Detention Club

They put the Lupines in the basement.

It was detention, so you wouldn't expect red carpet treatment. But that didn't explain why Coach Ford would put a silver ward-lock on the door before he walked away. We walked in single-file with him closing in from behind. Little Jared from my AP Chemistry class was the last to amble in before the door slammed shut.

It happened so fast we'd barely sat down. The imposing man scratched at his golden maw, smirking at my confusion as I watched him close the door from my desk.

And when he turned away, green eyes glittering in the dimness, I almost kicked my seat over to go see what was happening.

The basement's pale, green-grey walls had produced a surprising amount of invitation, at first. But now, cursing Santana under-breath, I knew I'd made a mistake.

The local Stray alpha had asked me to do her a solid in return for all my favors. Every single one. I should've known then.

I was short, curved like an undulating low mountain range, unlike many of my kind. But unlike most of them, I was a witch-blood.

Born to werewolves, but when it came down to it, I wasn't one. I relied on my own magic to Turn, and had no spirit guide to usher me over the threshold. Dangerous, unstable business for a sixteen year old, but it was my strongest gift. And Lady help me, I had to pretend for the sake of the other kids in this basement.

Lights that illuminated the basement's passageway flickered off with the coach's receding steps. Minutes later, as I looked out, my stomach turned as the rats started screaming.

I stifled a squeal. My eardrums throbbed with how fast my heart beat, so I started forcing the adrenaline to slow. I don't startle easily, but that...

Eyes closed and taking deep breaths, I noticed a wolf behind me. My lungs drew nicotine and cologne into my senses. I would've expected Axe body spray, so the mix was a plus.

"It's a shapeshifter," came a voice from beside me. I could tell the guy was an introvert. He had a strong, deep energy. His voice was quiet, unselfconscious, yet unwilling to draw attention.

"It likes to terrorize the critters."

He sounded amused, which was telling. But I saw that his blue eyes shone with hardened resignation... and well-hidden concern. The guy was surprisingly short for the energy he gave off, which felt convenient. He didn't have to bend and I didn't have to break my neck to catch his pretty eye.

"What is that thing?" I completely failed to hide my own concern.

The leather-bound youth scoffed, rubbing at his stubble in thought. "Does it matter?"

"H-hey... you guys shouldn't be up!" a freshman girl yelped, face paling.

Blue-eyes turned on her and hissed. "What are you, a cop?"

His back stiffened, pupils contracted, and with a peek of fang the girl bowed her head in silence. Now my stomach churned for a different reason.

That was not normal behavior for a male youth to display unless confined. Most Strays didn't tolerate it, especially toward a younger she-wolf. It was unnatural.

What are these people playing at?

Werewolves weren't exactly benign, but no one in this room was over seventeen. They were young and small. And most of the kids looked like they got detention for skipping P.E.

Despite warning me of dangers, when Santana gave me this little "mission", a part of me I thought she was tryna sell me on school again. Those little jibes about meeting my new unwashed, leather clad bad-boy of the month really sold it, too. Detention was the best time I ever had in school.