New Student Orientation

Elias

I sat on the stage with our most tenured professors and administrators as the new batch of incoming students began filing into the auditorium. I watched them carefully, taking note of how they carried themselves, their temperament, and who they conversed with.

Augustus leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Are you looking for your little mate?” he asked teasingly.

“Shut the fuck up,” I growled lowly, hoping our cohorts didn’t overhear him.

“You’re drawing attention to us,” he said accusingly as if he weren’t the one who started it.

Augustus had been my friend since our first shift, and he’d been nothing but a pain in the ass ever since. He was the worst kind of troublemaker and could charm himself out of any situation. He was quick-witted, intelligent, and vengeful when you pissed him off, but he was also fiercely loyal and insightful. He was someone you’d want in your corner when your back was up against the wall.

“No, it is you drawing attention,” I replied, keeping my eye out for a soon-to-be expelled student.

“How did things go with the dean after I left?”

“You mean after you ran out like a pussy?”

Augustus shrugged.

“Same difference,” he expressed as nonchalant as ever.

“It went as well as you’d think it’d go—threats, threats, and more threats. He brought up my mother, and I told him he should die.”

“Ouch,” Augustus replied, snickering at my poorly hidden disdain for my father that I failed to conceal.

Suddenly, my head snapped towards the entrance at breakneck speed.

My mate…my student…stood there looking befuddled and out of place like a sheep that had wandered off from her flock. No pun intended, but she was a sheep amongst true wolves who would devour her without the slightest remorse.

We locked eyes for much longer than I had intended, once again making my wolf come to life. I would’ve drank her in for much longer if it wasn’t for the brazen interruption. A female student, whose name I couldn’t place, but knew she hung out with Anastasia, violently shoved Delilah. As a result, Delilah’s bag fell, spilling her contents onto the floor. My hands clenched around the wooden armrest of the chair I sat in until the wood began splintering under my abuse.

“Elias!” Augustus hissed, reminding me that I was in public.

“She—”

My sentence died down when I witnessed Delilah trip the girl who shoved her. The girl tumbled down to the ground, falling flat on her face. The snickers and laughter immediately ceased, and were replaced with disbelieving gasps. The auditorium fell so silent that you could hear a pin drop. A part of me couldn’t help but think how foolish she was, but another part of me was proud she stood up for herself. Whether she realized it or not, she let it be known to her classmates that she didn’t plan on taking their shit.

I hid my smirk behind my hand.

Good job, little mate.

“You half-breed, bitch!” the student snarled, pulling herself up to her feet. She used the sleeve of her blazer to wipe away the blood that trickled from her nose. “How dare you?!” she spat.

“It’s not my fault you weren’t paying attention and tripped over your own two feet,” Delilah said, leaving the girl’s mouth ajar.

“Please be seated!” Mrs. Winthrop screeched in the microphone, sending the students scrambling for seats. A low growl rumbled in my throat when Julian Lancaster stood and waved Delilah over to sit next to him.

My gaze flicked over to Augustus when he elbowed me in the side.

“Your speech,” he murmured.

My eyes widened in shock. I’d been so enraptured with my mate and the young man seeking her attention that I had missed the opening remarks.

Shit.

By the time I reached the dais, my face had returned to its usual stoicism.

“Good afternoon, students, and welcome to Nocturne Academy. My name is Professor Elias Grey, and I am pleased to welcome this year’s incoming freshmen and transfer students. I want you all to know that you didn’t choose Nocturne Academy—Nocturne Academy chose you.

“For generations, Nocturne Academy has been a sanctuary for those who are extraordinary in unseen ways, and it is a privilege to guide you as your professor, mentor, and fellow seeker of knowledge.

“You are not just students of Nocturne Academy; you are its heartbeat, future, and pride. Some of you may come from long lineages of distinction, while others arrive here with the first spark of greatness in your veins. Nocturne Academy believes that innovation and excellence come from every corner of the world. It doesn’t matter how you begin, but how you grow.”

My eyes tracked towards the young woman who made it feel like the four walls of the auditorium were closing in on me. Even from the distance, her doe eyes filled with curiosity and determination, threatened to knock me off kilter. I needed to reject her and put us both out of our misery. Like Augustus said, the sooner, the better.

“Understand this: Nocturne Academy demands brilliance, but that will not be easily won. You may face trials that push you to your limits and truths about yourself that are not always easy to bear. But remember, you are not alone. This place was built to ensure that no one has to face the darkness without the light of camaraderie. Lean on one another, and you will find strength in unity.

“I ask only that you give your all, for anything less would be a disservice to the privilege of being here. I look forward to seeing what each of you will accomplish this year. Together, we will continue to make Nocturne Academy the best shifter academy in the world. Thank you.”

I sat after receiving a thunderous round of applause.

“Good speech, buddy. But I’m about to blow your little motivational speech out of the water,” Augustus teased before taking to the podium.

I refrained from rolling my eyes and retrieved my vibrating phone from my pocket. My eyes narrowed when I read the message.

That Woman: Elias, your father called, and I’m thrilled to hear that your plans have changed. I look forward to seeing you Friday night.

I knew he couldn’t help but meddle in my affairs. It was another reason I needed to shake my young mate loose. My father would do anything in his power to get rid of her.