LUKA'S POV

"Welcome to eighth grade class, my name is Wendy Jackson and yes I am ok with you just calling me Wendy, just don't tell the other teachers. And for all you boys out there sorry to say but I'm taken." The class laughs at her joke but I remain quiet.

Summer seemed to fly by faster than I would have liked. Don't get me wrong I am more than happy to be back in school again, my only issue is Aria is in my class and she hasn't looked at me once since class started. At first when I was so focused on training and lessons it didn't bother me as much that we had broken up, but now... man do I miss her.

"Now I want you guys to know I am new here and I will need a little help getting adjusted to everything that happens at this school and the best way to do that is to have a field trip!" Everyone roars and Naal nudges my side. We've always loved field trips, it gives us a chance to get out of the pack area and do anything we want, good or bad.

"I have the slips here and it would be very wise for you to get this signed as soon as you can. The trip will be at the end of the month and we will be taking a little camping trip to that edge of the forest. It will teach you guys about both science and it will help to improve your writing skills. I will explain more closer to the date." There's a buzz of excitement that leaves a pleasant aura surrounding us.

As Mrs. Jackson continues her speech I continue to sneak glances at Aria. She's wearing her hair down today, effectively covering her face from my sight. Her scent is very floral and makes my stomach tingle. Her glitter top is sparkling in the sunlight, reflecting its glow unto everyone around her. That's the effect she has, she touches everyone. I've never felt such loss before and I will admit it... it sucks.

"Luka Garretson?" I look up to Mrs. Jackson and grimace. I can't start the new year on a bad note. So I perk up and tear my eyes and heart away from Aria, for now at least.

"Here." She smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes as it does for the other students. Actually now that I am paying attention to her, her attitude seems to be off. I don't know what it is, but she is just giving me a really bad vibe. I turn to Naal about to say something but her eyes cuts to me and I shut my mouth. What is it about this woman? Instead of speaking out loud I decide to mindlink with him.

"Naal does Mrs. Jackson seem weird to you?" Out of the corner of my eye I see Naal raise an eye brow but thankfully he doesn't look at me. The thing is, when it comes to mindlinking the wolf has a tendency to get a... how can I explain it? I guess a dazed look? Like they're staring off into space for a long time. If you look closely you can see the glazed look in their eyes showing that their mind is elsewhere, but thankfully no one notices.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I don't know for sure but it's like she's looking out for something, or someone. Do you see the way she was watching me? And you for that matter? It's like she's expecting us to do something bad."

"I did see the look she just gave you but maybe it's because she is a strict teacher... but if you have a bad feeling I will keep watch."

"You're my Beta for a reason." I block my mind again and smile. Naal has always been dependable.

"Alright class today we are going to start the day simple. I just want you guys to write, and before you start moaning and groaning all I want is poetry. It could be long or short. It can be written to form a shape or it can be simple lines. It can be about a video game or even your crush. I just want you guys to write me four poems. You got it?" Heads begin to nod rhythmically and her eyes brighten.

"Wonderful. Get to it." Everyone gets to work with low whispers floating around.

"Her scent seems to be masking something. I am just picking up on it now." Naal tells me as he pretends to write. I focus sense of smell on her and try to decipher her scent. At first I don't notice anything different, her scent mainly of lemons and something really sweet, like marshmallows, but then I catch something sour. It's not rogue but it's distinct enough for me to know that she overdosed on the perfume for a reason.

"Yeah I see what you mean." I reply as I continue to pretend to work on poetry.

"Should we report her to your father?" Naal asks sounding slightly worried.

"No there's not much we can do right now. We will have to wait this out." Father would only be disappointed in me for making quick assumptions with no actual evidence. I need to prove to him that I can be an Alpha of a sound mind.

"Alright... well then you should get to work. She's beginning to look over people's shoulders." Naal says blocking his mindlink faster this time and I see him begin to write vigorously. I guess I should do the same.

Poetry. I've never thought much about it before. What can I say? What do I even want to talk about. My eyes automatically find Aria and just like that my hand begins to write:

Her hair is so beautiful. Her eyes shine like stars. Her lips are so kissable. As I crave them from a far.

Her smile is so bright. Her hair soft to the touch. Her voice is a melody. How I miss her so much.

Her hands are milky smooth. Her taste like honey. Her smell is so sweet. No perfume could create with money

But I failed her. I lost her. I'll cherish her. And one day, defrost her.

When I stop writing I can't believe what I wrote. It's amazing and it seems like the teacher thinks so too. I felt her presence the minute I started writing. How she got to me so quickly I don't know but she is hovering over my shoulder like I have some huge secret to tell her and honestly it's a bit annoying.

"Oh wow Luka that is so beautiful. Do you mind reading that aloud to the class in a few minutes?" I nod my head and she walks to the next student. I look down at my paper and sigh. It's not that good, it's just how I feel... but maybe that's what poetry is. I continue writing to keep occupied. What else can I write about? Maybe Naal.

Fiercely loyal. Overly secretive. Best Friend

Hazel Eyes. Brown Hair. Best Friend

Video Gamer. Book Reader. Best Friend

Naal Ryon

I smile at the next poem quickly realizing that I am really good at poetry. It's like my brain just shuts down as I write and in turn I create this... thing. Not bad for the first day. The next poem I know has to be about my family.

Father is strong willed and has a huge heart. Mother is caring and protective from the very start.

Sister is loving and very possessive. Grandmother is wise and a little aggressive. This is my family.

Father is a natural born leader and loves us dearly. Mother is an amazing cook but almost burnt down the house, nearly.

Sister is bright and sometimes bossy. Grandmother is brave and sometimes saucy. This is my family.

Father looks to me to lead and knows I can. Mother believes in me and tries to not hold my hand.

Sister has high hopes and knows what she wants. Grandmother loves us all and our good looks she flaunts. This is my family.

I will have to keep this poem for mom as I know she will love it. I look around the class and see confused and even frustrated faces and I don't understand why, this writing assignment is easy. My last poem has to mean something to me. And it is also something I want to be personal. So I decide to channel my wolf a little to see what he might like. I feel his presence surface slightly and he takes control of my writing.

Blue. Caramel. Curls. Mature.

Free-Willed. Brave. Stupid. Ignorant.

Caring. Daring. Kind. Beautiful.

Lovely. Graceful. Charitable. Understanding.

Knowledgeable. Fearless. Sweet. Pretty.

Smile. Cheeks. Eyes. Beauty

I know in an instant that this is about Raelynn. My wolf has always been fond of Rae and I can understand why. She's awesome. I should show this to her when I get home. 

"Luka would you like to come up and present your poem?"

I pick up the first poem about Aria and walk to the front of the class. Three other students are waiting at the front as well. A girl named Stacy reads her poem first and it's really pretty. She's talking about summer and how much she is going to miss it. I notice that I am the only guy up here and I blush begins to cover my face. Did all of the other guy's poems suck that much that only I was chosen or was I that good?

"Go ahead Luka." Mrs. Jackson says. I look to her then the Aria and gulp. I really hope she doesn't realize this is about her. I begin to read the poem and girls automatically begin to awe. The blush deepens as Aria stares at me and by the time I finish we both have deep red blushes coating our cheeks.

"See boys that, is how you write a poem. Excellent job everyone, you can return to your seats." The four of us make our back to our desks and I avoid looking near Aria. As I sit down I notice the poem is gone and I figure I must have dropped it when I stood up. The rest of the class consists of forms, lesson plans and field trip information. By lunch time it seems everyone in the eighth grade knows about my poem.

As we enter the cafeteria whispers fill the air but I ignore them as Naal and I find a table beside the window. It has a perfect view of the forest a few miles away, something wolves with enhanced senses can see, and the sunlight is very relaxing. Shortly after we sit down and take out our lunch some pack members begin to join us. There are a lot of pack members that go to this school and all varying in grades. But no matter the age they all are drawn to us. It's the power we have that causes a pull-like effect on them. Even though Naal isn't officially the Beta yet everyone already recognizes him as their future Beta and in turn that respect gives him power. And besides who doesn't want to hang out with their future Alpha and Beta?

As the wolves sit down I notice the attraction we seem to be getting. It's not something new either, as it started at the beginning of grade seven. For most kids our age puberty has already started and in turn they get taller, hairier and well... all of that other stuff. But for us wolves our physical appearance changes in an alluring way. I for example have grown to 5"6 already and that is only the beginning. My eyes have become lighter and reflect hues of green, my chest has become broader and my voice has deepened. Yes this is just like other humans but the difference is the presence of my wolf. He emits a confidence and sometimes cockiness that draws constant attention, making not just my looks so appealing but also my personality. It's the same for the other pack members. Naal, although still quiet, has an aura that makes him seem more mysterious as his wolf wants to seem. It's an interesting thing to examine.

"Hey Luka or should I start calling you Alpha now?" I chuckle at my friend and roll my eyes.

"I'm not the Alpha yet Keegan." Keegan and his twin brother Kyle are two of my closest friends next to Naal... and Rae of course. They moved into our territory about three years ago and their parents were able to make their way up in ranks very quickly. As of last year they have become some of the best trackers our pack has ever seen. And following in their parents' footsteps the guys are also training to become trackers as well and they are pretty good.

"Yeah well I might as well get used to calling you that." He punches my shoulder lightly and sits beside me with Kyle sitting across from him.

"Oh my gosh did you guys hear about Blood Moon pack?" Art says walking arm in arm with Mara, Naal's maybe girlfriend. The girls sit across from us and start picking at their fries. Art obviously isn't her full name but she prefers to be called that as it makes her seem sophisticated. Her name is Artemis and boy does she live up to the legend behind the name. She is one of the best hunters in our pack and she's only thirteen. She is also very skilled with midwives when the females give birth, apparently her voice is very soothing. Gross.

"Yeah I heard that place is on lock down. Who would have guessed?" Jason, the son of an enforcer says sitting beside Art. He likes her. And everyone knows. But Art wants to wait for the man she chooses to be her mate making Jason work that much harder to prove to her that he can be that man for her.

"We shouldn't talk about them, we don't know if it's rumours or not." I say with finality. I know they're not rumours and that that pack is basically failing but that's not for me to say.

"Yes Alpha." Keegan says laughing and we all laugh along with him. Three more members join the table and all of us are finally together. Two of the three are dating and are sure they will choose each other as their mate. That's Connor and Catherine... yes their names both start with Cs. They believe it's the Moon Goddess' way of creating them for each other. I think it's just a coincidence. The last of our group is Yulia. She's the quiet one of our group. She's always reading something that's advanced and in turn it makes her also the smartest one in our group.

Throughout school it has always been the ten of us. If I don't have a class with Naal then more than likely I have a class with one of these guys and that makes school that much better. To be honest I don't know how we all became friends, I guess it just happened. We study together, go to movies together and of course we train together. I trust these friends with my life and that is a quality an Alpha needs to have. Trust.

"So you guys we're going to be graduating finally." Art says initiating conversation.

"I know and I can't wait. I want to see just how strong these human football players are in high school." He flexes his muscles in Art's direction and she rolls her eyes.

"Don't do anything stupid Jason." Naal says picking at his pizza. Like Yulia Naal doesn't say much and when he speaks up it's when it truly matters.

"Naal is right, you can't go around picking fights. It's just dumb." Mara says as she looks through her science textbook.

"Oh come on I won't pick any fights. But if something happens I won't hold back." Now it's my turn to speak.

"Yes you will. You will not jeopardize our existence as a matter of masculinity. We can't go around parading our strength and abilities just because it makes us look cool, especially because we're freshman. There is a hierarchy for a reason. Follow it." Everyone quiets down at my order but Keegan breaks the silence again.

"Sometimes I forget that you really will be our Alpha... it's so cool. You sounded like your father just then." A smile forms on my face and I shake my head.

"Well fine if I can't hurt them directly. Then I will hurt them indirectly." Yulia perks up at his comment.

"Let me guess you will show off your skills in sports?" She shakes her head and goes back to reading.

"You see this is why we love you Yuli! You are so understanding." We all chuckle a little as she sticks out her tongue.

"What sports are you thinking of playing then?" Art says eating more fries. Jason takes this as his moment in the sun and puffs out his chest.

"What sports do you like?" And the moment is gone. Naal and I chuckle as Art rolls her eyes.

"I think I want to try either swimming or baseball." I say lightly. Jason nods in agreement.

"I can definitely see you doing swimming. You'd own that." He punches my shoulder.

"Thanks."

"I heard there's an archery club. I definitely want to try that out. Let's see how far my amazing name can take me." Art comments. Jason looks at her with adoration.

"I know you'll succeed." Now that is a proper compliment. Art smiles at him and asks him to come with her to get some more food. As everyone begins to break into their own conversations I choose to mindlink Naal.

"Hey why aren't you sitting with Mara?" His nose twitches at my question and he looks up at Mara before looking at me.

"Why would I sit with her?"

"Because she's your girlfriend."

"No she's not. Shifting and running with a pack member doesn't automatically make them a couple."

"Oh come on Naal."

"I'm not interested in her in that way. She's only a friend and we both know it." I can tell he is tense, I can feel it in the link. Something's bothering him.

"What are you hiding from me... again?" I let the irritation show in my question and Naal winces.

"I'm sorry you're right... it's just. I tried with Mara and I did like her but... There's someone else. And no matter how hard I try I can't let her go."

"Who is she? What does she look like? Do I know her? Well of course I know her. Come on man." The irritation spikes again in his emotions and I begin to get worried.

"It doesn't matter who she is."

"Yes it does."

"No it doesn't."

"Oh yes it does. I'm your best friend and future Alpha so if there's someone that is causing you pain or trouble then it is my duty to know." I know I shouldn't have used to Alpha card on him but he's hiding something from me and it bothers me.

"There's nothing you can do about it Luka so drop it."

"But-"

"Please stop I'm starting to get a headache." The mindlink drops and I stare at Naal dumbfounded. Whoever this girl is she better beware of me because when I get a hold of her she will regret ever putting my best friend through this.

"Here she comes." Naal says picking at his lunch. He and I don't need to look up to sense Aria coming. I knew the moment she walked into the cafeteria so I was a little surprised to hear her footsteps inching closer and closer to me.

"Luka can I talk to you?" I look up to her and try not to groan at how pretty she is. Her hair looks even better up close and I smile softly.

"Sure." I get up from the table and we make our out of the cafeteria, completely aware of all of the eyes on us. We walk down the hallway in silence and choose to speak in a nearby empty stairwell. Even as I close the door I can feel the awkward sensation we are both experiencing. No one says a word at first but then Aria takes a deep breath and looks at me.

"So was that poem about me?" Well that was a little blunt... but I don't mind. I appreciate honesty. There's at least 7 feet separating us and I badly want to close that space but I also don't want to rush things. Aria is still looking at me and I realize I haven't answered her yet. From where I'm standing I can hear her racing heart beat my body instantly becomes aware of her and how nervous she has become.

"Yes. I- I've wanted to talk to you about.... this summer. It hasn't- no it was an amazing summer but I missed you. And I know I screwed up but-" I almost forgot how to kiss as her lips danced along my own. They are even softer than I remember. The warmth of her breath fans my lips as she pulls back slightly, before kissing me again and this time I join in. I pull her waist closer to me and kiss her a little harder. She feels so good. Aria pulls back again and I smile widely.

"What was that?" I ask a little breathless.

"I missed you too. A lot. Maybe we can try again." Her hand slides down my arm and holds my hand.

"I would love that." We kiss each other for a little longer before walking hand in hand to the cafeteria. She opts to sit with me, Naal and the rest of the pack members in our grade instead of her friends. And everyone notices. Naal is wearing a small smile as he continues to pick at his food and the pack members smile at Aria as if recognizing her as their own.

***

"So this trip will be outside of the pack limit and still on the campsite? I like how that sounds. When you do you guys leave?" School flew by much to my dismay because it lessened my time with Aria but I made sure to enjoy every second we had together. It was a perfect day until I came home with her scent all over me. My mom picked up on it first and instantly started firing questions one after the other. She was so excited it took over an hour to calm her down. And now she wants to meet Aria herself.

After her interrogation I had training which wasn't as intense because I was assigned homework... Right now my family is gathered for dinner along with Naal and his family.

"The trip is at the end of the month Luna Kiera." Naal says politely. Mom smiles at him.

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Kiera? You are the future Beta come now." She turns to father who seems to be mindlinking at the moment and clears her throat. "Well you have my permission. Gannon?" Father looks towards us and his eyes begin to focus.

"It is in a safe and secure area and I trust you both. You have my permission to go. Jeremiah?" Naal's father smiles at the both of us and nods his head.

"You both are old enough to fend for yourselves. We taught you well. Love are you ok with this?" We all turn to Naal's mother. She is very protective of Naal.

"I will look over the information again and speak with your teacher but... it sounds fine to me." Alma smiles at all of us and continues to eat her food.

"Hey what about me? My opinion counts too!" Willow says pouting. I ruffle her hair, as she is sitting beside me, and smile.

"I apologize Willow do you think I can go?" Both of my parents are smiling at us and she looks around before putting her finger to her chin. She taps it slowly as she makes a low "Hmm" sound.

"Well I guess it's ok. Just as long as we hang out when you get back."

"Deal." Everyone laughs and begins to clear up the table.

***

The past month has consisted of a lot of training, studying, assignments and kissing. A lot of kissing. Being my first girlfriend I want to do right with Aria and by doing that I appease her every need and if that is kissing then I will kiss her.

"Ok class does everyone have their belongings?" Mrs. Jackson asks as we wait in the class room.

Everyone has a camping bag and a jacket to keep warm and you can tell we're excited. Our science teacher Mr. Yasef is also in the class with his homeroom class as well. In total there are about 40 of us. Can't imagine what the volunteer parents are thinking.

"Alright we are going to do a role call quickly and then we will be off." Both teachers begin to call out every name and Naal and I meet up at the back of the classroom.

"So I heard both of our fathers will be running patrol tonight." Naal says going through his bag for something.

"Yeah my father told me before I left that and I quote he will be 'watching us'." We both laugh and I hear Mrs. Jackson call out my name.

"Here." I say and she looks back at me before continuing the list. I watch her and her reactions to everyone else and I know my suspicion about her has to be right. There is something off about her.

"Time to go class. The bus is here." Everyone begins to file out of the class and Mrs. Jackson ends up right behind us. I try not to act weird but we're not even at the back of the line, it's as if she deliberately wanted to be behind Naal and me.

"Why is she so close to us?" Naal asks me in frustration. I'm glad to know he is feeling the exact same way I am.

"I don't know. It's as if she's watching us."

"I guess now is as good as any to test out your theory." Naal says hiking his bag high onto his shoulder.

"Let's find out who she truly is." I close the mindlink and walk on to the bus. We go all the way to the back of the bus as Keegan and Kyle have saved us a seat. Mara and Art are in front of us and Jason is talking with a human boy. Connor and Cate and Yulia aren't on this field trip sadly.

When the bus leaves the sun is still pretty high so we should arrive at the campsite by sunset if not a little earlier. While most of the class is talking, more like yelling animatedly, Naal and I keep watch of Mrs. Jackson. She seems to be constantly checking her phone and touch a duffle bag she brought with her.

"What do you think is in that bag?" I ask Naal watching the panic flash across Mrs. Jackson's face when we hit a bump and the bag almost flies out of her lap.

"Something of great importance."

"We need to find out what's in that bag." I say as my eyes search the bus for Aria. She's talking to Lucy and laughing every few seconds. I really want to be with her.

"Agreed." We arrive at the campsite 10 minutes later and like I predicted the sun is close to setting. As the teachers divide us into groups to share tents Naal tries to get close to Mrs. Jackson's bag but each time she snaps her head in his direction and sends him away.

"Ok so everyone knows their groups so start pitching your tent and then we will start the examination." Everyone looks around at each other and wander off to their own areas to put together their tents. Keegan, Kyle, Naal and I are all in a tent together which is fine by me.

"So... who knows how to do this?" Keegan asks scratching the back of his head. We all stare down at the brand new tent my father bought us and sigh. Sure we can hunt, fight and track but of course no one knows how to "pitch a tent". Just great.

"It can't be that hard. Let's just read the instructions and try."

Forty minutes later and Mr. Yasef had to help us. Thankfully we chose a secluded area so no one could see us failing miserably at the assembly. Once the tent was up Mr. Yasef told us that we will be investigating photosynthesis so we were given magnifying glasses, rulers and notepads. We had to go out and examine three different kinds of plants and try to guess what kind of plant it is and how old it is. Sounds easy enough.

"Let's do this guys." Keegan says holding his magnifying glass high in the air like it's a sword. We all head towards the trees and I find a flower so I document it. Naal finds some kind of herb and sadly Keegan find a little bush of poison ivy, which doesn't irritate his skin for long but it's still funny to watch him itching like crazy. We join the rest of the class and show Mr. Yasef what we found. By now the sun is setting and the volunteer parents are helping to set up the campfires.

"So that was your science portion for today and tomorrow Mr. Yasef will take you on a nature walk to identify different plants. For English I want you guys to write a limerick and a diamante poem inspired by this campsite. It has to follow the have the words grass, leaf, forest or tree in it at least once. If you can't remember how to form the poem I have sheets right here that have the description. You have until the campfires are set and the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers are waiting. Get to it!"

Everyone grabs a sheet of paper from her and scatter into groups to right the poems. The guys decide to stay where we are only because we don't need to see the forest to write about it, we practically live in it.

Sitting down I scan the area and begin to write:

Forest

Trees. Grass.

Aging. Growing. Expanding.

Brings a peace. Flourish in colour.

Crumbling. Sprouting. Dying.

Everywhere. Green.

Leaves.

The diamante was much harder than I thought it would be but I finish it soon enough and begin with the limerick next:

There once was an old man with a beard.

He grew trees and herbs but he looked weird.

His face was contorted

His house never sorted.

And then it seems the man just disappeared.

I smile at my work and go to find Mrs. Jackson to hand it in, but when I follow her scent I hear her talking to someone.

"Yes I have everything I will need. No I'm fine their just kids it won't take long. Listen I can't talk anymore I will report to you tomorrow." She hangs up and I fist my hands. I knew she was up to something. But I can't convict her yet I still need a little more information. So I try my best to act casual as I hand her my paper. She seems shocked to see me. Interesting.

"Oh Luka what can I do for you?"

"Here are my poems." Her hands are shaking as she takes the paper from me. She barely even looks at it before nodding and walking towards the parents. She's scared of something. I need Naal here.

"Naal I heard her talking on the phone to someone. She said she has everything she needs and we were just kids so it won't take long. Then she hurried off the phone saying she will report to this person tomorrow."

"Do you think she is going to do something?"

"Yes and it will happen tonight. We have to be prepared."

"I'm coming now."

"Hey you, what's on your mind? You look upset." My line of sight focuses and I notice I seem to be looking straight at Aria.

"OH nothing I'm just trying to think of a good poem." I say easily. Her eyebrow raises.

"Mrs. Jackson just said you were the first to finish your assignment." I smile widely and wrap my arm around her shoulders.

"One poem just isn't enough. Come on let's go grab some marshmallows." She perks up at my suggestion and we go to the parents to get the sticks and s'mores snacks to eat by the fire. It takes around 10 minutes for the rest of the class to join us and Naal smiles at Aria before sitting beside me. The rest of the evening is spent eating s'mores and telling stories. Mr. Yasef is a very good story teller. Everyone heads to the tents to sleep but Naal and I have other plans. I let Keegan and Kyle know about my suspicions and they agree to play along. They stuff their sleeping bags with pillows to make it look like their sleeping and sleep in Naal and my bag instead. That way once the teachers have finished inspecting each tent they believe we've all gone to sleep allowing Naal and I to sneak off and spy on Mrs. Jackson. I've seen people do it in movies and on T.V. all the time. It's got to work!

When everyone is asleep the moon is high in the sky. Naal and I sneak farther into the forest to shift so we can get a better watch on Mrs. Jackson. For the first two hours there's no movement and we begin to fall asleep but then I hear a twig snap and I'm jolted awake again.

"Naal wake up." He's alert and growling lowly beside me in three seconds. We turn to the direction of the sound and wait for the thing to appear only to be surprised.

"Luka! Naal! What are you doing in your wolf forms! Anyone could see you and report it. This is reckless." My father says stalking towards us. I'm about to explain when I hear the click of a gun. My wolf growls at the person stupid enough to aim a gun at me and I'm not surprised to see Mrs. Jackson holding the impressive gun.

"I knew there was something peculiar about you boys and now I know. I made sure to watch you two carefully for weeks now and I knew your wolves would want to be free sooner or later. And now I've got you. And my superiors said this would be hard. Please. Don't bark or growl just shut up and stay still and I will make this quick and painless." She cocks the gun and prepares to fire but a loud growl erupts from me as a warning.

My father begins to stalk towards her and Jeremiah, Naal's father flanks her other side. There are two fighters closing in on her from behind and Naal and I are in front. Yulia and Mara appear to our left and Keegan and Kyle are further away to keep watch for any other attackers. She's surrounded.

I can smell the fear radiating off of her as she realizes her mistake. She didn't know what pack she was messing with. Let alone the person. She gulps and the gun begins to shake. One of the fighters bark at her and she shoots the gun out of fear. I am able to dodge it but it still goes through my hind leg and I growl in anger. Mrs. Jackson begins to shoot in every direction hoping to hit another one of us and father lunges forward killing her instantly. She's a danger to everyone even herself. It sucks she had to die... she was a fun teacher.

My leg collapses and I fall onto my belly. I hear a whimper beside me and notice Naal seems to be hurt. Father and Jeremiah come to our aid immediately while the fighters take care of Mrs. Jackson's body. Father seems to mindlink someone and soon two enforcers show up with park ranger uniforms. Makes sense those gunshots weren't quiet. The students must have woken up at the sound. Father always has all of his bases covered.

"Luka are you badly hurt?" Father asks his voice full of concern.

"What was she dad?" I ask feeling a weird sensation in my leg. The smell is vaguely familiar.

"She was a hunter and a bad one at that. Were you hit?" I grunt and try to lick at my wound before spitting it out. Wolf's Bane.

"She shot me with wolf's bane." Father nods.

"Yes I can smell it. I need you to stand so I can get you and Naal to Ewan." I listen to him and stand slowly. I can feel the wolf's bane slowly creeping into my system making me weaker than normal. Father sticks his head under my belly and pushes me so I'm on his back. I see Jeremiah has done the same and they begin the trek to the pack house.

By the time we make it there I feel exhausted but Dr. Ewan is quick in injecting something in me to counter the wolf's bane. He spends more time extracting the bullets from Naal as he was hit in the shoulder and front leg. Nothing severe but it still needed to be tended to.

It's 6 a.m. when everyone is stitched up and healing. And just think I knew from the very beginning that there was something wrong with Mrs. Jackson I just never expected her to be a hunter. I will need to learn more about these hunters so I am better equipped to handle the situation.

Next time I will be ready.