stares.
It’s a bit creepy to be honest but I choose to ignore the weirdness and focus on the strange little family that's started to form.
Before I knew it my three days were up and it was time to meet the bus at the school. Kissing mom goodbye and waving to William I left.
I wanted to say bye to Adrian but I couldn’t find him. Probably sneaking out of some girls' room right now.
That thought has me chuckling as I head back to campus.
Spotting the bus for camp, I park nearby, grab my bag and head over. Excitement practically radiating off me.
I had just rounded the bus, looking for Cathy when I froze. Waiting to get on the bus, is not only Adrian but Draven as well.
Seriously? Both of them are coming too?
God why? Why couldn’t I just get the summer without them and their drama.
Taking a breath I just try and let it go. Who cares if they're here. So are a bunch of other students. Like…
My eyes fall on that damn fake blonde monster sitting inside the bus already. Fuck, she’s going too.
My head falls down, covering my eyes. I send up a silent prayer.
“Please god, no more, I can’t take anymore complications or surprises."
“Are you ready to board the bus?”
That rich, slightly raspy voice reverberates in my ears. Dropping my hand, I look up to find Lucius standing a few feet away dressed in a casual cream sweater and lounge pants to match.
Looking at me with his head slightly cocked to the side like a curious puppy, waiting for my answer.
“Um, y-you're coming too?” I managed to choke out.
“Yeah, I’m one of the camp instructors this year.”
This is a joke, a really cruel, messed up joke by a cruel unfeeling entity from above or below, I’m not choosy.
This is a joke…right?
