9 Brianna

Images floated before our eyes. "He became the best alpha Redwood wolves had ever had. He didn't just love and care for his kind. He shared his compassion, and wisdom with all species. 

"Then Alpha Gideon met Caroline. In the history books, it is written that their love was at first sight. Or it could be love after first sight, or perhaps love at first smell, but who cares, they fell in love. Most people have it that his wonderful personality and the way he wooed Caroline was why she fell deeply for him. And, it was Caroline's never-ending wit, and charm, why he fell for her." 

Oohs and awes filled the room. A couple of eye rolls and gagging were thrown in the mix. Brian made a face of disgust which got laughs out of everyone. 

Before I had the chance to continue, Brain whispered in my ear, "I'm stepping outside for a minute. I'll be right back." 

A curt nod was provided before I went on, "Caroline and Gideon got married. They ruled for centuries before Caroline got pregnant. Everyone became happy with the news. Different species brought gifts to congratulate them. All was well with the world, or in this case, our town.

"However, in the space of three months, everything went downhill. As Caroline's pregnancy rolled to its peak, her powers grew out of control. At one point, she was able to compel any species. In the third month, on the day she was to give birth, she killed her husband along with herself and unborn child."

Students slouched in their seats, some covered their eyes as the holograms laid on the ground lifeless. 

"There are many different endings for this story. Some folks said it was Caroline's best friend who had gotten jealous and cast a spell on her, cursing her and her kind. Others said Caroline's increased power drove her mad. 

"Nonetheless, the mysterious incident caused an ongoing war. The once peaceful town grew into a war zone within a week. The town's werewolves were enraged a vampire killed their one true Alpha. Vampires claimed werewolves were cursed and had condemned their beloved Caroline. Both vampires and werewolves were distraught with witches for casting the rumored curse on their leaders." 

"An unnecessary war," Troy spoke out.

Neglecting his words, I continued, "The war went on for two centuries until the High Council was formed, and treaties were signed. Regardless, it is now forbidden for a half-breed witch to mate with another supernatural species." 

The illusions faded along with the students' quietness. Applauds erupted after. Now I understood why Brian took the time out to teach them. The warmth of knowing these little creatures needed your help was a wonderful feeling. 

"Are there any questions?" 

At the question, all hands were thrown in the air. I couldn't help but chose a small girl in the corner. She leaped to her feet, her golden hair bounced with the act. "Hi, oh, do you get sad knowing you can never date who you want to?" 

The impact of her question knocked me two steps back. I leaned back on the teacher's desk, weighing my response. She was a child. I couldn't punch her with my honest beliefs. "Well, I'm not the only one who's forbidden. There are—"

"Which is agreed. However, you are the only SVH left in our town, and it's not proven how a wolf-witch or vampire-wolf hybrid may react to being impregnated by another supernatural species. You know the society we live in, people may be okay with their situation," Troy interrupted. 

I stood paralyzed by his vocabulary. Which kid talked this way? 

He went on while his other classmates nodded in agreement, "But," he raised a finger, "You getting pregnant by a werewolf would cause the whole town to freak. You could cause another war. Doesn't it at least scare you?"

Tiny heads bobbed in unison, awaiting a response. 

I wondered if Einstein was this annoying at a young age. 

I glanced at the classroom door, desperate for Brian's arrival. These kids were smart monsters. 

My nose took one last suck of air before words poured from my lips. "When I was much younger those thoughts were my nightmares. As time went by, I learned to live with who I am and went for what I wanted. I'm not the only mixed witch breed, so I often hope the others never disobeyed the law, in fear of what might happen. Yet, I wish they could all find happiness." With a smirk on my lips, I mimicked Mr. Genius's stance, and raised a finger, "But, I'll never fall in love with a werewolf."

Even though humans were puny little things, I could see myself falling in love with one. Maybe. 

A picture of Kyle danced to the forefront of my mind. It faded when I heard, "Because she's already in love with Brian." 

More oohs and awes circled us. 

Grateful for the distraction, I sidestepped to the windows at the side of the class. The minute I pushed the blinds apart a familiar scent of fresh forest air invaded my nostrils. The sudden impact caused a stumble. 

I cast a glance at the class, thankful the students were still planning a wedding that would never happen. I wiggled my nose, getting rid of any previous aroma. 

Kyle couldn't be outside. The right side of town was the wolf's territory. It was scarce when an unwed werewolf or vampire ventured outside their territories without permission. 

I peeked through the blinds, out the window. Near the school's gate, Brian stood, deep in conversation with someone clothed in a black hoodie. Along with the smell and the body posture, the mystery man was recognized right away. 

My ears perked, trying to catch on to their conversation, but instead picked up the sounds around them. The students behind me, the wings of the birds who flew above us, the rabbit in the forest beyond the school entrance, but nothing of what they were saying. 

My eyes went back to the men; a butterfly loitered nearby. Its red and blue-colored wings flapped with slow, steady strokes. Its eyes glued to the men. My gaze flashed to them. They continued their chatting, oblivious of the creature. I pressed against the window, gaze flickering from the men to the creature. 

What were they saying that was so intriguing? How come they hadn't noticed it? 

Kyle stiffened. He tilted his nose to the sky and sniffed the air. 

Good. Maybe he realized someone was watching him. It took him long enough. 

Wait. 

His gaze darted to the window. I pushed back. My back braced against the nook of the wall beside the window. My performance caught the attention of the students. I showed them a reassuring smile, beckoning them to continue their uninteresting debate. They blinked several times before Troy started up another topic. 

Ugh, that kid. 

When I was certain everything was normal, I returned to the window. The butterfly was no longer present, and Kyle was slipping into the forest. 

Darn.

Blowing out an exaggerating breath, I went back to the kids. Right away a question was asked. "Brianna, is it true you fell in love with Brian and couldn't bear to see him die so you turned him?"

Not exactly. "I turned him be—" 

"Of course she turned him because of love. My mother said while men break laws for power, women break them for love," a dark-haired girl interjected. 

A chuckle snuck up behind me. "You hear that? We are perfect for each other."

"Don't even encourage them," I scolded. 

Brian flashed me a dazzling smile while he took a seat on the desk. His interest returned to his students. 

A few more educational questions were asked before class was dismissed. Brian took the liberty of driving each child home with the school bus he borrowed.

An hour later, the school bus was parked at the school and we were on our way home. 

"I don't think I like that Troy kid very much. His Mr. Einstein's attitude has gotten on my nerves." I sighed at the memory of his annoyance.

Brian's laughter cocooned us in the vehicle. "Come on, he's a kid. You know how it goes with kids his age. They think they know everything." 

"I doubt all kids are like that." I wasn't like that.

"Okay, maybe he's a little much, but once you get to know him better, he's a good kid."

"Uh-huh."

"Plus, he reminds me of myself when I was a kid." 

My glare bore a hole in the side of Brian's head. "You were never like him. He's...he's…"

"An amazing kid," he finished. "Furthermore, he's supposed to act that way. His father is your dad's advisor. He's Mr. Griffiths' son." 

Ugh, made sense. Like father, like son. 

I rolled my eyes at the comment. "Whatever."

He released a soft chuckle. "Speaking of advisors, have you given any thought about joining the young council?" 

My silence weighed more than my words. 

"I know you have an issue with rules. I get where you're coming from."

"I don't have an issue with rules. I just—"

"Being a part of the elite has a lot of advantages," Brian intervened. "You can even abolish rules. You could get a chance to make a difference from now instead of waiting until you're in the High Council." 

It sounded easy, nice. Still, joining the elite meant I had to be around Kyle. If I could hardly control myself now, imagine what would happen if I'm around him twenty-four seven. On the other hand, in the next few months, I would be sworn in the High Council along with him. There would be nowhere left to hide.