Is he like his father?

I entered the medical wing, my steps loud against the clean walls. There was a strong smell of cleaning solution in the air as I approached Edward and three other werewolves who were chatting nearby. They all looked tired but ready to be discharged.

"Are they cleared to leave?" I asked Edward, my voice carrying the weight of authority.

Edward nodded. "Yes, Alpha. They've recovered well from the poisoning."

I turned to the trio of orphans, studying their faces. "You'll stay at the pack house for now. We'll monitor your progress before you enter Banes Academy."

Derek's eyes widened. "Really? We can stay here?"

"You have nowhere else to go," I stated matter-of-factly. "This is the safest option."

As we exited the medical wing, we passed Scarlet's room. My personal guards stood at attention outside. Through the open door, I glimpsed her sleeping form, looking deceptively peaceful. The three young werewolves tensed visibly.

"Come," I commanded, leading them outside.

The forest loomed before us, a sea of green swaying in the breeze. I inhaled deeply, letting the earthy scents ground me.

"It's time to see if you can shift," I announced. "Focus on your inner wolf. Let the change flow through you."

I demonstrated, allowing my body to transform smoothly into my massive wolf form. The trio watched in awe before closing their eyes in concentration.

Moments later, where the teenagers had stood, three young wolves now sat. Derek's coat was a rich brown, Tyler's a mottled grey, and Jennie's a tawny gold. Pride swelled in my chest at their successful transformations.

"Well done," I growled approvingly. "Now, run!"

We took off through the trees, our paws pounding against the forest floor.

We spent a full hour racing through the untamed land, enjoying the liberty of being in our wolf forms.

When we finally returned near the pack house, panting and exhilarated, I shifted back and waited for the others to do the same.

A set of clean, fresh clothes were laid out for us near a small tree. I take a few steps away to give the three naked teenagers some privacy before getting dressed myself.

As they caught their breath and were fully clothed, I noticed Jennie fidgeting nervously. Her eyes darted to mine before quickly looking away.

"Speak your mind," I ordered, sensing her unease.

Jennie swallowed hard. "Alpha Kaine, sir... about Scarlet..."

I raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"Please don't kill her," Jennie blurted out, her words tumbling over each other.

Derek stepped forward. "We think exile would be better. And maybe neutralizing her inner wolf for a while."

"But not death," Tyler added firmly.

I crossed my arms, studying them intently. "And why do you care what happens to the one who poisoned you?"

Jennie wrung her hands. "It's just... death seems so final. And Aria's the one who suffered most. Shouldn't it be her decision?"

"Aria has a kind heart," I mused aloud. "Perhaps too kind."

Derek nodded eagerly. "Exactly! But exile and losing her wolf for a few years? That's still a harsh punishment."

A thought struck me. "Has Otto Ravens put you up to this? He's been visiting Scarlet daily."

The three exchanged glances before Tyler spoke up. "He did offer us money to speak on Scarlet's behalf."

My eyes narrowed dangerously. "And?"

"We refused," Jennie said quickly. "We told him if he wanted to donate, he should give to the orphanage where we grew up."

"We don't want his money," Derek added vehemently.

I felt a surge of pride at their integrity. These young wolves had faced hardship, yet maintained their honor. Perhaps there was hope for the future of our pack after all.

"Your input is noted," I said finally. "The decision will be made with careful consideration. For now, focus on settling in and preparing for the Academy."

As they nodded and turned to go inside, I called out, "And cubs?"

They looked back, eyes wide.

"Today, you displayed remarkable character. Use that strength as you move forward and confront the obstacles in your path."

Their faces lit up with hesitant smiles as they entered the pack house. I stayed outside, staring at the surrounding forest and contemplating the gravity of the choices I had to make. The destiny of Scarlet Ravens, the future of these young wolves, and the well-being of my mate Aria and our entire pack all hung in the balance. Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and made my way indoors to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.

———

I stepped into the pack house, immediately assaulted by a cacophony of youthful voices and a dizzying array of scents.

Yes, I had forgotten that today was the chosen medical examination day for the new students of Banes Academy.

The air buzzed with nervous energy as future students milled about, waiting for their pre-term medical examinations. My eyes scanned the crowd, recognizing several young faces from Aria's birthday celebration.

Then I saw him. Tom Wallis.

His scent hit me like a physical blow, achingly familiar yet impossible. I froze, my inner wolf Neo rumbling with unease.

"Be open-minded," Neo urged. "But vigilant."

Tom's gaze met mine, his dark eyes widening in recognition. He raised a hand in greeting, a warm smile spreading across his face. "King Silverbane! It's good to see you again."

I forced myself to nod, fighting back a shudder as I took in his appearance. Blond hair, so like his father's, fell across his forehead. But those eyes... they were all wrong. Too dark. Too kind.

"Mr. Wallis," I managed, my voice carefully neutral. "I trust you're prepared for your medical examination?"

He nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir but it seems that I have more medical tests than my friends over there but I can assure you that I am fit for school."

"Good." I cleared my throat, desperately seeking an escape. "If you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."

As I turned away, Neo's voice echoed in my mind. "Don't be too harsh on the boy. He doesn't know."

"And we can't tell him," I thought back. "It would destroy him."

"Agreed. But we must watch him closely."

I made my way through the crowd, nodding at familiar faces while my mind raced.

I couldn't believe it. Theron White's son was here with us? The cruel ruler who had devastated our people, his violent actions still plaguing my dreams... and now his child stood in front of me, grinning and ready to learn.

"Professor?" A hesitant voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see a young she-wolf, her eyes wide with nervousness. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I had a question about the examination process."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to focus on the present moment. "Of course. What can I help you with?"

As I answered her questions, my gaze kept drifting back to Tom. He stood with his friends, leafing through a textbook with intense concentration. So different from his father, and yet...

"We can't judge him for Theron's crimes," Neo reminded me gently.

"I know," I thought back. "But we can't ignore the potential threat, either."

The she-wolf thanked me and moved away, leaving me to my tumultuous thoughts. I watched as Tom interacted with his fellow students, his manner open and friendly. Nothing like the cold cruelty of Theron White or his partner.

Neo couldn't help but muse, "At least he doesn't take after his mother either; that's a small consolation for us."

"We can hope," I replied silently. "But we can't afford to be naive."

I straightened my posture, preparing myself for the obstacles that lay ahead. It would be a difficult task to keep Tom Wallis safe and also ensure the safety of others from him if necessary. As both Alpha King and a professor, it was my responsibility to protect all under my care.

"Professor Silverbane? King?" Another student approached, this one a young male with a worried frown. "I heard a rumor that the examination includes a combat assessment. Is that true?"

I raised an eyebrow. "And where did you hear this rumor?"

He shuffled his feet. "Um, some of the older students from Weverly were talking about it..."

I sighed, making a mental note to have a word with the upperclassmen of Weverly Werewolf college, who are joining us this year, about spreading misinformation. "There is a physical component to the examination, but it's not combat-based. We're assessing your overall health and fitness, not your fighting skills."

Relief washed over his face. "Oh, thank the Moon Goddess. I was worried I'd have to face off against someone like Tom Wallis. Have you seen him? He looks like he could take on an entire pack single-handedly."

My gaze snapped back to Tom, assessing him with new eyes. The boy did have an air of quiet strength about him.

"I wouldn't worry about Mr. Wallis," I said carefully. "Focus on your own abilities, not those of your classmates."

As the young wolf nodded and moved away, I felt the weight of responsibility settle more heavily on my shoulders.

"We'll guide him," Neo reassured me. "Show him a better path than his father's. Do you still remember the day we sent him to Aria's orphanage? Ten years ago? "

I nodded. Of course, it was a day I could never forget. It was also the day I tragically pushed Aria's mother off the cliff to her death.