Chapter 7

• "You did it! "It was about three years ago," I explained.
• "Are you referring to the time I didn't find that actress you liked attractive?"
• You implied that I was gay, and I agreed. "That didn't mean I was actually gay," he grumbled.
• "Way to stay in character," I remarked.
• "I'm sorry you had that impression all this time, and I'm sorry I kissed Gabriella, but what does this have to do with anything going on now?" he grumbled.
• "Because if I had a choice, I'd choose you as my King." "I would have chosen you, but I thought you were gay," I cried.
• "Diana, I'm just an advisor, I'm not qualified for that," he explained politely.
• "Stop calling me that!" I shrieked and burst out laughing.
• "Jacky-," he started before I cut him off.
• "No! "You could be my partner, and we could learn everything else together," I said, sobbing openly.
• Simon tried to touch my shoulder, but I smacked him away.
• "Jacky, you deserve so much better than me," he softly said.
• "There is no one better than you," I admitted modestly.
• "How about we find a middle ground?" You will make an honest effort to find your King, and I will consider joining you before your parents call the council. "Does that sound right?" He inquired, his face hopeful.
• He wiped the tears from my eyes as he waited for my response. He was truly the best. I couldn't imagine choosing anyone else, but if he wants to compromise, I'm willing to do so.
• "Fine," I replied. "I will continue my search, but if we are not successful here in three months, we will return home, and I want you to be my partner."
• "Not three months, Jacky," Simon stated emphatically. "We have the entire year, and you must make an honest effort." That's all I'm going to say. Shake it up? We exchanged handshakes.
• He kissed me good night and I went to my room. Rachel, to her surprise, was doing her homework. I sat at my desk and took out my books to finish my homework. I was too tired to change my clothes after I finished. I went to bed and slept on top of the covers.
• That night, I had a dream about Simon.
• -------
• The rest of the week went as usual until Thursday, when Alpha Viktor returned. We were dragged from our English class and led to his office.
• Alpha Viktor stood six feet five inches tall. He wore his long brown hair in a messy bun. He had blue, steel-colored eyes, a strong aquiline nose with full lips, and a strong, stubble-covered chin. The man appears to be a god. As we introduced ourselves, he stood up and shook each of our hands.
• "Hello and welcome to the Shadow Moon pack. I apologize for the delay, but it was unavoidable. "I hope you're having a good time," he said in a deep, melodious voice. We all agreed by nodding our heads.
• "I hear there's two of you who have absolutely no training," he went on. "I'd like to meet with you two at the start of the training session today to assess where you are."
• "Which two am I referring to?" He inquired. Gabriella and I raised our hands. "Ah ok.
• That's a pity. Ladies as lovely as you should be familiar with basic self-defense techniques. At the very least, we will assist you."
• Gabriella just laughed, oblivious to the insult. "I will take private lessons with you at any time, Alpha," she said coquettishly.
• "Yes, well, we'll start with my assessment and see where it goes from there."
• A knock came on the door, and in walked a stunning, tall blonde. "I'm sorry. I assumed you were alone."
• "Don't be concerned. You have been fired. I'll see you later this afternoon."
• We then left to return to our English class.
• "Who is that beautiful blonde?" Gabriella inquired.
• "Probably his fiancée," I speculated.
• "Fiancée? Gabriella pouted as she said, "That beautiful man is going to marry that woman."
• "Normally, I keep my opinions to myself, but if you don't pick that man, you're insane," Rachel said.
• "Can we not discuss this here, ladies?" Simon asked. "Anyone could be walking down the halls."
• "Oh, you're just envious." "There's finally someone around who is more attractive than you," Sofia commented.
• "Enough," Simon grumbled.
• The bell signaling the end of class had rung by the time we arrived in the classroom. It was time to eat. We had one more class before heading to training.
• Scott and Brett came with us, as they had done every day this week. They appear to be close friends. I hadn't met the other Alphas yet. I had a good time with them. It was refreshing to see someone other than the usual suspects.
• "So, I heard you met Alpha Viktor today," Scott said as he sat down next to me. "How did it go?"
• "He was completely dreamy." "I'm pretty sure I'm in love," Gabriella said, her eyes dreamy.
• "OK then," Scott said, smirking. "How about you, Sophia? "He appears to be rather strict, but I suppose that's a good quality in an Alpha."
• "And how about you, Diana?" He inquired, a little shyly.
• "I think he was a little arrogant. As if I needed self-defense instruction. "Who needs training when you have...," I mumbled.
• "I don't think he meant anything by that," Rachel pointed out. "He just stated that women should have basic self-defense training, which is correct. You shouldn't have to rely on a man to keep you safe. I could teach you everything you need to know."
• "Then why don't you, since you're so passionate about it?" "Then we wouldn't look like helpless fools here," I snapped.
• Rachel opened and then closed her mouth.
• "Don't blame Rachel, Diana. It wasn't her fault, you know."
• "I know. I apologize. "I guess I'm just embarrassed," I admitted, lowering my head. "I had never thought about training before. "There will never be a time when I need combat training, but self-defense training is a different story," I explained.
• "I can teach you some moves," Scott offered. "Perhaps we can get
• together sometime." Outside of school, you know."