“Yep. Pretty much all staring.”
“Oh God,” I moaned, tightening my grip on my bag.
“At least you look hot.” Her cheerful response made my stomach flip.
“Please don’t say stuff like that to me. Ever.” Why did my mother do this to me? I felt like a sideshow freak at a carnival.
“Sorry,” Bryn said, toying with the multi-hued metallic bangles that jangled along her arm.
I switched out my homework for the books I needed in first and second period. The din of the hallway dropped to a buzz of curious whispers, and Bryn abruptly straightened from her casual pose.
I knew what that meant. He was nearby. I slung my bag over my shoulder, slammed my locker door, and hated that my heart sped up as I looked for
Renier Laroche.
The crowd of students parted for the Bane alpha and his pack. Ren, flanked by Sabine, Neville, Cosette, and Dax, seemed to float down the hallway. He moved as though he owned the school. His eyes darted from side to side—ever a wolf, always predatory.
I’ll bet he’s never had to suffer a makeover.
When Ren found me, a half-cocked smile played along his mouth. I stood perfectly still, matching his challenging gaze. Bryn stepped closer. I could feel her breath on my shoulder.
Activity in the hall stilled. Eyes fixed on our meeting, whispers traveling from mouth to ear.
A movement to my right caught my eye. Mason, Ansel, and Fey emerged from the throng of students and took flanking positions around Bryn. I stood a little taller.
Not the only alpha now, are you?
Ren’s eyes narrowed as they focused on the Nightshade wolves behind me. An abrupt laugh escaped his throat.
“You going to call off your soldiers, Lily?”
I glanced at the Banes, who stood like sentinels around their alpha.
“As if you’re flying solo?” I leaned back against my locker.
His laugh became a low chuckle, not unlike a growl. He looked at Sabine.
“Get out of here. I need to speak to Calla. Alone.”
The inky-haired girl to his right stiffened, but she turned and walked back in the direction of the commons. The other three wolves fell in behind her, though Dax cast a glance back at his alpha before they melted into the crowd.
Ren raised an eyebrow. I nodded.
“Bryn, I’ll see you in class.”
I heard the rustle of her curls as she bobbed her head. Out of the corner of my eye I caught Mason and Fey leaning in and whispering to her as they moved off. I waited, but Ren’s eyes remained focused over my shoulder. I turned to see Ansel still standing behind me.
“You too. Now.”
My little brother ducked his head and dashed after the other Nightshades.
Ren laughed. “Protective of you, eh?”
“Whatever.” I tightened my arms over my chest. “What’s with the show, Ren? You’ve got half the student body watching us.”
He shrugged. “They always watch us. They’re afraid of us. It’s the way it should be.”
My lips thinned, but I didn’t respond.
“That’s a new look,” he said, letting his eyes move slowly over me.
Damn you, Mother.
I gave a reluctant nod and looked down. Ren’s finger caught the underside of my chin and tilted my face upward. When I raised my eyes, he was wearing his most appealing smile. I jerked away from his fingers. A soft, low growl rumbled in his chest.
“Easy, girl.”
“The look doesn’t matter.” I pressed closer to the locker. “Stop toying with me. You know who I am.”
“Of course,” he murmured. “That’s why I like you.”
My teeth clenched as I struggled against the warm, bubbling tension that the alpha boy provoked from the tips of my toes to the crown of my head.
“I’m immune to your charms,” I lied. “Cut the act, Bane. What do you want?”
He laughed. “Come on, Cal. I thought we were friends.”
“We are friends.” I let the phrase hang between us. “Until October thirty-first. Then it changes. Those are the rules. You’re the one acting like a buck in rut today. Just tell me what’s on your mind.”
I held my breath, wondering if I’d gone too far. But no angry retort came, and for a split second his expression was tender.
“The Keepers are coming down hard on us,” he said. “I, for one, am tired of being scrutinized twenty-four seven. I wondered if you were interested in doing something about that.”
I waited for the joke. None came.
“H-How?” I finally managed to stammer.
He took a hesitant step closer.
“What’s the stick up their ass?” he murmured, leaning toward me. Breathing became a challenge.
I am in control. I am in control.
“The union. The new pack,” I said. He was close enough that I could see the flecks of silver inside his dark eyes.
Ren nodded. His smile became a grin.