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I WOKE UP WITH A NEW determination. You could even say there was a bounce in my step. I got up early, went for a run, and by the time I got back Gage, Keegan and Ryane were deep into the pot of coffee I had put on the timer for when I returned.
“Really? You couldn’t save me more than a four cuppa?” I jested, but looking at Ryane and Keegan, I could see that whatever went on with them last night had left them both worn down. She leaned against him lazily and he stroked her thigh almost as though he wasn’t aware he was doing it. “Okay then, you guys need to step it up a notch. I’ve already called an assembly for the Deviant Class, because you have to talk about yesterday. So, come on, shower and get dressed, it’s a forty-five-minute ride back to campus.” I was ready to move on the things we needed to accomplish. If I was going to be playing host to the Deviant Class, then I was going to have to be introduced to them properly and they were going to have to find out where they could find me if they needed anything. Ryane still hadn’t made up her mind about living arrangements and I had decided on my run that it was because she didn’t want to give up Samuel’s house or her freedoms completely. I had a solution, but they weren’t awake enough to hear me out.
***
“I NEVER THOUGHT I’D hear you suggest putting down roots,” Keegan smirked as I looked back at him and Ryane in the back seat. I’d let Gage drive since I had wanted to talk to them and didn’t want to risk the distraction.
“All I’m saying is wouldn’t it be easier on you if you just moved into the townhouse with Ryane and I’d keep things at Samuel’s as is? Besides, I can just drive in and meet you all in the mornings before classes. I mean, we do both own vehicles, and all drive. Or you and she can walk. If she’s going to be a Guardian she should actually start Guarding.”
“So you wanna move into Sam’s...” Ryane repeated my thoughts, “so I don’t have to rent to strangers... I’d love that. Can you afford to keep the place up or should I make provisions for that?” She leaned toward me so I didn’t have to yell over the open window on Gage’s side. Damn wolves, just like dogs to love the wind in their faces. “And I don’t drive,” she whispered.
I looked at her questioningly, I wouldn’t have heard her if she hadn’t been right in my ear. I got the impression she didn’t want Keegan to hear. I nodded mildly. “That’s the gist of it. And I can handle whatever the place needs.”
“Well, I’m not opposed to it at all. I think Sam would be happy with it too.” She squeezed my shoulder with a smile then turned to Keegan. “What do you think?”
He shrugged. “Seems like a good decision to me.”
“Then it’s settled, you’ll move in right away, I hope.”
“I don’t have much to move in so, yeah, probably by the end of the week.”
That had gone easier than I thought. I had half-expected more of a teasing from Keegan, since he knew I never stayed anywhere for more than a night or two, the time in Samuel’s house being the exception. There was just something about the place that made me feel... Normal, I suppose is the word. Secure, maybe. I liked the house, it wasn’t too big and it was kind of old and needed some work, things I could do. I liked to work with my hands, building stuff. I could replace the windows and do the patches to the roof, fix the creaking steps, paint it. At least I could when I found the time. These two were certainly giving me a run for my money as of late, but no matter, I was a First Guardian now and that came with all the added headaches.
***
ALABASTER HALL WAS already filling in with the Deviant Class students when we arrived. The email I sent to the community board did the trick, pushing the notification to all of them. Greisen’s networking was sound. All of the student’s emails were uploaded to the server, making announcements a breeze. I had to hand it to him, it was, in a word, seamless. Since this was an impromptu assembly there was no podium, no chairs set up, just us and the stage in front of over one hundred Otherkind and some of the regular students were in attendance as well. Apparently they subscribed during registration. That was good, it meant that there were certainly supporters of the integration. Keegan should be rather pleased.
He scanned the crowd just as I was, but I’m sure we were looking for different things. I was checking for openings in our security around him and Ryane. Standing just behind them, I had a panoramic view of the hall. Gage was to the left of us as were a few members of the campus security squad. Guess they weren’t taking any chances either, I watched as they manned the entrances and exits.
“You ready to do this, Boss?” I asked as he took Ryane by the hand, bringing her closer. She was radiating nervous energy; I don’t think she liked the crowd.
“You wanna quiet them?” he asked, but before I could do anything, Ryane surprised us both by pulling away and putting her fingers in her mouth, letting out a shriek of a whistle. The whole room dropped to a murmur as she smiled.
“I’ve always wanted to do that.” She giggled, standing back with me behind Keegan.
I shook my head with a chuckle as Keegan started giving his little speech. I let my eyes wander the floor, I knew what he was going to say. He was going to assure the class of their safety and urge them to report suspicious behavior to the security squads. Blah, blah, blah. Then he’d announce me and Ryane. As my eyes roved the room I noted that Greisen and Collette were again missing. Although he was probably still licking his wounds somewhere, it was annoying nonetheless. Then I saw Aella, standing near the doors alone. She seemed so small as she stared down at her phone, only glancing upward occasionally. Every fiber in my being wanted to leave the dais, go over to her, and make her smile.
When Keegan announced us, I didn’t hear him at first, then Ryane nudged me forward, making me stumble from the unexpected contact. This girl had me way off my game and I hadn’t even spoken to her.
I let out a short laugh. “Seems I spaced out, but our President can be long winded,” I jested, looking at Keegan who grinned with a nod. “I’m Siegfried Rembrandt, and this lovely little pixie next to me is the Lady Ryane Ravencrest! We’ll be your new Deviant Class contacts. Look to your social calendars for constant updates as to mixers, trips to the Cape and anything else you can imagine. We’re new to all this though, so you gotta be patient, but I promise we’re going to make your time here smoking!” I smiled broadly, getting a chuckle from the crowd as I blew a fire and smoke ring into the air. “Our Meet and Greet is gonna be right here in Alabaster Hall on Friday night, it’ll be a chance for you guys to get to know each other and blow off some of that first week back steam! I know I’m looking forward to making some connections.” I looked at Aella to find she was staring at me hard. Good, she’s noticed me. Our eyes connected and I beamed a smile at her. She dropped her eyes quickly, but I could see the smile dance on her crimson lips as I took a step back with a flourishing bow. “Now off with you! Go get some higher learning!”
Ryane was laughing and Keegan patted my shoulder as I turned back to them. “What? I’ve gotta be Mister Entertainment, don’t I?” I grinned, putting my arms out as we left the stage.