“Hudson, can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“The other werewolves in class today, they started to back you up but then stopped. I thought werewolves were all about pack. And you hang out with us all the time, never with the others from your pack.” Hudson shifted in the seat and looked out the window. I waited, afraid I’d said something to upset him.
“Most of the time you’re right. I’m a bit of an outcast, though.”
“Can I ask why?” He didn’t seem like an outcast. He was strong, fast, and talented. And he was a white wolf which Professor Atkins had said was rare. He was everything werewolves usually valued.
“I’m the oldest son of the alpha in the Dwayyo pack.”
“But, wait, doesn’t that mean you’re going to be the alpha one day? Shouldn’t they listen to you?”
“It’s a little complicated. You see, I’m half human.” The words fell on my ears like drums.
“That’s not possible.”
“Well it is possible, just—um—severely frowned upon. Before my dad found his mate, he was a bit—cavalier in his relationships. He got a human pregnant. She… well… my mom… died giving birth to me. For years I was raised by him as an orphan in the pack. Well, someone found out and exposed him. My dad lost his spot on the Council. If he wasn’t the alpha of the strongest pack, he may have been imprisoned too, but the Upholders knew the pack would never let that happen.
“So, everyone knows who I am now, but I’m still treated like an outcast. Even my dad, he’s always been more my alpha than my father. That’s not changed. The pack will eventually go to my younger brother.”
“But that’s not fair.” Hudson shrugged.
“Maybe not, but it is what it is. Unless I want to challenge my father or my brother, that’s the way it will stay.”
“I’m sorry I pried,” I told him. He patted my leg.
“No, don’t be. You didn’t pry. It’s hard to talk about, but I’m glad you know now.”
I laid my head on his shoulder. “I’m glad we’re friends, Hudson.”
He smiled. “I’m glad we are too.”
Chapter Ten
“Sophie. Sophie. Earth to Sophie!” Hudson’s voice cut through fog.
“Huh—what?”
“You drifted off again.” It was the day before Thanksgiving, and we were sitting in the library trying to plan what we were going to do the next day. We didn’t get a long break for Thanksgiving, but we did get two days out of class and a trip into New York City.
“I said, ‘Did you talk to Simon, is he joining us tomorrow?’”
“Oh yeah, he is. Dad recommended this restaurant we can go to. He and Mom are traveling so he said he wanted us to have a good Thanksgiving with our friends. He’s sending a car. The restaurant is supernatural friendly.” I looked around to see all my friends were staring at me like I’d grown a third eye.
“What?”
“Why are you just telling us now?” Willa asked.
“Have I not mentioned this before? I could’ve sworn I told you all about this.”
“Did you invite your other friends?” Gracie asked. “Maybe you invited them and not us.”
I bit my tongue. “No, of course not. I’m sorry. I really thought I said something. If you don’t have other plans, I’d love for you to come and meet Simon.”
“That’d be great, right guys?” Hudson asked. Willa and Gracie glanced at each other and then nodded.
“I’m sorry,” I repeated.
“Why are you so tired all the time, Sophie? Are you not sleeping well? You know my Mom has a great recipe for a sleeping potion. I could write her and ask for it if you want me to whip it up for you. You might grow a horn, though.”
“As tempting as that is, no thank you. I’ve just been up late reading is all.” The truth was keeping the different threads of my life separated was difficult. I was excelling in my classes, but the lessons in school and with my father were getting harder. Plus, I wasn’t getting any sleep trying to hang out with Hudson, Gracie, and Willa during the day and sneak out to the Immortal’s Club every night. So many times, I’d been tempted to tell them everything. I trusted them. As Gracie moved on to a different topic of conversation, I decided against it. Again. I didn’t want to pull them into something they didn’t have to worry about. It didn’t seem fair, somehow.
The next morning Hudson and I stood huddled outside the front of the Animage Academy building. Gracie and Willa were waiting inside. It was the first time I’d been off school property since I arrived. The street looked just like I remembered it. Full of dilapidated buildings and warehouses. The block looked extra dreary today with heavy gray snow clouds in the sky. Magic never ceased to amaze me. A whole world was concealed right under the humans’ noses. Dad helped create these spells. With a thrill, I realized that one day I could be the one that helped protect the Academy.
A black limo pulled up in front of the school. My dad’s driver got out and took his cap off when he saw me.
“Greetings, Miss Sophie. Your father sent me to transport you and your friends to Clarity. It’s nice to see you. I hope you’ve been well?”
“It’s nice to see you too, Arnold. I’ve been well.” I realized Hudson was staring at me.
“This is what your father means when he says he will ‘send a car?’” I shrugged.
“I’ve been mad at him lately. This is his way to make it up to me.”
“Yeah, well, it would work on me.”
We ran back inside to grab Willa and Sophie and headed off to pick up Simon. The windows were dark enough that Gracie didn’t have to worry about anyone spotting her wings. The limo was decked out with candy, sparkling grape juice, and snacks galore.
“Your dad is amazing. I’m taking all of this back
