While everyone walked to the auditorium, my brothers, Jacob, and I went to the bathroom to change into our outfits. We had given Jacob his today since he didn't come with us to get them. Once I was ready, Josh helped me with the brace, then we went to the auditorium's back entrance. As we waited backstage, Ms. Hannah started talking to the crowd.
"Thank you all for coming. Today, we will be interviewing members of a band that go to this very school. I am the proud manager of this group of 14 year old boys. They have immense potential, and it makes me proud to introduce them to you. Let's greet this band, Dragon's Blood, with a warm welcome." As the crowd applauded, we walked out onto the stage.
"What is he doing up there?!" A guy yelled while pointing at me.
"Is this some kind of joke?" Another student, a female, yelled.
"I knew this was a bad idea." I mumbled to my brothers and Jacob.
"It'll be okay." Adam whispered to me.
"This is no joke. Our recording studio does not make it a habit of partaking in any such behavior. We are extremely selective of the bands we sign, and we hold them to a stricter discipline than other studios. Now, we will interview one member at a time, starting with their drummer." Hannah said calmly once the yelling stopped.
Dominic stayed on stage while the rest of us went to the back. The questions were simple: How long have you played your instrument? Did you ever think of being in a band? And about how we all knew each other. We each went up one at a time until it was finally my turn.
"Now, for the final member, let me introduce the singer for Dragon's Blood, Andrew Slate." Hannah announced, calling me up to the stage. Calling in front of the cameras and the crowd, I sat down beside Hannah. "So, Andrew, we'll be doing your interview a little differently." She said at the beginning of my interview.
"Oh? How so?" I asked, curious about her plan.
"Most of the questions that you'll be asked will come from your peers. Just know that you do not have to answer the questions if you don't want to."
"Alright." I said, understanding the difference she mentioned. One at a time, my peers raised their hands. When a microphone was handed to them, they asked a question for me to answer. One question caught me by surprise.
"Is your anger issues linked to the fact that you're a Dual Shifter?" A freshman girl asked. No doubt she knew about what happened to William at the end of last year.
"Yes and no." I said before explaining. "It's true that my Beasts influence my emotions a bit. However, most of my anger issues come from being tortured on and off for four years." I said steadily.
"Why did you learn how to sing?" Another girl asked when it was her turn.
"No one taught me how to sing. There wasn't much to do while recovering in the hospital, so I taught myself how to sing to pass the time. And if I couldn't talk, then I did something else. Because of that, I also know how to play the piano and the violin." I said honestly.
"Is that why you came up with Dragon's Blood?" A boy asked when he was handed a microphone.
"Dragon's Blood wasn't my idea. It was actually Josh's idea to create the band." I answered the guy.
"Are you single?" A petite goth girl asked when she was handed the microphone next.
"Yes, my brothers and I are all single." I said, laughing. The interview didn't last much longer after that. As everyone walked out of the auditorium, my dad walked up to us.
"The cars are packed. Are you ready to go?" He asked as I got up with the crutches.
"Yeah, I just need to grab my backpack first." I answered before going backstage. However, before I could get my bag, Josh got it first. Giving me a smirk, he walked out to meet dad in the hallway.
As we walked to the front of the school, we saw the petite goth girl. She looked lost in thought until she saw us coming. I told my family that I'd meet them at the car before going up to her.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked once I was beside her.
"Y-yeah… um… I was actually waiting for you." She said in a meek voice.
"Oh? What's on your mind?" I was curious about this girl. For some reason, I was feeling drawn to her.
"I wanted to give you this." She said as she handed me a black envelope. Once I took it, she ran off before I could say anything. Shaking my head, I went to Adam's Jeep and got in.
"So, what did the girl want?" Adam asked once we were out of the parking lot.
"She gave me this before running off." I said while holding up the envelope. My brothers asked what it said, so I opened it. The letter read:
Dear Andrew,
I know that you don't know me, but I hope that changes some day. Considering that we've never talked before, this might be weird but I don't care anymore. I really like you and I was wondering if you'd be my boyfriend.
Sincerely, Miranda.
After Miranda's name was a phone number. I was about to put the letter back into the envelope when I felt something hard in it. Pulling the object out, I saw that it was a black dragon pendant on a platinum chain. My brothers wouldn't let me forget the fact that I was just given a love letter.
I tried not to think about it too much, but Nightmare kept repeating her name. Pulling out my phone, I pulled up NIgel's contact information. If anyone might know what's going on, my godfathers might. I texted Nigel about Miranda and the pull I felt to her, as well as how Nightmare was acting. He said to give him some time and that he would get back to me.
Nigel texted me again when we were almost to the Blackstone Pack. He said that it could be a possible mate bond trying to form, but our age could be getting in the way. After all, Shifters typically started to find their mates at 18 years old. However, since I've already gone through the Inheritance process, I could find mine sooner. All I could do was trust my Beasts.
I put the necklace on and took a selfie. Sending the picture to Miranda, I also sent a message. The message read: I love the necklace. Are you sure you want to talk to me, though? -Andrew.
The responding 'yes, I'm sure' came quickly and was followed by a smiley emoji. I told her that I was about to see someone important and that I would call her later. She said that she understood and that she was looking forward to my call.
We pulled up to a massive four story mansion in the center of a small town. Getting out of the Jeep, we walked with our parents, Jacob, and Amber to the bottom step in front of the massive house. Alpha Jeremy and Luna Monica were already waiting for us on the front lawn.
"Welcome to Blackstone Pack. Before we show you to your rooms, there is something we would like to do." Alpha Jeremy said as he walked up to us. Luna Monica was behind him and Jacob and Amber went to join their mother. The Alpha placed his hand on my shoulder before he spoke again.
"I would like to formally introduce this family to the Pack. If there is ever a time where they're in need, our Pack will be there for them. They are to be considered unofficial members due to them being human, or not a werewolf in Andrew's case. However, they are to be treated like any other member. If anyone has an issue with this, speak now." As Alpha Jeremy spoke, everyone was silent. No one spoke against him. Instead, they bowed their heads and chorused 'Yes, Alpha.'
After that was done, Luna Monica showed us to the guest rooms on the third floor before giving us a tour of the mansion. The floors were hardwood, and there were plants everywhere. Most of the windows were floor-to-ceiling to let in as much natural light as possible. They also had a game room, a movie room, a library, and a beautiful garden in full bloom.
The tour ended at the dining room, where there was a feast already prepared. There was venison, steaks, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and sweets. Everyone was talking to each other while we ate and it was interesting. Blackstone Pack was its own functioning town. They had their own businesses, elementary schools, running water and power. After an early dinner, I went to my room to call Miranda.