ShadowFen Academy

*Draven POV*

Only six more months until I can move on as headmaster of ShadowFen Academy. Per tradition, I became headmaster the fall semester after my high school graduation, just like my own father did.

That was two years ago, and in six months, I will be taking over from my father as Alpha of Silver Springs Pack in Sandpoint, Idaho. I am more than ready, but the senior council has their doubts because I haven't yet found my mate.

I don’t have time to really think of a mate right now, because the preparations and training I have been doing take up all my time when I’m not working at the school. So, if it comes down to me having to choose a mate, for business purposes only, that’s what I’ll do.

“Headmaster, the bus has arrived. Do you want me to escort them into the library?” Gavin, my assistant, asked. 

“Yes, Gavin. Please show them in, get them drinks, and I will be down shortly. Please have the welcoming team be prepared to take their belongings to their rooms,” I replied.

The bus in question was the transfers from Hardwick Finishing School. Their school was vandalized and burnt to the ground, so we agreed to take their third and fourth year students while Arbordale Academy took the younger grades. I just hope that they can keep up with our curriculum. 

I moved from my desk to stand in front of the window and watch as they filed off the bus and into the building. I squeezed my eyes shut, and made a mental note to myself to remain positive that this was going to work. 

Moving away from the window, I grabbed my jacket and put it on. After checking myself in the mirror, I made my way downstairs to welcome my new students.

I hadn’t made it completely down the stairs yet before the roar of laughter and chatter filled the air from the group of teenage girls. It was enough to send my head spinning. 

“Are you ready for this, boss?” Candy asked as she approached me. Candy was the senior hall resident advisor. She was in charge of all fourth year girls, and in her mind, in charge of my bed after one mistake of a night.

“I’m ready. Candy, I would suggest you keep your hands to yourself. Touch me again, and I’ll fire you. You’ve been warned many times, and this is the last time. 

She quickly removed her hands from my arm, and stood up straight as if she had never just been caressing my arm. 

After chuckling to myself, I composed myself and walked into the school library. Surprisingly, none of them stopped their socializing, and I had to clear my throat to make it known that I was in the room. 

I kept a stone face to let them know that I was a no nonsense kind of headmaster. I was a stickler to the rules, and I expected everyone from the students to the staff to abide by them. 

“Have a seat, ladies. I would like to get started,” I stated, and suddenly, it felt like my heart was in my throat. My wolf, Daxton, began to pace wildly in my mind. 

“Not now, Dax. You have to calm down. I have a job to do. We will speak after I’m finished,” I told him. 

He began to whine, and all he said in response was “She’s here”. Who was she, and why was  that important? Unless? No. Not here, not now. 

I started to look around the room, and no one stood out to me. Nor did anyone I could see make my heart beat wildly. He had to be wrong.

“Please, ladies, have a seat. We have a lot to discuss before you are shown to your rooms, and I would like to have you settled by lunch. This includes your campus tour,” I explained.

Once everyone was seated, I introduced myself. 

“Thank you for moving so quickly. I am headmaster Draven Douglas. My father is Alpha Thiago Douglas of the Silver Springs pack. This is my second, and final year as headmaster, and for those who will be here next year, your headmaster will be my younger brother, Rowan. I am a strict, but fair headmaster, and if you follow the rules and do well in your studies, you will be given the recognition you deserve. We have a reward system in place for those who strive to do their best. We also have an excellent counseling team to help you with everything from your classes, tutoring, or even if you just need someone to confide in. Bullying and harming other students is strictly forbidden, and if you are caught doing so, you will be suspended. If it happens again, you will be expelled. That leads to another situation that will lead to expulsion on the first offense. At no time are you allowed in the boys' dorms. Not even to relay a message from staff. They are not allowed in the girls’ dorms either. So, save yourself the chance of losing your place in this school, and stay in your own areas. If you must intermingle with the boys, do it during common time. Lunch, free time in the common areas, school functions, etc…I shouldn’t have to explain that any further. Your classes will start promptly at 8:15am, and will end for the day at 2:45pm. Does anyone have any questions?” I asked.

I stood looking around the room, and that’s when I saw her. I knew it was her, because Daxton started to pace wildly again when my eyes landed on her.

She definitely wasn’t my normal type, but she was definitely gorgeous. Her flaming red hair was pulled up into a messy bun, and crystal blue eyes were mesmerizing. When she raised her hand, I couldn’t wait to call on her just to hear her voice.

“What about meal times? We have been on that bus for nearly 3 hours, and I, for one, am starving,” she asked. She had the sweetest voice I had ever heard, but something told me that she was going to be my problem child this year. 

“Meal times will be assigned to you on your schedules. If you miss those times, there are vending machines in the common rooms, along with microwaves. You can also have your parents or guardian send you care packages. There are few exceptions to cafeteria access after your scheduled times, and today is one of those. We have provided you with donuts, fruits, bagels and cereal for breakfast. I ask that you eat quickly so we can continue on that tour,” I said and had Candy and Gavin show them to the area where it was provided. 

I needed some fresh air, because her scent was driving me mad, and it was obvious she wasn’t yet eighteen. She had no clue what we were.