CHAPTER 20: 20-MY MATE HAS A GIRLFRIEND?

Clementine:

I received a little vampire’s blood a few hours later from Miss Rue so I could heal before the first mission. I had no clue what the mission would be, but I was just excited to be out of my dorm room. I hadn’t spoken to the Alphas again, and I was pleased to keep it that way.

With my wounds finally healed, I felt like myself again.

Now I stood in front of my squad, listening to the instructions with full attention. One mistake, and it could cost any of us our lives.

’Please be Haiden’s,’ I groaned to my wolf, and she hit me back with silence. It was as if I was whining about our mate again, and sometimes she didn’t like the extreme thoughts that ran through my mind. But it was just that—thoughts. I would never actually wish death upon anyone.

"There has been a threat. A monster is trying to penetrate through the northern gates to reach the rest of the world. How do we know this?" Miss Rue’s voice was serious. "Young werewolves living nearby have been hearing a melody. It causes depression and hatred toward their mates. Hallucinations of loved ones betraying them. After a lot of study—we’ve discovered that it’s a creature named—"

Miss Rue stopped when Ian’s utterance stole everyone’s attention.

"The God of Songs," he said, and all eyes turned to him. I noticed a girl from the Red Squad turn to watch him, one eyebrow raised as if he intrigued her.

"What was that, Ian? Would you like to fill us in on what you know about this creature?" Miss Rue asked in her gentle yet excited tone. I could see the pride on her face,her squad knew more about the creature. Probably more than the others themselves.

"It’s a faun-like creature. His name is Eliot. Long white hair, long beard. Horns like a ram’s, overgrown with vines and thorns. Wears nothing but leaves and bark. Goat legs. Hooves. Eyes that don’t blink. Carries a flute and never stops playing it."

As Ian came to the front, he brushed past me with his shoulder, bumping me to the side. I frowned and groaned, but no one interrupted him, even though I was certain others saw how disrespectful and mannerless he was.

"There’s a small creature always near him. Some kind of forest lizard or dragon. Harmless-looking, but probably not. He doesn’t talk. Just plays. And the music gets into your head if you’re not careful. They say he was betrayed by someone he loved. Now he doesn’t let anyone get close and wants everyone to hate their mate before they get betrayed," he explained, stopping in front of me.

Somehow, his words made me feel uneasy. The creature must be dangerous, then. Something that can harm you from miles away is always more dangerous than something that has to come close to attack.

"Wow, Ian. How do you know all that?" Miss Rue looked so impressed with him. The others were just staring.

Miss Lenora and the other ringleaders nodded before turning to their squads, looking rather disappointed. My eyes kept drifting to the back, where Haiden stood. He had been staring at one girl a little too long. She was in the Red Squad, looking all squirmish and sweaty. It seemed like she was holding back tears. Trust me, I know that behavior too well, someone was clearly uncomfortable.

"I just do. I like to know details. I like to know more and more," Ian uttered, making me secretly roll my eyes.

"Well then, your task is simple, everyone. You must kill this creature before it comes out of the North and takes over the world. And remember, any failure would result in other monsters coming forth too," Lenora stepped ahead again, her hands folded in front of her body under her abdomen.

There were male ringleaders too, and they were quite intriguing. Handsome, tall, and broad. Some of the girls had been staring at them a little too hard, and I don’t blame them.

"And any deaths from the squad should not slow you down. Don’t worry, you’ll get new squad members if one passes away," Lenora added like it was nothing. Her tone was so nonchalant, while everyone else started exchanging eye contact with their squad members.

I don’t know about the others, but I was hesitant to go out with my squad. They hated me. They’d probably want me dead.

"Are we getting any weapons?" a voice came from the other corner of the hall. All our heads turned toward a tall blond guy standing in the White Squad. His blue eyes sparkled as he looked directly at his own ringleader.

"Do you think you’ll get weapons when you’re deep into the North for months? Don’t get me wrong—but no. We won’t help you. We only give you missions. Survival is your thing. Go fight, survive, and save others," said his ringleader, the most attractive man everyone had been staring at. His name tag read Rick. Well, he wasn’t very easy on the ears. He had the most stern and harsh voice I’d ever heard.

"Great," the blond guy rolled his eyes, leaning back and shooting a look toward the ringleaders.

"Now return to your rooms and stay ready. You’ll be collected in the next few minutes. You’ll only be sent to the area near the border. Don’t go deeper. You are not yet ready for the big monsters," Miss Rue explained, and we all began heading back to our dorms.

"I’m so worried. I told her they wouldn’t take her," I heard Haiden say from in front of me. I was now at the back with Ian, both of us strolling slowly behind the others.

"Why did you say that?" Troy argued. I had no clue who they were talking about, but she must mean something to Haiden for him to sound so concerned.

And why wouldn’t they take her? Did he not want her to go because he liked her or something? What was going on? Did this asshole have a girlfriend?

"Ooohh! Seems like the perfect murder plan to get rid of someone like you," Ian whispered into my ear, leaning down close before stepping in front of me like he hadn’t just threatened me.