The Lion’s Mate

“Yes. I asked him why I had been denied admittance, and he told me I couldn’t go to his college because I wasn’t human.”

“Were those his exact words?” Mark asked, his eyes intent on her.

“Yes. After the meeting, I wrote down everything I could remember because I knew I would forget.” She looked at Leah, a small smile on her face. “I cried as I wrote because I was so mad.” Leah patted her hand in support.

“Do you have a copy of that with you?”

“Of course.” Annie handed him the manila envelope. “The conversation transcript is in there as well as the letter denying my access.”

Mark glanced through the conversation, his frown deepening as he read. He looked up abruptly. “He actually said that because you are a shifter that you wouldn’t be able to keep up with the course load?”

Annie growled a little. “Yes. I nearly shifted and ripped his eyes out!”

Mark laughed. “I’m glad you didn’t. What kind of shifter are you, anyway?”

“Owl.”

“Nice,” Mark complimented. He continued reading until he reached the end of the page. “And he also had the nerve to tell you to go to the ‘shifter college’ in the next town? Is there such a thing?”

“He did say that,” Annie answered with a shrug.

“He’s referring to the community college in Jackson,” Leah told him. “It’s a good college, but he is accurate when he calls it a shifter school. Most of the students there are shifters. Not all, but most.”

Mark nodded his understanding. “All right, here’s the thing. You have a case here, although the conversation isn’t really proof that the college refused you because of your shifter status. Too bad you didn’t record it.”

“I almost did, on my phone, but I felt that was an invasion of privacy,” Annie said.

“I was kidding,” Mark said with a smile. “It would be inadmissible.”

Leah spoke up. “So what are the chances here?”

“I’m going to do some research, visit the campus, and see what’s what,” Mark told them. “Right now, we have no real proof except your word that they refused you based on you being a shifter. However, like I said, I’m going to do some digging.”

“Ok. That sounds good,” Annie said.

“Let me ask you this. Do you want to attend this college should we pursue the case and win?”

“Not particularly, no. I’m taking online courses now, and I plan to transfer to the state university in the spring or fall.”

“So what are you looking to get out of this?”

“I want other shifters to have the right to attend Glenrose University should they choose to.”

“You don’t want a settlement?”

Annie looked offended. “I most certainly do not! I don’t want their money!”

Mark lifted his hands in a defensive gesture. “Ok, ok. I had to ask.”

“She doesn’t need the money, Mark,” Leah inserted. “Her parents left her a trust fund that she now has access to.”

“All right. Let’s do this, then. I want to do my research and stuff. Give me a week and we’ll meet again to discuss whether or not you have a leg to stand on here.”

Annie nodded. “That sounds good to me. Leah?”

Leah shrugged. “Annie, this is your decision. I’ll stand by whatever you choose.”

Annie looked at Mark. “Let’s see what you find out.”

“Great.”

*****

As they were leaving the café, a group of girls called out to Annie. She excused herself and joined her friends. Leah watched her to make sure she’d moved out of earshot, then turned back to Mark.

“Mark, please tell me this isn’t going to blow up in her face. She’s not fragile by any means, but she can be sensitive.”

Mark nodded his understanding. “I can’t tell you that if she chooses to pursue this it won’t be difficult. People here who accept her right now might be angry that she’s causing an uproar.”

“I understand that, and she does too. I’m asking if this will be a case that’s all over the news. She doesn’t want that.”

Mark considered for a moment. “Honestly, I don’t think so. I have a feeling the dean will settle and let shifters in rather than bring that kind of negative attention to the school.”

“Okay,” Leah murmured, concern on her face.

Mark touched her shoulder gently. “I won’t put Annie in a position she can’t handle. If she tells me to back off, I will. End of story.”

Leah smiled at him. “Thanks, Mark. I appreciate it.”

He winked at her and changed the subject. “So, yesterday you said I could come by in the evenings as long as I didn’t interrupt swim time. Does that offer still stand?”

Leah laughed and shook her head. “Isn’t that a conflict of interest?” she teased.

“You aren’t my client, Annie is. No conflict, only interest,” Mark said, his eyebrows wiggling.

Leah laughed even louder at his play on words. “Please come over. Why don’t you bring your swim trunks and we can swim together.”

Mark smiled. “I’d love that. What time?”

“Around sunset.”

“Perfect. I’ll be there.”

As Mark walked to his car, Annie returned to Leah’s side. “Hey, the girls are going to a movie and staying at Janet’s. I’m going to join them.”

“You need a ride?”

“Actually, I’m going to ride home with you and get a few things. I’ll drive myself back in a couple of hours.”

“Sounds good,” Leah said as they headed for the jeep.

“What were you and Mark talking about after I walked off?”

“He’s coming over for a swim,” Leah mumbled under breath.

“Pardon me?” Annie asked with raised eyebrows. “Did you say he’s coming over for a swim?”

Leah sighed. “It’s not a big deal, Annie.”

“It’s a huge deal! You just met him!”

Leah dug in her bag for her keys as she answered. “Actually, we met last night. He showed up while I was swimming. I didn’t know he was the lawyer, though.”