The marks around my throat are a deep purple shade. I can barely lift my head, and every breath I take feels like I’ve stuck a hot poker down my throat from the chlorine. My hands ache from the amount of force I used to try to pry Santiago’s hands off me.
It’s late in the afternoon when I come downstairs to get something to eat. I’m not sure where the prince has run off to, but he’s nowhere in sight, and I would love nothing more than to nurse my wounds without him getting in my face about what happened.
“Breakfast?” one of the Omegas in the kitchen asks me. I nod and take a seat at the counter. She orders the two in Spanish and comes over to me with an ice pack. I try to thank her, but nothing comes out. “It’s okay,” she pats my hand. “Eat what you can. I’ll go get the medicine the doctor left for you.”
I nod, and she disappears. One of the other Omegas places a cup of partfait in front of me and smiles politely, but her eyes never leave the exposed skin under my hoodie. Once I’m done, they take my cup and hand me about six pills. Most of them are different. I take them and head back up to my room, feeling exhausted.
Eating was not a pleasant experience, but I needed something in my stomach before taking any painkillers. My bed is done when I get back to my room. I lay down without pulling back the duvet.
It’s been a long time since I thought of the first time I met Santiago. I thought it was the best day of my life. I never once thought I would live to regret the day I met my fated mate.
Wolf Fang Academy was brand new. It was the school that replaced Artume Academy after the rogues burned most of it down. I had never been to it. It was that, before it was a school, the place had been a Maximum Security prison for the criminally insane.
I had read about all of the renovations and restorations of the old building. It’s supposed to be one of the safest schools in the country, so that there is no repeat of what happened at Artume. It’s an hour drive into the center of the city instead of the outskirts of the packlands.
I couldn’t help the way my heart danced in my chest with excitement. Right in the center of Artume City is Wolf Fang Academy. A tall black iron gate closes off the massive property.
There are three Gothic–style towers right in the center. They resemble cathedrals, linked by bridges to allow for easy walking between them. Surrounding the main building is the bullet train reserved for school trips and training exercises in the designated forest areas set up by Alpha Romano.
He built this school for us. A lot of juveniles died in that raid. One of the girls who managed to escape was Luna’s little sister. She told them what I had done and how the rogues had caught me before I could catch up to them. The first prince also remembered me from when he arrived.
I received awards for what they call my bravery. I never said a word. My grandmother took care of everything. I don’t want to be like that anymore. I’m determined to reclaim what was lost in the only way I know how: by making my parents proud.
I should have been here the year before, but my recovery took longer than it should have. Grandma would tell me I faked it that a pup of my rank should have been fine sooner, even without my wolf.
There was a string of cars dropping students off. I’d only been to public school because they were the only schools that allowed me to catch up after my first year in recovery. I had four surgeries, and they took some time to heal from.
Private schools are not very tolerant when it comes to school and training. Yes, it wasn’t my fault that I was attacked, but I couldn’t move with the rest of the students. I had to catch up on my own. Once I was where I was meant to be, I was immediately summoned by the alpha himself.
1/3
3:56 pm
Chapter 15
“We’re here,” the driver announced, and got out to come around and open the door for me.
55 vouchers
I take a deep breath and step out, fixing my skirt. I look up with a smile because these towers are a lot bigger than I thought they were, and I had already deemed them enormous. My mom used to work here as a prosecutor who got many prisoners maximum sentences.
“Sophie,” I turn my attention to the person calling me. I immediately bow when I see the Lycan King and his son Ragnar. “How was the drive?”
“Longer than I thought it would be. I can see the tips of the towers from my Grandmother’s house,” I admit. He smiles when I finally look up to greet them properly. “Thank you for welcoming me.”
“It’s no problem. I would like you to meet my son, Ragnar.”
“Your highness,” I bow.
“You’re the girl from the game,” he says quietly.
“I never got to thank you for saving me, my Prince,” I take a knee to thank him properly. He doesn’t respond. He pats my head to get me to stand up.
“Come meet some of the others,” the King motions us to follow. “Your things will be taken up to your suite. I apologize on behalf of your Grandmother. I needed her for an important assignment.”
I walk two steps behind the two of them. It isn’t polite to walk beside the king. I get a lot of curious glances as we make our way inside. This place is beautiful. The high ceilings are designed very much like a catherdial as well. Wooden arches and pillars stained black lend the entryway an elegant aura, but what truly adds to the magic is the stone spiral staircase.
“Sophia,” the King calls to me when I get caught up in the art pieces. “Meet Alpha Alpha Lorenzo Romano and his son, Santiago.”
“We’re familiar,” Alpha Romano smiles.
“Alphas. It’s good to see you again,” I bow to them as well.
“You look amazing,” the alpha comments.
“A whole lot better than the last time we saw each other,” I agree.
“I hear you’ve made a full recovery. You should consider yourself lucky, all things considered.”
“I do, sir. Very lucky.”
“Santiago, why don’t you show Sophia and the Prince around?”
“Sure,” he agrees.
I notice that he doesn’t take his eyes off me. His blank expression is unreadable, much like the Prince’s. I follow behind the two, listening to two them talk about the changes that were made to the school.
Being in the presence of the two of them is very intimidating. The prince is older than us–about four or five years. He’s leaving soon. Overseas, where he will finish his training, he’s very handsome. A huge guy with muscles that do everything in their power to make him seem almost imposing.
His hair looks ash–brown because it’s so short, but I bet he’s a blonde like his gorgeous mother. His eyes are the lightest shade of blue. They almost seem pale. He bears a strong resemblance to his father. A much smaller version, but he’s not too far behind and still has plenty of time to grow.
2/3
:57 pm P DD
Chapter 15
65 vouchers
Alpha Santiago Roman is beautiful. His hair is shabby. He has a big smile on his face, and I can’t help but return it because it’s so contagious. He’s talking about the history of the building, and I don’t have it in me to tell him he’s wrong about some of the stuff he’s saying. I glance over at the Prince, who seems to know that as well.
We’re the same age. I know that because his birthday is always a grand celebration. He’s only two months older. His green eyes shimmer in the torchlight. Every time he looks back at me to see if I’m paying attention, they seem to dance like emerald flames.
“Sir,” I raise my hand.
“We’re going to be classmates, Miss Helvig. You can call me Santifago,” he smirks. I instantly feel heat rush to my face. Even the King looks away, embarrassed for me.
“I could never,” I admit.
“What’s your question?”
“Is it true that the rogue Harrison Montgomery hung himself from that banister?” I point to it. He opens his mouth to say something, but nothing comes out.
“It is,” the Prince answers. “How do you know that?”
“My mother used to come for work here. I’ve heard a lot of scary stories growing up, but that one was my favorite.”
“Why would that one be your favorite?” Alpha Santiago asks.
“Because Montgomery was a coward, and he died like one. Just as he deserved.”
3/3
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
