Page 10 of Knotty Lessons

“She only has this semester and next before she gets her degree. I think we should allow her to finish.” Ezra laces his fingers together, leaning in closer to me. “I mean, if that’s what you’d like. You had to have a reason to pursue an education outside of the Omega Prep.”

I lift and drop my shoulders. “This wasn’t the school I wanted to go to, but my mom wouldn’t allow me to attend Shadow Ridge Art School. This had the second-best art program in the area. My single status was an embarrassment to my mom, so I agreed to get as far away as she’d allow.”

“You’re an artist? That wasn’t mentioned in your paperwork. What media?” Dominic perks up, turning his attention away from his full plate.

“Yeah, Dom. She’s a damn good one, too.” Leo bumps my shoulder. “Mind-blowing.”

I purse my lips and side-glance him, praying he doesn’t spill my dirty little secret. It’s one thing to have him discover my obsession with the human body. It’s another to have to show my new pack anything of the such.

Ezra tilts his head, frowning like he might be a bit jealous. “You’ve seen—”

“I’ve studied mixed media, drawing and painting, and digital illustration, but my favorite thing is photo-realistic figures with charcoal. I tried to enroll in ceramics to see if I’d enjoy that, but your class is quite popular, Dominic.” I don’t sound sophisticated as I redirect focus from Leo and Ezra, especially considering one of them is an Art History instructor. “I mostly just like to draw. I haven’t had much formal practice since my mom picked an array of courses that all fit under the Bachelor of Arts umbrella.”

“That’s a shame your pack didn’t see the pursuit of your passion as necessary. I’d like to change that. I think I can add another spot in my Friday class if you’d like.” Dominic offers me a smile.

“Absolutely not. I know you have good intentions, Dom, but I’d like to suggest pulling Scarlett from Clearwater and taking a more personal approach. There is a great online program.” Adrian leans back in his chair, setting his spoon down.

“I have to agree. The risk to our standing with the university and our power within Pack Clearwater is far too great,” Ezra says, taking a bite of his food without looking at me.

“I wouldn’t mind a little one-on-one education.” Leo squeezes my knee under the table. “I think she could excel in athletics under my supervision.”

“I suppose you’re right. We’d just be testing fate if she were in my class. I can’t promise to offer the other students my attention otherwise.” Dominic rubs his full lips together, his dark gaze penetrating me as I try not to look at him and his sexy, easy-going smile bright against his velvety dark skin. I think he’s flirting, but I can’t react.

If I try to speak, my voice might crack. I know they have my best interests in mind, but all I can think about is how I was so close to finishing and how they might accidentally isolate me, keeping me a secret.

I don’t want to be a fucking secret.

I just want to enjoy some normalcy with them.

“No. I disagree with all of you, and I’ll not allow you to pull Scarlett from the exceptional education she desires. I’m the only one at higher risk, and I will not touch her until she is out of my class. She needs socialization and independence to gain the experience we thought she had. Don’t deny her.” Jonah stands up and places his hands on his hips, shocking the hell out of me. I thought he would be the first one to demand I unenroll from Clearwater University, and instead, he’s on my side even though I haven’t said a single word.

Adrian stands up, towering over Jonah as if he wants to use his height to intimidate him as pack leader. “Joe, The rest of us—”

“It has to be unanimous, and I disagree. I think you should ask Scarlett what she wants. If she would prefer to follow through with your suggestion—” Turning to me, Jonah meets my gaze. “And I mean truly want it and not say so just because the rest of them do, Scarlett. If you want to finish up your degree on your current course trajectory, then you should be able to.”

Silence fills the room as all five of them stare at me, waiting for me to respond. My instincts say to agree with the majority to please most of them, but then I think about what I truly want. This is the first time I have been asked—basically demanded—to pick for myself.

My mouth dries, and I lift the glass of juice to my lips, gulping until I’m ready to respond. “I’m excellent at keeping to myself, staying under the radar with my suppressant lotions, and I promise to stay out of anyone’s business to keep our pack safe.”

A cocky smile lights Jonah’s face. “I know you will. It’s only a couple months.”

Dominic shakes his head. “But Jonah, she’ll be going into hea—”

“We’ll get through all of this. We had our chance to create our perfect life, and I’ll do anything to ensure that Scarlett gets hers as our fiancée.” Jonah closes the space to me and grazes his knuckles on my cheek. “I hope you find our pack acceptable. The others will handle the schedule and everything else you shall need. I must head back to campus. If I’m not mistaken, you have an afternoon class as well. Would you like a ride?”

I don’t know what comes over me, but I nod my head and take his proffered hand. Jonah pulls me from my seat and steals me away, practically making me run as our pack yells his name from behind us.

He doesn’t bother to look back, and I just go with it.

I say a silent prayer to the universe. Please don’t let this be a big mistake.

5

Jonah

Forbidden

WhatamIdoing?What am I fucking doing?

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