Diana sensed my pause and looked at me, her eyes hooded with longing. “What?”
“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” I said. My voice sounded strange, as though I was just learning to talk after being unable to for many months. Gruff. Rough.
She gave me a breathtaking smile, and it lit my soul on fire. If I could make her smile like that every day for the rest of my life, I would be content. “Thank you,” she said and kissed the side of my mouth. It was sensual, and I moved, so my mouth was against hers once again.
Until there was a ping.
The holographic screen appeared, and the woman’s voice asked all students to return to the Academy. Then it showed a list of the students and their ranking. Diana was in first, and I was in second. I was happy for Diana. Without doubt. Her win was my win. At the same time, I was curious about why she was given the top spot. My team had captured most of her team. By all accounts, we’d won our test.
Diana was confused too. “How is that possible?”
I didn’t want to believe her dad had pulled some strings, but it was possible. “I guess we better get back and find out,” I said, my voice still husky. Her legs were still wrapped around my hips, and we were naked. I was a man, and she was divine. There was no way I couldn’t respond to her. Still, I had to try and cleared my throat. “Let’s shift. We’ll get back much faster.”
She seemed to notice what I was going through and quickly untangled herself. “Do you know how to get back.”
“Always,” I said and pushed away from her. Then shifted. As soon as I was in my wolf form, I worried that she wouldn’t be able to turn. If not, she would ride on my back.
But I didn’t need to worry. She shifted, and her silver face was suddenly next to mine. She licked my face, and I whined, nuzzling against her.
I wanted her so badly, but my wolf wanted her even more.
When we reached the shore, she climbed out, and I followed behind. She nuzzled me, then took off.
Hey, let me lead. You don’t know where you’re going, I said, chuckling.
She turned and nipped at me playfully, then yelped. Lead, then, she said.
I took off.
She followed for a few minutes and then came up beside me. Partners, right?
Forever, I replied.
Chapter Sixteen
Diana
We arrived at the school, but instead of going through the front doors, Wyatt took us around to a side entrance. After scratching, a woman opened the door. She had long, light blond hair and wore glasses with black frames. As soon as we were inside, she immediately directed me to a curtained room where I could change. There were different colored sweats and then plain gray. I chose those after shifting.
When I came out, Wyatt took my place behind the curtain.
The woman had a light smile on her face. She wore a white coat with the name Dr. Nonna sewed in red lettering near her right shoulder. “Welcome to the Academy. I’m Dr. Nonna.”
“Thanks. I’m Diana.” I shook her hand.
“How are you feeling? Any injuries after the final test?” She indicated I should hop up on the table.
I glanced at my hands and bare feet. “No. I’m fine.” I wasn’t a fan of doctors. My anxieties over them probably stemmed from when I was thirteen and got my period and had cramps so bad I passed out during my Foods and Nutrition class. When I woke, I was in the hospital. There were people in white coats whispering to others in green scrubs. A needle was in my arm, and a tube leading up to some clear liquid hung beside my bed. I later found out it was for hydration and some pain medicine. Nothing scary, but the feeling wouldn’t go away.
“Good. Well, if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to call on me. I’m here to help.” She put the ends of the stethoscope into her ears and listened to my heart. “Sounds good.” She smiled again. “Strong.”
“Thanks.” I appreciated her help, but I wanted to go.
When Wyatt reappeared, my cheeks got hot, and Dr. Nonna and my worries were forgotten. He had on gray sweats like me, but somehow he still looked hotter than hell. I couldn’t help but think of our making out in the water, the waterfall roaring nearby. Had there been more time, we might have done more than make out. My wolf hungered for more, but my brain and my heart weren’t ready. I hardly knew him. And hot or not, I wanted to make sure he was worth my time.
“You okay?” he asked, giving me a strange look.
“Never better,” I said, glancing from him to Dr. Nonna and then down at my hands. After I jumped off the cliff, I remembered hitting the water. Beyond that, there was darkness until I was kicking and sputtering in the pool below the waterfall. And then there was Wyatt. It was strange how I suddenly longed for him. Before our kiss, I had an inkling of feelings. Now, I was desperate to be touching him.
Wyatt seemed to feel the same way as he came to stand beside me. His nearness brought calm to my mind, but my heart raced even faster. There was still a part of my brain that pushed against what was happening between us. But the doubts were no longer the loudest things in my head. I reached out, putting my hand over his as my longing increased. Every moment was about Wyatt. Each breath a tribute to the need I felt for him.
Dr. Nonna studied the two of us. “Interesting,” she said, tucking the stethoscope around her neck and moving back. “You two best be getting to the placing ceremony.” She glanced at the clock. “It starts in ten minutes.”
“Right.” I hopped off the table and, without knowing why, reached over and hugged her.
“Oh.” She hugged me back, patting me lightly until I let go.
Wyatt took my hand, and together we started for another door, one that I guessed was to the interior of the Academy.
The door burst open before we reached it, and one of the Rasa Keepers came through, carrying someone in his arms.
“She isn’t breathing,” he said.
“Nick, what happened?” Wyatt asked, worry on his face.
“Put her on the table,” Dr. Nonna said, pushing him out of the way.
“I don’t know. I found her like this,” Nick said. By his dress, I knew he was one of the Rasa Keepers.
“Damn, she doesn’t look good.” Wyatt touched my shoulders, holding me steady.
“Penelope,” I breathed, going toward her. I recognized her immediately.
Dr. Nonna shooed me out of the way and got to work. She checked her pulse and started CPR.
Wyatt came up behind me and held me close as I watched in horror, wondering what had happened. Blood covered her shirt, and there was some spattering on her pants.
After several excruciating minutes, Dr. Nonna looked up, her face a mask. “Wyatt, go get the dean and hurry.”
He started for the door, my hand still in his. We rushed down corridor after corridor until we arrived at the main entrance. There sat the old man with the wispy hair. But we didn’t stop, not even when he called for us to wait. We hurried through the enormous double door and to my father’s office. Fallon sat opposite the dean. When they saw us, they looked surprised.
“What is it?” my dad barked, recovering first.
“It’s one of the students. Penelope Smythe. She’s— Dr. Nonna needs you to come right now,” Wyatt said.
My father’s eyes narrowed as they focused on mine and Wyatt’s intertwined hands.
He didn’t like us together. That one look told me everything. Mine, my wolf said, and I didn’t care what my father thought. He lost the right to have a say in my life when he walked out.
“Very well. I’ll be there in a moment. You may leave.” My father made a face like he had a bad taste in his mouth. “Get cleaned up. You are expected to be at the ceremony.”
When we were outside the office, Fallon joined us. His eyes were red, and it looked like he’d been crying.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, fear racing along my veins.
“Nothing.” Fallon crossed his arms.
That was such a lie, but I didn’t cal
l him on it. I was too worried about Penelope. Did he know about Penelope? “Are you sure?”
He pushed past me and hurried down the hall.
Wyatt looked at me, and I lost it. Tears filled my eyes and leaked down my cheeks. Penelope wasn’t an old friend, but after what we’d been through these past few days, she’d become dear to me. “Is she going to be okay?”
“I don’t know,” he said honestly, pulling me against his chest.
I breathed him in, wrapping my arms around him and holding him so tight. “What could’ve happened?”
“I’m not sure,” he said, holding me until I pulled back. “We should get changed. I don’t want your dad even angrier with me than he already is.” He took my hand, and we walked down the hall, through the entryway, and up the stairs. When we were at the door to my room, he faced me. “I’ll meet you in the auditorium. Look for me.”
I nodded, feeling beyond numb.
He leaned down and gave me a gentle kiss, one that said he cared. Even such a small gesture sent an ache of desire through me. Wyatt was mine, and I was his. He deepened the kiss, and I clung to him.
“After the ceremony, we need to talk. There’s something I need to tell you,” he said, releasing me.
“Tell me now,” I said, not wanting him to leave. Plus, the way he spoke made me nervous.
He shook his head. “After.” Then he smiled and walked away.
His absence left a hollowness in my stomach. I watched him go a moment before hurrying inside. At the sight of all of Penelope’s stuff, I sank to my knees and sobbed, covering my face with my hands.
There was a chittering, and I opened my eyes to see Oakus. He was looking at me with his big eyes. So cute and open and full of unconditional love.
“How did you get in here?” I whispered, holding out my hand. “Your mother is going to be so mad.”
He climbed in, and I snuggled him against my cheek. I was glad he was here.
I quickly changed into one of my uniforms and did my best to fix my face. My eyes were swollen, and my skin was blotchy. I blew my nose and studied my reflection. Another wave of grief webbed through my body.
Someone knocked on my door.
I rushed to open it, thinking it was Wyatt. That he’d decided to walk me to the auditorium.
“Mom,” I said startled. She looked good. Fresh-faced, she wore black dress pants and a raspberry silk blouse. “What are you doing here?”
“Diana, is that any way to talk to your mother?” She pushed into the room.
Oakus scurried into my pocket.
“I’m just surprised is all.” I gave her an awkward hug. “It’s good to see you.” I dabbed at my eyes, trying to stop the crying.
She didn’t ask what was wrong. It was like she’d come for a single purpose, and all she wanted was to get out what she had to say. “Ranked number one?” She inhaled, glancing around my room. There was something off about her.
I crossed my arms, feeling self-conscious. I didn’t know how that had happened. “It must be a mistake. I’m sure it’ll be corrected by the time the ceremony starts.”
“If I know your father, and I do, then it isn’t a mistake.” She shook her head, frustrated. “I saw you kiss that boy.” She paused.
“You saw me kiss Wyatt?” That’d been a while ago. Why hadn’t she knocked earlier?
“That’s right, and you’re playing with fire where he’s concerned. He is the enemy.” Her eyes flashed, angry. “Do not trust him. He isn’t what he seems.”
“What do you mean?” He’d been my enemy during the final test, but that was over now.
“Diana, he’s the one who tried to kill you.” Her eyes held mine as she spoke the words.
I shook my head. “No way. He saved me.”
“The night those men took you, and you were nearly drowned? That was Wyatt.” She went to my closet. Then closed it and turned. “His father wants you dead. The Royals want you dead too. You need to leave the Academy. We need to leave this place.” Her fingers intertwined, and she squeezed her hands together.
I was frantic and confused. Dumbfounded beyond belief. Wyatt tried to kill me? But he saved me. I didn’t want to believe her. “No,” I said again. “That’s impossible.” It didn’t make sense that Wyatt’s dad would want me dead. I didn’t know him. And what about the Royals? My mom had rushed into my room like a gale wind, leaving me breathless, and not in a good way.
As quickly as she came, she was ready to leave and went to the door.
“Where are you going? Mom. Don’t leave.” I was frozen in place, unable to move. My body still trying to process all she said.
Mom’s eyes were wild. “This place!” She glanced around my dorm room. “It makes me crazy.” She turned the handle.
Part of me wondered if her being here was a hologram or a psychotic break on my part. Or maybe it was still part of the initiation. My feet moved into action, and I grabbed her hand. She felt real. “What’s going on?”
“I’ve just told you. You’re in danger here.” Her eyes darted from side to side, and she clung to her purse like it was a life raft. “Everything I said is the truth.” She disappeared, closing the door behind her.
I ran after her. “Mom, wait!”
Mom was already down the hall and stood at the top of the stairs. She turned, wringing her hands. “I’ve only ever wanted to keep you safe,” she said, sounding semi irrational. “You need to know the truth.” She took several steps down.
I followed close behind. “Stay for the ceremony.”
“I can’t.” Mom kept going. Halfway down, she paused and turned. “Come with me. I’ll take you someplace safe. You don’t belong here.” She glanced around like someone was after her. “If you won’t come, I can’t protect you.” She took off, her feet barely touching each step until she reached the bottom and whipped around. “Please come with me,” she pleaded with her eyes and her hands, reaching out.
During my first test, I thought about her and me running. But something changed since then. Now, there was Wyatt. Even thinking about leaving made my stomach turn and my heart race. I couldn’t leave him. “Mom,” I said, wishing she would calm down. “Come back upstairs. Let’s talk.” If she wouldn’t go with me to the ceremony, then I wouldn’t go either. She could tell me more about what was happening.
She pursed her lips tight, considering my request.
“Stella,” my dad yelled from across the entryway.
Immediately, her mind was made up. I saw it in her eyes. “Goodbye, Diana. Watch yourself and trust no one, especially not Wyatt Wright.” With that, she dashed across the entryway and disappeared outside.
I looked at my dad. He waved me over.
My shoulders slumped. I was worried about my mom, but I didn’t know how to help her. Dad might know, though. I went to his side. “What’s wrong with mom?” I asked.
He eyed me shrewdly. “What isn’t wrong with your mother?” He clucked his tongue and took me by the arm. “The ceremony is about to start. You’ll be a Legacy, same as me,” he said, giving me a wry smile.
I had about a million questions for him, but he was walking quickly, and I had to hurry to keep up. “Fine.” I didn’t know enough about the houses to be for or against one or the other. But if Wyatt would be in Legacy house, then so would I. After the ceremony, I would get answers from him. I clasped my hands together, feeling like a lamb led to the slaughter.
My heart ached over Penelope’s death, the news about Wyatt, and my mom leaving. I felt like I was dreaming, that none of this could be real. I even hoped it wasn’t. But deep down, I knew the truth. As weird and chaotic as it was, this was my life now.
Oakus dug his little claws into my side as though he sensed my thoughts. I stuck my hand in my pocket. He wrapped his hands around one of my fingers and squeezed.
Chapter Seventeen
Before the doors to the auditorium opened, I could feel the electricity of bodies in the room, like an obnoxious hum. Two young boys, probably n
o more than ten or twelve, stood on either side of the double doors. As soon as my father came into view, they snapped to attention and opened the door.
“Evening, sir,” one of them said.
My father didn’t respond, just strode through.
A young woman directed us through all of the curtains until I could see the stage. “There you are, sir,” she said, indicating he should go out.
I peeked beyond the curtains and could see the auditorium was enormous with enough seating for thousands. “How is this done?” I asked.
“Magic is our lifeblood,” the girl said.
I looked at her. Was that supposed to mean something?
She gave me a smile, one that said she was terrified of me. “You’d better go find a seat.”
My father glanced back at me. He didn’t smile. He didn’t say anything. Just looked at me like he was looking at a shiny new toy. Then he rolled his shoulders back and walked out onto the stage. As he went, he waved. The crowd went wild. The noise so thunderous, it almost hurt my ears.
“This way,” the girl said.
Reluctantly, I followed as she led me behind several black curtains, down some stairs, and up until we somehow were in the area with all of the seats.
“Sit here,” she said. Then left.
I glanced around for Wyatt, but the lights were dimmed, and there were so many people. No way would I find him. But I hoped he’d see me. So I stood there until someone in the row behind me told me to sit down.
One teacher spoke about the initiates and how great we did this year. Another talked about coming up with the tests and thanked those that helped. Finally, my father stood.
The clapping went on for several minutes until my father put out his hands and indicated they should stop. When there was finally silence, he smiled. “It’s so great to have you all here. This year marks the one-hundredth year since the Wolf Blood Academy opened.”
The crowd cheered.
Initiation (Wolf Blood Academy Book 1) Page 13