“The math department agreed to alternate lunch periods during exam week to fill the gaps,” I explain, scrolling through the document. “It required some negotiation, but everyone seemed satisfied with the arrangement.”
Carson sits back, folding his hands on the table. The window behind him frames a slate-gray sky, clouds hanging over the school grounds. Rain traces jagged paths down the glass, distorting the world outside.
“You have a gift for finding consensus, Leif,” he murmurs at last. “It’s a valuable trait in education administration.”
“I’ve also prepared Sprinkles’s quarterly progress report.” I slide another folder across the polished wood, this one thicker than the others. “All documentation is included, including Sprinkles’s updated training certification.”
Carson accepts the folder without opening it. “You continue to exceed expectations. Quinn’s integration has become a model case for the district.”
“She’s done the hard work,” I reply, careful not to claim too much credit. “Her resilience makes my job easier.”
“Indeed.” Carson taps the folder onto the table to align its edges. “Speaking of Quinn, Blake mentioned she’s been invited to a classmate’s birthday party next weekend. A positive development.”
The casual reference to his conversation with Blake sends a cold trickle down my spine. Carson maintains his connections to the Wright Pack, gathering information I haven’t shared with him.
“Yes,” I confirm. “She couldn’t go to the last one she was invited to, but Blake is coordinating with the host family regarding Sprinkles so she can attend this one.”
“Wonderful.” Carson slides the progress report into his leather portfolio. “Social integration is a crucial metric for assessing accommodation success.”
Carson’s nostrils flare again, and I cringe. Emily’s scent surrounds us both, an invisible third presence in the room. Carson knows. I know he knows. And he knows I know he knows.
“The documentation for next month’s parent-teacher conferences is in your inbox,” Carson continues, smooth as polished stone. “I took the liberty of scheduling you for back-to-back sessions on Thursday. I hope that works with your availability.”
Not a question, but I respond anyway. “Of course. I’ll prepare individual portfolios for each meeting.”
“I expected nothing less.” Carson checks the subtle gold timepiece on his wrist. “You’ve met every requirement I’ve established, often exceeding expectations.”
I damn well better. I’ve been jumping through hoops of increasing height, each success rewarded with another, more difficult assignment.
“I try to be thorough,” I say.
Carson closes his portfolio. “Which is why you’re such an asset to Pinecrest Academy. Your dedication to Quinn’s success, to the school’s reputation, and to the standards we uphold is commendable.”
“Thank you.” I gather my papers, shuffling them into neat piles.
“I believe we’ve covered everything for today,” Carson says, his attention already on his phone. “Unless there’s anything else you’d like to discuss?”
The question hangs in the air between us, an opportunity to acknowledge what we’ve both been ignoring. Emily’s scent. My personal life. The boundaries I’ve crossed.
“No,” I reply, sliding my laptop into my bag. “That’s everything.”
Carson studies me, the silence stretching thin as spun glass. “Very well. I’ll see you at tomorrow’s faculty meeting.”
“See you tomorrow.” The door might as well be miles away as I walk toward it, Carson’s stare burning between my shoulder blades.
My hand closes around the handle, heartbeats from escape.
Carson’s voice stops me at the threshold. “Actually, Leif, if you could stay a moment longer.”
I pause in the doorway, hand still on the knob, and turn back with reluctance. “Yes?”
He gestures to my vacated seat. “There’s one more matter I’d like to discuss.”
My stomach drops as I step back into the room, the door clicking shut behind me. I return to my chair, the legs scraping across the floor as I pull it out.
Carson waits until I’m seated before leaning back, his posture a study in casualness. He taps his pen on the edge of the table.One, two, three.Pause.One, two, three.
“I couldn’t help but notice you’re carrying quite a distinctive Alpha scent today.” His nostrils flare again, more obvious this time. “Quite potent, if I’m being honest.”