Chapter Two- Vampires and Werewolves

"You're the Alpha?" Atticus gasped.

Jaden grinned. "That's right. Sheppard said that once I was comfortable being a werewolf, my leadership qualities came out strong and clear."

Atticus bowed his head. "I pledge my loyalty to you for the rest of my school career."

"Atticus, that's not necessary. Your loyalty is with the previous Alpha, as he's the one who bit you."

"That's true, but within this school, every werewolf follows you. Only the sophomore and freshman classes will be your pack once they graduate. Maybe even next year's class will be part of your pack."

Jaden nodded slowly. It was known among werewolves that an Alpha's dream was to lead a large pack. Currently, Jaden's future pack was of average size, just his class. If he hoped to have a large pack, most of the freshmen needed to have the smell of wolf as well as the new students the following year. And speaking of freshmen…

"You remember Syrus, Atticus? He's new, but he said he was a transfer student."

"A transfer student? Why didn't he attend last year?"

"Not sure, but he seems shy…and friendly, too."

"But he's Zane's brother and he's Head Vampire."

"I thought Zane was your childhood friend."

"He was until we started school here. Now he's a vampire and I'm a werewolf and that makes us rivals. I don't want you to befriend someone who will likely be a vampire too."

"He may not be a vampire. Alexis isn't a werewolf like you and your parents."

Atticus nodded. "Yeah, she didn't. But, it worked out. She drinks, I eat. It's just I'm the big brother and yet I'm following her."

"You don't have to."

"I usually don't, but sometimes I feel lazy or too stressed to hunt."

"Then, it's all right. You're a strong hunter, but hunting every time is predictable. Best to mix it up and follow the vampire. I remembered that from Werewolf 101 last year."

"Yeah, you have a good point."

"What!? That slacker an Alpha!? Principal, you can't be serious."

"I am, Doctor. Jaden has shown the confidence and leadership of an Alpha." He smiled. "You are very critical of my werewolf students and Jaden, in particular."

"Well of course I am. I'm a vampire and you're sometimes critical of them."

"That's to be expected as I'm a werewolf. However, I choose not to question your decisions concerning them. An example is having Zane as Head Vampire. I think Bastion would have been a better choice."

"Ah, but Bastion was a freshman last year and a Head had to be chosen around this time last year. Plus, Zane is more in control of his emotions."

"Unlike you."

"Yes. Unlike- Hey!"

Zane lingered in the cafeteria after everyone else had left to return to their side of the school with some of the new students in tow, Syrus among them. He seemed happy to be with them, but Zane suspected that was only on the outside; it was possible Syrus felt something else on the inside. He wants to be a vampire and I hope I can fulfill that desire.

He heard footsteps and tensed as the scent of a werewolf hit him. It was a little early for the werewolves to come down to lunch; only the Alpha is allowed to come down early. So, this must be the new Alpha. He turned to see a brunette he vaguely remembered at the Ceremony last year. "So, the new Alpha is a sophomore. Makes sense as I was name Head last year."

"Yeah, I remember you from the Ceremony, only I didn't get your name."

"Nor I yours and since we're opposite beings that makes sense. However, as we're leaders, we should know one another's names."

"I'm Jaden Yuki."

"Zane Truesdale."

"Wait. The Zane?"

"I see my name and reputation precedes me. I'm also impressed that werewolves know my name. Anonymity is preferable among both our kinds."

"Preferable, but sometimes these things happen. Atticus and Alexis, for example."

"Yes; odd that a brother and sister would be split up, rare I would think. That won't be the case with Syrus."

Jaden tilted his head. "Really? I met him this morning. No offense, but he seems too nice to be a vampire."

"He's too kind and nice to be a werewolf either, however he feels he's ready to be turned. He wants to be a vampire and I will fulfill his wish. I hope. Nice meeting you, Jaden." Zane walked off seconds before Jaden's pack arrived for lunch.

Jaden Yuki. That's a name I will remember. It's important to know one's rival. Yet, he's cute for a werewolf. I wouldn't mind befriending him, perhaps he could follow me for his prey. It's the only way to talk as we wouldn't really see each other in school, save for the period between lunches and speaking of school, I certainly will not start a school war if Syrus becomes a werewolf.

So, that was Zane. Cute- for a vampire. I wouldn't mind following him for prey if it means talking with him. Technically, knowing his name is not a surprise as Atticus was his friend and is my friend now. In fact, as Alpha, I could ask the others about the vampires they know before being turned. Speaking of turned…I will not drag my pack into a school war if Syrus becomes a vampire or a werewolf. I'd like to have Sy as a friend, but I won't start a war if he joins his brother.

Syrus turned to see his brother approaching at a rapid speed no human could achieve and felt envious of it. I'd love to be able to move fast like that. "Hi, big bro. I was worried about you."

"I was getting acquainted with the new Alpha of the werewolves. He arrives ahead of the others to make sure a vampire doesn't ambush them. I, likewise, make sure no vampire gets ambushed by an early werewolf."

"Who's the Alpha?"

"He said his name's Jaden Yuki."

"Jaden? He didn't say he was the Alpha."

"I believe he was made one after meeting you."

"He did say he was meeting Principal Sheppard when he showed me where orientation was."

"That was…nice of him. I assume he knew we're brothers."

"Yeah, he did. I like him. I mean, he's nice and cool."

"He did seem nice when we met and talked."

"Great. Uh, would it be all right if I visited the other side of the school?"

"Of course. This is the time to do that. After today, you'll be confined to one side."

"Thanks. See you later." Syrus took off for the central hall that divided the school and drifted over to the werewolf side. He wandered aimlessly as the werewolves were still at lunch. The vampires seem nice, but it could be because I'm the Head Vampire's brother. I wonder if the werewolves are just as nice.