This time, Raihana turns, her eyes fixed on me. “Is it about what happened near Oxford?” she asks sharply.
“Yeah,” I answer. She simply nods but lets me continue, although her frown only deepens. She’ll probably flip when she realises her niece was there… “As you all know, I’ve been considering candidates for the replacement at Midnight Academy for the position of Head. With the strongest of our future generation in that Academy, it’s a place that needs constant security, leadership and organisation.”
Maria nods, giving me her full attention. There’s a knock on the door, and I pause as it opens. A woman brings in a tray ofsnacks and drinks, placing it in front of me.
“Thanks,” I say to the woman as she smiles politely before leaving.
“Help yourself, dear,” Maria says, gesturing to the variety of delicacies on the platter. “Lunch will be served at 1pm.”
“There was no need for that.” This shit is too formal for me.
“You can’t come here and expect us to let you leave without eating?” Maria admonishes. “I’m certain it will be past one by the time you’re done.”
“Probably true.” I smile faintly.
“So, how can we help? Do you need help in selecting a new alpha to become head of the Academy? I do have a good scope of all the retired alphas, and there are a few who-”
“No. I’m not here to ask for your opinion on other alphas. I’m here to askyouto take that position.”
All three women look at me, and Maria raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
“Your knowledge of extensive combat experience is impressive. You’re mentally resilient, and despite the losses you have endured, you are one of the strongest people I have ever met. You are the only person in your age group whom I know still trains every single day. You’re well-rounded in so many skills, making you the one person who would know what to do in all situations and to understand what each subject is covering.” I pause for a moment.
“Leo…” Maria trails off as if not sure what to say.
“Not only that, but you have the best understanding of witches. After all, your family is full of not only werewolves, but witches and demons too. A diverse family in so many ways. Youhave trained your grandchildren yourself. You know what fields to cover, you know how to assess. By becoming the leader of the most important generation of our time, you can guide them in ways that no other Head has done so before. You won’t just be a Headmistress, but Head Commander. You’re level-headed, fair, and above all, fucking strong. So what do you say?”
I sit back as Maria frowns ever so slightly. “That is asking for a lot. The position is not one that anyone can take lightly. Wouldn’t Elijah or Scarlett be better suited?”
“In comparison to you, no. Your strength is one I admire, and I know that this place will become quieter if you leave-”
“No, I mean, we love having Mama Mari here, but I love this idea. This position is perfect for you. Don’t let anything hold you back.” Delsanra is the first to speak.
I remain quiet as Raihana nods, and Ahren simply observes them. I know Delsanra took a back seat in many situations simply to be there with Maria. I won’t mention it, but both of them have their own purposes and roles, which is the best thing, it’ll keep them distracted… Although… the one person whowouldbe left alone is Ahren.
But the young man is a mystery in many ways, and right now I have no idea what’s going through his mind.
“I will have a think about it. The position, as you said, is one of great responsibility. What about Alejandro?”
“Alejandro wouldn’t be a bad option, but I still stand by what I said, that you are the best for this role. Besides, he’s still very involved with everything going on. He just doesn’t have to make the decisions anymore.” Something he fucking loves to rub in when we’re met with a hard decision.
Maria nods. “Give me three days; I will have a think, and thenlet you know.”
“Very well.” I nod, picking up a glass of juice.
“So, Oxford, what happened?” Raihana asks as she gets up from the floor and sits next to Ahren on the sofa opposite me.
I exhale. “Well, I will need someone to tap into Jayce’s mind for the full picture, but the enemy was at Dante’s calibre according to them. Although both of them put up a good fight against the enemy, he was too strong and they were defeated. Luckily, he let them live.” Now to fucking tell them Sienna was there… I fucking hate this shit. And I don’t want to be the fucking reason their – ‘whatever is going on’, gets out.
“Dante’s calibre?” Ahren frowns.
“Jayce went up against him?” Delsanra asks worriedly.
“And who do you mean by ‘they’?” Ahren adds as an afterthought.
“Jayce and Sienna,” I say.
Their expressions change, and I can feel the energy in the room rise as their auras come forward.
