Chapter 16 – Cane #2
“We suspect commissioning is interrupting the spread of the virus. Considering that we have Council grading coming up, we’re spending a lot of time discerning ways to ensure our students don’t suffer because of the sickness.
One way or another, Thales will maintain its impeccable rank.
Maddern and I have been in close communication since patient zero started showing symptoms, and it seems commissioning is the answer.
Out of the group of healthy Noms, all bar one is in an approved arrangement. ”
His comment about Thales maintaining our ranking is a constant consideration and stressor for the faculty.
Funding from Council and our shareholders is based upon the academy continuing to hold the top position within Quin-state.
Without question, we push our students hard to maintain our near-perfect grade average.
Thales was the first learning institute to utilize Noms in its curriculum.
Quickly we saw grades improving, units became more cohesive, and better equipped for life after graduation.
Simply put, our students achieved far greater success than those from other academies.
“And the one Nom not included?” Roberts presses impatiently.
“Is our newest enrollee,” Augustus answers, and then turns to face me.
My stomach drops. “Don’t look at me like that,” I warn, already getting an inkling of where this conversation is going.
The vampire elder ignores my bluster and continues. “I understand that at a recent training session, Cane, the new student was commissioned as your Nom.”
“For the day, yes. But she’s a hindrance, if I’m honest. It’s unfathomable how ignorant she is. She has zero concept of shielding,” I clarify, which makes Ballin snicker, almost as if he’s already well aware of where she’s lacking.
My wolf takes his targeted insult personally and sits up, inserting himself back into the meeting.
He stares Ballin down, not moving a muscle until the magikal is squirming in his seat and the smirk on his face is gone.
Once my wolf has asserted himself, he settles into the background again, although he stays close and I can sense his renewed interest won’t go away anytime soon.
We are both on the same page about not being tied to any living being, besides those I already am.
“Are you suggesting I have a situation with her?” I growl.
“In short, yes, but before you take offense, Cane, it may not have been you. The temporary connection may have been activated by one of the others in your group who were also part of the practice. It’s too soon to know, however, we’re diverting our focus to the bigger concern, which is protecting all our students.
Until we understand the issue better, Noms in any commission are going to have to be housed with their unit.
We can’t afford for this virus to mutate or get out of hand. ”
“I get your concern, Augustus, and it’s valid.
You’re the most trusted in the field, and I support you one hundred percent.
Except when it comes to her. She’s not staying with me.
No chance. She’s a student and I’m a professor, for starters.
And she’s human. Throw in that we’re days away from the full moon and my wolf won’t allow strangers into my space, it will be dangerous.
However else I can help, you know I’m there.
” I’m quite aware my voice has grown louder and louder.
Besides Augustus, everyone drops their gaze and moves slowly and quietly away—except for Alpha Roberts. He bursts out laughing and slaps my shoulder, as if we’re sharing the funniest joke ever. But I’m not laughing, and given the stubborn set of Augustus’s mouth, neither is he.
“You’ve been one of Thales’s greatest successes, Cane.
Watching you recover from your grief and come into your abilities as an Alpha has been a privilege for all of us.
All the students look up to you. Your team’s involvement in our current predicament will facilitate a smoother transition to the next phase of full shutdown isolation, if it needs to happen. We’re talking four days, maximum.”
I’m backed into a corner. It’s not like I have a leg to stand on if I don’t want to lose face with the faculty and the students.
My wolf would cope because he doesn’t see their acceptance of him as necessary, but as a teacher here, I know what happens when the board deems you unworthy.
It’s a slippery slope, one I want no part of, and I also don’t want to draw any more attention from Council.
“It’s also important that student training continues.
Given that those commissioned are staying at the unit houses, I have no doubt all those students will benefit from an intensive training program, Cane.
It’s quite fitting, really, considering your worries earlier about the holding our rank and a rising rebellion. ”