I glanced at the keycard.
Fuck my life.
A two-inch square showed my scared and fake smiling face, with Hot Mess Barbie haircut.
Awesome.
“In the bag will be a tablet with your class schedule, map of the campus, school, Werewolf City bylaws, and anything else you should need.” She tapped the black leather backpack. “There is a food app where you can order meal service to your room, and there are electric scooters and bikes all over campus. Just swipe your keycard and take whatever one you want.”
Okay … I’d officially reached information overload. This was too much, and clearlyexpensive.
“And … how much will all of this cost me?” I gestured around the room.
She looked offended, sharing a scandalous glance at Eugene. “All expenses associated with the females that are invited to school here during the mating year are paid for by the alpha.”
Holy shit, I wastotallyonWerewolf Bachelor.
Just breathe.
“Even if he doesn’t pick me?” I hedged, “Like, do I have to pay it all back?” Because obviously he wasn’t going to pick me. I was fucking twenty years old, I wasn’t ready for marriage, I didn’t even want to be picked. Mostly. I mean he was hot, I’d give him that. Being picked wouldn’t be theworstthing to ever happen to me. But this whole thing was nuts.
“One second.” She tapped her screen. “There, I’ve signed you up for etiquette classes. A ladynevertalks about money.” She patted my hand and stood.
Ouch, did I just get burned by some old lady wearing pumps and pantyhose?
When she left the room, I stared at Eugene incredulously.
He only smirked. “She’s one of the elites. Born of money, likes having an important job. She doesn’t understand people like us.”
People like us.
When I didn’t say anything, he leaned forward. “My dad was the Werewolf Elementary School janitor and my mom the lunch lady. The only reason I got this job is because I’m built like a truck and I win every fight I get in.”
I grinned. I liked him immediately. I liked everyone here so far. My parents made it sound like some dark and scary place they’d had to flee.
“Sawyer pays for everything,” he told me. “It’s never a question and you won’t pay a dime back, no matter what happens. It’s all in the bylaws.” He tapped the backpack.
I guess I had some reading to do.
He stood and gestured to the door. “You can go. You missed the first day, but classes start eight a.m. sharp, and Sawyer will be picking his first date tomorrow night at the dinner gala.”
My eyes widened.
Picking a date?
Dinner gala?
Freaking Werewolf Bachelor.
“Umm, gala usually means a dress … right?” I gestured to my clothes.
He pointed to the backpack. “Check the campus map. There’s a mall behind the tennis courts that has everything ladies like to wear. Use your keycard to pay. Sawyer picks up the bill, no questions asked.”
What. The.Fuck.Was. Happening?
At this point I just felt stupid for asking questions, so I nodded and stood. “Thanks for um…” I pointed to the broken cuffs and shoved them in the bag. “Everything.”
He tipped his head, standing as well. “In twenty years of serving the alpha, I’ve never seen him get in a fight with his son. Until today. Sawyer fought for you. Don’teverforget that.”
