Wynter's Bane

Chapter 35

It takes about an hour and a half but we finally finish. Marie even gets sidetracked off her original plans by wanting to know more about the rumors going around the school.

"Which ones?"

"You being feral, because that's complete bullshit."

I smile at her even as I slump down. After laying it all out to her as I know it, from when it started and learning who did it, to the trouble it can lead to, she listens intently, frowning the whole time. When I stop, she's quiet for a time as she takes it all in, then asks if there's any way she can help. Having put all jokes aside for now. I shake my head sadly, as there really isn't.

"It got brought up to the Alphas during the full moon, but it's just gotten worse since then, so I'm not sure if they were able to do anything right then. I'm going to have to approach them myself and hope it hasn't gotten too out of hand, but I've a feeling I'll still be called out for not coming to them sooner."

Getting blamed for something that had already been brought up to them... It wouldn't be the first time, but it's sure serious enough to be the last. I sigh, knowing that as soon as I leave here I'm going to have to see to it, as putting it off any more will just make things potentially worse.

"What about the royalty claim? You think that's true?"

I cringe inwardly. I was hoping she wouldn't ask about him. Lying is not my strong suit, let alone to a friend. Furrowing my brows with a frown, I just shrug, then take on a look of disgust as I think of my sibling.

"I really wouldn't be surprised if it was something my sister started to get more attention. While she's never done anything like this before, her rep had taken a hit when I stood up to her. Apparently me being feral wasn't enough as it just ruined me, it didn't do much for her limelight."

How would she have found out though? The way she'd smirked at me today, it was like she knew. She knew and that he'd blame me for it getting out. Did she hear us talking at some point without us knowing? Myth had punished me for just being friends with Markus, but being on talking terms with royalty? I don't get it though, when she's always hanging on him. Isn't that enough to show she's claimed him?

"Wynter?"

Blinking over at Marie, she'd slumped down not two feet from me, looking annoyed in my stead. I smile at her, elated once again that she's here with me. After a couple minutes she speaks up, seeming unable to contain herself any longer.

"If you could do anything, what would you do?"

"About this or in general?"

She shakes her head.

"In general I mean, with your life."

I think for a second then look at her again.

"We talking in a realistic capacity or fantasy?"

Marie pauses for a second as she thinks on it then smiles and shrugs.

"Both."

Moving my arms to cross under my head, I look up at her ceiling as I lay back. If I could do anything, what would I do?

"It can be anything?"

Sliding my dark eyes over to her, she smiles and nods, so I look back up. I'm kind of at a loss, because I never really stopped to think about this. The whole concept of dreaming big isn't an option for me, so I've always tried to keep it as realistic as possible.

"Well, I've always wanted to go to college. Since I don't have a position in my Pack, I'd be free to do so where others wouldn't, enabling me to seek fields that could help them better. I don't have the smarts for becoming a doctor or lawyer, let alone the money, but every little bit helps and I like being able to contribute even if it is in a small way."