Moon Called : Werewolf Academy (Book 1)

Chapter 9

The heavy office doors burst open, and the room is suddenly flooded with the scent of wet fur and dust. A cluster of guards surges in—some geared up for a fight, others already mid-shift, their eyes glowing predatorily.

June’s hand clamps onto my shoulder, her grip like iron as she hauls me toward the exit. ‘We’re leaving. Now.’

I try to dig my heels in, to demand an answer, but the room explodes into violence. Shouts collide with guttural, chest-vibrating snarls. The last thing I see before the door slams shut in my face is a guard launched into the air, his body twisting into a blur of fur and muscle as he leaps onto Luca.

Luca doesn’t go down easy. He’s a whirlwind of teeth and defiance, his roar echoing through the heavy wood of the door even after the lock clicks into place. I’m left staring at the grain of the oak, my heart hammering against my ribs, abandoned in the hallway with June.

“What an unexpected turn of events,” June blows out a breath, hooking her arm with mine. “Come, let’s get you to your room. You’re going to love it.”

“What did Luca do?” My heart is so loud inside my ears that I can’t think. “Why was he exiled?”

“Never mind that, love. It’s not something that should concern you.” At this point, it feels more like I’m being dragged than willingly walking. I jerk my arm back, making it clear I don’t appreciate being handled like luggage.

June pauses, her sharp expression softening for a fleeting second. “He did something bad. Something that is not in my power or right to tell you. When the time is appropriate, I’m certain my sister will discuss it with you.”

My brain hitches on the word. “Your sister?”

“Oh, of course,” June lets out a dry, awkward snort. “Selene Humphrey is my sister.”

Well. That explains a lot about June’s behavior toward the headmistress. All I can manage is a dull, “Oh.”

“Anyhow. This is you.” June steps aside, revealing a cherry-red door. It’s a mess of postcards from around the world and a few faux sunflowers tucked haphazardly into the frame. “You’ll be sharing with Ariah Winter. She’s a bit shy, but sweet. I’m sure you’ll get along.”

I stand there, clutching one elbow, a duffel bag swinging from each shoulder. Even though they aren’t full, the straps are starting to bite into my skin. It’s an uncomfortable weight—though not nearly enough to distract me from the frantic rhythm of my nerves.

“I see you only brought these,” June says, gesturing to my duffel bags. “We have a storeroom filled with second-hand necessities. Not everyone’s parents—especially those from human families—are keen on helping their young ones settle in.”

“Yeah, well…” I trail off. What is there to say? I still can’t believe Mom actually did this to me. I wonder how Dad will react, but I shove the thought away. I don’t have the strength to handle that kind of pain right now.

“The point is,” June says, resting a hand on my arm, “you’re welcome to visit me and take a few things for your side of the room. Make it a bit more homey.”

I doubt I can ever turn this place into a home, but the gesture is kind. “Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Ariah was born into a werewolf family,” June continues. “You can learn a lot from her about our world.”

I nod. A thousand questions bubble in my chest, but I can’t bring myself to ask them. What happens to me now? How long am I staying? What will happen to my parents?

“Right, I suppose that settles it. You know where to find me.” June smiles, but there’s a shadow of concern behind it.

A heavy sense of doom settles in my gut. It’s the classic ‘new-girl syndrome’—the realization that I’m about to be fresh meat for every bully in the building. I watch helplessly as June turns and sprints down the cavernous hallway like her feet are on fire.

A clicking sound echoes behind me. Light spills onto the stone floor, lining my shadow in a halo of gold.

I spin around to find a girl my age gawking at me, a lollipop tucked into her cheek. Her eyes drop to my duffels, then work their way slowly back up to my face. She tries to smile, but it’s a struggle.

“Afphf newf girlf?” she mumbles around the candy, before finally pulling it out. “You’re staying in this room? With me?” She waves a hand at the space behind her. “As in… I actually get a roommate?”

I glance at the cherry-red door. “Yeah. I guess so.”

She startles me with a loud squeal and throws her arms around me, pulling me into a lung-crushing hug. “Welcome!” When she finally steps back, she’s breathless. “You have no idea how miserable it’s been without a roommate. What’s your name?”

“Hailey.” I trail after her, my brain struggling to keep up. The room is… a lot. “Wow. Are all the rooms like this?”

“I’m Ariah. Ariah Winter—but you probably knew that. And nope,” she beams. “My parents are awesome and made sure I have everything I need.”

A sad lump forms in my throat as I scan the space. It’s huge and bathed in warm, autumnal light. The walls are a rich burnt orange, making the whole place feel like a sunset. In one corner, there’s a desk with a sleek laptop, a coffee maker, and even a popcorn machine. It’s a haven. It’s also clearly expensive.

“Uh, which bed is yours?” My eyes bounce between two twins bedecked in chocolate-brown bedding and fiery orange leaves.

“The left one.” She points. “I actually bought the bedding for the second one when my previous roommate passed away. Just to fill the space.” Her brows furrow when she sees my face go pale. “You don’t like it? I can take it off.”

Ariah reaches for the pillow, but I shake my head. “No, it’s pretty. It’s just—you said she died?”

“Oh.” Ariah looks down at her feet. “Yeah. She was murdered.”

“Murdered?” I sputter the word, the cozy warmth of the room suddenly feeling stifling. “At the academy?”