Shane leans forward excitedly. “Will you tell us about the Academy? What’s it like? What sses did you take?”


    “Well, the courses you will take would be prescribed as an iing Alpha, but for the rest of us, we get to decide what sses 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 d 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 ss is the one that all Alphas choose to take, the sparring ss. No matter how good you are or think you are, you be an infinitely stronger and smarter fighter in that ss.”


    “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 be 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 youter,” Shane says excitedly.


    “Don’t get too excited. It gets frustrating quickly when he defeats <b>you </b>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 myp, fisting them on my thighs to keep from doing just that while I refocus on the conversation.


    “There’s a pack management ss. You’ll take that ss, 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 iing Alpha would like it to be handled.”


    “That sounds like a ss I really need,” Shane says.


    “All new Alphas do. But I n to have you in good shape to ace that ss before you go to the Academy. They also have a finance ss taught by a really great instructor there. He went to the Academy when my mother did. Alpha Ezra is brilliant when ites 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 ss too,” Shane says.


    <i>〃 </i>


    “Yep, it’s part of the primary Alpha curriculum. There’s also a sensory ss, 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 ss 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 apetition to see who will be the first Alpha with that enhanced sense to find it. It draws thepetitive nature out of all of us,” I say, grinning as I remember my own joy at taking that ss.


    “That does sound fun,” she says. At least she agreed even if her tone is begrudging.


    “There’s also amunication ss which is required for iing Alphas, but I’d rmend it for everyone. It teaches you many different skills for listening andmunicating 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 iing Alphas. One of the most important sses in my opinion. It’s also a strongly rmended ss 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–escte quickly. But there are other types of crises and it’s the ss where each Alpha ends up dealing with their own issues, using your ssmates‘ 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 simr in strength to pack bonds.<i>” </i>


    “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 ss and the Dealing with Crisis ss. 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 ss,” I say.