Chapter Three- The Truth

"Ja, I'd like you to meet my friends," Syrus said as Jaden sat down. He waved to two people opposite him. "That's Chumley and Atticus. They're seniors." He gestured to the one on his other side. "This is Bastion. He's a sophomore. And these two are Jesse and Jim. They're sophomores and transferred from a school just like this."

Jaden nodded to each one, noting the lack of fangs of those who smiled. No fangs and a healthy skin tone, plus sitting away from the vampires. Could they be…?

"You're all werewolves, aren't you?" he asked.

"You said that like it's a bad thing," Atticus accused with a small scowl. "My family's been seven generations of pureblood werewolves with the exception of my younger sister."

Jaden flinched and lowered his eyes to his tray. "Sorry," he said softly before starting on his lunch, missing the sharp look Syrus gave Atticus.

"I'm sorry too," Atticus said and Jaden looked up. Atticus ate a bite of raw steak before saying, "The vampires put down werewolves so much, I guess I tend to be defensive."

"It's okay. My dad told me things about werewolves that made it sound like a bad thing."

"Of course he would," said Bastion. "Our kind does the same thing with their children when speaking about vampires. My parents did, well, Mother did."

"Just your mom?" Jaden asked.

Bastion nodded. "I was a half-breed like you, Jaden, and so are Chumley and Jim."

Jim inclined his head. "Yeah. I have the same parentage you have, mate. Human mother, vampire father. He wasn't quite as adamant that I be a vampire. Turns out I have an aunt, his sister, who turned out to be a wifewolf."

Jaden looked at Chumley. "What about you?"

"All of my family were vampires until one married a human and their child became a werewolf. Then, my family became one of half-breeds who became werewolves."

Jesse grinned. "My family's all werewolves."

Jaden felt a sense of belonging as he sat there. Three of them had been half-breeds like him. Hey, this is my chance to really know about werewolves!

"Please tell me the real truth about werewolves," Jaden pleaded.

"Gladly," Syrus said. "Well, first off, we have the same sharp eyesight and hearing as vampires as well as the speed and strength. We have a sharper nose as well. We do like steaks, raw or cooked." He nodded at Atticus' tray.

"Do you become half-wolves every night?"

Syrus shook his head. "No, but we can change whenever we like. The full moon forces us into wolf form but we can talk as well as speak wolf. We are fully aware of ourselves."

"I'm guessing you don't eat human flesh," Jaden said.

"Correct. We have a craving for meat during the full moon and will eat nothing else during that time."

"We, while in school, rally around an alpha and form a pack," Atticus put in. "Syrus is our alpha."

Jaden stared at Syrus. "Alpha? You're a leader?"

"Yeah. When I became a werewolf, the previous alpha sensed it and informed me of it. I became quite confident from my role. You might have noticed a little of that this morning."

"I did. So, what will happen tonight?"

"You'll report to the gym with the other new students. Doctor Crowler, Principal Sheppard, and I will be there. The roof will be retracted and under it will be placed a flat circular disc decorated with stars. Each student will stand on the disc when called, Sheppard will speak a phrase, and the student will become a vampire or a werewolf. New vampires can't disguise themselves until morning and werewolves can't be human until morning. I'm there to inform any new werewolves while Crowler speaks to the vampires."

"There's no vampire leader?"

"No. Crowler's the leader and I think he would loathe having to give it up."

"Is there a werewolf teacher?"

"Just one," Chumley said. "Professor Banner. He's in charge of werewolf study hall. He's pretty chill, letting us talk and play games if we finish our homework."

"Sounds sweet. I'd like to see that."

"You're welcome to come and see," Jesse said. "This is your chance to see both study halls as tonight will restrict you to one study hall. Personally, I look forward to meeting Professor Banner."

"So, there's one hall for each race?" Jaden asked.

"There is one for werewolves since there's so few of us." Jim said. "I was told that the vampires have two. One for freshmen and sophomores and one for juniors and seniors."

"I'll look in on the vampire hall for freshmen and sophomores and then spend the rest of the time with you."

"You still wish to be a vampire?" Bastion asked neutrally.

"Actually, I'm thinking being a werewolf would be better."

Syrus grinned. "I would love to be your alpha."

"Can't disagree with that."

Zane glanced over at the werewolf table and saw Jaden smiling and talking to Syrus. It would seem that Jaden has been convinced to be a werewolf. Good; as a half-breed, werewolf is practically guaranteed.

However, it's a mystery of how the child of a pureblood becomes the opposite of their parents. My family is one example. Mom and Dad are vampires, I became a vampire, but Sy became a werewolf and an alpha to boot. How is that possible?

"Zane?"

He blinked and turned to Alexis who sat beside him. "Yes?"

"You okay?"

"Of course. I am just wondering how Syrus became a werewolf when he's a pureblood offspring of two vampires."

"Yeah, Atti and my parents wonder the same thing about me. They're fine with it now and I've pondered why it happened. I think it could the same gene phenomena that occurs with half-breeds."

"You suggest the belief that one's genes are responsible for Sy's and your different races from the rest of the family. Hmm…that could be it and it makes a lot of sense."

"Zane, Syrus was turned a year ago. Do you and your parents still have issues over it?"

"We're still a little dismayed but we don't have any issues. Vampires are, for most part, unfeeling. I still love my brother and the confidence he displays, but how he gained it is…disappointing."

"It the opposite at my house. I view my family as a little too emotional at times. It is my vampire nature that allows me to assess a situation calmly and without emotion."

"Yes, that is how my family views Syrus at times. He seems unconcerned about it, though. That's likely his confidence."

"Jaden's father may not like it when Jaden comes home as a werewolf."

"Oh, he definitely won't like it. My father knows him and he is rightly proud to be a vampire and will naturally want Jaden to be like him."

"Unfortunately, he'll likely not get his wish," Alexis said and Zane nodded in agreement.