That was an understatement right there. “A little warning would’ve been nice.”
“In my defense, I did tell you that.” Damien huffed and ran his hand through his dark auburn hair. “Remember, you even knew who it was going to be too.”
“She’s damn fast.” She was barely a blur; that’s how fast she was.
“They’re dead fast,” Damien emphasized. “All vampires are that fast if not faster.”
Professor Shaw taught us that in class last year. It just hadn’t hit home until today. “The older they are, the faster they get.”
“Yup.” He moved to the middle of the clearing. As the sun hit him, his pine scent filled the air even stronger. “Well, she hates you too, which is even more of her motivation.”
“I’m starting to realize how many people hate me.” It was a rude awakening for sure.
“It’s not hate. It’s something even stronger than that.” He focused back on me and sighed. “It’s envy and obsession. That’s what every person desiring power winds up feeling. There is always someone more powerful, attractive, and influential.”
“But I’m none of those things.” That’s what I couldn’t figure out. I grew up completely disconnected from my wolf. I was brought here without any choice, and now I was facing people who treated me as an adversary.
“That’s what makes you so different.” He sighed and stared off into the woods. “That’s what makes Rage, Cole, you, and me their target. We don’t care about power or where we end up on the social ladder. Women like Madison want to date one of us, and guys who are wanting to be on the top desire you.”
It made sense. If you don’t care, no one has a hold on you. That wasn’t why we did it. “So what do I do?”
“You kick Madison’s ass.” His words were simple, but executing them was going to be hard. “Go on back, and lick your wounds. We’ll try again next time.”
If I didn’t get this down pat, there was no telling what could happen. I was sure Madison was already bragging and yelling about how weak I was at the top of her lungs.
Chapter Eight
The next few weeks flew by. Damien was training me again but was incorporating new moves that most shifters didn’t use unless they were battle trained. Rage hadn’t been thrilled with how I’d been coming home all black and blue, but he understood it was something I needed to do.
“So, why are half-breeds so dangerous?” Professor Shaw paced in front of the classroom as he waited for the answer.
This class was as interesting as his first one where we learned about each supernatural race and the common facts about each one. It focused on how combining certain elements resulted in half-breeds and their particular struggles.
Multiple students raised their hands, but Nate had to continue being his normal obnoxious self.
“Because they are unstable and weak,” Nate called out before Professor Shaw could call on anyone.
It broke my heart that these people were struggling and needed a safe place to call home. I, at least, had an idea of how uncomfortable it was being out of sync with your magic. I could only imagine how they felt at the end of the day.
“Yes, that’s exactly right,” Professor Shaw exclaimed. “Even if both halves of them are shifters, the animals can’t tolerate one or the other. Both continually striving to be the alpha.”
“If that’s the truth, then why isn’t this public knowledge?” Jess chewed on her bottom lip, and her knee bounced.
“A long time ago, the supernatural races kept separate from one another. So these types of issues have only become a problem recently.” Professor Shaw sighed and shook his head. “Just like the human population, our races have merged and want equal rights, which is fine. But when the younger generations find love outside their races, we’re only now learning about the havoc of blending species together.”
My mind flashed back to the young hybrid again. How could something so horrific come from two people loving one another?
“On that note, our time has come to an abrupt end.” Professor Shaw rubbed his hands together. “Please come back to class with some suggestions on how to find these creatures. It’ll be a quiz, so make sure you’ve done some research.”
I grabbed my pink bag from the floor and stood from the desk. “I wish there was something we could do to help them.”
“Funny you should say that.” Jordan glanced at Madison and pointed to Jess. “Please distract her for a minute.”
“Are you being serious?” Madison startled and blinked. “You want to talk to them?”
“Did I ask for your opinion on the matter?” Jordan narrowed her eyes and pointed to Jess once more.
“Fine.” Madison scowled at me before she obediently walked a few desks over to talk to Jess. “Hey, girl.”
“Hey?” Jess caught my eye and raised her hands.
Not knowing what else to do, I shrugged.
“Alright, Jordan.” Rage took my bag from me and slung it over his shoulder. “Spill it.”
“There is a hybrid that someone has located in town.” Jordan looked over both shoulders and lowered her voice. “The Elites want the three of us to go get him.”
“Get him?” I wasn’t sure how comfortable I was doing that. It’s one thing for someone to go willing. The last thing I wanted to do was force him.
“Well, you’ve got to understand. Most of them don’t know what’s going to happen.” Jordan took a step back and adjusted her gold top. “We can discuss this later, but meet me at Dave and Buster’s at eight tonight.”
“Uh, Raven?” Jess stood near her desk as Madison picked at her nails right next to her. The discomfort was clear in both of them.
Rage nodded. “Fine.”
“Hey, Madison.” The words strangled out of me, but luckily it was hidden by my voice.
Madison flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder and chewed on some gum. “I’ve missed our little training sessions.”
Yeah, I was sure she did. “It’s getting close to that time again.”
“But this time, Raven will kick your butt.” Jess snapped her fingers and grinned. “I know my girl.”
The last thing I wanted to do was goad her, but Jess was being supportive, so I couldn’t say much.
“I doubt it after the slaughter she took last time.” Madison placed one hand around her stomach and propped her elbow on it. “I can’t wait to relive the experience.”
“If you hurt her beyond what’s needed, you’ll have me to answer to.” Rage somehow looked hotter than hell threatening the vampire with my pink backpack slung over his shoulder.
“Don’t worry.” Madison rolled her eyes and blew a bubble. She popped it and sighed. “Damien is there the entire time. He won’t let it happen.”
“Madison, you should be nicer to Raven.” There was a slight irritation in Jordan’s words, but she masked it pretty well.
“Wait. What?” Madison’s mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened.
“You heard me.” Jordan placed an arm around her shoulders even though she made sure it was only lightly touching. “Raven and her gang are friends of ours.”