My Second Chance Beta

3. No thanks

WINONA POV

TWO WEEKS LATER

For some reason, I always thought schools were always empty during breaks. I guess for the most part they are, except for a few administrative people and the principal who comes in one week before school starts. At least that’s what I learned when I emailed the school to see if they were interested in having a photography class after winter break.

At first Mrs. Greyson didn’t think there was a need to add any new electives, but after she checked her rosters, she noticed there were a few classes that were overcrowded. She decided to let me have a spot this semester and see how it goes. Since she knew who I was, she made it a condition that I brought all the supplies and equipment I would need.

Former Alpha Luke, our new Elder, was more than happy to have a classroom fitted with everything the kids would need. I was fortunate in that way. More like spoiled, I guess. There were still a few supplies we were waiting for, but I ensured

Mrs. Greyson we would be able to start classes on the first day of school. It was an unpaid position for now, but I didn’t mind.

I still needed to get my teaching credentials, which I registered to obtain online. It would take me about a year or two to finish. Had this been a normal school, it wouldn’t have been as easy to get my foot in the door. For now, opening a studio will have to wait. At least until after I get my degree and get a secure position at school. One that’s paid. Couldn't keep mooching all my

life, could I?

It felt good to get up this morning and have somewhere to be. Adam insisted I take the school bus with the children, since there were warriors that followed and guarded it the entire way. It was the safest way to get to school and back. I agreed since I didn’t want to be an inconvenience. There was already so much going on. I'm sure they didn't need my complaining about having to ride with

the pups.

After a ten-minute deliberation, I finally chose my outfit. A gray pencil skirt, white button-up blouse and black heels. I wanted everyone to take me seriously. I took my long dark mane and put it up in a bun at the top of my head. Light make-up to look presentable but not too flashy. As I appraised myself in the mirror, I began to get nervous. Probably just a case of the day jitters. I

hope.

Before I chickened out and got back in bed, I picked up my bag and forced myself out of the room. I had just enough time to get some toast and coffee. When I reached the dining room, my mother was waving at me, trying to get my attention. I strode over with the intention of telling her I needed to get breakfast before leaving, but she pointed at the seat next to her. There was a cup of coffee already prepared and a plate full of food waiting for me.

My mouth gaped when I saw the waffles, sausage and scrambled eggs piled on it. “You’re going to need your energy for your first day.” She grinned and pulled out my seat. “Mami… quien cres que soy? (Mommy… who do you think I am?) Robbie?” I asked incredulously. She snorted with laughter, but her eyes kept signaling for me to sit.

Instead of arguing with her, I sat down and ate to my mother’s content. I owe her more than that, I suppose. “Adam said you are riding on the school bus with the kids?” My father asked while scooping some eggs into my mom’s mouth. They are so darn cute! “Yeah, where is he? Are he and Angela still having breakfast in their room with their pup?” I asked while looking around.

My mother nodded and swallowed her food. “Yes, Angel has been a little cranky. I think he got overwhelmed on Christmas.” She said guiltily. Celia nodded, looking a little guilty herself. The new Nana’s hadn’t been the only ones parading him around that day, but they clearly felt responsible for his moodiness. “That was weeks ago, it’s probably something else like colic.” I pointed out.

My father raised his brow at my mother who stuck her tongue out at him. “The doctor told them that’s what it was a few days ago but your mom insists he’s angry with everyone.” He rolled his eyes and grinned at her. “Have you seen his little pout and frown. That’s not an ouchy face, that’s an angry face.” She said as a matter of fact. I shook my head at her silliness.

I noticed Uncle Jerry was whispering something in Aunt Celia’s ear that made her pout. “What’s wrong?” My mother asked worriedly. “We’re leaving for the council after breakfast.” Aunt Celia frowned at Uncle Jerry, who pecked her lips. “We’ve been here for weeks Flor. We need to get back, but I promise we will come visit often.” She was still pouting but continued to eat. My mother and aunt are so lucky, their mates are so patient with them.

I took a few more bites of my breakfast before picking up my coffee and getting up from my seat.“I need to go. The bus leaves in five minutes and I don’t want to miss it.” I got up and my mother frowned and pointed at the plate that was still partially full. “I’m full.” I asserted and walked away before she could force another waffle down my throat. I ran out just as the bus pulled up. I was the only one out there. I took a seat at the back and took out my book so I could get a head start on my reading.

It felt as though I had gotten on a time machine and not a bus. Memories of riding with my siblings, cousins and friends came flashing back. Pups of all ages began to board the bus and there was laughter and chatting. By the time we arrived at school, I wasn’t sure if I could do this every day. Ride with the pups and then teach a class full of them after. I was going to have to talk to Adam about another option.

“Miss Sensmeier?” I had just stepped down the last step off the bus when I heard a male voice to my left. He was a wolf, like every other employee at the school. Tall and bulky with dark black hair and piercing icy blue eyes. “Yes?” I asked as I began to walk towards the entrance with him following. “I’m Eric Patterson, the science teacher here. I offered to show you around.” I turned just in time to catch his eyes roaming over my body.

A sly grin formed on his lips as his eyes met mine. “Thanks, but no need. I went to school here.” I replied and turned to walk away. “Hold on! There are still a few places only teachers are allowed in. I can show you, we have time before first period.” He offered as he trailed behind me. I stopped in my tracks and let out a sigh. “I’m sure I can find my way around.” I gave him a polite smile and waved.

Instead of taking the hint, he caught my arm and got too close for comfort. “Then can we have lunch together?” He licked his lips and his eyes landed on my exposed neck. This guy was too forward. “No thanks.” I replied and pulled my arm out of his grasp. “That guy has a one-track mind.” Lucy huffed. “I would have thought you would want me to accept his invitation.” I jeered.

“Hey! Just because I want you to keep an open mind just in case we are blessed with a second chance, doesn’t mean we should lower our standards. That wolf was eye f*****g us shamelessly. No thank you. If we aren’t given a second chance and decide to take a chosen mate… he will need to be better than that.” She asserted. Great… more talks of a second chance. “Lucy… Maybe we are better off alone. Let’s just focus on getting our teaching credentials and opening our studio for now.” She whined and I pushed her to the back of my mind.

I didn’t have the strength or time to argue with my wolf. I hastened my pace and made it to the classroom. I didn’t have a first period class but there were boxes of supplies and equipment I needed to put away. I felt a glimmer of hope and a small smile formed on my lips. This is what I always wanted, and I wasn’t going to let my past ruin it. This place was untainted, and I mean to keep it that way.