Chapter 238

“Now, I know that some of you are curious about the marking ceremony,” Radcliff said, his voice carrying the same reverence as before. “It is a significant rite in werewolf culture, the process by which a male wolf shifter bites his mate to embed his scent into her flesh, and the female reciprocates.”
“While this might sound primitive, strange, childish or even animalistic to outsiders,” he continued, “it is, in fact, a deeply sacred ritual, honored by the Moon Goddess herself. It is through this act that the binding rune appears on the skin of both mates, a proof of their eternal bond.”
Violet, suddenly perked up, her mind catching onto that last part.
So, the Moon Goddess gives them a permanent tattoo for fucking and biting each other?
Cool.
Radcliff gestured toward the electronic board, tapping the display where sketches of runes appeared. “The binding rune,” he explained, “varies from couple to couple. It is as unique as the bond itself. No two couple marks are the same.”
“It can appear anywhere on the body,” he said, scrolling through the images. “Though, over time, we have documented the most common spots which are the neck, the arms, the shoulder, the chest, the thighs, the stomach —”
“Or on the butt.” Abel, Roman’s beta interrupted him with a cocky grin. “Now that’s a spot I’d love to check out on my mate.”
The class exploded into laughter at once. Violet rolled her eyes as she caught Roman slapping Abel a high five, the two of them looking way too pleased with themselves. Of course. Fools.
Mr. Radcliff exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Ha ha, so funny,” he said dryly, trying to rein it in. “No more jokes. We’re discussing something of importance.”
At least the man was trying to act like a responsible teacher today instead of his usual petty self of being partial towards the wolves. It was almost impressive.
Clearing his throat, Mr. Radcliff moved on. “The mate bond is sacred to our people. It is a divine gift, meant to be cherished, which is why interfering with another’s mate is considered a grave offense.”
The laughter died down as his tone turned serious. “Even rejecting a mate bond is frowned upon, but at the end of the day, everyone has free will. Some choose to embrace the bond. Others… walk away.”
“However,” Radcliff went on, “what makes the mate bond even rarer now is the loss of pureblooded she-wolves during the Great War. Their numbers were decimated, and with them, many future bonds that may have formed.”
A quiet tension passed through the room at the mention of the war, but no one dwelt on it. It was quite obvious that conversation was still a sore one for both species.
“But fear not,” Radcliff said, lightening his once grim tone, “the Moon Goddess is merciful. Over the years, she has extended this grace to humans, which is why we now see wolves and humans being bonded together. It remains uncommon, but it is possible.”
“In fact,” Radcliff added, “Lunaris Academy even had a fated couple about three years ago. But since then, no new student has been bonded. So yes, it’s rare, but it does happen.”
There was a long beat of silence as the class absorbed everything. Then Radcliff turned from the board, sweeping his gaze across the room.
“Any questions before we move on?”
Before anyone else could even move, Daisy’s hand shot into the air immediately, but Mr. Radcliff pointedly looked past her.
Instead, he turned to Dion, whose hand hovered just before Daisy’s.
“Yes, Mr. Dion?”
Violet cursed under her breath. Just when she thought the man had changed, he proved that assholes never really do. She saw his move for exactly what it was, and in that moment, their rogue status had never felt louder. Mr. Radcliff was throwing it right in their faces.
Dion stood up straight and asked. “Why can’t humans recognize their human mates?” Although he sounded genuinely curious, Dion was know for his jokes and right now, his expression said it all.
Mr. Radcliff’s lips thinned with irritation. “Because you’re obviously human,” he replied coldly. “Don’t ask me such a foolish question again.”
A ripple of laughter ran through the class while Daisy’s mouth tightened in disbelief. To think the man would ignore her the smart one, only to give that jester a chance.
Mr. Radcliff scanned the room. “Next?” he said, ignoring Daisy yet again.
This time, Amanda lifted a hand, turning a flirtatious glance toward Griffin.
“In the case of a human mated to a werewolf, would she feel the mate bond?” Amanda asked, batting her eyelashes in Griffin’s direction.
Oh God. Violet wanted to puke. Some people sure are dumb.
“Yes and no,” Mr. Radcliff replied. “Initially, it might be weaker. Humans lack the wolf, so they don’t feel that push as strongly. They take time to adjust. But that’s precisely where the mating fever comes in. Even if the human isn’t inflamed by it the way the werewolf is, resistance is practically impossible once there’s skin contact. Let’s just say things tend to be…concluded from there.” He finished with a suggestive edge in his tone, prompting scattered giggles in the classroom.
“Any other questions?” Mr. Radcliff glanced around pointedly, still ignoring Daisy’s raised hand.
Violet leaned over and whispered to Daisy, “Don’t bother,” but the girl refused to lower her arm, stubborn as a bull.
From across the room, Roman casually lifted his hand. Mr. Radcliff’s expression brightened instantly. “Yes, Mr. Draven?” he said, sounding almost eager.
Roman dipped his head in Daisy’s direction. “She’s been trying to ask a question for a while, sir. Was starting to wonder if you needed your eyes checked.”
Violet raised an eyebrow, perplexed by Roman’s sudden helpfulness, however, she quickly forced her face back to neutral.
Mr. Radcliff cleared his throat, an embarrassed flush creeping up his neck. “Right, of course. Mrs. Fairchild, your question?” he said, finally acknowledging Daisy with a forced smile.
Although Daisy was pissed at his attitude, she got her chance after all. So she straightened her uniform and asked firmly. “Is it possible to have more than one mate?”