Yesterday, I took a bus to Boulder after the Ravenwood Academy's van dropped me off at the bus station of the nearest town.

It was nice to be home again and my mom wasted no time asking me a million questions as soon as I stepped inside our house.

We have been texting back and forth since last Sunday, but I wasn't very specific with information until now that we are seeing each other eye to eye. Fortunately, she doesn't work on weekends since she is an associate professor at the University of Colorado.

We stayed up until midnight between dinner and dessert, while she grilled me for every bit of information about the prestigious academy.

Of course, she also asked me about any matching prospects for me so far, but I was embarrassed to have to admit to her that nobody would pay much attention to me since I attended the school on a scholarship and my original pack was of no consequence.

Unfortunately, she already expected I would encounter some difficulties in trying to find a partner to claim me in that environment. We are talking about the who’s who in the werewolf world, so they all operate according to an agenda.

It is not even the fact that I am an Omega the issue here. On the contrary, if you are a queer Beta or Alpha, your best bet is to claim an Omega or you will never have legitimate children, meaning heirs.

But to my disadvantage, there was no shortage of Omegas for the few queer boys that would seek us. Seth is an advantage because of his family name and money, but everyone else is fighting for scraps - especially me.

It's hard out here for a boy with no wealth or a prestigious position in a powerful pack. That's why Jayden was such a Goddess sent to me. Because he didn't seem to care about any of that, despite being sent to Ravenwood to make an advantageous match like everybody else.

My mom, being who she is, was never given the chance to go to Ravenwood Academy. Her parents couldn't afford to send her and her breed (Gamma) offered no trump card that would get her a scholarship.

There is an academic committee that analyzes each application and hers was just a dime in a million scholarship applications they receive every year. I was simply lucky enough to fill out two different quotas for them.

It is strategic to admit male Omegas like me exactly because we appeal to Alphas and Betas who bat for my team. In a group of 160 students - give or take - chances are at least ten percent of them will be queer, sometimes more.

Nowadays, sexuality is seen as a spectrum and more often than not, someone will surprise you with their predilection.

As one would expect, not all students manage to be claimed at the end of the school year. Unfortunately, it is not like mating where the Moon Goddess didn't leave any werewolf behind. Those were the days… *sigh*

In my grandparents' age, every werewolf was paired by the time they had their consecration to the Moon - the first time when they shift into a wolf, it is considered our birth by the Goddess - though that pair was only revealed at 18 years old.

What Ravenwood Academy provides better than anywhere else are options.

In a sea of potential prospects, chances are you are going to make a match. You just need to have something to offer your future contract partner. That is the part I am struggling with the most.

I could not resist telling my mom about Jayden, but when I told her about his surname she went…

“Like the White Claw Lockwoods? Oh, my Goddess! They are the biggest pack in the state of Georgia! They take up a whole town just outside of Atlanta.” She told me in a shocked tone.

“Yeah, I don't think you have any chance there, son. Not that I don't think you are undeserving. By all means, that boy would be lucky to have you as his partner.” Mom told me last night.

I figured it was a long shot anyway. As soon as I learned Jayden’s ‘rea’l last name, I imagined it would be an uphill battle. That is without considering that his grandfather is the headmaster of the academy.

I woke up late in my old bedroom and I didn't realize before how crappy my bed is compared to Ravenwood’s large, expensive mattress. Damn, poor people have the worse luck… *snicker*

Nevertheless, it was so good to be back home. Later that same day, my grandparents arrived to grill me about my time at Ravenwood Academy. They are mates, so they did not need such a school in their time.

Oh to be mated in this day and age… To know there is one person made just for you, out of all the other possibilities. That is just so romantic to me.

My grandfather still takes grandma out on a date, even after more than forty years together. That's commitment, folks.

They asked me if I needed anything or if I needed some money. I am the first of the family to attend Ravenwood, so they are not aware of how extensive the scholarship is. But I told them they have nothing to worry about, even the vans that transport students are free for me. It's all part of the package.

We had a lovely lunch and I felt joy to be near my family once again. When I told them I befriended a Stronghold, they couldn't believe it.

Leave it to me to be roomed with the son of one of the most influential werewolf dynasties in the country. But the biggest shocker was when I told them how approachable and down-to-earth my roommate actually is.

I thought I would get a prima donna, but in reality, I might as well be rooming with a packmate from my old high school. Despite his flashy arrival, I could not have asked for a better person to be my companion for the school year.

I also told my family that I would bring him here soon and they said they looked forward to meeting him. I love my family so much, especially considering the absent father situation. Though at this point, I do not miss his presence or would want to get in touch even if he wanted to. *sigh*

The weekend flew by and before I knew it, I was back at Ravenwood for the Sunday evening assembly. Every time we arrived for a new week of school, there was an assembly of students at the Stronghold Hall.

I imagine they must have given a large donation to have an auditorium named after them, which is not surprising to me at all. Ravenwood was built by the Alpha Council and the Strongholds are part of that collegiate of the most powerful leaders of werewolf packs in America.

It is also a chance for the headmaster to speak to the entire student body at once and for them to do a head count, in case any student fails to report back to the Academy.

Considering the importance of the students who attend here, they control our presence like hawks. However, nobody is a prisoner. Everybody is free to go as they please, as long as they follow the rules.

Seth greeted me with a tight hug as we got reacquainted after a weekend apart. Even though I have known him for only a week, it seems like we are old friends for some reason. I guess he's such a kind-hearted person that I immediately connected to him.

“Good evening, students. I trust you all had a pleasant weekend. For those who were fortunate enough to return home, I welcome you back. And for those who stayed here over the weekend, I salute you.” Headmaster Lockwood greeted us from the stage. He was joined by the teachers and two unfamiliar presences.

“I am sure you all must be wondering what are you even doing here tonight if tomorrow is a national holiday. I will answer that question shortly but before I do, I'd like to make an announcement.” He continued with his commanding presence and austere tone.

“Every year, we at Ravenwood Academy receive a few applications of international packs interested in sending students for a foreign exchange program.” He informed, causing most of the students to turn their attention to the new arrivals by Alpha Lockwood’s side.

“We have been proud sponsors of good matches over the years, so I am pleased to announce two new additions to the student body.” He declared, proudly.

“From England by way of East London, please welcome Sean Hopkins. And from Brazil, by way of Rio de Janeiro, please welcome Roberto Silva.” He introduced the two Alpha boys that had us mesmerized.

It's like we were in a trance, hypnotized by the two beautiful boys. We gave them a round of applause as they walked from the stage to the rows to take a seat.

My roommate for one could not take his eyes off the English boy, his pale face, toned legs, muscular arms, jet black hair, and blue eyes. That has got to be the most beautiful set of blue eyes I have ever seen in my life.

Roberto had massive steel like arms. His ‘guns’ could probably kill someone. His face is tastefully tanned like he was raised on a beach and he has the nicest smile only Cariocas [natives of Rio de Janeiro] could have.

“I think I want to emigrate.” Seth mumbled, eyes glued on the new arrivals. We watched them take their seats before Alpha Lockwood resumed his speech.

“As I was saying, tomorrow is our annual wolf hunt. That's why you're here tonight.” He announced, proudly.

“That is the only opportunity to explore the woods outside safely and in the company of your classmates. Isn't that nice?” He proposed in a good mood.

“I should warn you though, there are rogues hiding in these woods who would love nothing more than to snatch a Ravenwood pupil. They know we are hosts for the most important families in werewolf society, so it would give them great pleasure to capture any one of you.” He warned us in a harrowing tone and we gasped in shock.

All of the students kept looking at each other frightfully. Rogues are ruthless and they have no respect for rank or birth. It's a free for all for them.

“But don't worry. We are going in a large number, enough to scare even the local animals. Rogues are cowards and they are not going to enter in a fight that they can't hope to win.” He continued, putting us at ease. Sort of.

“That is also why we are going to put a tracking collar on your wolves, like this one.” One of the teachers gave him the item to show it to us. It looked like a dog collar but with basic information like our name and breed. Once it is locked, it cannot be unlocked except by a person who knows the code to type in.

“It is perfectly safe, don't worry. There will be teams of wolves sent ahead of your path. Teachers to guide you and some monitors in human form to offer any aid should you need to shift back or to return for some reason.” He instructed us in a stern voice.

“Tomorrow after breakfast, we will reconvene at the academy patio and we will give you further instructions. But I assure you that we do this every year and we have never lost a single student. We take your security here as a point of pride.” He spoke as he could sense our collective apprehension.

“Now dinner awaits you. Dismissed.” He concluded, motioning us to leave for the dining hall.

A flock of hungry wolves darted for the attack with the new arrivals from overseas. The Alpha boys were swarmed with students asking all kinds of probing questions about their origin and what it's like being a werewolf abroad.

Meanwhile, a young man with the most beautiful ebony skin tone I have ever seen approaches me as Seth and I are about to leave the auditorium.

“Hi, cutie. How was your weekend?” Jayden greeted me with a flirtatious smile.

“It was excellent. It was great to see my mom and grandparents again. What about yours?” I replied, politely. I don't want to seem rude to him just because he cannot claim me, but I should keep some distance from him soon enough.

“Pretty much the same. It was great to see my family once again, especially because I won't always have the opportunity to travel back to Georgia.” He told me, apprehensively.

“I am sure you are going to work it out some way to stay connected to your family.” I tried to encourage him, it seems like this is a recurring theme with students here.

“Yeah…” There was a brief pause while we exited the auditorium in which he looked deep into my eyes with a piercing gaze. Honestly, he has a way of looking deep into my soul that takes my breath away.

“I am sorry, I got distracted for a second. I talked to my parents about you.” He told me, surprising me the most so far.

“You did? Oh, my Goddess!” I gasped in shock, starstruck by him. I did not expect him to do that anytime soon.

“I did. My mom told me that I should be free to claim whoever I want. So, I told her I'd like to claim you.” He informed me, sounding very excited about it.

Literally, the entire hall of students who were exiting the auditorium gasped in shock, besides me. All of them were staring at Jayden incredulously.

“Oh really?” I gaped at him, utterly gobsmacked that he would have the gull to do this. I couldn't hide my smile even if I wanted to. I was radiating joy right now.

“Oh, my Goddess!” Seth was staring at him in shock, not far from where I was in the busy corridor.

“Did you seriously think I was going to let my last name stop me? No, I want you my beautiful Omega.” He spoke and I swooned hard.

Can someone carry me because I think I am about to pass out? Too much emotion for one day.

“Can I kiss you?” He asked me and I lunged for his lips. I didn't even care that I was just outside the auditorium. I didn't care about the people seeing us. All I cared about was this moment.

I am so winded right now. He swept me off my feet. I am breathless. The kiss is so damn good. If this is a dream, please do not wake me up.

A|N: BOOM!

This being my eleventh werewolf novel, I had to shake things up a little.

I loved including a little piece of home in this book. Technically, I am carioca - even if I lived most of my life in São Paulo.

This is my first ever book that is not set in Texas, by the way.

Something wicked this way comes.

Love,

Léo.