Azure Dragons (Supernatural Shifter Academy #2) - G. Bailey Page 0,6

long defunct before Samantha began to use it for her own purposes.

Hazel shoots the two shifters both a withering look, and they return their attention to the President, who continues his speech. “For this reason, the human-shifter coalition has organised a conference to address this shifting dynamic, the precautions our communities must take, and steps that will ensure the continued coexistence of our species. Ambassadors from both groups will be there, as well as the presidents of all the world’s Shifter Academy branches. As for what this has to do with you all,” he goes on, “the conference is scheduled to be held next week, in the city of Boston in the United States—the location of the North American Shifter Academy. I have consulted with the board members, and we have decided that this is an excellent opportunity to introduce the student community to the inter-species politics that are a reality for shifters living in the modern world. For this reason, we’ve decided to bring the students at the academy to Boston to witness this historic event and continue their studies in an urban setting.”

It’s like a jolt of electricity bursts through the crowd. Everyone starts talking at once, their eyes lit up and their voices excited as the news of the field trip sinks in. I turn to look at the others; Landon has a broad grin on his face, and Hazel looks like she’s ready to burst with excitement. “Class trip,” says Hunter, giving a slow nod of approval.

“Did you know about this?” Landon asks him.

The vampire shifter shakes his head. “Why would I? My dad never tells me anything.”

Hawthorne holds up a hand to quiet the group, although a few snippets of conversation carry on. “We have already arranged travel to Boston this Wednesday,” he says when he has the room’s attention once more. “This will allow you a week of seeing the conference firsthand, as well as a weekend of supervised excursions in the city. That said, you will be expected to continue with your studies, which is why we have arranged boarding for you all at the American Shifter Academy.”

There’s another burst of activity from the group at the prospect of an exchange program with the American school. I’ve never been outside the U.K. before, and in spite of my unease around Hawthorne, even I’m delighted by the idea. It’s times like this that I’m reminded that, in spite of the experiments and decades-old conspiracies, this is still a school setting, and an opportunity to have experiences I never would have gotten otherwise. The others seem to feel the same way; even Shade, who never seems impressed by anything, has a fresh gleam in his eyes.

“You will be provided with more information over the coming days,” Hawthorne finishes, “but I would advise you to begin preparations for the journey. If you have outstanding assignments or anything to clear with your professors, make sure you finish them before we go, as you will be studying under the American instructors while you’re in Boston. Now…” He glances over his shoulder at the line of other faculty fellows, who nod their approval. “I believe I’ve covered everything. Without further ado, I’ll let you all have your meal now. Enjoy your evening, ladies and gentlemen.” He gives a slight bow before retreating to the admin table, where the other instructors and board members are starting in on their food.

“This is so exciting,” Hazel exclaims as we tuck in ourselves. “Vacation! I mean, I’m from California, so it’s maybe bigger for you guys, but still… I’ve never been to Boston.”

“Do they do this often?” I ask, looking around at the others. “Field trips, I mean.”

“No,” Landon replies, shaking his head. “I mean, last year they brought us to London to see one of the oldest siren communities, but that was just for a day trip. Nothing this big.”

“I’ll be curious what the American students are like,” Hunter admits, picking at his food thoughtfully.

“If they’re anything like you and your sister, I’m guessing uptight, boring, and bummed out,” Shade tells him. Hunter kicks him under the table.

“Boys, boys!” I say, laughing. “Am I going to have to separate you two?”

“Not a terrible idea,” Hunter mutters. “Absence does make the heart grow fonder.”

“Damn, your sarcasm is improving, Ash,” Landon observes. “Looks like we’re rubbing off on you.”

The vampire shifter gives a dry laugh. “Yeah. Maybe. Don’t tell Amelia.”

Silas has remained quiet, and I turn to him. “You okay?”

He nods. “Just thinking.”

“‘Just thinking,’