"So, what do you have for me?"
Even though Summer's brows knitted together a stock of paper was placed in my palms. "Ashley and Jake have known each other for years. As it turns out, their parents are close friends. Therefore, there's a level of comfort between the two that some may misplace as sexual attraction."
I ignored the last bit of what was said and stuffed the papers in my bag. Ashley then came into view, strolling towards us. "Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be." I smiled.
The locker was slammed shut. We then made our way to the Courthouse.
"We'll now engage in a Young Council meeting. Each will be allowed to cast a vote. After which, Jake will share the result with the student body," Ashley educated.
"Then we can put all this rubbish behind us," I grumbled under my breath.
"I just hope everything goes well," joined Ashley's quivering whisper.
A reassuring smile was thrown in her direction. We laced two sets of fingers together. "Don't worry, no matter what, we'll always be friends."
My fingers were squeezed as both females returned a smile of their own.
It never took us long before we were treading the flowery pathway to the courthouse. A few feet ahead was Amy, Kyle's cousin, and her Advisors. Her searching eyes traveled over her shoulder, and she noticed us. When she did, her pace slowed.
"Miss Jones," she sang once we caught up to her.
The same familiar fruity fragrance from before returned. It cocooned us and plucked questions from my brain.
Where had I smelt it before?
"Miss Moore," I addressed her, hoping the formality was an Elite thing and not hereditary.
A smile broke out on her face. "These are my Advisors: Heather," the female to her right nodded. Her dark purple ponytail swished with the movement of her head, "And, Lindsay." Lindsay raised her hand and wiggled slender fingers.
"Hi," I greeted each. "I guess, you guys already know Summer and Ashley. " I pointed to my friends.
Three heads bobbed in unison. "I've known Ashley for a while now," Amy answered for them.
Within the next second, as if following a hidden order, Lindsay and Heather dragged Ashley and Summer ahead of us. At first Summer and Ashley were hesitant to accompany them. Nonetheless, they gave in in the end. It seemed Amy's Advisors were too persuasive.
As soon as we were out of ear drop, I began, "I'm sorry about the other day. I was caught off guard." And, somehow had lost my mind. A reoccurring experience whenever her cousin was around.
She smiled, oblivious to my abominable thoughts. "It's okay. Kyle can be a bit too much sometimes."
Or not as oblivious as I had hoped.
"I have to cast a locator spell just to find him whenever I need him," she went on.
Oh, right. I forgot. She was a hybrid. Somewhat cursed as I was. A werewolf mixed with the powers of a witch.
"Right."
Which also explained the book with spells Kyle had that day. Maybe it was hers, but how did they get it in the first place?
"Ashley is a great person. I was thrilled when I heard she was chosen to be your Advisor. The experience is good for her. She has a lot of potential."
The muscles at the side of my lips were raised. "I know. In the short time we've spent together she has proven how wonderful she is."
Amy's smile widened. "Yeah, that's Ashley for you. Her personality allows anyone to feel comfortable around her."
The path ended and the building came in sight. "Speaking of Ashley, how much do you know about her and Jake?"
Green eyes widened for a slight second before red lips curled. "I do know they're friends, but since of late they have been acting a little weird." She stared straight ahead. "It could be because of the Red Moon. A lot of weird things are happening because of it."
My eyes trailed after her gaze.
I had forgotten about the Red Moon. Unlike the full moon, its occurrence was rare. The regular full moon affected only werewolves, but the Red Moon affected all supernatural species. During the time of the Red Moon, species' urge to mate was increased. The sense of smell and sexual libido would be heightened. There were cases where mates traveled grave distances so they could quench the thirst for mating. That was how powerful the Red Moon was. Most creatures including myself feared it.
"The Red Moon is a week ahead." The sad tone of Amy's voice didn't go unnoticed. "As much as how I'd want to prepare for it, there's just no escaping. We all just have to hope we aren't affected."
I agreed to each word spoken. Praying was all we could do.
At our destination, the other Young Council members were awaiting our arrival. As soon as we joined the group, Jake announced, "It's time, guys."
He stepped off before he got a response, and everyone trailed after him. Instead of going through the red door like we did the first time, we traveled around the back of the building. There a large black door decorated with the school's crest stood. The same symbols the football players wore proudly on their jackets. Come to think of it, the symbol was everywhere: imprinted on books, on club signs, even on some of the teacher's and student's license plates.
Jake fished out a golden key from his pocket and unlocked the door. Several clicks blasted through the air before the door swung itself open. Jake then continued inside as did everyone else.
The room was small, yet had enough space to hold several small pieces of furniture. A large long wooden table nestled in its center. Fourteen cushioned chairs circled the red polished table. Once again the school's crest was embroidered on the chairs, and carved in the middle of the table. To each side of the wall, there were two diamond-shaped windows. I doubt the windows were used for anything other than ventilation. The small design and its height told its duty. Behind the table, near the corner was a red door. Anyone could have guessed it led to the courtroom.
The Young Council wasted no time in occupying themselves with the seating. Their arrangements were unique and orderly. Each Advisor sat after their Elite was comfortable in his or her seat. Kyle settled at the end of the table. His Advisors, blondie, and brunette to his sides, opposite of each other. The remaining members sat differently. Amy sat between her two Advisors, Heather and Lindsay. Adjacent to Amy was Brian, between his two Advisors, Drew and Eric. While Jake and Courtney sat facing each other.
Within the next minute, the room grew quieter than expected. Thirteen pairs of eyes zeroed in on the odd one out: me. My palms itched to cover my heated face.
Oh, Lord. I wasn't seated.
"Right, sorry," was my whisper.
I sauntered to the vacant seat at the other end of the table, facing Kyle. He rolled his eyes, and I bit back the urge to stick out my tongue at him.
As soon as my buttocks touched the padding of the seat, Summer and Ashley sat after, mirroring Kyle and his Advisor's position. Summer nestled next to Courtney while Ashley beside Jake.
"So," Jake drawled, earning himself all the attention. "First things first, we'll voice our concerns in a polite and professional manner." He dragged out the adverbs, while green-yellow eyes lingered on each of us. "All concerns will be addressed. After which we'll cast a vote. Each vote should not be biased or influenced." He leaned forward. "Are there any questions?"
A chorus of nos was issued.
His head bobbed. "Good. Now, let's begin. Any concerns from the leaders of the wolf community?"
The wolf family's representatives became of great interest. Amy shook her head, while Kyle relaxed in his chair.
"Okay, we—" Jake started but failed to complete.
"I don't know if it's me or Ms. Jones is an attention seeker," Kyle interrupted.
My eyes bulged at Kyle's words.
"I doubt she is, Kyle," Amy came to my defense. "She went through the right channels to get where she is."
"Says who?" Kyle snarled.
"Well, I think what she's doing is inspiring," Amy praised.
A low chuckle sounded at the hidden joke. "Inspiring?" Grey eyes challenged Amy's. "She brought a human into the Council. And, if that was not enough, she went and turned Ashley against us."
Jake straightened at the comment. "No one turned anyone. We both know she still pledges to you wolves."
"Us wolves?" Blondie repeated.