Initiation (Wolf Blood Academy Book 1) by RaShelle Workman (best book club books for discussion txt) 📕

What was he saying? I swallowed and had a quick internal debate about what to say. I decided to go with the truth. “I was angry,” I said, starting slowly. “And then it felt like the anger came out of me.” I shrugged. That was the only way I could describe it. “But I didn’t feel a monster, only anger, and it was the first time I felt anything like that before,” I added.

He watched me, listening intently. Laced his fingers together. “I see. Well, whatever happened, be careful. Every move you make is being watched during the initiation process.” He picked up what looked like a tiny remote and pressed a button. Behind him, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves slid apart, revealing a big screen. On it were displayed numbers with names beside them. Mine was at the very bottom. “You in the last place doesn’t sit well with me, and it shouldn’t with you either. You’re a Valene, Moonlight. Act like it,” he snapped.

At the use of my real first name, I flinched. “Diana,” I said.

He gave me a questioning look. “I go by Diana.”

“Fine.” He rolled his eyes again.

I didn’t know what else to say, so I just stared at him, unable to believe my father was such a total douche.

“And your wolf?” He finally asked.

“What’s wrong with my wolf?” The crowd and even Wyatt had gasped when I first shifted. What was up with that?

“Silver wolves are beyond rare. That surprising oddity is the only reason you aren’t being expelled.

I wanted to ask him to clarify. He should fill me in. I knew nothing, and it was beyond frustrating. Before I could put my question into words, he looked away and over to the door.

I followed his gaze. Penelope stood there, her eyes down. How much had she heard?

“You’ll be rooming with Penelope. Get some rest. You’re going to need it.” He got up and walked over to the fireplace, resting an arm on the hearth, his gaze on the roaring fire.

“Nice to see you too,” I whispered and followed Penelope out of the office. When we were on the stairs, heading to the second floor, the little creature scampered up my arm and nibbled on my ear. It tickled, but it also reminded me I was starving. Penelope still hadn’t spoken to me yet. “Is there a way to get some food? I’m really hungry.”

She paused on the top step and glanced back. “I stashed an apple. You can have it.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you.” I followed her down the hall and into our room.

After the door was closed and locked, I heaved a massive sigh of relief. At least for tonight, I was safe.

Penelope had already unpacked her stuff. There were bunk beds and other furniture usual to a bedroom. My roommate already claimed the top. Her bedding was black. After handing me the apple, she changed out of her clothes and into black silk pajamas. I sensed a theme with her.

“You did really good today.” I’d also noticed on the rankings that she was in the top ten.

“Thanks.” She gave me a sideways glance. “That was your first time shifting?” she asked.

“Could you tell?”

She nodded. “A silver wolf, too.” Awe filled her voice as she went into the bathroom.

I heard her brushing her hair. “What’s the big deal?” I asked, taking a bite and giving a piece of the apple to the creature. It was back in my pocket, but poked its head out and chewed the apple chunk.

“In some circles, silver wolves are considered too monstrous to be allowed to live. An abomination,” she added.

That didn’t sound good. “What do you mean?”

Penelope poked her head out of the bathroom, a toothbrush in her mouth. “It’s believed,” she paused and removed her toothbrush. “Silver wolves possess too much monster blood and its believed… by some anyway…” She disappeared back into the bathroom. “That they will turn on the wolves and side with the monsters of the shade.”

I thought about what she said as I finished the apple while sharing it with the creature. Was that true? I was like the monsters in the Shade? I picked up the little creature and rubbed its ears against my cheek. “Maybe that’s why you’re here. Because I’m like you?”

In response, the creature flicked its tongue, touching my cheek. An image of a woman appeared behind my eyes in a flash and then was gone. Shaking my head, I stood and began to unpack my things.

The clock on the nightstand beside our beds said it was nearly ten o’clock. After putting my clothes in the drawers, I waited for Penelope to be done in the bathroom. When she climbed into her bed, I took my turn and got ready.

Once I turned off the lights, I lay there, trying to sleep. The creature was curled up on my pillow beside my head. “Do I seem like a monster?” I asked, hoping Penelope wasn’t already asleep.

She didn’t respond right away, which was probably for the best. Her answer might not be what I wanted to hear. Because I didn’t feel like a monster. I rolled onto my side.

“No,” Penelope said quietly.

That was all I needed to hear and I relaxed, closing my eyes. The creature scooted closer, her body against my forehead.

“You’re the best monster of all,” a soft, masculine voice said.

That wasn’t Penelope.

I lifted my head, searching the wide eyes of the creature.

Its tongue came out, tasting the air. When it was back inside, its clawed hands touched my face. “That’s right, I can speak,” it said, his voice so low only I could hear. “And my name is Oakus.”

It-he pressed his face against mine. “Thank you for taking me with you. I am forever in your debt.”

I could say the same about him. When I’d been afraid and lonely, he showed up. I snuggled against him. It’s nice to meet you, Oakus,” I said, and yawned,