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(XV.)

Lasagna and chef's salad.

This school's lunch never gets old, Eric grumbled in thought. He picked up his tray and walked to an empty, lonely table at the back of the cafeteria.

The previous year, the school management had thought it was better if all the classes mixed up in the cafeteria. So, they'd put an end to the division of all the grades and everyone was free to sit wherever they wanted. Students could eat with friends in other grades.

To Eric, it meant more nuisance. Thanks to the honour rolls, everyone knew him as that "weird genius". More girls found him to be within reach. Those in sophomore year who'd always claimed to admire his intelligence, now vied for his attention. Can high school get any worse? he wondered as he picked at his meal. With his fork, he separated meat from the rest of the parts.

As he put the first forkful of meat into his mouth, he felt tingling in his ears. He slammed down his fork and nearly growled.

"What now, Logan?"

"I think we have a problem."

His senses went high on alert. "Where?"

"Within a twenty-mile radius. There's another wolf in the perimeter."

"That's your problem, not mine." He picked up his fork again.

"Actually, I think it might be yours. It's a Talgan and not one of my pack."

That got Eric back in his alerted mood. What now? he asked himself. "Fine. Where are you?"

"Near the woods. His scent comes from there strongly."

"I'll meet you in ten."

"Make it five."

"Ten," he snapped back. He took a few more bites, dropped his fork and walked out of the cafeteria.

When Eric got to where Logan was eight minutes later, he understood why the boy was agitated. The scent made it clear. This Talgan was an old rogue and very domineering.

"Smells more powerful than an alpha," Logan murmured when he was beside him.

"I can tell." He closed his eyes and took a very deep breath. "He's closer." He opened his eyes and glanced at him. "How long have you been sensing him?"

"Before I told you? Ten minutes. I was in the woods. Thought I should get out and tell you first."

Eric snorted. "Or you were scared."

Logan glared at him. "Uh-huh? The high and mighty Eric Ashers who's not scared of anything."

He ignored him and started into the woods. "If he's coming, we have to meet him head-on. Before he steps out into the open and risks exposure."

His partner gave a curt nod and followed him into the foliage.

After walking a good mile off, they took off their clothes and shifted. Their wolves continued stealthily into the woods, following the scent of the intruder. It stopped at the lake. They met the large brown wolf there as it lapped water. Eric knew it had sensed them already so he walked slowly to its side and stopped.

What brings you to this territory? Logan began.

I'm here for the hybrid, the wolf snarled turning its head to Eric.

How did you find me here? Eric questioned.

Don't think you're too smart for an old Talgan. I could sense you easily.

From fifty miles away? Humour me, he said drily.

The Talgan glared at him. Alpha Ben orders your presence at once.