Chapitre 4

KAIA

I'm grateful to have a room all to myself—Debbie will be green with envy when she finds out. The only downside is how masculine this floor is. They put us on the top floor of the dorm building, all by ourselves, as if we were just second-class students.

 

“What pack are you from?” Vinnie asks me. He’s pretty forward—I mean, I guess he’s used to girls falling at his feet. I mean, he’s got it all: he’s tall, with a tan, long black eyelashes, green eyes… okay, I’m getting off track. 

“The New Moon pack.”

“That’s down south, right?”

“Yes.” I don’t know if he’s trying to make small talk, but he’s really bad at it. If he wants to get me to talk, he should at least ask me open-ended questions.

“You must be really talented if they chose you to be one of the first four alphas admitted here,” he continues.

“I guess so.” I hear a stifled laugh behind me and pick up the pace. I arrived less than two hours ago and people are already making fun of me.

 

“Vinnie, looks like you scared her off with your interrogation.” Asher catches up to me and winks. It seems I misinterpreted that stifled laugh. 

We’re approaching the grand hall, and I hear the hubbub of conversation from the gathered students.

 

“There are only Alphas here—maybe we should just stick to ourselves?” Chris asks, and we all nod in agreement.

A few curious glances turn our way; I spot Debbie in the distance, but she turns her head away when she sees me. It looks like she’s in the same mood as she was back home. I follow the boys, and we sit down in the empty chairs toward the back of the room. Once everyone is settled, the dean steps up to the podium and begins his speech. He reminds us why the academy was founded, the school’s philosophy, and finally, our integration.

“This year, we’ve decided to try something new. We’ve admitted four betas. Asher Atwood from the Solar Moon pack, Chris Thomas from the Wild River pack, Vincenzo Martino from the Millennium pack, and Kaia Mercer from the New Moon pack. Betas play an important role within a pack; they are your right-hand men and women, your support to keep you on track. That’s why they’ll take some classes with you, while others will be specific to them. I’m counting on you to welcome them in the best possible way, because they, too, are your brothers… and your sister.” I pinch the bridge of my nose upon hearing that sentence. Even though things are changing, some people still have a hard time accepting that women can hold the same positions as men. “We’ve provided each of you with a bag containing your uniforms and gym clothes. You’ll be required to wear them starting at breakfast and during your classes, but you’re free to wear whatever you like for dinner—as long as it complies with the school rules, of course. I’d like to welcome you all to Blackwood Academy and invite you to head to the dining hall, where your meal is waiting. Classes will begin tomorrow morning at 9 a.m." 

Here we go. I’m not sure if I’m still supposed to follow the boys. They’ll probably want to stick together. They don’t need me trailing right behind them.

As if he could read my mind, Asher stands up and turns toward me. “Are you coming? I’m starving.”