Shane leans forward excitedly. “Will you tell us about the Academy? What’s it like? What classes did you take?”
“Well, the courses you will take would be prescribed as an incoming Alpha, but for the rest of us, we get to decide what classes we
want to take, or what direction we want to take. I chose the management route, but there are other routes such as finance, warrior’s training, things like that,” Christian says, looking at me. “Something for you to consider, Enya.”
Christian
I’m so glad that Shane asked about the Academy in front of Enya. I want her to hear what she could do and learn if she goes. I’m pretty sure he did it on purpose, but I also know that he’s as excited about going to the Academy as Sebastiana is.
“Well, the most intense class is the one that all Alphas choose to take, the sparring class. No matter how good you are or think you are, you become an infinitely stronger and smarter fighter in that class.”
“That was obvious in how you took out Dorian and five of my warriors,” Shane says.
“Exactly. It’s also why I’m working with you, Enya, to become stronger and faster and why I’ll be working with you, Shane, and your warriors to do the same.”
“I can’t wait to spar with you later,” Shane says excitedly.
“Don’t get too excited. It gets frustrating quickly when he defeats you over and over again,” Enya grumbles.
“Imagine how good it will feel when you defeat me,” I tell her, holding her gaze as she blushes.
My fingers twitch with my desire to brush my knuckles over that blush, to feel the heat of her skin against my hand. I pull my hands off the table and into my lap, fisting them on my thighs to keep from doing just that while I refocus on the conversation.
“There’s a pack management class. You’ll take that class, Shane. There‘ s also one for Alphas who aren’t taking over a pack. It teaches us ways to get into a pack, like now, take over and ensure that we are managing the pack properly and in the way that the current or incoming Alpha would like it to be handled.”
“That sounds like a class I really need,” Shane says.
“All new Alphas do. But I plan to have you in good shape to ace that class before you go to the Academy. They also have a finance class taught by a really great instructor there. He went to the Academy when my mother did. Alpha Ezra is brilliant when it comes to managing finances and getting packs out of financial trouble. My parents told me he was best in his year in finance and I can understand why.
“I could use that class too,” Shane says.
〃
“Yep, it’s part of the primary Alpha curriculum. There’s also a sensory class, that I bet you’d really enjoy, Enya,” I tell her.
“Why is that?” she asks.
“I’ve seen you take deeps breaths of air when you walk outside. Is scent your primary sense?” I ask her.
“Yes,” she says.
“Imagine being in a class of your peers and having to expand your senses to find whatever your instructor has decided you need to find that day. First, it’s incredibly fun to use your senses for a treasure hunt like that, but it’s also a competition to see who will be the first Alpha with that enhanced sense to find it. It draws the competitive nature out of all of us,” I say, grinning as I remember my own joy at taking that class.
“That does sound fun,” she says. At least she agreed even if her tone is begrudging.
“There’s also a communication class which is required for incoming Alphas, but I’d recommend it for everyone. It teaches you many different skills for listening and communicating with others.”
“Is that how you became so focused when someone is talking to you?” Shane asks. “You make it seem like there’s no one else in the world at that moment.”
“Yes. I was lucky enough to have my parents who also taught me that skill, but the Academy hones those skills. There’s also Dealing with Crisis for incoming Alphas. One of the most important classes in my opinion. It’s also a strongly recommended class for those of us who intend to help other Alphas in need. So, when you walk into a situation like I did yesterday, you can assess and de–escalate quickly. But there are other types of crises and it’s the class where each Alpha ends up dealing with their own issues, using your classmates‘ strengths to help you work through it. It’s very intense and when you leave the Academy, you leave with lifetime friends. You learn very personal and private things about them, and they learn those same things about you. Working through them together builds bonds that are similar in strength to pack bonds.”
“That sounds… really intense,” Shane says.
“It is. But again, the Academy does a great job of helping you work through it and my Uncle Dane alternates between teaching the Communication class and the Dealing with Crisis class. He’s incredible and I’m not just saying that because he’s my uncle.”
Shane sits back, looking thoughtful. Enya also looks like she’s at least hearing what I’m telling her. I hope she thinks about it, and I can keep nudging her towards going.
“Oh, and there’s a sex class,” I say.
