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

the sun was setting, and the mountains seemed to glow like it wore a halo. Wyatt sat by the fire staring into it like it held all of the answers of the Universe. He was alone, and I went over, sticking my hands out toward the flames to warm them. It was chilly in the low light. The smoke came at me like an old friend, but I wanted to put it out. Even though we were in Wyoming's openness, the fire still contributed to pollution, and I didn’t want to be a part of that, especially since we didn’t have anything to cook. But I didn’t say anything. In fact, I felt stupid for thinking about it.

When had I become such a tree hugger? “Thanks for all you did to help our team today. Without you, none of us would be here.”

Wyatt didn’t look at me, but I saw a wisp of a smile lift his lips. “Anytime,” he said. Then he patted the spot on the log next to him. “Sit by me. There’s something I need to tell you.” His face remained serious.

Nerves fluttered in my belly. What could he possibly need to say? “Sure.” I sat down, careful not to squish Oakus. He was now in my sweatpants pocket, and I hoped no one said anything about the bulge because I had no explanation. “What’s up?”

He looked at me. “Diana,” he said. “Did you know she was the goddess of the moon?”

Even in the fading light, he was glorious. I worked hard not to be awestruck by him, but it was difficult. “Uh, yeah. My mom mentioned it once or twice when I was growing up.” If that was all he wanted to talk about, then I had no reason to worry.

Wyatt cleared his throat. “The other night when you were—”

“Wyatt! Diana! On your feet.”

Whatever Wyatt intended to say was cut off by Logan, who appeared seemingly out of nowhere. I was curious whether it was his job to remain just out of sight but still close enough to keep an eye on us. Made sense.

“What do you want?” Wyatt asked, his voice sounding bored and slightly irritated. He didn’t move to stand.

“Don’t talk to me like that, initiate,” Logan snapped.

Wyatt’s relaxed attitude tightened up, his body flexed, and I saw a wisp of his wolf. There was something between these two, but I didn’t know what.

I stood, putting my hands at my sides, keeping one arm in front of the bulky pocket that contained Oakus.

Wyatt carefully unfolded himself, adjusting his pants and crossing his arms. The feelings rolling off him were palpable, and they were filled with anger. Logan may be a Rasa Warrior, but I had no doubt Wyatt could take him in a fight.

“Good dog,” Logan said.

I heard Wyatt clamp his teeth together.

“Now,” Logan went on. “It’s time to start your third test.”

As he spoke, a starting line appeared to the right of me and the left of Logan. It materialized out of thin air. Startled, I found myself leaning into Wyatt.

Billie, Fallon, and Penelope came out of the tent, confusion and nervousness evident on their faces. Fallon quickly stuffed the last of whatever he was eating into his mouth.

“What’s the test?” Wyatt asked, his eyes lasered on Logan.

Logan smiled, and it was malicious. I didn’t like him. I decided that right then. Whoever he was to Wyatt, Logan wasn’t a good guy. “Your team will be divided in half. The hunters and the hunted.” He looked at me when he said the last part.

The holographic screen appeared above Logan’s head. It was divided into two categories. Team Hunters and Team Hunted. Before he spoke, I saw for myself what was about to happen. A zing of fear shot through me. If Wyatt’s team wanted to win, they could easily do so. And that would put me in last place again. I had no doubt. My wolf demanded I run away, but I needed to stay to hear the rules. Didn’t I?

“The Hunters team will be Wyatt Wright, Fallon Gibson, Penelope Smythe, and Billie Jean Rivera,” Logan said. “And the Hunted will be Vivian Anders, Cohen Timpkins, Holly Spangle, and Moonlight Valene.” When he spoke, his smile got so big, I could see all of his teeth. They seemed to glow in the dark they were so bright.

“Rules,” Wyatt barked. It was apparent he wasn’t happy with the turn of events.

Neither was I.

“I’m getting to them,” Logan said. He was enjoying this way too much. “This is a timed test that ends when all four of the Hunted are captured or if the Hunted capture three flags and return them here.” As he spoke, he looked up at the screen.

The columns showing who was on which team vanished and were replaced by a map. There was a large red dot. It flashed or throbbed like a beating heart.

“This is the Academy. If the Hunted secure the three flags and return them before they are captured by the Hunters, the game is over. It’s majority rules. If three of the Hunted are captured, then the fourth is out by default. If all three flags are found and returned to the Academy before three of the Hunted are captured, then the Hunted team wins, and the test is over. Does that make sense?”

“What about the rest of Diana’s team?” Penelope asked. “It isn’t fair that they don’t know the rules.”

“After I finish here, I’ll tell them. I know where they are,” Logan said, his smirk growing.

“Well, shouldn’t Diana?” Fallon asked.

“You guys seem way too concerned about what’s going on with the opposing team.” His features went cold. “Diana will be given a ten-minute head start. She will also be given a map with the location of the flags. You four will wait here until the timer runs out.” As he spoke, the map on the screen disappeared and was replaced by a large timer with ten minutes on it. “Here’s the map, Diana,” Logan said,