Page 72 of Dead Wolf Walking (Bad Moon Academy 1)
He’s a zeta too.
I eye the guy, hoping to hell she isn’t going to ask for him to be in the harem because I’d much rather have Draco.
Not that I want a harem.
Not that I’ve considered how nice it might be to have a group of dedicated guys who can fulfill every little desire I may have.
Nope, definitely haven’t considered it.
What, he’s not good enough for you?I ask Joan.
Joan hums.Draco seems like a better fit in my opinion. I’ve sensed no attraction between you and this guy.
I was only curious, Joan. No need to replan any weddings or anything.
Weddings?she asks with a slight edge of worry.What is a wedding? I had no idea I needed to be planning one.
No weddings. I was joking.Hopefully this reassures her because there are bigger things happening right now than her wedding panic.
So Draco is a better choice than him? I want to make sure you’re happy with the decision.
I should have never asked.Draco is a fine choice, Joan. You’re doing great.
Ah ha! You do like him.
For fuck’s sake.You know what? I’m ignoring you.
Draco,she whispers before I put the mental wall up between us.
It’s not a true barrier, but something I’ve learned helps keep most of her thoughts separate from mine when I need a break from her dramatics. She’ll never stop ranting about Draco now that I’ve said he’s a fine choice. If she wanted to, she could break through the barrier, but she doesn’t because shit’s about to hit the fan.
“You’re looking well. Sleep good?” Draco’s tone is taunting, and the man’s face grows redder in response.
“You little shit. I was stomping on shifters bigger than you when you were a kid.” Howard grabs the collar of Draco’s shirt.
Draco releases a dark laugh. Something about the sound makes Howard pause. The guy flicks his gaze to me then back to Draco. Standing from his seat, Draco leans toward the angry shifter.
“So you do want to die,” he whispers, tipping his head to the side and studying the man.
I stand and walk around the table. “Hey, hey, now. Surely whatever happened isn’t worth this.”
If you told me a month ago that I’d be playing peacekeeper between shifters, I would have laughed.
Howard turns his furious gaze on me. “Did he tell you what he did, Beta?”
Dropping the barrier, I askWhy does he think I’m a beta?
Our power signature is hidden from others as a defense mechanism. Right now, shifters read you as merely a beta.
“Tell me what?” I ask, glancing at Draco and searching his unreadable face.
His eyes are hard and cruel as he stares Howard down.
“I’m your Combat trainer, assigned by the headmaster,” Howard bites out, scowling at Draco.
“Not anymore,” Draco says in a low, threatening tone.
“He knocked me out and tied me up in the furnace room.” Howard snarls at Draco. “You’re my student, and he took you from me.”
