Page 37 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

But before I can protest or make a run for it, Principal Johnson is already moving on to the next topic. My head is spinning, and I can’t shake the feeling of dread settling in my bones.

I stumble out of the assembly, feeling like I’m in some sort of nightmare. This can’t be happening. I’m barely holding it together as it is, and now they want me to teach a class? Long term?

I make my way to the staff room, trying to steady my breathing. Maybe if I hide in here long enough, they’ll forget they asked me to teach.

But as luck would have it, I barely have a moment to collect myself before someone walks in. Great, just what I need.

“Hey, Selene,” one of the other teachers says, giving me a sympathetic smile. “Heard you’re filling in for Mrs. Berkley. Tough break, huh?”

I force a smile, trying to play it cool. “Yeah, tough break, alright.”

The teacher nods, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “Well, if you need any help or anything, just let me know. Teaching science isn’t so bad once you get the hang of it.”

I nod, grateful for the offer but still feeling completely overwhelmed. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”

She gives me a reassuring pat on the shoulder before heading out, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again.

I glance at the clock, realizing I don’t have much time left before class starts. I take a deep breath, trying to summon up some courage.

Alright, Selene, you can do this. Just take it one step at a time.

With that mantra running through my head, I gather my things and head towards Mrs. Berkley’s classroom. Here goes nothing.

I walk into the classroom, trying to psych myself up for teaching about the circulatory system. Of course, it’s just my luck that today’s topic is blood. My mouth waters instinctively, and I can feel the hunger gnawing at me already. This is going to be a long class.

I start going through the lesson plan, trying my best to focus on the diagrams and explanations. But it’s like my brain is on autopilot, and all I can think about is sinking my teeth into something warm and pulsing.

“Hey, Miss Black, you okay?” A voice snaps me out of my daze. It’s the same kid who brought me soup yesterday. I’m certain that he’s supernatural in some way. He smells delicious. I just need to keep myself fed, and I’ll be able to resist.

“Grayson, was it?”

The other students’ oohs and aahs make the kid look panicked. They must think that he’s trying to act like the teacher’s pet or something.

“Yes, Miss Black.”

“Thank you for your concern, but I promise I am just reeling from the holiday break. Now, let’s all get back to it. Can you turn your books to page twenty-seven?”

I am nervous as well because I have never taught a classroom. I am more used to one-on-one classes.

This is nerve-wracking.

Not only am I pushing down the thirst, I am also trying really hard not to make a fool of myself.

“So, looking at the diagram, who can tell me what you see?”

One kid with blonde hair has her hand in the air immediately. “That is the superior vena cava, Miss Black.”

The rest of the lesson goes by in a blur, and before I know it, the bell rings, and the students start filing out of the classroom. I breathe a sigh of relief, feeling like I’ve dodged a bullet.

But just as I’m packing up my things, Grayson comes up to my desk with a sheepish expression on his face.

“Hey, Miss Black,” he starts, shifting nervously from foot to foot. “I, uh, just wanted to say thanks for agreeing to tutor me.”

Fuck!

My heart sinks as I remember the tutoring sessions I agreed to the night before. Great, just what I need, more time spent around his tantalizing scent when I can barely control my cravings as it is.

But I force a smile. “Of course, Grayson. I’ll still be your tutor in the afternoons, after school. We can set up the schedule after classes. Just come find me in the staffroom after.”

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