Page 70 of Dead Wolf Falling (Bad Moon Academy 2)

Chapter 17

ADLER

I watch as the shifters begin to head to class, the numbers in the library dwindling until it’s me, Brayden, Draco, and Erron. The headmaster is hunched over on his cot, trying to make himself invisible. The twins stand together, glaring at him like he’s going to be our next meal.

“Should we go do some research?”

Their gazes swing to me in unison, and I’m the new focus of their intense scrutiny. Brayden’s lips quirk and Draco scowls.

“You sound like Carter now,” Draco says.

Shrugging, I stand from the tiny cot we’re passing off as a bed and stretch my arms overhead.

“Are all fae as big as you or is it just changelings?” Brayden’s eyes flash over me. “You’re huge.”

The question is simply curious, but still, I grind my jaw together. I’ve made it a point to either be in my other form or stay with others, knowing inevitably this moment would happen. Now that we’re a pack, I can’t hold back with good conscience. While revisiting my home world to explain the ways of Faerie to them will dredge up unwanted memories, I’ll do my best to answer their questions without going too deep into my personal history. There are some things I refuse to share.

“Most fae are big. Erron.” I make acome heremotion with my finger. “We’re going to study.”

He peers at me then flicks his gaze to the twins, eyes dropping when Draco releases a soft growl.

“Draco,” I say. “Leave him.”

“He’s a bastard. Do you know what he did?” he asks, turning his scowl on me.

“Raven told me but that doesn’t mean you get a free pass to mentally torment him. He’s terrified.” I glance at the quivering headmaster. “He’s already broken. You’ll have to find a new toy.”

Brayden snickers and Draco punches him in the arm, muttering “shut up” before turning and storming out of the library.

“You know, Adler.” Brayden draws out my name like he’s figuring out the best way to say it and sound half-cocked. “You’re supposed to be the nurturer. Not the pisser-offer.”

I close the small gap between us in four steps and stare down at him. “You’re sorely mistaken if you expect me to coddle you. Nurturing is about more than cooing and hugging.” He’ll soon find out hownurturingI want to be if he wants to push me on the Erron matter.

Tsking, Brayden reaches up and tweaks my nose. I snatch his wrist and squeeze it.

“Oh, Daddy, I’m sorry.” Brayden throws his head back and cackles.

Fucking psycho.

“Erron is off limits for you to torment, understand?”

He swings his dark blue eyes to meet mine, and his forehead wrinkles. “You’re serious?”

I nod.

With a sigh, he throws his hands into the air. “Fine. He’s yours to deal with. Draco and I are going hunting.”

Since I know we need food, I don’t try to argue that they should join us in the staff library. Besides, the headmaster will be of no use if they’re present. He’ll just retreat into his trembling shell and try not to breathe.

Once Brayden leaves, I turn to the omega. “Come on.”

I’m no wolf, but Erron scrambles off his cot and scurries over, quick to follow the command. We walk the short distance to the library, Erron practically stepping on my heels. When we reach the door, I stop and turn to face him.

“Don’t think because I protected you all your wrong doings are forgiven. Your road to redemption won’t be easy, if you even make it.”

He shrinks away from me, nodding and dropping his stare to the floor. “There isn’t a day that passes without regret.”

Scoffing, I turn to open the door. “Your regret won’t raise the dead.”

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