Chapter 79: Chapter 79

Lila’s POV

“An election? This student committee was my idea,” I said, staring between all the school board’s faces

until my eyes landed on Sarah who stared at me with a smug grin.

I could tell that her intentions weren’t pure, and my stomach was forming into a tight knot.

“Yes, but it’s a student committee. Meaning we need to give all students a chance to—”

“Take my role as the leader?” I interrupted; they all looked startled by my stubbornness. I wasn’t

typically a stubborn person like this, but I was honestly hurt that it was this easy for them to just replace

me.

Sarah folded her arms across her chest.

“I’ve done a lot of wrongs while I’ve been at this school. This gives me the chance to do something

good for once,” she said, eyeing me carefully.

That smug look was still in her eyes though. She was pulling their strings. She didn’t care about this

committee; she just didn’t want me to have it.

“If I lose, where does that leave me?”

“Worried you’ll lose?” Sarah asked, a grin appearing on her lips.

“No, of course not,” I said in return. “But if I did… what would happen?”

“You can be a regular member, Lila,” Mrs. Laurence said with a kind smile. “Nobody is trying to take the

committee away from you. But every student should have the opportunity to be a leader if they wish.

That way we are playing fair for all students. I’m creating a signup form in the morning and anyone who

wants to take part in the election can feel free to do so.”

I stared at her in disbelief. I was not expecting this.

I glanced over at Sarah once more before sighing in defeat. There was nothing I was going to be able

to

do or say to get out of this. I was going to have to partake in an election and risk losing the committee.

“Okay,” I finally said. “We will have an election.”

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“Great,” Mrs. Laurence said. “You may leave now. That’s all we needed from you, Lila. Thank you for

your

cooperation.”

…

“Isn’t there anything you can do?” I asked into the phone as I sprawled out on my bed.

My heart felt heavy, and I didn’t have enough strength to sit up. I hung over my bed. clutching my cell

phone firmly in my grip, waiting for my father to say something. Anything.

“I’m sorry, Lila Bean. But you know it goes above my head. The school board is in charge of the school.

What they say goes.”

“I doubt it’s them saying anything…” I muttered. “It’s probably her father doing this.”

“Even so, it’s out of my hands. But even if I did have a say, I kind of agree with the board that you

should have a fair election.”

“But the committee was my idea,” I reminded him.

“This isn’t the Lila that we raised,” my father said, his disappointed tone full in effect which made me

feel even guiltier. “We raised someone who gives fair chances to those around her. Someone who

doesn’t back down from a fight, but it kind when needed. Regardless of who it is, you treat everybody

equally. Do you think the role of leader fell into my lap? I had to work hard to get to where I am today.”

“I know…” I said with a sigh.

“Lila, is everything okay with you?” My father asked concern was now tracing his tone. “You’ve been

seeming a little off lately and your mother and I have been worried.”

“I’m fine…” I lied, but I said that a little too quickly.

He was quiet for a moment, assessing my tone no doubt.

“You know you can always talk to us about anything, regardless of what it may be,” my father said.

“Even boy issues.”

“Dad!” I said, my face warmed. I could only imagine how red I looked. “I’m fine, honestly. I’m just a little

stressed. Cassidy-Ann wants me to go to Monstro with her over the summer and I need to give her an

answer as soon as possible.”

“Monstro?” My father asked. “That’s quite far. That’s on the other side of the world. What would you be

doing there?”

“She has an art signing at the International School of Art for Shifters,” I explained. “And a couple of

conferences she needs to attend. She was planning on staying there for a couple of months and she

wants me to go with her. I met Leroy Klein, and they want to give me a tour of the school to see if I’d

like it and—”

“Leroy Klein?” My father gasped. “You met him? And he wants you to attend his school?”

“He was at our recent art show,” I further explained. “He likes my work and wants me to bring my

portfolio with me to his school. I’m not sure I want to attend a school that far away though…”

“Lila, that school would be an incredible opportunity for you and your career,” my father said, amazed in

his tone. “I’m so proud of you. When did you find all this out? Why are you just telling me now? Did

your mother know?”

“Nobody knows,” I told him. “I wasn’t sure how to bring it up. I told her I needed time to talk to my

family and friends before I make a decision.”

“I’m not going to tell you what to do, but getting into that school has always been somewhat of a

challenge. If you had the opportunity, I wouldn’t turn it down. But again, this is your life, and you can

make your own decisions. I at least think you should go over the summer and see what it’s all about.”

“You and Mom would be okay if I left?” I asked; I wasn’t sure if that made me feel better or worse.

“We would miss you terribly, but we would understand that it’s something you have to do to better

your future. We only want what’s best for you.”

My heart was warmed by his statement.

“Thank you, Dad,” I said. “Okay… I’ll tell her that I’ll go with her this summer and go from there.”

“That’s my girl,” my dad said in return; I could tell he was smiling warmly on the other end of the phone.

Now, I just needed to figure out how I was going to tell Enzo I was leaving for a couple of months.

Would he even care?

“I’ll talk to you later, Lila Bean. I love you.”

“I love you too,” I said, as I hung up.

…

Third Person POV

Selene stood off in the distance as she watched Bastien talk with their daughter. Once he hung up the

phone, he had a look on his face that she couldn’t distinguish.

“Did she say anything?” Selene asked.

“Only that she’s going to Monstro for a couple of months during the summer. She might get the

opportunity to attend that famous school,” Bastien said with wonder in his tone. “She never ceases to

amaze me.”

“That’s incredible!” Selene gasped. “How did that come about?”

“Apparently, she met Leroy Klein, the founder of the International School of Art for Shifters, and he was

impressed by her. He wants her to bring him her portfolio. Her boss, Cassidy-Ann, was already going to

Monro for a conference over the summer and invited Lila to go with her. If Leroy Klein is impressed with

her portfolio, then she might be able to get admission.”

“Oh, my goddess,” Selene cooed. “I’m so happy for her…”

Selene’s voice trailed off and Bastien knew exactly what she was thinking.

“She didn’t say anything about it…” Bastien said, eyeing her carefully. “Are you sure they are mates?”

“I know my daughter,” Selene said, gazing up at him. “I know how she’s feeling. I see the way she looks

at him and you can’t tell me he’s not aiming to protect her. I can see the way he looks at her as well…

It’s clear to me that Enzo is Lila’s fated mate.”