Colton’s POV | watched as Ella went inside to find her friend before turning to Ethan who was about to get into the driver's seat of my car, but he paused when he sawlooking at him.
“Did everything go well?” He asked, narrowing his eyes at me.
“Yeah, they are healthy,” | answered.
| glanced over my shoulder at the closed front door before looking back at Ethan who was still staring atquestionably.
“Then why do you look like that?” | stepped toward him and leaned against the car. Ethan shut the car door and leaned against it as well, still staring at the side of my face questionably.
“Because | know the sex,” | told him, keeping my eyes on the ground.
“That soon?” I nodded.
“But Ella doesn’t know,” | continued; glancing at him. “It's too soon for the ultrasound to see the sex. But | already know what it is. | want to tell her but—" My voice trailed off when | saw Ethan's lip lifting and the confusion washed over his expression.
But before | could say anything more, our attention was quickly turned in the direction of an unfamiliar black Sedan that drove through the front gates of the packhouse grounds and up the long driveway that led in our direction.
“Are you expecting someone?” Ethan asked, standing up straight.
| stood up straight as well, keeping my eyes fixed on the approaching car.
“No,” | answered. “I'm not.” The car soon stopped, and | tried to peer in through the window, but it was too tinted. Just as | was about to knock on the window for them to roll it down, the back door swung open, and the woman's white healed boot popped out.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt| waited for the rest of her to make an appearance as well and soon, she did.
“Hey, Colton,” she said as she emerged from the Sedan. “Miss me?” “Connie?” | asked with wide eyes as | stared at Connie who was now standing before me. “What are you doing here?” She chuckled as she threw her arms aroundto hug me.“| told you weeks ago | was coming hfor a visit,” she said, pulling away fromand swatting my arm playfully. “Don’t tellyou forgot.” She folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes at me.
“Oh, my Goddess. You did forget.” “A lot has happened these last few weeks,” | told her, rubbing the back of my neck with the palm of my hand.
“That's an understatement,” Ethan muttered in agreement.
“Don’t worry, babe. I'll get the luggage,” another familiar voice said sarcastically from the trunk of the car.
We turned to see Tyler getting suitcases out of the trunk.
He looked as if he had gained more muscle since the last time, | had seen him.
Connie beamed at him.
“Thanks, love,” she said, wiggling her fingers at him flirtatiously.
He looked annoyed initially when he was grabbing the luggage, but then he smiled at her and | saw his cheeks growing light pink. He was still very smitten with her; it was good to see that they were still together and going strong.
“Oh, | forgot | wanted to give the driver an extra tip,” Connie said as she rummaged through her bright red handbag. “It was a long drive.” “This isn’t your car?” | asked, raising my brows.
“Oh, goddess, no,” she said, crinkling her nose like she smelled something rancid. “I'd never drive a black Sedan.” Tyler joined us at my car with their suitcases in hand.
“We ordered a rideshare from the airport,” Tyler explained. “She didn’t like any of the choices at the car rental place, so | figured we'd get a rideshare for right now and then figure out the car situation later.” “Well, if you need a ride anywhere, Ethan would be happy to help with that,” | said, patting Ethan on the back.
Ethan nodded, plastering a smile on his lips.
“Absolutely,” he said, trying not to sound annoyed but | could see through him easily.
He was never a fan of Connie; he found her loud and annoying. He was glad when | returned hfrom Monstro without her.
“Thanks,” Tyler said in return, not picking up on Ethan's angst. “It's nice to meet you, by the way. I'm Tyler.
Connie’s mate.” They shook hands.
“Beta Ethan,” Ethan introduced. “I'll bring your stuff to a guest room.” Then he proceeded to grab the bags, which were about three large suitcases. It madewonder how long they were staying for. Tyler only gave him a couple of suitcases, but he kept hold of one of them.
“There are a couple more bags I'll grab,” Tyler said, motioning for the car. “I'll help bring them to the room.”Ethan nodded and waited for Tyler to grab a couple more bags and then kissed Connie gently on the lips, making her entire face glow pink as she beamed at him. He then returned to Ethan who turned and began to walk inside.
“It's good to see you,” | said, patting Tyler on the back and watching as he followed Ethan inside.
| looked back at Connie who was just finishing her conversation with the driver. He rolled up his window and she waved at him as he drove off.
“It's really good to see you, Connie,” | said as | gave her a side hug.
“We actually might be here for a while,” she said, peering up at me. “I really miss it here and Tyler isn’t connected to Monstro anymore. He has no family and his job...” she paused with a frown. “His job he’s outgrowing. | told him this might be a permanent vacation.” “And he’s okay with that?” She shrugged.
“Well, as you know he’s a male nurse. | didn’t know at the time, but he has been trying to move up and beca doctor. The Monstro Hospital is set in its ways and won't let him move any further in his career, which is kind of why we wanted to chere. | told him | might know someone who can get him in the doors of a new job and better career path.” She nudgedwith her shoulder, and | laughed.
“I might be able to help him out,” | told her. “I'll speak with the hospital chief later today and get Tyler an interview.” “Thanks, Colton,” she said, beaming at him. “I knew | could count on you.” “It’s what friends are for,” | said in return.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Is Ella here?” She asked as we began to walk toward the front doors. “I know we weren't friends before because of obvious reasons, but I'd like that to change. Now that | have my mate and no longer want you, | thought maybeand her could be friends.” “I'm sure she'd like that,” | replied. “Yeah she’s—" | was about to tell her that Ella was inside, but my phone started to ring, stoppingbefore | could get any more words out. So, | just motioned with my head toward the doorway.
Connie got the hint and smiled atone last tbefore turning away and walking into the house. | grabbed my phone and instantly recognized the headmaster’'s non the screen.
I'm sure word had traveled around about what had happened by now and | wasn’t ready to face the music, but | knew | was going to have to.
“Headmaster Prescott,” | said as a greeting into the phone.
“Professor Colton,” she said in response. “I'm sorry to bother you on a Saturday. | know you aren't due to return until Monday, but | wanted to clear the air before your return.” “I've been meaning to call you, myself,” | told her, which wasn’t a lie. | did want to talk to her, but | have been holding off on it. “I’m sure you heard about a lot of stuff that’s happened recently.” “You mean the battle with Volana wolves a few miles from the school?” Prescott asked simply. “Yes, | heard about it. Sof my students, such as Becca, returned to campus yesterday and they were very distraught over everything that had happened. Many of us on campus even witnessed darkness swirling around the air and sky.
Not to mention the dark curse affected those with abilities.” | was so wrapped up in making sure Ella was okay, | completely forgot about Becca, Kayla, and Luis who were also with us until we went to battle darkness. | know Bastien had them all transferred to the Nova pack to get them away from all this danger; he even had Rachel go there as well.
Brody was supposed to go with them, but he refused for obvious reasons.
Once things calmed down, Alpha Bastien mentioned that he was going to give them a ride back to the school.
I know Ella has been worried about her friends, but she’s going to see them tomorrow when | bring her back to campus anyway.
“I have a therapist on campus who keeps her doors open for any student who needs to talk,” she continued. “You are welcto use the therapist as well once you return.” “That won't be necessary, Headmaster. But | appreciate it,” | said, and | truly meant that.
She sighed and there was a long pause where | thought maybe she hung up at first. But when | checked my phone screen and saw the timer still ticking upward, | put the phone back to my ear and waited for her to continue.
“I spoke with both Alpha Jonathan and Alpha Bastien yesterday,” she said slowly. “They explained toabout most of what had happened concerning the dark curse and Rachel. She hasn't returned to campus yet, but I'm hoping she will return. | hope she knows we don’t blher for all that has happened. | know she wasn’t in control.” “I haven't spoken with her either, Headmaster. But if | do, I'll make sure she knows,” | assured her.
There was another pause and then she asked, “And Sarah? | heard she’s still in the hospital and due to return in a week. Do we know how she’s doing?” “She’s recovering well,” | answered. “She's getting stronger and should be back to her normal self within the week. If anything happens, I'll make sure to let you know.” There was another long pause; this conversation was growing dense and a little awkward.
“Is there anything else | can help you with, Headmaster?” | finally asked.
| heard her sighing.“Colton, I'll need you to be honest with me, which is mainly why I'm calling you. | don’t like being blindsided or lied to,” she said, her tone hardening which surprised me.
| stared up at the packhouse before sighing and turning around to face my packhouse land. | knew where this was going. | knew Alpha Jonathan probably said something to her and now it was tto tell the truth.
“Okay,” | said, keeping my tone low. “I'll tell you what you want to know.” “That's all | ask,” she breathed. “Now tell me, Colton. Is Ella your mate?” My stomach clenched at her question, but | wasn’t surprised by it.“Yes,” | finally answered, after swallowing the lump that formed in my throat. “Ella is my mate.”