Werewolf Academy Book 1: Strays by Cheree Alsop Read Free Book Online Page B

how much he should tell the boy. He turned his gaze to the stars twinkling above, watching their world with impassive eyes, dwarfed by the moon that hung low as if caught in the trees. “He told me to kill him once,” Jaze said softly.
    Alex turned in surprise and looked at the dean. Jaze’s dark brown eyes were filled with tears. “He did?” Alex asked.
    Jaze nodded. “It was the day my mom died. I had been taken prisoner by someone who was supposed to be my ally. He had Jet and other werewolves tied up. My mother was to be killed if I didn’t murder the werewolves in front of national television to prove that werewolves were a threat to the world. Jet looked me in the eyes and told me to kill him so I could save my mom and Nikki.”
    Jaze swallowed and fell silent.
    “What did you do?” Alex asked in a voice just above a whisper.
    Jaze let out a shuddering breath. “There wasn’t really a choice. I realized that, looking at your brother who was chained . It was something I had promised him he would never go through again. I loved your brother with all my heart. He was my brother, too. We had fought and bled beside each other.” He let out a slow breath. “They weren’t going to let my mom go, and she never would have chosen her life above the five werewolves chained against the wall. I freed them, and Jet helped me get them home. One of the werewolves married Mouse.”
    “Lyra,” Alex breathed. The realization struck him hard. He rubbed a hand across his face to chase away the tears. “ You had to sacrifice your mom to save Jet?”
    Jaze nodded, his gaze on the trees that swayed with the gentle night breeze. “There really wasn’t a choice, but Jet had been willing to lay down his life just the same, even if it was in vain. He loved my mom and he would have gladly died if it meant her freedom.”
    “But it wouldn’t have,” Alex said. A knot tightened in his stomach. “It was a catch twenty-two.”
    “It was,” Jaze agreed quietly. “Most of what we were living through before the Academy was created turned out to be. We thought we had friends, but they turned against us, attempting to wipe us out because they feared we were stronger.”
    “Shouldn’t the weak unite with the strong?” Alex asked, thinking of the way the strongest wolves in a pack protected those who were weaker.
    A light appeared in Jaze’s eyes. “Yes. That’s why we built this place, to teach werewolves how to fit in and how to help the world instead of being a threat to it.”
    “Even though the world is a threat to werewolves?” Alex asked.
    A small smile touched Jaze’s lips. “Yes.”
    Alex was quiet for several minutes, then said, “I think Jet would be proud of what you’ve done.”
    Jaze studied the younger werewolf. “You think so?”
    Alex nodded. “I know it.”
    Jaze smiled and looked up at the stars again. “I sure hope so.” He glanced at Alex. “There’s something I want to tell you.”
    Curiosity glittered in Alex’s dark blue gaze. “What?”
    “Nikki’s pregnant.”
    Alex’s eyes widened.
    “I don’t want you or Cassie to be worried about being forgotten when the baby’s born,” Jaze hurried to say. “You’ll always be a part of our family and we’ll always be there for you. So don’t worry—”
    Alex surprised Jaze by giving him a tight hug. “I’m happy for you,” Alex said. “You guys are going to be great parents.”
    Jaze smiled down at him and ruffled the young werewolf’s black hair. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. We have a lot to learn.”
    Alex stepped back and tipped his head toward the Academy. “I know a great place to learn it.”
    Jaze laughed. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s try to catch some sleep before chaos breaks out in the morning.”
    “Good idea,” Alex agreed.
    He walked beside Jaze back to the Academy. The statue watched over them, its black wolf form chasing away the fears of the night.

Chapter Four
     
    Dean Jaze stood as breakfast wound