Christine
“You won’t believe this,” Tawny said as she rushed past several of the students into my classroom.
“What’s wrong?”
“Hold on.” She was almost running toward the television in the room, flicking it on. I’d never seen her so excited.
I moved away from my desk, more exhausted now that everything had settled in. When I was close, I folded my arms. “What are you looking for?”
“Just shush. Okay?”
When Steven’s face popped onto the screen, I didn’t know how to react. But I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes as a hint of recognition settled in. “Wait a minute. Where is he?” He was in our parking lot giving an interview. “What in the fuck is he doing?” I glanced over my shoulder to ensure there weren’t any kids in the room.
There was.
Anthony. My problem student, the one who wanted to be a hockey player.
“Anthony. Um. Can you give me a minute?” I’d never seen the kid do anything but frown. His smile was incredible.
“So that’s your boyfriend, Ms. Carrington?” He was so eager, I couldn’t disappoint him.
“Yes, he is. Maybe. I’m honestly not sure any longer, Anthony.”
“One day, I’m going to be just like him.”
“You know what, Anthony? I think you will be. Just stay in school and do your best.” Okay, I was lecturing a troubled kid when it was apparent my wolf was pouring his heart out on local television? Well, I was dedicated.
Anthony’s entire face wrinkled. “You should give him a chance, Ms. Carrington. See. Us shifters? We ain’t so bad.”
He grinned before backing away. And I’d be damned if my bright student didn’t tip his head back and howl before running out of the room. Wow. I’d had no idea the kid was a shifter.
“Are you paying any attention?” Tawny chastised.
I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore the anger sweeping through me. Why would he do this to me? Why? “I’m trying.”
“Go on, Steven,” the girl holding the microphone said.
“Well, I went along with being her fiancé not because I had to or because I felt sorry for Christine.”
“Then why?” the girl asked.
He looked directly into the camera. “Because I love her. Everything about her. The way the light reflects the joy in her eyes. The way she laughs. The way she criticizes just about everything about me. Rightfully so.”
I pressed my hand across my lips. He had such a faraway look in his eyes. He wasn’t talking to the reporter. He was talking to me.
“She has a way of making me feel like an idiot yet on the other hand, like the happiest man alive. She’s beautiful and sweet, the kind of woman who would give you the shirt off her back. She works hard and refuses to take anything from her parents. Yeah, I love her. But I understand that her family hates me.”
“Why do they hate you, Steven?”
He glanced at the reporter. “Because I’m a beast. A shifter. Supposedly I turn into a werewolf during a full moon and chase people and eat them. Which is ridiculous. But her father is out to eradicate us. Every shifter. He plans as governor to create rigorous laws that will eventually take away all our rights as humans, not just as beasts. Mr. Carrington, I am not a monster. I am a man who loves your daughter very much and I’m proud of my family. I’m also very proud of who and what I am. However, she shouldn’t be forced to choose. I won’t allow that to happen. Christine. I know what I said and the way I feel, but I won’t bother you any longer. That’s how much I love you. But know you’ll always be in my heart.”
He held up at least three dozen roses, taking a deep whiff.
“Oh, my God,” Tawny whispered.
My heart almost seized.
“I’ll leave these right here. Please know that I won’t love anyone ever again the way I love you.” He shook his head before placing his hand over his heart.
