Page 25

Story: Bad Opinion

” We’ll get on it right now," Damon agreed.

They had been told that there was a building that was designated for school. It was a large building because it covered children from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The preschool had its own building, which was a small one located next door. They would talk to the teachers, starting with the kindergartenteachers and working their way up to those preparing to graduate. Xanthos had always believed that education was the most important thing, and he personally held a bachelor's degree in business, which he hoped would help him run the pack.

He'd never really ask Sally if she'd had any education beyond high school or even if she had a high school diploma. Most packs encouraged students to continue their education, but at least they wanted them to have high school diplomas. No one wished for the students' education to be found lacking. Most packs homeschooled the children, and they came in only for testing. It was essential to maintain a separate existence from humans, especially when children were young and had limited control over their shifting. They considered it equally important that their children got the training and education that a human would get.

Xantos knew that even his father had arranged for their children's education through 12th grade, as most humans were expected to have. His failing had been not encouraging the children to pursue college and other secondary education. Not only did he not encourage them to do so, but he also discouraged them. That was just one of the things that made him a bad alpha.

Epilogue

All the potential new employees had shown up, and she had been able to put them to work. The house manager was upstairs with two children. That small apartment was barely livable, but she said it would be fine for a little while. The others all had rooms with bathrooms. They were all settled in, and some had started their jobs today. It was a relief to have that done.

She had to admit that Damon and Xantos getting the education issues nearly dealt with had been a big help. Harry had left yesterday, and that had been hard to watch her go. With Carlos and Flo there, she had begun to interact with the pack and work on the programs the pack needed. Damon had also left yesterday with Harry, but Xantos seemed to have everything under control.

No challenges had been made, and it didn't look like any would. None of these people wanted to be in charge. They just wanted to be treated fairly, and they saw that was going to happen. A week passed, and it was time to bid Carlos and Flo goodbye. She was sad to see them go, but they had helped her a lot, and she was ready to take on her new life, and so was Xantos. Speaking of new life, she was expecting one, and they were both thrilled. Her family was coming to visit soon, and they were happy for her. She had not seen such a rosy future. Life was better than she'd ever expected.