The Hybrid Counsellor (Von Touran Vampire series Book 2)

prologue

-Selene's POV-

I cursed under my breath as I rushed towards the school. I was starting my new job there today. I had to make a good first impression. My dads had made sure I lived close to the school, my flat was on the outskirts of the city in my father's land. Their manor was further away, secluded in the woods. Helios still lived with them, my twin brother seemed like he didn't know what to do with his life. Though I suppose that wasn't a bad thing, we were 23 and vampires live a long time. 

A smile came to my lips as I thought back to my family. My father Maliki, a strong vampire. A Von Touran. My grandfather was a marquise in Vampire culture. My dad Oscar, a hybrid like me. half wolf, half vampire. He was the sweetest person I knew and I loved him dearly. I loved both my parents. My thoughts then drifted to Alphonse and Dawn. Vampires I was glad to have in my life as I grew up. My younger brother and their son even grew up together. They were as thick as thieves. Dawn and Alphonse's son Phelan and my younger brother Jackal, we just called him Jack. Honestly I had no clue why my father had decided to name him Jackal. Phelan and Jackal were 18 now and were going to the cities university. They commuted to and from the manor but I had asked for my own space. The stipulation was that I had to come home Sundays for a big family dinner. I had readily agreed to that. Dawn's cooking was the bomb and I'd gladly go back for it. 

Shaking my head I grinned as the school came into view. I spotted several students walking in the front door. A few were in their animal forms. Wolves, big cats, I think I spotted a large snake too. The school was for supernatural creatures so it made sense. Seeing the students in their animal forms, my wolf pushed on my subconscious but I pushed her down. I still needed my hands for my office door. 

"Well Selene, time to start your new life"  I whispered to myself, growling softly in determination. 

Climbing the steps to the entrance, I went through the doors. Scents slammed into me on all sides from so many different people and species. I sneezed before breathing lowly as I tried to lower my hackles. My wolf was on edge. I could smell so many predators and lots of prey.

"Selene, hey, so good to see you" A woman's voice sounded in front of me. 

Her voice cut through the tension in my mind and I snapped up. My attention focused on her. Breathing in I caught her scent and fear gripped me before I recognised her. It was the principle. A large woman, burly even. A Grolar bear. A polar bear, grizzly bear hybrid. She was tall and her gaze was deadly. Brown hair in a bob cut framed her face as her brown eyes looked down at me with kindness. 

"Principle Nita, Its so good to see you again" I offered, smiling even as my wolf shrank into my mind. 

"Thank you darlin' lets get you to your office eh, the students will be heading to their home rooms and you'll have some time to get situated before any of them come to you. Follow me" Nita spoke, the order at the end of her sentence unmistakable. 

"Yes lets" I agreed, following the bear as she turned on her heel and walked away. 

My office turned out to be in the main hall at the end. A secluded corner visible from everywhere in the corridor. Looking at the door I grinned as I spotted the big black lettering. 

School Counsellor.

"This is where you'll be based, let me know if there is anything you need, Staff room is that way, cafeteria that way, and staff bathroom is upstairs to the left, third door" Nita instructed pointing in the direction for each location. 

"Thank you Principle" I replied gratefully. 

"Well see you later, Selene I have announcements to make" The bear chuckled before she walked away. 

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding when I couldn't see her anymore. Shaking myself out my wolf whimpered as my stress eased. Bears were terrifying but Nita was lovely, I just had some instinctual fear of her. Pushing open the door to my office an excited yip left me as I took in the space. A desk in the back with a window behind it. I could see into the parking lot. It calmed my wolf knowing I was able to see outside. There were empty shelves lining the walls and soft light came from the overhanging ceiling lights.   

Putting my bag on the table I reached in and found a blood bottle. At the sight of the red liquid my vampire side surged. Bloodlust shooting through me. Unscrewing the cap my fangs dropped as the scent of blood swirled around me. Putting the bottle to my lips I moaned softly as the blood reached my palate. Drinking deeply I finished half the bottle in one gulp before savouring the rest. 

When I finished I screwed the cap on just in time to be startled as the first bell rang. The first hour of the day was homeroom where the students decompressed and anything they needed to catch up on was done. Lessons would start at the second bell. 

"Well looks like I'm on my own till break. Might as well unpack and maybe get a nap" I mumble to myself before giggling as I spot a dog bed in the corner of the room. Mostly hidden from view behind the cabinets. 

"That bear really does think of everything, the students might not come right away so boredom might become my companion" I laugh slightly at my words. 

The bed could be for me or it could be for students struggling with their shifts. Some Hybrids could be unstable if they had an animal form. I was mostly okay because I was taught my control from a young age but not everyone would be as lucky as me. That's why the rules on which form you needed to be in was so relaxed. As long as the students aren't disruptive they can be shifted unless they are taking tests or have to actively participate in class. That's what the rule book said anyway. 

Unpacking I stack the shelves with the books I brought, some of my figures and emotion teddy's. Fidget toys, colouring books, a few candles that had soft scents, a tea set with the corresponding tea box. Camomile, and the softer teas encase I needed to offer it. As I was putting that away I notice a kettle and a sink in the room to. Wow, Nita really did think of everything. 

Looking around at everything I realised I might have gone overboard but I wanted to be prepared to heed all of the students concerns. Highschool was tough enough without having a hybrid nature. Hopefully as their hybrid counsellor I can make their school lives even a bit better. 

Authors note: I hope you'll join Selene, Maliki and Oscars daughter in her story. I'll be taking suggestions on gifts for Selene, Helios, their brother Jackal and Phelan, Dawn and Alphonse's son.