Page 71 of Untamed

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 Council to review the paperwork tomorrow. I’m sure with the correct paternity information and Jonah’s write-up, they will have no qualms about you leaving Greystone.” She gives me a smile. “What will you do?”

Honestly, I just want to go to Jonah’s house for a good, solid month and acquaint myself with my wolf, my mate, and my new family. We mighthaveto do that while Jonah goes through his territorial state, but then, I don’t know. I guess I can do whatever I want. “I’m not sure, but I love that I actually have a choice.” I approach her desk, letting my fingertips skate along the edge. “What do you really think about Greystone Academy, Ms. Ebon?”

It’s my advisor’s turn to look as if she’s trying to skirt around the truth. Her brow furrows, and her lips thin. “Miss Walker, I’m in the business of returning mates to each other. It seems barbaric, but when societal norms can’t be dismantled, we all have to do the best we can.”

My heart clenches. The shifters at Greystone Academy are lucky to have someone like her because every single person here doesn’t deserve it. What happened to free will? What happened to fate? “I wish I could do something about that,” I muse.

“We all find our role in things,” Ms. Ebon states. “When you’re ready, you’ll find yours.” She nods toward the door. “Now, you better get to your room before your mate destroys it.”

My mouth drops, and then a slow smile curves my lips as she winks at me. I reach the door and stop with my hand on the knob before turning around. “Thank you, Ms. Ebon. I may think this place is a bunch of bullshit, but you helped bring Jonah and me together, and I’ll never forget that.” Her eyes glass over again, and she nods. I start to leave but remember one more thing. “My friend from Daybreak? Mia? She could really use some help with her mate. He’s a bit of an asshole.”

She frets over her lip. “I’m aware of her situation. She’s one of our students who’s been here the longest.”

My heart pangs painfully. “She’s a good person. I hate to leave her. It’s not right that she can’t get out of here because he’s wrapped up in someone else.”

She glances at me apologetically. “Our society demands—”

“I know, I know.”

“Maybe you’ve found your calling after all, Kinsey. Why don’t you use your newfoundpowerto try to make a difference?”

I rub the back of my neck with my free hand. I’d love to use this Greystone DNA to change things, but unfortunately, I’ve muzzled myself for the foreseeable future. No one will listen to me as Kinsey Walker, and I can’t come out as a relation to the alpha’s bloodline because that will out my mother. “Maybe one day,” I tell her, wishing it could be now, half cursing myself that I entered into that agreement in the first place. But when I close my eyes and see how my parents hugged while we were standing in the house, I know I did the right thing.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out,” Ms. Ebon hedges. “Goodbye, Kinsey. I’ll make sure you’re the first to know as soon as you’re able to leave.”

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