Azure Dragons (Supernatural Shifter Academy #2) - G. Bailey Page 0,28

this trip have in store?”

“I don’t know for sure,” I say, nodding towards the end of the street where the Boston Convention and Exhibit Center towers in front of us, “but I think we’re about to find out.”

Chapter 11

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it, not even the time Mollie took me to a concert in London for my thirteenth birthday. It seems like practically the whole city of Boston is crammed into this one multi-block area, and what’s even more spectacular is the fact that, if the administration is to be believed, everyone here is connected somehow to the shifter community.

The Boston Convention and Exhibit Center is a modern building a lot like the Academy, with a massive overhanging roof supported by hundreds of crisscrossing beams. All around us, people are moving about, jostling and murmuring to one another while they press forward in a rush to get into the building. You’d think it was Comic Con and not an international peace conference, but then again, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t exciting to be here. It’s astonishing to me that they’ve managed to put this all together in such a short amount of time - the only explanation is that the diplomats in charge of the conference have ties to some very important people, and why wouldn’t they? They would have to, in order to keep an entire species’ existence under wraps for this many centuries.

I can make out the figure of Josie at the front of the group, but once the rest of the students are all assembled, she quickly moves aside to make room for Russo and Hawthorne, the latter of whom straightens up and projects his voice so that everyone can hear him when he speaks. “The official talks will be happening on an ongoing basis, every day until the end of the convention. I would like to remind you all to be on your best behaviour - you’re not only here as representatives of the Academy, but as representatives of the shifter community as a whole. This could very well end up being a critical moment in the history of shifter-human relations, and I would strongly encourage you all to remember that.”

He takes a step back to allow Russo to move forward and speak, her hands behind her back as she clears her throat. “In addition to the main diplomatic talks, there will also be several other sessions led by important figures in both our communities, all with the goal of strategizing and encouraging integration. I would also personally recommend listening to some of the lectures on keeping a low profile while living in densely populated human communities, such as Boston. Again, though, it will be up to you all how you decide to spend your day. The Academy faculty fellows will be around the convention center until the day is over, and you will be free to spend your time here as you see fit. Remember, though,” she adds, a knowing gleam in her eye, “this is an academic trip. Don’t take this as permission to run wild around the city. Our resident witches will be keeping an eye out for your magical signatures, so it’s in your best interest not to stray too far from the convention center. Other than that, though…” She spreads her arms out. “Enjoy yourselves, and I hope this experience is an educational one for all of you.”

Silas and I exchange a look. He shrugs his broad shoulders, and I nod. Seemingly finished with their speeches, the two school presidents turn around and retreat into the building, leaving the rest of us to trickle in on our own. The guys and I linger behind for a moment, waiting for the crowd to clear up, and Landon turns to us as the students disperse. “So,” he asks, “where to first?”

“Anywhere that’s not here,” Shade replies haughtily. “As if listening to a bunch of brown-nosing politicians is anyone’s idea of a good time.”

“You heard Russo,” Hazel shoots back at him. “They’re going to be tracking us. We have to at least put in some effort.”

“Just think of it this way,” I say, “it’s better than class, right?”

“It would be,” Shade agrees, “if it weren’t a Saturday.”

I purse my lips. “Good point.”

“Well, I don’t know about the rest of you,” Silas says, “but I actually want to see these so-called peace talks. This affects all of us, whether we like it or not, and if