house, following the black SUV carrying them inside. The weight lifted off my shoulders practically makes me fly all the way there. Jonah is hot on my heels, nipping and swatting at me playfully.
Maybe it isn’t so bad being a Lunar Pack shifter.
30
The echoing footsteps of Ms. Ebon’s heels off the academy’s floor reminds me of my first night here. Suddenly, I wish I’d allowed Jonah to come in with me, but when she stepped out of the front doors when we arrived, lifting an arched brow as we sat in his idling car, I knew this was something I had to do alone.
Also, I can’t complain since he’s pretending to go home, but he’s actually going to meet me in my room. He can’t bring himself to leave me right now.
The academy halls are empty, and even though everything is settled on the Lydia Greystone front, my stomach twists just walking back in here. In front of me, Ms. Ebon swings open her office door and strides inside. She’s been quiet the entire trip down the hallway, and I suddenly feel like I’m in so much trouble. I follow her, the office more stifling than I remember it. The huge door closes, and Ms. Ebon spins on her heels to face me.
Except, this isn’t the Ms. Ebon I’m used to. Her eyes are glassy. Dark circles sit heavy under her lashes as she studies me. I’m a little banged up, limping slightly from the injuries but since I was shot with a freaking gun and am somehow still able to move, I call that a win.
“What happened?”
Her voice is full of so much emotion that I almost collapse. It’s been hours of crying and talking with my parents. Then, Jonah’s mother showed up, and it was more crying and talking. I thought I was rid of every single tear in me, but my eyes heat again.
I can trust Ms. Ebon, but in order to keep my promise to Lydia Greystone, I can’t tell her the truth. “The paternity test was wrong,” I state, voice cracking a little with the lie.
She tilts her head to the side. “So I heard. Your parents are free.”
I nod slowly. “My parents are free, and since there’s no longer any objection to my lineage, I’ll be able to leave with Jonah as soon as the Council meets about my release. You have another satisfactory case.”
I smile, and she returns it, wiping at her eyes. “Somehow, I believe you’re the one who fixed everything. Well, you and your mate, of course.”
She has no idea who was all involved. Even as I think about it, I can hardly believe it. Jonah’s parents really rallied behind us. I’m not sure what will happen to the security guy who shot me, but he didn’t know any better. If it weren’t for the fact that we were trying to keep it quiet from everyone, his team would’ve been behind us, too. At least that’s what Johnathan was trying to get through to Jonah so he wouldn’t find the guy and rip his head off.
A shiver runs up my spine.
“I’m glad it’s over with,” I tell her, hoping that’s enough to satisfy her.
She narrows her gaze, nodding. I make a silent wish that she won’t push the issue. I owe Ms. Ebon a lot. Lying to her seems wrong.
“I’ve never seen Lydia Greystone so furious.”
I clear my throat. “She was…unhappy,” I tell her, keeping up my vague pretense.
“You know, it’s odd,” Ms. Ebon says, moving to her desk and tapping my file that’s still sitting on top. “I always knew you were strong. The first day you were here, you were able to disobey a direct order.” She studies me, stare slicing through my outer walls as if she can read straight through to my DNA. “I bet Lydia didn’t like how strong you are.”
I swallow the thickness in my throat. Ms. Ebon’s absolutely correct. She ordered me to stop shifting right here in this office, and I didn’t. I fret over my lip. She either knows or has an inkling of who I really am. “She really didn’t like it,” I confirm. “I’m glad it’s over with so Jonah and I can move past this.” Before she can question me further, I ask, “Do you know how long it might take to get me out of here?”
My advisor throws her head back and laughs. The sound is so light compared to her usual severe expressions. “I’ll push for the