AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After school, I saw him trailing after the others, and it struck me that he might be missing Dorian, too. That didn’t quite make sense, but anything was possible. Either way, he was in desperate need of a friend or something, so I followed the group, managing to keep pace with Victor. He didn’t say anything.
The others noticed me but didn’t tell me to go. I expected the group to act out, challenge each other in the way Dorian sometimes described, but nothing happened. In fact, they were all subdued. Perdita said some werewolves needed Byron around, so that would explain some of it, but Victor’s demeanour worried me.
I headed into Perdita’s house to study while Mam was still at work. Nathan was there, sharing a massive bowl of popcorn with Perdita who still looked a little peaky.
Nathan greeted me as normal. He didn’t seem affected by the alpha’s absence at all.
“How was school?” Perdita asked.
“I think there’s something wrong with Victor,” I announced.
Perdita exchanged an amused glance with Nathan. “Not the first time it’s been said."
“He’s pretty troubled,” Nathan said. “If he did something to you, tell me, and I’ll deal with him.”
“He’s different.” I hesitated. “He doesn’t get angry or fight anyone. He’s been off for a while, but now he’s moping.” I lowered my voice. “I think he might miss Dorian.”
Nathan laughed at that, but Perdita looked thoughtful. “That could be it. Mara was the only one who could be called a leader in their group, but Dorian was always the balance. And now with his alpha gone, too, Victor might be feeling insecure, incomplete even. You should try talking to him, Nathan.”
“He’s never opened up to me,” he admitted. “I’ll keep an eye on him, though. We learn something new every day with these kids. They’re always surprising me. To think that Victor is out of sorts because of Dorian…” He rubbed his chin in thought. “If the teens are functioning as a mini pack, then it makes sense that an absence would off-balance them. Dorian, though.” He smiled to himself.
“Do you think I could invite him here to study with me sometimes?” I asked. “I don’t think Mam would like it if I start bringing more werewolves into our house. No offence.”
“I don’t blame your mother for being wary,” Nathan said. “Victor can give off a certain impression, too."
“Invite Victor,” Perdita said. “We might start to see who he really is.”
“I think we have a fair idea of that already,” Nathan muttered.
“He can’t be only one thing,” she said. “He deserves a chance.”
“Well, if he acts up, let me know immediately,” Nathan said. “I mean it. He can’t be here if he’s going to stress you out, Perdita.”
She accepted that without any fuss. I wondered what Dorian would think about it.
