Half Blood Rising

“This is your probation period. It’s an initial contract, and once you pass the three-month mark, you will gain a full scholarship,” Oldman said once I was sitting in front of her. “We always want to ensure that we made the right decision.”

This bit was scary. I stared at the piece of paper, feeling a little misled. She hadn’t mentioned any sort of probation period, but I supposed Moonlight couldn’t hand out this kind of opportunity to just any supernatural creature out there. A scholarship meant that I would be set up for years to come.

I understood all the rules, and I couldn’t do any better on my own, so this was a good deal.

“So, how much do I need to screw up in order to not pass the probation period?” I asked, going deep. Everything was outlined clearly, but I needed to know what was expected of me.

Karina had given me almost an entire wardrobe—we had a similar build, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. I was wearing a low-cut top and brown shorts. It was still humid outside, and Oldman looked immaculate, as always. There was an odd tickling in the back of my throat that reminded me I was thirsty, but not for water—for blood. This was strange. I’d never had a proper craving for it before. Maybe it was because I was around so many supernaturals now.

She gave me a tight smile, staring at the pen I was holding. “Well, the academy is searching for commitment in our students, also teamwork and attitude play a critical role. It’s difficult to say. We have expelled students for fighting, jeopardising our missions, and for stealing from others. There are many factors, but as long as you’re following the rules, you should be fine.”

This was what I was afraid of. Most of the time I didn’t have to listen to anyone. I’d always done what I wanted. In my mind, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to do so well following the rules in general.

Right then, I told myself that it was something I was willing to work on—I had to. No one in their right mind would waste this kind of opportunity. Rogue or not, I needed to start listening to others. I signed everything and pushed the paperwork towards her. She appeared satisfied.

“Okay,” I said. “I understand.”

“Lachlan is training in one of the halls, you should join him. I have a feeling that you two will work well together,” she said unexpectedly. “Your schedule officially starts tomorrow. No one has challenged him yet, and your fighting skills are pretty impressive.”

I shifted in my seat, thinking she had to be joking. I didn’t want to interact with Pretty Boy. The issue was that he got under my skin, and my emotions were becoming unstable when I was around him. This had nothing to do with the fact that he was so damn good looking—nothing at all.

“Right now?” I asked, a little baffled.

out that it was my new class schedule. Karina was right; the subjects were pretty interesting. For some reason, I believed my passion for

to do right at this moment, and Lachlan needs to learn to share his skills with others. I matched you with this group because I believe you can tame his character, Jaymin,” Oldman admitted. I was a

real pain, but some sort of energy was

Lviv might still be looking for me,” I said, wanting to be up-front about everything. “As you know, a few days before you pitched me, I eliminated a werewolf, but my contact showed up with a vampire from the council who wanted to know what I was … and he didn’t like my answer.” She’d said she’d known about part of what

everyone who’s wanted by the council, and you aren’t on any of their lists. After we spoke, I ran a little check for myself. We protect our students here, Jaymin,” she answered quickly. “The academy could help you discover your background, but the process takes a bit of time. You have potential, and you will pass the probation period; just

imagine, I just had to keep my temper in check, and I

felt so surreal to keep passing other students in the corridor. It was almost the end of the day for most of them, and their auras were drained. Karina was in the library, she wanted to check the section about shifter packs. I didn’t even know that kind of section existed. I was still trying to take everything in, the fact that I was part of

where the Scottish pretty boy was training. I contemplated for a little while if I wanted to do this for myself, but he was too confident. I had to show Oldman that I was more than capable

knew that once someone passed the admission trials to the Elite, then other opportunities would arise quickly.

I’d showered, Karina combed and styled my hair, so I looked and felt good. Karina had been a little taken

smelled of

wasn’t wearing a shirt. Damn it, this wasn’t what I was expecting at all. He was holding a sword; it was beautifully crafted with what appeared to

I tried not to look, but I was too drawn to his incredible scent, drawn to his energy. The arousal I was feeling was unexpected, shooting through my core like an inferno. He was beautiful and his skin was shining brightly against the sun’s rays as they disappeared behind the horizon. I swallowed hard, telling myself that the tickling inside my throat had nothing to do with bloodlust. I’d never experienced the pleasure that came from drinking from another vampire, or a human who didn’t have tainted blood. I’d read somewhere that apparently it was better than an orgasm, but maybe the author exaggerated a bit. I had no idea if

chest. I’d bet he was well aware of my skyrocketing pulse. He stared at me for a long time, not answering, and invading my personal space. His

was no attraction towards the pretty boy; he was arrogant and looked down his nose at me. I was denying any kind of feelings towards him. Someone had to remind him that he wasn’t superior

body was so close to mine as our scents and energies intermingled. This strange heat and arousal made

of desire racing down my spine. He was gripping the sword so tightly that his knuckles were almost white. I tried to gather

fangs had

I saw myself walking on the street, smiling and holding someone’s hand. The image in my mind only lasted a few seconds,

out from under him. He was too absorbed in my addictive energy, trying to figure out what else was coded in my DNA to react quickly enough. Lachlan dropped the sword and crashed to the floor, while I locked my thighs around his neck.

was burning my skin; I’d never been so turned on in my life. Vampires were cold: there was no blood rushing through their