“It worked, didn’t it?”
Everyone turns in our direction, forming a semicircle around me and Calder.
“Don’t worry, I won’t keep any of you for too long,” he addresses the room. “I want to say a few words before the night gets underway. First of all, I’d like to thank you all for being here. Without you, this wouldn’t be the most popular college paper in the country.” There’s a round of applause before he continues. “TheValley Voiceis an important part of SVU culture. As your new editor, I’m both honored and deeply impressed to be working with such talented individuals who can work across many different mediums, including Jell-O.”
A roar of laughter comes from the photography department. His drawer still smells of lime, no matter how many times he cleans it.
“I also have an important announcement to make.” Calder tugs at the collar of his tee. “After much consideration, I have decided to step down from the editor’s position.”
Mouths fall open, and practically everyone in the room draws in a sharp breath. I ogle him in confusion. Why didn’t he tell me this was coming? He’s so enthusiastic about the paper, it’s his biggest passion.
“I believe it is only right thatTheValley Voicetraditions are properly upheld.” His eyes meet mine. “I have selected Kady Sinclair to take my place, who I think we all know, should have been the rightful editor following Leah’s departure.”
Delilah squeals in delight while Sabs and Faye clap like crazy and Devon stomps his feet. My other alphas watch on with knowing smiles. I guess they’ve all been in on Calder’s little plan to keep this a secret. All I can do is gape at Calder in utter shock.
“The job is yours, Kady.” Calder turns to me. “It always has been.”
If this is what I’ve wanted and worked for since I stepped foot inside this office, why does it feel like a dead weight has settled in my stomach?
“Speech, speech, speech!” Laz hollers from the sidelines.
I can feel the weight of everyone’s eyes as they stare at me. For once, I’m lost for words, but I draw in a cleansing breath to pull myself together quickly. I know what I have to do. “As flattering as Calder’s offer is, I’m afraid that I can’t accept it.”
“You’re turning it down?” Sabs gasps. “This is all you’ve been talking about since the first week of freshman year.”
“Admittedly, I was Leah’s first choice, and initially, I wasn’t particularly pleased when Calder got the position.”
He mumbles in agreement, and the crowd snickers.
“But you’ve earned this job just as much as I have, Calder.” I speak directly to him, not caring that we have an audience. “You managed a crisis with national papers during your first week in post. You secured extra funding and refurbished the office. You’ve worked night and day since you arrived to prove yourself. You’re just as worthy of the editor position as I am, so I’d like to propose that we be co-editors.”
“Are you sure?” His lips curve into a smile. “Co-editors?”
“I’m positive. I think it’ll be the first time inTheValley Voicehistory.” I nod, thrilled by this idea. “Of course, Dean Rivers will have to approve it, but I don’t see why he’d have an objection.”
Calder is beaming. The fact that he was willing to give up the one thing that means the most to him in the world tells me all I need to know about how much he cares for me.
“And as your co-editors,” I turn back to address the room again. “We want you to enjoy the rest of the evening.”
“But not too much, because we have a new issue to release in two days,” Calder adds.
Everyone claps before returning to their conversations and breaking out into smaller groups.
I shake my head at him. “You should have told me.”
“I wanted to surprise you.” He inches up a shoulder. “Are you sure that you’re happy about sharing the position with me? You don’t have to.”
“Of course, I am,” I insist. “I couldn’t imagine it any other way.”
The rest of our pack and my friends come over to join us.
“Pack photo!” Sabs choruses, ordering me and the Valen Pack to stand together before blinding us with a series of flashes.
Vision swimming, I step back.
“Congratulations, baby girl.” Ezra kisses me on the head. “Now you have the official authority to order Calder around.”
“Hey!” Calder objects, punching him in the shoulder. “We’re co-editors, remember?”
