Free Werewolf Academy Book 1: Strays by Cheree Alsop

buck before. The sense of accomplishment chased away the frustration and rage he had felt toward Boris. He panted and looked over his shoulder.
    The other werewolves were watching them with wide eyes. If ever a wolf showed a look of horror, it was reflected on Shannon and Shaylee’s faces. Even Jericho seemed a bit pensive as he watched Alex. Shannon and Shaylee turned away. The rest of their pack followed. To Alex’s surprise, Cassie was the next to leave. She held his gaze for a second, then turned and padded away with her tail low. Von and Amos followed, with Pip, Trent, and the rest behind. Eventually, even Jericho joined them.
    Alex was torn between joinin g the pack for the feast and following his Alpha. It was a part of pack bonding to share in the meal, but Alex’s pack was gone. He followed the trail of the others beneath the trees. It was with a much different feeling that he shifted and pulled on his clothes. He found the two packs waiting for him near the gate.
    “What was that?” Shannon demanded.
    “Take it easy,” Jericho warned her.
    “What about the poor deer?” Shaylee seconded.
    Alex stared at her. “You’re sad about the deer?” he asked.
    “Everyone’s sad about the deer,” Terith replied quietly. The young werewolf pulled on one of her blond curls and refused to look at him.
    Alex studied them all, his chest tight. “The wolves had to eat.”
    “We didn’t have to be there,” Shannon said.
    “But you’re wolves,” Alex replied. He glanced at Cassie, confused. His twin sister stood at the edge of the group and looked at her toes.
    “We’re werewolves,” Shannon said. “It’s different.” She waved toward the Academy. “We have lunch waiting for us, not some sad elk that’s now getting eaten because of you.”
    “It was a deer, not an elk,” Pip said next to Alex.
    Alex stared, surprised at the young werewolf’s courage.
    Shannon clenched her hands into fists and took a step forward.
    Jericho stepped in front of Alex and Pip. “There were other wolves hunting besides Alex, real wolves. They needed to eat.”
    Shannon shook her head. “He didn’t need to join them. Control your Second, Jericho.” She stormed away with the rest of her pack close behind.
    Jericho was silent for several seconds. He glanced back at Alex. “We’ll talk later,” he said quietly.
    Alex nodded.
    Jericho led his pack through the gate for lunch. Cassie was the last to follow him.
    “Cass?” Alex called quietly, his voice desperate.
    She turned at the gate. “I wanted to join you, Alex, but you saw the way everyone watched the wolves.” Tears showed in her dark blue eyes. “I didn’t know what to do. I finally feel like I fit in somewhere. If I had helped with the buck, they wouldn’t be speaking to me now.”
    Alex’s heart threatened to break. He nodded. “I understand. It’s alright.” He mustered a weak smile. “I’m glad you’re fitting in.”
    She gave him a hug. “I’m so sorry.”
    He patted her back. “It’s alright. Go join the others. I’ll be there in a bit.”
    “I’ll save you a seat,” his sister said.
    He nodded and she slipped through the gate.
    When she was out of sight, Alex let out a slow breath and leaned against the thick iron bars. He glanced up and was surprised to see Rafe walk ing silently through the trees in his human form. Rafe was the only instructor at the Academy who lived in the forest full time. Colleen had once told Alex that her mate was wild at heart. He loved the forest far more than walls and doors, and she agreed. Spending time in the forest had helped her learn how to control her phasing. She said she suspected it was Rafe more than the forest.
    The golden-eyed werewolf studied him silently. “They were a bit harsh in their judgment,” he said softly after a minute.
    Alex nodded. Tears burned at the corners of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. “I don’t understand.”
    Rafe tipped his head toward the trees. “Walk with