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

squarely ahead. It was like they had no personality or souls, but were of one mind.

My father went on. “You will be paired in teams. The only way to win the challenge is to work together. Got it?”

A couple of people responded with soft yes’s, but mostly everybody remained silent.

My father smiled, but it wasn’t one of joy. It made me shudder. “I didn’t hear you,” he shouted.

“Yes,” came the reply from dozens this time.

Not me, though. Not Wyatt either.

Penelope responded and then looked at us sheepishly. “What?”

“Everyone on your feet,” my father ordered.

Nervously, I got to my feet.

When we were all standing, he continued, “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” the whole room shouted.

I mouthed it, but couldn’t get behind yelling like the others.

“That’s better. You’ll notice our fine Rasa Keepers have entered the room.” He indicated them with his hand as he spoke. “They will direct you and give you instructions on the second test. Do as they say, and you won’t get hurt.” He exited through a door to the left and was gone.

We all remained standing as the Rasa Keepers came forward, grouping students together and leading some out. The guy who came over to Wyatt, Penelope, and I seemed to know Wyatt. They exchanged a wordless greeting before he went and collected five other students and brought them over to us.

Three I recognized. Fallon was the guy in the cell beside me last night, and the other two were Vivian and Cohen. The other two names I couldn’t remember.

“My name is Logan. Good job completing your first test. Some of you did better than others, but now isn’t the time to focus on the past. Instead, concentrate on your next task,” he said, meeting the eyes of everyone in the group except mine.

And why would he? I was in last place. The others in the group kept looking over and then away like they wished they’d been grouped with anyone else.

Sorry, guys, I thought, wrapping my arms around myself. My father said I was only still here because of my wolf. I wanted to prove him wrong. Somehow I would, I promised myself.

Logan was still talking. “You eight are to complete an obstacle course. It is treacherous and will also be timed, but if you work as a team, you will do just fine.” He looked at me then. Or I should say he glared. “Use your strengths to help each other. Am I clear?” His gaze flashed around at the rest of us.

We all agreed.

I cringed and glanced down at my shoes. I can do this, I thought.

“Good. Now follow me,” Logan said and started toward the exit.

I waited for everyone else. Wyatt waited as well.

When we were finally moving, he said, “Whatever happens, stay close to me.”

I didn’t know why he was so keen on protecting me, but I appreciated his willingness. “I’m not going to like this, am I?”

“Probably not,” he admitted. “No one does. It’s just something to get through.” He leaned in closer. “Trust your instincts, and remember this is a school. It might look like you can die, but they aren’t going to kill anyone.”

I took that to heart as we went outside.

The weather was changed once again. There was no longer snow on the ground, but green grass and a mild breeze. That wasn’t what held my attention. It was the twenty-foot tall gate of greenery standing ominously just on the other side of the circular driveway. The grassy knoll and animal-shaped shrubberies were gone.

The other initiates were surprised and voiced their concerns.

Someone said what I already believed, that it existed because of magic.

I sucked in a deep breath, hoping this time I would do better. That I would be an asset to my team and not a disappointment. Several other groups were standing around, talking uneasily with each other. Probably making a plan. I knew it was an obstacle course. All I could think about was the TV show, American Ninja Warrior. If the course was like that, I might have a chance of being an asset.

One by one, each group was called forward. A leaf-covered door would open, and the groups were instructed to enter. Occasionally when the door opened, I would hear screams, cursing, and sounds that seemed more horror movie than an obstacle course. The others in our group looked at Wyatt to lead and keep them calm. He was definitely the alpha. He did his best, offering encouraging words, but I got the feeling he was nervous too.

When we were scheduled to enter next, Wyatt faced us. “Huddle up,” he said.

We gathered into a circle.

“Introduce yourselves,” he began. “I’ll go first. My name is Wyatt Wright. I’ve gone through this once before. I’m going through again because I did something I shouldn’t have…” He paused, and I heard his teeth grind together as his gaze flicked at me.

Was it my fault he was here again?

Wyatt went on. “Redoing the initiation process is my penance. But it’s fine because it gives me an edge. Like I said, I’ve been through this before and ended up in Legacy house.” He nodded. “So, you can bet I want to come out of this on top and in first place again.” He spoke passionately, and we all listened. “You next,” he said to Penelope.

She cleared her throat. “Penelope Smythe. I’m from Brooklyn, but my parents grew up here, which is why they wanted me to attend this Academy.” She shrugged. “It’s cool.” She tapped a finger on her lips. “Assets. I’m really good at rock climbing.” She flashed her fingers. “These phalanges can hang from anything.”

“Good to know,” Wyatt said and smiled. “Next.”

It was Fallon’s turn. I didn’t learn anything new.

Vivian Anders was from Cheyenne and, like me, came from a Legacy family. She had brown hair and looked partially Asian. She said she was good at everything. Arrogant much?

Cohen Timpkins was a big black guy with hazel eyes. He was from London, England. His parents made him come here,