Flower Moon Rising (Lupine Hollow Academy Book 1) Page 4

  “Wait,” I interjected. “If I, what, lose a fight or something, there are repercussions for you?”

  “Yes.” He arched a brow as he studied me. “Pack status is contingent on all of our members. It’s why everyone you meet won’t be thrilled about you being here. They worry that you risk the way of life they have known, not only because you’re a human living amongst them, who would be able to divulge their existence to others, but simply by causing their status to move lower than they would like.”

  “So why don’t you let me just, well, be me?” I asked. “I mean, go Pack Miller, right?” I shrugged my shoulders when he merely stared at me. “Yeah, I figured it wasn’t a great idea.”

  “Lone wolves, which is what you would be if you were ‘Pack Miller,’ as you call it, are at the greatest risk. Even if my pack doesn’t immediately accept you, they will protect you. I have named you as one of our own, taken you under my protection. You are, as of now, the lowest ranking member in our pack. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, mind you. Your rank will be adjusted as your skills are shown to us. As the lowest ranking member, it’s our job to protect you from outside threats—including those of other students. It is also why I’m going to pair you with Alarick. He owes you a debt, the same as I owe you and your mother. He’s a good boy, he’s just headstrong. He believes in our pack, however, and will do whatever he needs to, to ensure that your safety is maintained while you find your place here.”

  I grimaced, glancing down at my hands. “You’re making it sound like I’m going to have to physically fight for my place here. Or that I’m at risk of hurting someone else.”

  “You will have to fight.” Raff shrugged, as though there was no need for me to worry. Ice flowed through my veins. I was five feet and one inch tall, ninety pounds soaking wet, and I would be facing off against werewolves. If my estimation was correct, I’d be a chew toy very shortly. “Don’t consider that a bad thing. It surprises us that more humans don’t teach their children how to fight and protect themselves. There are threats out there, even if you weren’t in a school with wolves. Learning how to combat those threats, especially for a young girl alone, is not only wise, it is a necessity.”

  I hunched my shoulders and fiddled with the envelope I held. I wasn’t used to someone always being steps ahead of me, not since my mom... I pushed that thought away and attempted a smile. “Well, let’s get this over with. If I’m going to be lunchmeat, I may as well go put myself on the menu.” I wasn’t sure if the bark of noise Raff made was laughter or if he was scoffing at me, but he stepped from the car and opened the trunk to allow me to grab my bags.

  “I wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t think it was for the best, Penelope,” he assured me softly, as we approached the stairs. “It will be a challenge, and potentially a bloody one at times, but I truly believe—as your mother did—that your place is going to be here with us.”

  I couldn’t speak, my throat was too tight, so I merely nodded my acceptance of his words as we reached the large double doors decorated with a twining symbol of the moon’s phases around a stylized howling wolf’s head. “My pack’s crest,” he explained, as he pushed the door open. “Anyone you see wearing it is of Lupine Hollow. Others wear their own pack’s crests, though they will be smaller than ours. A symbol of respect,” he continued as we entered.

  The building was cold, though I didn’t expect otherwise in April in Connecticut. The floors were well polished marble, and the walls were paneled in dark, carved wood that reminded me of the old homes we had seen when we toured Boston. Wall sconces sent out warm, soothing light, reflecting shadows into the corners and across the vaulted ceilings. It was like something from a television show or a history book. “The dining hall is down that way, in the west wing, and the classrooms are on that side of the building as well. Dorms are in the east wing. Males and females are not separated here, though you will have your own room and bathroom. This is considered a privilege, but we decided it would be easier since you haven’t grown up comfortable with nudity the way we have.” He wrinkled his nose. “It’s one of our largest challenges here in America, I must say.”

  “Thank you.” I glanced up at him before turning my eyes back to my surroundings, and setting my heavy bags on the marble floor. “For all of this. It doesn’t sound like it was easy for you or your pack. I didn’t know what life had in store for me after...” I cleared my throat as tears threatened to well up again. “I know it’s going to be hard here, but thank you for thinking so much about my safety and comfort.”

  “You’re welcome.” Raff reached out a hand as if to clasp my shoulder, but pulled it away. “You’ll also notice that wolves are far more physically affectionate than what you may be used to.” I grinned at that, thinking of the stories I’d read in the past. I had always enjoyed the idea of a large family, though that may have been because I had grown up as an only child, which was lonely at times. I was sure many people with large families would have considered my life peaceful. “You can tell anyone if you are uncomfortable with the contact, but many will reach out to you as they try to comfort and welcome you in. Of course, if the behavior is innately sexual, object as strenuously—or accept as willingly—as you wish. Some will try and test you, of course, just to see how you respond to their overtures. Most of our kind need that physical interaction, or sexual interaction even, and there is no hidden agenda behind it.” He shot me a look as he added, “Our school nurse always keeps protection available, should you choose to go that route. No one here will look poorly on you for it.”

  I blushed at the mention of sex and his recommendation for contraceptives, and hesitated for a moment as I studied him. So far, he’d shown that he was truly concerned for my well-being and my future—even if the reason he held that interest was due to the debt he felt he owed in return for his son’s life. I would need allies here as I learned this new lifestyle. It may have just been my need for someone to care about me, some kind of paternal figure I’d never had, but there was something about Raff that just felt safe—despite his size and his propensity to turn into a creature that could probably swallow me whole.

  “I made a promise,” I began slowly, keeping my eyes on his, “to my mom. Not…” I swallowed hard, clearing my throat as I searched for the words I needed. “After she died, I mean.” Raff remained quiet, letting me gather my thoughts. “I promised her I wouldn’t waste my life. That I would make her proud of me. I can’t take back what I did,” my voice cracked on those words, but I lifted my chin, unwilling to let the tears fall. “I can’t change what happened that night. I was a dumb teenager. I’m still a dumb teenager. I’m going to screw up, but I don’t want to hurt anyone else doing it. And if this is what she wanted for me, then I’m going to do whatever it takes to make her as proud of me as if she was standing right here.”

  Raff’s eyes were soft as they held mine. “Speaking as a parent, I can say that you already do make her proud. She would just want you to be safe and happy. I hope that’s what we can give you here.” He leaned down to grab my suitcases, tilting his head toward the hallway. “How about I show you to your room?”

  “Thanks.” I followed him, working hard to control my emotions. Studying the layout of the school proved to be a welcome distraction.

  “There’s a map in your welcome packet, I suggest you use it. Many of our kind don’t feel the need, but it will make things easier for you as you learn the campus. You’re free to roam the school and the grounds, though be aware that if you’re outside of the building, you will most likely run into your classmates, or your teachers, in their shifted forms.” I was breathing hard as we ascended several staircases, having to take three steps for every one of Raff’s. “Classes begin for you tomorrow, so use today to familiarize yourself as much as you can with the campus. It’s your choice whether or not you want to join the other students at lunch in the dining hall, since many of the students snack or take their meals during their activities at midday, however, I’ll expe
ct to see you there at dinner.” I was too busy watching where I put my feet to do more than make an agreeing noise. It seemed we were going straight up into the loft of the building, as hallway after hallway branched off beside us. “It would be better if you approached other pack members, or even your teachers, with questions, but if you need me for anything, I’m fairly easy to find. My office is near the entry hall.”

  I nearly tumbled into his back when he halted, and I resisted the urge to lean down and put my hands on my knees as I caught my breath. If I was expected to keep up here, I was going to have to learn to be athletic, and learn quickly. Unfortunately, I’d attempted to be sporty in the past and it usually ended with me breaking a bone. Hiking was the extent of my abilities, and even that was something I hadn’t done in the past few years. The hallway we had detoured into was lined with the same dark wood panels and marble flooring as the entryway. Doors lined each side at varying intervals, and most held nameplates or other decorations. It’s clear to see that we had reached the dormitories.

  “You’re here on the fifth floor—room 539. The common room for your floor is just down there.” He indicated the hall with a wave, and I saw a closed set of double doors I assumed he was referring to. “We encourage all of our students to mingle there after classes.” He pulled a key from his pocket, the ornately swirled handle reminding me of the wrought iron fencing as he placed it in my hand. “Welcome to Lupine Hollow, Pixie.”

  Chapter Five

  Raff left me in peace as I entered my room, and I closed the door behind me with a click, letting out what little air I’d managed to gather back into my abused lungs. The room was far larger than I had expected of a dorm, although with it being a private academy, I supposed I shouldn’t have been so surprised. It was larger than my bedroom at home, and tastefully decorated in shades of mint green and chocolate brown. The bed looked warm and inviting, the thick, wooden headboard was dotted with fluffy pillows in mint and cream. A desk stood in the corner, and a study space was created by several bookcases and a small recliner. I was looking forward to that part, I always preferred to study in comfortable surroundings. An ornate dressing table stood next to the door, and I carefully placed my bag of toiletries on top, too interested in the room to bother unpacking now. Another doorway stood across the room, and I assumed it led into the bathroom where I’d unpack everything later on. I slid my suitcase out of the path of the door and flopped onto the bed, glancing around and trying to gain my bearings. This would be my home for the next year and a half, at least, until I graduated high school. It was far nicer than what I would have expected at Lyle’s, that was for sure.

  I hopped to my feet and tugged open the closet in search of the uniforms Raff had mentioned. Blue and gray plaid skirts hung in a neat line next to a mix of white and blue long-sleeved blouses. Farther down hung blazers. Dark, wooden shelving was built into the closet, holding stacks of gray and blue sweater vests, sweaters, and several striped ties. All of the tops were decorated with the same logo that adorned the front doors, with golden moons and the wolf stitched in silver. Black socks, leggings, and tights were rolled neatly in another one of the built-in cubbies. At least I didn’t have to wear heels, as evidenced by the pairs of saddle shoes and black flats lined neatly against the wall. I wondered vaguely how Raff had managed to get my clothing sizes—my shoe size even—though I was grateful that there were no bras or panties anywhere in sight. That would have been just a step too far.

  “May as well get started,” I murmured, shrugging out of my leggings and sweater, and tossing them into the laundry bin attached to the back of the closet door. I slid on the skirt, socks, and blouse, careful to pick a blazer as well that had the crest Raff had mentioned prominently displayed. I’d need to google how to tie a necktie, since that wasn’t a skill I possessed, and I hoped it wouldn’t count against me for not wearing one yet. I tugged open my suitcase and threw the piled-up laundry into the bin as well. I wondered if I’d be able to do my own laundry here, or if I’d have to send it out somewhere—I didn’t like the idea of anyone else touching my clothing.

  I pulled my mom’s jewelry box and her pictures from their resting places, debating on where to put them. I set my favorite picture of Mom, with her flashing me the peace sign and her blue eyes crinkled in a laugh, on my bedside table. I hoped it would be good motivation for when I got up every day—a reminder of why I was doing this. A pang tightened my chest and I breathed through it. I couldn’t keep grieving her, not if I was going to make her proud. I settled another framed photo of the two of us from last Christmas onto the desk, glancing at the thick welcome packet that sat squarely in the middle of it, before placing the third photo I had brought with me as well. This one was of her holding me when I was no more than two or three, our heads pressed together as she rocked me.

  I knew I needed to read through the welcome packet, and I wondered if this school would do as much work via email as my old one. Lyle had given me a cell phone, but it was only capable of making the most basic of phone calls, unlike my old smartphone. I hadn’t even bothered giving my old friends the number, and I wondered if Lyle would keep my cell service on now that I wasn’t a teenager living alone. I didn’t have a laptop, it wasn’t something I had considered necessary before since my school had still been in the stone age, but now I worried that could be a problem. I wondered if the common room would have computers, or if there was a computer lab somewhere in this massive building—maybe everyone just had their own computers and it wasn’t something they used here. Whatever the case, I’d deal with it when it came up.

  I glanced at the dressing table mirror, taking a moment to fix my mussed hair, then nodded at my reflection. “New hair, new home, new me,” I declared, taking a deep breath. I slipped the room key into my pocket and grabbed the welcome packet off my desk.

  I made sure to lock the door behind me before approaching the common room, uncertain what I would find inside. The space was surprisingly warm for how large it was. A fire blazing in the massive fireplace opposite the doors created an inviting source of heat that flowed through the room. It was surrounded by plush armchairs and poufy foot stools. I debated sliding right into one and making myself at home. The room was longer than I had expected, extending the full length of the hallway, allowing enough space for a small kitchenette that appeared to be fully stocked. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten breakfast in the mayhem of this morning—or dinner the night before either, if I was honest with myself.

  “Step one,” I muttered, approaching the little kitchenette. If I was going to make a change here, part of that would be eating right. Okay, maybe not right, I decided, when I saw the boxes of fruit loops with marshmallows hiding in the cupboard. I had no idea who thought to stock those, but I was thrilled. I tended to live off cereal. A quick search of the cupboards revealed bowls and spoons, and I happily poured myself some cereal to munch on as I scanned the area. One portion was set up for watching TV and gaming, with comfortable couches and chairs surrounding a large television and a few gaming systems. The bookcases next to it were stacked with DVDs, games, and other equipment. The far side of the room seemed to be for quieter contemplation. A chessboard was set up on one table and stacks of board games filled a shelf behind it. Bookcases full of eclectic reading material were stationed between fluffy armchairs covered in soft, silky looking throw blankets and I nearly groaned. I could happily live right here, though I did wonder who the books belonged to. I wasn’t sure if they were for everyone to read or if some students preferred to store their books here rather than in their bedrooms.

  I settled onto a chair in front of the roaring fire, partially for the warmth of the blaze and partially to keep my fingers off the books across the room. It was far more important for me to start reading the welcome packet instead of burying myself into a fantasy world, no matter how badly I may want to. “Work first, play later,” I muttered around a mouthful of cereal.

  “Talking to yourself is a human habit,
” a cool voice commented behind me, and I nearly bobbled my cereal bowl as I whirled to face the speaker. I hadn’t heard the doors open, let alone anyone approach me, and I wondered when he’d come in. I swallowed, coughing as I choked on my cereal, my eyes tearing up as I tried to breathe. The male standing across from me was by far the most attractive one I’d ever met, so of course I’d be nearly dying while he looked on in disdain. His face was so chiseled, it looked as though it had been carved from rock by a master sculptor. His mouth was pressed into a tight line, but it couldn’t hide his full lips. His deep tan was surprising, considering that it was the end of April in Connecticut, but it set off his icy blue eyes to perfection. His chocolate brown hair was perfectly styled, without a single strand out of place. If I hadn’t been busy choking on cereal, I would have probably drooled. He was flawless—well, that, or my hormones had gone completely out of control. I wanted to lick him. If this is what werewolf men had to offer, my books had undeniably been on track.

  “Hey, you’re from Lupine Hollow too.” Of course those would be the first words I managed after nearly dying by fruit loops, and I felt heat build up in my cheeks though I tried to ignore it. The uniform he wore was similar to mine, with a pair of gray, pressed slacks, a blue button up shirt, a striped tie, and a blazer that matched my own.