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.

of paper. I took it, curious to know what it was. It turned out that it was my new class schedule. Karina was right; the subjects were pretty interesting. For some reason, I believed my passion for

don’t think you have anything else 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

but some sort of energy was pulling me towards him. I couldn’t deny

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

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

than anyone could imagine, I just had to

if I should really challenge Lachlan right now. It still 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 a group and this was supposed to be my new

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

trials to the Elite, then other opportunities would arise quickly. I

in, feeling confident about my skills and abilities, confident in my appearance for the first time in as long as I could remember. After I’d showered, Karina combed and styled my hair, so I looked and felt good. Karina had been a little taken aback by the new me—she kept saying that my hair was soft as silk. She called

room smelled of

hen?” A loud voice startled me from out of nowhere. I turned around, face-to-face with Lachlan. And he 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 be hand-carved art

sheen of sweat. 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 I’d ever been in love, and no clue what it would feel like

my 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 eyes moved over my nose, lips, darting down towards

I was denying any kind of feelings towards him. Someone had to remind him that he wasn’t superior in any way, shape, or

strange heat and arousal made me immobile, while my core burned. I wanted

down my spine. He was gripping the sword so tightly that his knuckles were almost white. I tried to gather myself, but my

saw that his fangs had descended. It only added more

you already, I have no idea,” I said, as something odd flashed in my mind. I saw myself walking on the street, smiling and holding someone’s hand. The image in my mind only lasted a few seconds, but for some reason, I recognised it

that one short moment of distraction, I wrapped my arm around his neck and pulled down at the same time, sweeping my leg and knocking his feet 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. I didn’t even know how I’d done it. His eyes widened, and electricity crackled between

in my life. Vampires were cold: there was no