Half Blood Rising novel Chapter 8

“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.

She nodded and then passed me a piece 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 books could help. Besides, I was good at kicking butt, too, and if I could show Lachlan what I was capable of, then maybe he would get off my case.

“I 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 can tame his character, Jaymin,” Oldman admitted. I was a little shocked at hearing this.

The Scot was a real pain, but some sort of energy was pulling me towards him. I couldn’t deny it.

“I think the council in 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 had happened, that the council had kept records on me, but I wasn’t exactly sure how much they’d gone into detail. This was the real deal, and Tristan was probably looking for me.

“Don’t worry, I’m keeping an eye on 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 stay focused and work hard.”

She was right. I was capable of more than anyone could imagine, I just had to keep my temper in check, and I would do fine.

I shook her hand and then left, contemplating 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 home.

Oldman had given me a map. She circled the space 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 enough to stay and get into the Elite.

Everyone knew that once someone passed the admission trials to the Elite, then other opportunities would arise quickly. I had fought with the worst of the worst, learning everything that I could from experience.

It took me a few minutes to locate the practise room. I walked 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 me a stunner and asked where the hell I’d been hiding all this time. Her bubbly personality was something else, and her laughter was contagious.

The practise room smelled of sweat and vampire.