Chapter Seven
The first week of classes was fairly uneventful. Thankfully. My art classes were going to be fun and an opportunity to be creative. Everyone in the class was really into art and it was nice to finally have someone to talk to about it. The professors were interesting, some a little more free-spirited than the others, but knowing we would be free to draw and utilize the creative space any time we wanted was fantastic.
I saw Seth and Jake in passing a few times while walking to class. The second day, I had a free hour between classes and sat under a tree to soak up the sunshine around me. Without making a noise, they both plopped down on either side of me. I had a few seconds warning since my senses had picked up their scent coming closer.
“Whoa, sneaky much?” I clutched my chest in mock surprise.
“Just thought we’d check in on you.” Seth grinned over at me.
“Heard much from your shifter friends?” Jake asked. I glanced at him, wondering what he was getting at.
“My friends went home after Saturday night. Little too much excitement for them.” I left it vague since I wasn’t sure if he was talking about my pack, or my other friends.
“Yeah, sorry things got out of hand that night.” Seth rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Those parties are usually low key.”
“Low key?” I questioned with a raised eyebrow. “You do realize the entire street was packed and the noise level-”
“Okay, okay,” he laughed. “Low key enough that everyone is having a good time and no fights ever breakout.”
“I see.” I nodded.
“Will you come over this weekend for the next one?” Jake asked.
“Um, no. I think I have plans.” I wasn’t sure yet, but I would be sure to be busy just so I didn’t have to go back.
“Too bad.” Jake muttered and looked off in the distance. I glanced at him, but he didn’t seem like he was going to elaborate on that thought.
“How’s your classes going?” Seth asked.
“Pretty good. I have a couple really cool professors.”
“I’m sure. Maybe a little eccentric.” Seth teased.
“Whatever.” I lightly pushed against his arm. “Art is an acquired taste.”
“Yes, yes it is.” He grinned and I rolled my eyes.
“How are your guys’ classes?” I asked.
“Advanced financing and already neck deep in our senior project,” Seth sighed. “I can’t wait for this year to be over and we can move home.”
“So, you have a family business you will help with?” I asked.
“It’s not certain, yet, but that’s the hope.” He looked over at Jake. “Jake’s got his eye on a position within the High Council. Overseeing their accounts, or something.”
“Really?” I asked, turning my attention to Jake.
“Yeah,” he shrugged. “It’s a long shot, but the benefits and pay are awesome. I figured why not. I have just as good a chance as anyone else.”
“Except for the pack members of the High Council.” Seth so helpfully pointed out.
“Thanks for that reminder.” Jake sighed.
“I’m sure they have an application and review process that’s fair to all applicants.” I offered, thinking my knowledge of the High Council would define them as the complete opposite of fair.
“You don’t know much about the council, do you?” Seth asked with skepticism.
“Well, no. I’ve limited experience with them.” I agreed, trying to downplay my knowledge.
“In wolf society, it’s all about who you know and how much you’re willing to pay to get it.” Seth answered.
“Well that’s,” I paused, looking for the right word. “Corrupt.”
“It is, what it is. Our pack is small, so we don’t have a huge standing in society.” Seth glanced over at me with a smile. “You, however, your pack is one of the top packs in the country. You could probably get any job you wanted.”
“And you chose art.” Jake joked. I side eyed him, trying to figure out if he was joking or mocking me.
“Thanks, but I’d rather get to where I’m going based on my merit, not what I can do for other people through bribery.”
“Fair enough.” Seth stood up and stretched his arms above his head. “We should get going. Our class starts in ten minutes.”
I waved goodbye to them and watched as they merged with other students. The more I learned about the High Council, the more I wasn’t impressed. I couldn’t understand how shifters, even wolves, would agree to their society being run like it was. Who would want that? Oh, right, the ones at the top benefiting from it all.
Since I had down time, I pulled out my latest drawing. Being around other shifters really brought out my gift in a variety of ways. My pictures now had all sorts of animals in various activities. Some were playful, others running through the woods, some were even of shifters in human form, going about their daily lives. That last one was the most recent development. Usually I sketched animals or landscape pictures. People were harder to capture, but apparently my gift was evolving and wanted to include more variety. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure they were shifters in human form, but when there were also animals in the picture, I assumed the humans were shifters. Who else would be gardening with a grizzly bear prowling behind them?
Interestingly enough, none of the people looked familiar. I was drawing people I’d never seen or met in my life. Those drawings I kept hidden in my book and then in my room so no one else would see them. I was worried about Amber or the others recognizing someone and then asking questions about the pictures. That wasn’t a hurdle I was willing to jump yet.
After classes, I went to work at the store and spent time on and off with Clint, Jason, and Patrik. Clint and Jason were still unimpressed with our party activities, but they were slowly letting that go. Amber worked with me every night on centering and trying to ‘talk’ to my wolf. I didn’t feel like I was making much progress.
Thursday during work, I was helping Clint open the latest shipment and get the merchandise ready to stock on the shelves. He was working through one box, and I was sorting and organizing another.
“So,” Clint leads in, “how have your lessons with Amber been going?”
I shrugged. “Okay, I guess.”
“That’s it?” Laughing he shakes his head. Apparently he was looking for more details.
“What?” I countered. “What do you want to know?”
“Have you been able to center yourself? Any feelings of turning furry?”
“Centering, yes. Anything else, not really.” I sighed. “Maybe it’s just not time for me.”
“Well, it can’t hurt to keep practicing.” He paused before adding, “I think Amber likes hanging out with you.” I smiled in response, happy that someone was finally opening up. I enjoyed my time with Amber too. It helped fill the gap where Cassie and Bree always were.
“I’m glad I met her. I miss hanging out with my pack, so being able to do things with you guys helps a lot.”
“You pack animals,” Clint shook his head. “You can’t go long without needing another shifter around you.”
“Is that so bad?”
“No, I guess not.” He shrugged and broke down the box in his hand. “As long as you’re not stuck on a deserted island,” he grinned.
“Well it’s a good thing I’m not planning any trips soon.”
“Speaking of trips,” Clint replied with a glint in his eye.
“Yes?” I questioned, moving on to the next box.
“We were thinking on taking you on that camping trip we promised this weekend,” he watched me for a response.
“Really?” I asked, turning wide eyes his direction. I was so excited, yet nervous, at the prospect.
“Yeah, you said you wanted to go. Thought it would be fun for all of us.”
“Oh, it would be,” I grinned, but then thought about classes. “But I have homework-,”
“Oh please,” Clint scoffed. “It’s the first week of school. You can’t possibly have that many assignments or projects already.” He paused then added, “Besides, we’ll be back mid-Sunday, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch up.”
“Then, yes! I can’t wait.” I jumped up and hugged him impulsively. Caught off guard, Clint awkwardly gave me a one arm hug in return. Not deterred, I smiled and backed away.
“So, what do I need?” I asked, mind already on gear and clothes I would need to survive a weekend in the wild.
“Don’t worry about the supplies. We’ll gather all the camping stuff, you just pack what clothes you’d need for two nights.”
“How cold will it get?”
“Not bad, but a sweatshirt or two would probably help. We’ll get you a sleeping bag that has a decent rating for low temperatures.”
“This is awesome! I can’t wait!” I was practically jumping up and down I was so excited.
“Can’t wait for what?” Jason asked, entering through from the front.
“Just broke the news to her for this weekend.” Clint grinned.
“Yeah?” He turned to me and asked, “You in?”
“Of course. It will be so fun.”
“Yeah it will. I think Ian is even on board.” Jason glanced over at Clint who looked up in surprise.
“Really? He doesn’t have to,” he side-eyed me then asked, “be somewhere else?”
“No, apparently after last weekend, they gave him the week off.”
“Are you talking about his bruises? What does Ian do?” I asked, trying to learn more about him.
“Not our place to say,” Clint replied, tightlipped.
“But you guys talk about it, or should I say around it. Why can’t I know?” I pressed.
“Ask Ian.It’s his story.”Jason replied.
“Is it bad?”
“Probably not as bad as you think.” Jason assured. “It’s just not our place to say.”
“Okay.Fine.”I grudgingly set the topic aside.For now.
That night I called Liam and Mica to check in and see how things were going. I told them about my classes so far and meeting Seth and Jake. Liam knew of their pack but didn’t know any of them personally. He cautioned me to be careful how much I told them. Like I really needed the reminder.
“And your roommate? You’re getting along?”
“Yeah, Cassie spilled the beans on that one.” I replied with a laugh.
“That little spy,” Liam chuckled. “She must have overheard us talking?”
“Yep, from what I gather.”
“Well if that’s the case, no sense in beating around the bush,” Mica commented. “You’re getting along though? No major issues or conflicts?”
“No, none. Amber has some knowledge on shifting, and I think that’s helping a little.”
“Good, good. Any new developments though?” Liam asked.
“No, pretty much everything is the same as it was last week.” I shrugged, even though they couldn’t see me.
“Are you still drawing?” Mica asked.
“Yes, that’s a little more frequent now. More variety in the subjects as well.”
“Yes, Enforcer Carver was by last weekend and mentioned something about your interesting subject choice.”
“Did he mention anything about the underground fights?” I asked impulsively. A beat passed before anyone answered me.
“He may have mentioned that the High Council has had reports in the area of an underground fighting ring,” Liam replied. “Why do you ask?”
“He mentioned something to me as well. Is that something we have to worry about?” I hedged, not wanting to let on my feelings about the fighting and the Council’s skewed view of why they need to be stopped.
“No. Wolves are never involved in those kinds of things.” Liam replied. I frowned at Liam’s response.
“But you’re saying other shifters are?” How much did Liam know? Did he side with the Council on this matter?
“We have no control over what other shifters do. Our primary responsibility is to our pack and adhering to the High Council laws.” Liam replied firmly.
“So, you’re not concerned about the fighting? Or why it’s happening? Or the non-wolves involved?”
“Underground fighting is nothing new. Humans have them all the time.” Liam replied, not really answering my question.
“Yes, but-,” I tried to argue but Mica cut me off.
“Just keep your distance, Kendra. You need to stay under the radar. Your decision to room with Amber is risky enough. You don’t need any more attention.” I sighed. She had a point there.
“Speaking of,” I asked, “do you know if the High Council sent anyone to watch me? Or report my movements?”
“Why? Do you think someone is following you?” Liam asked sharply.
“No, no. Nothing like that. Just some of the things Enforcer Carver mentioned made me a bit paranoid I guess.” I didn’t want to worry Liam or Mica, but I was pretty sure there was someone tailing me around campus a few times this week. I felt off, like I was being watched. Not a pleasant sensation, that’s for sure. But I was never able to identify anyone, or really see someone watching me. Once again, my mind flashed to the guy I saw a few times, but I never saw him around this week. I didn’t mention it to my friends, since I didn’t want them getting involved.
“To our knowledge, no one is following you. But that doesn’t mean throw caution to the wind.” Mica advised.
“Yeah, I know.” I reluctantly agreed and sighed. My feelings must have been more obvious over the phone that I thought because Mica took on a motherly tone.
“I know things are tough, Kendra, but please know that we are here for you. Any time you want to come home or talk, we’re here. That’s what family and pack is for.”
“I know, you don’t know how much that means to me.” I replied honestly.
“By the way, we have another little wolf here who would like to speak to you.” There was shuffling on the other end before Tanner’s voice came across the line.
“Kendra!”
“Hey Tanner!” I grinned, just imagining his infectious smile.
“Did you forget about us already?” Tanner asked, half serious, half joking.
“No, of course not. Why would you say that?”
“It’s been a whole week and you didn’t call.” I could hear the pout in his voice.
“Oh bud, I’m sorry. That’s why I wanted to call tonight. Things have been busy here.”
“Are you having fun?” His seven-year-old view on the world just about broke my heart. To be that young and innocent again.
“Yeah, school is great. I’ve met some really cool people and even have a job at an outfitter.”
“What’s an outfitter?”
“Oh, a store where you buy outdoor gear to go camping or kayaking, things like that.”
“Oh, I see. That would be fun.” Tanner replied.
“Mmmhmm.”I agreed.“How are things there?”
We spent the next few minutes talking about his latest adventures and how he would be starting school the next week. I had to muffle my laugh at one comment he made.
“Oh! I’m going to host a frat party this weekend!” Tanner stated proudly. I heard Mica gasp in the background. Liam must have been called away at that point, otherwise I would have thought he’d have something to say on the matter.
“Oh really?” Was all I managed to say. I had a hand covering my mouth to hold in my laughter.
“Yep! We’re going to have drinks and food and games and-,”
“Tanner, I think you mean just a party.” Mica said gently. “Not frat party.”
“No, frat party. Bree and Cassie said that’s what a frat party is. I’m having a frat party!” He exclaimed gleefully.
“Looks like I’ll be having a conversation with my daughter.” Mica sighed.
“Now what did I do?” I heard Cassie’s voice coming closer to the phone.
“Cassie!” Tanner yelled. I winced and held the phone farther away from my ear. “You can come to my frat party too this weekend.”
“Oh.” Cassie replied, I’m sure she had that deer in the headlights look. “Sounds great kid. I got to go now.”
“Not so fast, Cassie,” Mica said in her alpha voice. I smothered another laugh.
“Well you guys have fun. I’m going to get some homework done.” I stated.
“Hey is that Kendra? Kendra, you can’t leave me with this mess. Come on!”
“Bye Kendra!” Tanner said and I heard him run off.
“Take care,” Mica said into the phone. “And remember to call and talk to us any time.”
“Will do.” I promised. “Bye.” I chuckled as Cassie protested in the background as I hung up. I set my phone aside and pulled my assignments out. We were to use a variety of mediums to gauge our ability and figure out which areas needed the most attention. Looking around the room, I really needed to get a better surface and lighting for working on assignments.
I spent about an hour on class work. I even moved out into the dining area for more surface area. Clint was downstairs with Jason and I could hear Amber in her room moving around. I got a text from Cassie about two minutes after I started calling me a traitor, but I just laughed. She could handle her mom just fine.
I was working with paints to try and bring out a landscape scene. I was handier with pencils, but our professor strongly encouraged us to branch out of our comfort zone and try other methods. The image was of the woods, with a house nestled in among the trees. After a while, I realized that I was painting the same house I used to draw when I was younger. I didn’t remember ever visiting or living there, but the image never changed no matter how many times I drew or painted it.
“Hey wolf,” Amber’s voice caught my attention and I looked up to see her entering the dining area from the hall. “You want to go over some more shifting stuff?”
“Yeah, okay.” I nodded and gathered up my supplies. She wandered over to the table to see what I was doing and looked down at the painting.
“That’s pretty good.”She observed.
“Thanks. Paints aren’t really my thing, but our professor said we should try.”
“Well, I’d buy it now, so can’t imagine what it would be worth after a few lessons.” She smirked.
Laughing, I shook my head. “I don’t know about that. It will be a while before I’ll be good enough to even think about selling anything.”
“It’d be a good side business.” Amber offered as she helped me transfer everything back to my room. I laid the painting across the desk so it could lay flat.
“True.Wouldn’t hurt, right?”
“Right.” Amber led the way out to the backyard and sat in the grass in our customary spot. It was another nice evening. The breeze was gently blowing through the trees behind the houses and the sun was dipping below the horizon leaving a soft glow across the sky. I took a deep breath to settle myself and looked over at Amber.
“So, anything new you are going to teach tonight?” I asked.
“Why, getting bored with me?” She teased.
“No, never,” I laughed.
“Well, I do want to try something new.”
“Okay.” I nodded, eager to learn something new that might help us make more progress.
“We’ve made progress with centering and somewhat being able to feel your wolf, right?” She asked.
“Yeah.” I nodded. I could finally shut out all other things around me and could almost feel my wolf brush up against me. It was a weird and new sensation that I wasn’t altogether comfortable with, but knew if I was feeling that, it should mean I was making progress.
“Great. Well, this time, I want you to try and think of yourself as one being and push your wolf into your hand.”
“My hand?”I asked confused.
“I want to see if we can get your nails to shift or anything like that.” Amber clarified and my face showed my skepticism. Could shifters do that?
“Oh, okay.” I nodded again, game to at least try. I closed my eyes and focused on centering myself. In what felt like moments, I reached out and felt like I could brush my hand against fur, but it was just at the tips of my fingers. I couldn’t really get a full grasp on it. Worried I was taking too much time, I concentrated on the brushing feeling and pushed on it like Amber said. I tried for a few more breaths but nothing happened. I opened my eyes and looked at Amber.
“Am I doing something wrong?”
“I don’t know.” She bit her lip, thinking. “It will take time, just like centering. And it’s different for everyone, so this might not be the best way to go about it.”
“So, you’re basically just taking a stab in the dark?” I laughed, a little exasperated as well.
“Hey, do you see anyone else out here helping you?” She countered. “I’m not convinced Clint would be all that helpful.”
“What about me?” Clint asked as he came out the backdoor toward us. Jason was on his heels.
“Amber doesn’t think you’d be able to teach me anything.” I smirked.
“Hey now, that’s unfair.” Clint argued. “I could teach you loads of stuff. Once you shift.” He laughed.
“And up to that point?” Amber argued with an arched brow.
He shrugged. “No idea. I shifted when I was eight. I don’t really remember how I did it, I just did.” I sighed internally at how easy he made it sound, then looked at Jason.
“Nope, don’t look at me. I shifted about the same time. Didn’t even have to think about it.”
“Great.” I sighed. “Guess we keep shooting in the dark.”
“Next week we could take you back to our place and you could meet with a neighbor of ours who was latent.” Jason offered.
“He should be able to help.” Clint agreed.
“And for now, I just keep doing what I’m doing.” I sighed.
“Baby steps, little wolf.” Clint smiled. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”