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

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