Chapter 7

“Even I struggle there sometimes.”

Frank looked at her for a moment before continuing.

“And you…”

Daniela narrowed her eyes.

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence.”

The corners of his mouth lifted.

“I was actually going to say you’d have half the academy falling for you within a week.”

A grin spread across his face.

“And considering they’ll all think you’re a guy…”

He let out a low whistle.

“That place would descend into complete chaos.”

Daniela rolled her eyes.

“This isn’t funny.”

“No,” he admitted as he got to his feet. “It’s completely insane.”

Towering over her now, he spoke more seriously than she had ever heard him.

“If anyone finds out who you really are, they won’t just expel you.”

His face hardened.

“They’ll tear you apart.”

He paused before adding quietly, “And your father? He’ll drag you home in chains.”

His voice softened.

“This will destroy you, Tommy.”

Standing this close made it harder for Daniela to think.

Against her better judgment, her eyes drifted to his lips.

They looked soft.

Warm.

Far too kissable.

For one brief, impossible moment, she wondered what it would feel like to kiss him.

She pushed the thought away before it could settle.

“Then help me.”

Her voice came out barely louder than a whisper.

“Help me make sure no one ever finds out.”

Frank froze.

He opened his mouth as if he wanted to argue, but nothing came out. Instead, he let out a long sigh and rubbed both hands over his face.

Daniela refused to let him shut the conversation down.

“You’re the only person I trust.”

A sad smile crossed her face.

“You know me better than anyone.”

She stepped a little closer.

“You said Westmoor only accepts boys.”

Her eyes never left his.

“So teach me how to become one.”

Silence filled the room.

Frank stared at her for what felt like forever before slowly shaking his head.

“This is insane.”

He laughed quietly, though there wasn’t much humor in it.

“Absolutely insane.”

“Maybe.”

Her voice softened.

“But it’s the only chance I’ve got.”

There was no hiding the desperation in her eyes.

“Please, Frank.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat.

“I can’t do this without you.”

He looked at her for another long moment before muttering a curse under his breath.

“You’re impossible.”

Hope immediately lit up her face.

“So…”

A smile tugged at her lips.

“You’ll help me?”

Frank groaned dramatically.

“Against every bit of common sense I have…”

He pointed a finger at her.

“…yes.”

He sighed again.

“But when this whole disaster blows up in your face, I’m blaming you.”

Daniela couldn’t stop herself from smiling.

“Deal.”

“Alright.”

Frank clapped his hands together once.

“Lesson one.”

He pointed toward her hips.

“You’ve got to stop walking like that.”

Daniela blinked.

“Excuse me?”

Without answering, Frank exaggerated an elegant sway as he walked across the room.

“See this?”

He placed imaginary hands on invisible hips and strutted another few steps.

“That’s you.”

He demonstrated it again before straightening his shoulders and changing his posture completely.

“Guys don’t walk like that.”

He stomped forward with heavy steps.

“Less swaying.”

He thumped another step.

“More… this.”

Daniela stared at him in disbelief before smacking his arm.

“I do not walk like that.”

“Oh, yes, you do.”

He laughed.

“You’ve got curves.”

He gestured toward her.

“They move.”

“And people notice.”

Heat rushed straight to her cheeks.

“Oh, we’re not finished.”

Frank was enjoying himself far too much.

“Your voice needs work too.”

He cleared his throat and spoke in the deepest, most ridiculous voice he could manage.

“‘Hello. I’m Tommy. The manliest man who ever manned.’”

Daniela burst out laughing.

“You sound like a dying bear.”

“Exactly.”

He pointed at her triumphantly.

“That’s exactly how you’ll sound until you get the hang of it.”

Dropping the joke, he tapped the center of his chest.

“Speak from here.”

Then he pointed toward his throat.

“Not from up here.”

He smirked.

“And stop sounding so sassy.”

Daniela folded her arms.

“I’ll have you know my sass is lethal.”

“It needs to become Alpha sass.”

He nodded as though explaining something profound.

“Quiet.”

“Grumpy.”

“Always slightly annoyed.”

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“And swear a little more.”

He narrowed his eyes in mock seriousness.

“Oh, and whatever you do…”

He pointed dramatically.

“Don’t giggle.”

He gave a theatrical growl instead.

“Growl.”

Daniela frowned.

“When have I ever giggled?”

“I was kidding.”

He snorted.

Then the smile slowly disappeared from his face.

“The semester’s already started.”

He sighed.

“I honestly don’t know how the academy would even accept another student.”

Daniela smiled.

“They already have.”

Frank frowned.

“What?”

“I won’t be going as Daniela.”

She looked at him calmly.

“I’ll be attending as Alexander.”

“My cousin.”

Frank blinked.

“…What?”

“You and Alexander aren’t even twins.”

“We’ve always looked alike.”

She shrugged.

“We both have red hair.”

Frank stared at her as if she’d completely lost her mind.

“You seriously think that’s enough to fool everyone at Westmoor?”

“I’ll change a few things.”

She touched the pendant around her neck.

“Josephine can help.”

His eyebrows shot up.

“Your wolf can change how you look?”

Inside her mind, Josephine let out an annoyed groan.

What are you talking about? I never said I could completely change your face.

I can adjust a few features. That’s all.

That’s all I need, Daniela replied silently.

Alexander and I already look similar.

Just help me look a little more masculine.

Frank still looked doubtful.

“Are you really that similar to Alexander?”

“I’ve never actually met him.”

“I’m sure.”

She nodded confidently.

“When we were kids, Edwards mistook him for me.”

“When you were kids.”

Frank folded his arms.

“People grow up.”

He gave her a skeptical look.

“When was the last time you even saw him? How do you know you still look alike?”

“I just know.”

She didn’t want to drag the conversation out any longer.

“I’ll make it work.”

She smiled.

“Trust me.”

Frank groaned again.

“I can’t believe you’re actually convincing me.”

Daniela chuckled.

He immediately pointed at her.

“There.”

He shook his head.

“That.”

“Way too feminine.”

She answered with an exaggerated growl.

Frank laughed.

“Better.”

The amusement slowly faded from his face.

He looked straight into her eyes, and when he spoke again, his voice was serious.

“Tommy, once you walk through those gates, there’s no turning back.”

He held her gaze.

“You’ll be living with wolves who’ll tear you apart the moment they sense weakness.”

“You have to be ready for that.”

Daniela didn’t look away.

“I’ve spent my whole life living in a den full of wolves.”

There wasn’t a trace of hesitation in her voice.

“Westmoor won’t be any different.”