“Where are we going?” I wipe my nose with my sleeve, not caring how gross I must look right now.
“Millwood Academy.” The Viking states. “You can call me Elliot.”
“That’s not your real name,” I said, looking for any sign of deception on his face. I studied him for a guideline of his truths and lies.
“No, that’s not my real name and best you don’t know it. After this mission, pray you never see me again, Penelope.” Elliot walks, over to his bookshelf and opens a secret panel. He grabs a box and brings it over to the table. “Everything you require should be in here. If you need me, let Clark know.”
I look over to Clark, who is surprised at what just transformed and was none to impress to be working with me on this. I reach for the top of the lid to open it but, Elliot puts his hand over mine.
“Once it’s opened, you can’t turn back.” He lifts his hand and takes a step back, as if this thing could explode.
I immediately open the box, without another thought about the potential danger. Inside were books, clothes, and papers...
“You will be enrolling into Millwood Academy. A supernatural college. You’ll have never heard of it. It’s only for the upper crust of the bloodlines.” Elliot said, as he lit a cigar.
“Thanks for reminding me.” It was a dig to Nelly’s house. We were the lowest of the low, we would hunt anything that paid well, which was why we were in such demand.
“You’re an unknown. This is also a chance to find out more about your powers.” Elliot said from behind me. “If you so choose.”
His words made me freeze. Was that the real reason he wanted me?
“Take care, son.” Elliot squeezes Clark’s shoulder. “Watch your backs.” He calls over his shoulder as he walks to the door, “I’ll send word of your first steps once you’re settled in.”
“Wait!” I call after him, but Elliot closes the door. He was a wolf like Clark? Why couldn’t I pick that up? “How long will we be there?” I direct my question to Clark, who had stood up and was making his way to the door.
“However long it takes,” Clark said in a low sly tone and a side glance to me, not bothering to hide his irritation.
Chapter 3
Clark and I arrive together, with little talk on the way to the Academy. I couldn’t figure this kid out. One minute I think he’s on my side, and the next he’s itching to get the heck away from me. One thing was undeniable, how hot he looks in a uniform. His beefy build could barely hold the shape the jacket was designed for. The seams beg to rip open every time he moves his arms, not that I would mind. He’d be eye candy if I can get over his moodiness.
Our limo pulls up to the gate and Clark is quick to jump out. As I move across the seat toward him to get out, he slams the door shut in my face. Well, this is going to be enjoyable.
“I’ll get it,” I call out as I open the door. I fix my skirt, which had hiked halfway up my legs as I slid along the leather seat, before I swing my legs out the door. Not the first impression I was going for. Clark had already left me for a group of girls that had googly eyes over him. “Great bodyguard,” I mumble, and his head points over to me. Shit! I forgot how great wolves can hear. Mental note not to mumble around him.
“Don’t worry about me.” I wave toward his fan club as he averts his attention back to them. I watch them for a moment then take in the grand scale of the gate and the buildings behind them. One of the girls reaches for his arm, it’s a familiar touch. He’s been with her before.
“You just going to stand there?” Clark calls to me as his fans pull him inside of the gate.
I grab my bag and leave his. “I’m not your maid,” I mumble, wanting him to hear me. I follow along like a good student. There is a long pathway to the main Academy building, signs along the path seem to make navigating the campus easy. From what I guess can only be the main building, is enormous and at least a few hundred years old. The stonework is enchanting, and I can’t wait to see what the inside looks like. I’m so enthralled, I don’t notice that Clark has stopped and I walk smack dab into him, dropping my bags to the ground.
“Let’s walk in together. That will set some boundaries.” Clark said, not offering to help me with my bags.
“Yes, Sir.” I salute him, and he narrows his eyes at me. A fine pair we are.
He walks to the front entrance, and I follow behind him. Just as we get to the door, he decides to be a gentleman and offers that I go first. I walk in, and it’s just as beautiful as the outside. The hallway is filled with trees and is wide open. The façade of the building hiding it’s magical insides.
“Clark,” A stern older man appears from the Admittance entrance. “I wasn’t told that you would be here this semester.” He seems none too pleased.
“Principal Stanton. Great to see you as well.” Clark’s face lit up with a smile, something I hadn’t seen before. “This is, Penelope.”
Principal Stanton barely glances my way. His lips are pulled to a thin line and his eyes are on Clark. He was obviously unaware of my attendance and was displeased.
“Nice to meet you,” I said, unsure of what to do, I offer my hand.
“Enrollment is through those doors.” Principal Stanton walks past me. “No running in the hallway.”
