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

stomach growled. Oakus was hungry too. I could tell by the way he dug his nails into my side.

Wyatt noticed how hard I was staring and came over, offering me a grape. I took it and popped it in my mouth. “Thanks,” I said, my mouth singing.

“Here,” he handed me the whole bunch. Then he went over to the firepit and began to stack logs to build a fire.

I took another grape and stuck it in my pocket. Oakus grabbed it and ate it so loud I thought the others would hear, but no one seemed to notice.

The rest of our group helped Wyatt stack the wood, and before long, a fire was raging.

“Are we supposed to hunt?” Vivian asked, wrinkling her pert nose. “Or is there food in the tent?”

Wyatt stabbed the fire with the stick Penelope had picked up. His features were twisted into frustration. He glared at her.

Fallon and Cohen came out one after the other.

Finally, Wyatt spoke up. “There are fruits and veggies and bread in the tent, but if we want meat, it looks like we will have to hunt.” He dropped the stick and crossed his arms. “Cohen, Vivian, and Holly should be the ones to catch us some food. Billie, Penelope, and Diana can get cleaned up while you’re gone.” It wasn’t a question, but a command by the Alpha.

“Fine,” Cohen said.

“I don’t need meat. I’m not going,” Holly said and started for the tent.

Wyatt blocked her path. “Either be part of the team and get us some meat or stay out here with me and wait for the others to get done.” He shrugged. “Either works for me.”

Holly bowed her head in submission. Swallowed and stepped back as fear dashed across her face. “Fine.” She trotted over to Vivian and Cohen. “Let’s get this over with,” she said. Shifted and took off.

Cohen and Vivian did the same, chasing after her.

I glanced at Wyatt, but he was staring into the fire.

Billie started for the tent. Before she went inside, Wyatt stopped her.

“Let Diana and Penelope go first,” he said.

He was bossy. I didn’t like being told what to do or when or how to do it. Forcing myself not to roll my eyes, I went inside. The tent was lavish. Complete with a living room full of couches, chairs, and a coffee table. There was also a dining table filled with fruits and vegetables and different kinds of bread, butter, and spreads. There was also a small kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, and cupboards filled with cutlery and dishes. To the left of the kitchen was a bathroom with a shower. “This is magic,” I said to Penelope to verify.

“Definitely.” She chuckled. “I smell like dirt and sweat, but you should go first. Your bonded one demanded it.” She smirked and picked up an apple, taking an enormous bite.

I made a face. “Billy, go ahead,” I said, sitting in one of the dining chairs.

“But Wyatt—”

“Isn’t the boss of me,” I finished, interrupting her. “I can shower when I’m good and ready. Plus, I wasn’t swarmed by vampire rats. You should get cleaned up first.”

Billie smiled. “Thank you.” She reached the bathroom but didn’t go in. “I’m so sorry for going along with the others, Diana. They were wrong about you.” She went to hug me, but I held up my hands. Her wounds had healed, but her clothes were still covered in dirt and blood and who knew what else.

“After you’re cleaned up,” I said.

Billie glanced down at herself. “Right.” She took a pair of sweats off a shelf full of them just outside the bathroom. Then picked up a towel and disappeared into the bathroom but didn’t close the door. That was strange until I remembered nudity and shifting kind of went together. Everyone probably learned at a young age that it was natural.

After a few seconds, the water came on.

Penelope didn’t seem fazed. In fact, she sat quietly and finished her apple.

The grapes had been good, but I was still hungry, and so was Oakus. The claws in my side proved it. I picked up a roll and buttered it before shoving half of it in my mouth. Then took a small piece and casually gave it to the monster.

In response, he nuzzled me before taking the bread.

My heart melted for the little guy. He was already part of my family. It didn’t matter that he was from the Shade or that he was supposed to be the enemy. What did matter is that he cared for me, and I cared about him. That was what family meant. At least to me.

Penelope took a roll and buttered it before smothering it in honey.

Fallon asked if he could come in, and we said yes. He focused on eating bread and cheese, an entire red pepper, and two bananas.

As we ate, we were lost in our own thoughts. Mine were on Wyatt. Of course. But I couldn’t help it. I also kept thinking about what Penelope said about the blood bond and what that meant. The whole idea seemed crazy.

After Billie showered, I took my turn. Oakus stood on the edge of the water and fluffed his fur, using the overspray to clean himself. He was beyond adorable, and I found myself loving the little creature more and more every moment.

I didn’t know how magic water worked, but I didn’t want to waste the supply, so I finished quickly, then dressed in a pair of gray sweats, similar to Wyatt’s and everyone else’s. Boring but comfortable. With my hair, I braided it to keep it out of my face. Wyatt said it was all a test, and I wanted to be prepared for whenever the third test started. Penelope went next while Fallon and Billie kept eating. Only Wyatt wasn’t in the tent.

My heart and mind were torn. Part of me craved to be near Wyatt, and I found myself exiting the tent even as my mind recoiled at the idea of being near him.

Outside,