Chapter 7

JACKSON

I stepped through Creston Academy's imposing gates, the morning sun casting long, ominous shadows across the manicured lawns.

The scent of the freshly cut grass and damp earth was up in the air as I scanned the school grounds. My mind replayed the events that brought me here – the fire that ravaged my family's pack.

Their screams still echoed in my thoughts and in my nightmares.

An attack that brought devastating loss and ended our hundred-year reign. My parents were gone and my only brother, lost. The dark memories still haunted my soul and it fueled my determination.

For years, I sought answers, scouring the werewolf world for clues. I razed down my father's rival packs, hoping to uncover the truth, but all I found were whispers of a mysterious organization – a secret society said to be hiding in plain sight, pulling strings from deep within the shadows.

And now, I stood at the threshold of their alleged stronghold: Creston Academy.

My face hardened, my thoughts focusing on the mission ahead. Infiltrate. Gather intel. Uncover the truth. No matter the cost, I vowed to remove anyone who dared to stand in my way.

I made my way to the hunting grounds, the school's extra-curricular activities providing the perfect cover for my observations.

Creston Academy boasted elite young wolves, and getting in wasn't easy but I had blended in seamlessly, adopting the effortless charm that had served me well in the past.

My senses awoke as I joined the hunt – the rush of adrenaline and the vibrating thrill slowly coursing through my veins.

My eyes scanned through the students, searching for potential allies or threats, and that's when I saw her - Sophia Langley.

I heard rumors about her… unsaintly past.

Her unique transformations and almost killing her own boyfriend and classmates, some even called her a freak.

I smirked as my wolf bellied a low growl, our first encounter at the library still lingering in my mind. Uncanny as that situation was, I remained drawn to her.

Or more than drawn; I was curious. Curious about her reserved nature, and whatever relationship she had with Blackwood. It intrigued me.

My interest piqued and I concluded I'd talk to her.

“Hey, Sophia! Want to team up?” I called out, feigning friendliness.

She hesitated, her gaze darting toward the forest before responding, “No, thanks. I work alone.”

I smiled, undeterred. “Suit yourself. Maybe next time then.”

I walked away catching the gaze of Thea Reed who was watching our exchange with interest. I waved and she nodded in acknowledgement. We had met briefly during the introductions.

Everyone got into positions with the hunt finally starting. The strong canine scent filled the air as we geared ready, waiting for the sound of the gunshot.

“Bang”, the rifle shot loudly into the air. We tore into the forest, driving high in search of game. For hours, I sprinted through the forest, all my senses heightened.

I occasionally slowed my pace, observing Sophia from afar. Her movements were fluid and calculated. She seemed skilled, and yet, there was something vulnerable about her.

Soon, a loud distant gunshot echoed through the forest, signaling the time for a break.

“Good gaming, everyone.” The instructor called out, waving his hand forward.

“Nice moves out there,” Thea said, nodding at Sophia who smiled as she caught her breath.

“Thanks. You're not bad yourself.”

Sophia’s unfriendly reserve began to crumble. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, and I observed them while pretending to focus on something else.

Thea's quiet yet bold personality seemed to resonate with Sophia, drawing her out of her shell.

I realized that getting close to Sophia might require befriending her first, and if that was what it took, I would.

My thoughts were interrupted by a female voice calling me.

“Hey, Jackson!” I turned around to two bubbly girls waving and blowing kisses. I forced a smile back before slowly turning away.

“Fucking idiots.” I muttered, a disgusted frown resuming on my face as I readied myself for the second round. Girls always hovered around me, but they never mattered. Not to me. Moreover, the one person who I wanted to charm hardly ever spoke to me.

Another loud bang commenced a shorter second round of a high octane hunt. This time, I drove close Thea and watched her skillfully navigate the forest.

This was training to enhance our werewolf abilities without turning, and as difficult as that was, Thea looked to have gotten a hang of it. I sprinted even faster.

The sun had slowly dipped into the evening and the activities were soon brought to a final close with another shot from the instructor's rifle.

Sophia and Thea walked together, and I could hear their laughter carrying through the forest as everyone headed back to school grounds.

I fell back to watch their interactions, eavesdropping on their talk about the hunt. I sensed an opportunity and was going to approach them.

I jogged to catch up, falling into step beside them. “Hey, ladies. Mind if I join you?”

Thea's green eyes sparkled with amusement. “Not at all, Jackson. We were just discussing our tactics.”

I looked over at Sophia and her face wore half a fake smile. Her wariness returned, but Thea's presence seemed to ease her discomfort.

“Tactics, huh?” I said, grinning. "I think I could learn a thing or two from you both."

Thea laughed. "I doubt that, Jackson. You're quite the hunter yourself."

Sophia's gaze flicked to mine, her expression unreadable.

As we walked, Thea dominated the conversation, sharing stories of her own hunting exploits. Sophia listened intently, her smile growing more relaxed.

I listened, observing, and learning. Thea's boldness was infectious, and Sophia's defenses were slowly dropping.

We arrived on school grounds and Sophia sharpened up.

"I should get going," she said, glancing around.

"Walk you back?" I offered, hoping to prolong our interaction.

Thea intervened. "I've got this, Jackson. We have an early class tomorrow."

Sophia's gratitude was palpable as she nodded at Thea. "Thanks."

I smiled, feigning disappointment. "Guess I'll see you both tomorrow, then."

As they disappeared into the night, I realized that Thea had become an unexpected ally – or obstacle. Either way, I intended to adapt.

My phone buzzed, a message from an unknown number:

“We need to talk."

My eyes narrowed. Who sent this?

The text didn't say it who it was from. I clicked the phone screen to confirm who the texter was and another came in.

“My office, tomorrow. Nolan.”

My eyes widened in confusion. “Professor Blackwood?”