Page 19 of My Solemn Vow

Ahhhh, the accelerated program for Kerrianne.The dots start connecting.But also, who insists their kid goes into a special classroom if they’re... no, that’s a dumb question. Peyton fuckin’ Hopkins, obviously.

“I mean, for class numbers, I would be glad to consider switching Kelsey into Ms. Mancini’s classroom.” I step in, trying to help, not knowing if it’s the right move, but at the bare minimum, Peyton Hopkins will get out of this room.

“And who is Kelsey with?” Peyton looks at me, almost hopefully.

“Mrs. —”

“Well, she’s married. I think that’s for the best. I don’t know that David respects a woman of Ms. Mancini’s age who isn’t married.”

Bewilderment, between me and Doctor Thatcher, leads to us both shaking our heads and giving wide-eyed looks.

“Victor.” Peyton puts a hand on my thigh, and I move enough to dislodge it discreetly. “Surely, you know what it’s like being important and trying to run a business and raise a child. You only want what’s best for them.”

Ew. She touched us.My wolf shudders, and I manage to suppress it.

“I know what it’s like to consider professional opinions to make an educated decision for my child.” I don’t agree with her on purpose.

“Thank you so much. You know, I’d love to meet up, we can catch up. I have some great... properties we can see together.” The proposition in Peyton’s tone is poorly masked.

“Unfortunately for you, all my property needs are being met.Though, I wish you the best.” I try a soft smile and fake my phone vibrating in my pocket. “Oh, I’ve got to take this. Doctor Thatcher, would you send me an email with perhaps the details on Ms. Mancini for a deeper background check and what the accelerated program entails? But I think if this needs to be an expedited switch, it could be made as early as next week before the optional courses over winter break begin? And if there’s an issue, we can reevaluate.”

I had Royal run background checks on everyone in the school, literally everyone, when we looked at transferring Kerrianne here. But a more thorough one for the person she spends every day with would be an extra precaution I won’t pass on... but for a few days, it can’t possibly hurt for her to be in Ms. Mancini’s class.

“Of course. I appreciate your flexibility.” Doctor Thatcher stands to walk me out.

I beat her to the door and head out into the main office, letting out a sigh.

The women working the front desk snicker. The closest one to me, a little louder than perhaps she should be, says, “She has that effect on people.”

Well, I knew it would be a difficult conversation about Kerrianne’s behavior as she was being overly helpful, independent, and talkative, but that wasn’t what I expected. The first choice to fix it, popping her into another classroom, seems straightforward.

I text Royal.

Valor:

Little raptor is moving to a new classroom. I’ll have details. Need a background check on the new teacher.

Per usual, Royal is glued to his phone:

Royal:

Sounds like a plan. You’re ready to go hunting or am I going?

A picture comes through of Kerrianne wearing one of Royal’s headsets, intensely focused on something off camera. The headset is ill fitting, but the one in her size ‘didn’t feel right,’ and really, she likes using Royal’s and feeling big, so I didn’t argue.

Valor:

Promise me I’ll be back for Thanksgiving?

Royal:

You’ll be back by Thanksgiving and you’re the best older brother ever.

Remember this when you have a pup, and I kidnap it rather than letting you stay home with it.

9

ANTONELLA