Blood Legacy (Wolf Moon Academy Book 2) Read online

Liam's body tensed. "Come in, but it better be good."

  The door opened, and Micah entered. When his golden eyes landed on me, he paused. "I'm so sorry you're hurt." He cleared his throat and took another hesitant step into the room. "I didn't get the chance to say thank you, so... uh... thank you."

  I couldn't stop the smile from spreading across my face. "You're welcome, but let's try not to let this happen again. Okay?"

  Micah chuckled. "Deal."

  "This is why you came in here?" Liam scowled at Micah. "You could've waited till tomorrow."

  "No, I found out who helped get Mia kidnapped." Micah took a deep breath and stared Liam in the eyes. "It was Amber."

  My heart dropped, but the words made sense now that he said them. She had purposely gotten me to follow her. If that bitch thought she had gotten the upper hand, she was about to learn how far she could fall.

  Chapter Nine

  The alarm sounded, and my eyes flew open. Instantly, the pain hit again. The only reason I slept any last night was due to the painkillers Evan gave me.

  "I'll go meet the guys. You get some rest." Liam was spooning me, and he lifted himself over my shoulder to kiss my cheek.

  "No, I want to go too." I turned on to my back, and tears threatened my eyes as the pain sliced through my shoulder.

  "Are you okay?" The concern was clear in his voice.

  "Yeah, I'm not hurting near as bad." I yanked the covers off me and sat up slowly. Yes, it hurt, but not the mind-numbing pain it had been. "I want to go too. I need to be there. I can't look weak."

  "You took a fucking bullet." He shook his head and sat next to me. "You don't look weak at all."

  "Maybe, but I'm not hurting like I was, so I'm coming. I'll take some Advil instead of the strong painkillers that make me want to sleep all day." Now that I could somewhat move, I needed to get back to class.

  I got up and went into my closet, selecting a silver Wolf Moon Academy polo shirt and a blood-red academy skirt. It was getting colder now that it was October, so I grabbed a pair of silver leggings to wear underneath.

  Liam was already dressed in his blood-red shirt and khakis. "At least, let me help you get dressed." When he turned and saw what I chose, he shook his head. "You're planning on going to class, aren't you?"

  "Well, yeah." The longer I stayed out, the more I was getting behind. Also, I felt a little trapped and needed to get some fresh air and do something different. "I need to go."

  He blew out a breath and shook his head. "Fine, but I'm carrying your stuff to each one. There's no way you can wear a backpack, and it's only fair since I think it's still too early."

  "That's fair." The fact that he listened meant the world to me. He was afraid for me to be away from him, so this was taking a lot for him. However, we needed the practice since he'd be gone all of fall break.

  "Here, let me help you." He walked over and took hold of the edges of my shirt, helping me slowly take it off. I still wasn't able to raise my arm, so he helped pull my arm out before pulling the shirt completely off. It took a minute, but soon I had the polo shirt on. He also helped change me into my leggings and skirt. "I never thought I'd see the day where I was helping you dress. I figured I would always be undressing you." Even though he was attempting a joke, the anxiety coming through our bond made it clear he was struggling with me being hurt like this.

  "Give me a day or two and I'll be ready to make up for lost time." I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my lips to his.,

  "I'll be counting down the minutes." He kissed me back and pinched my ass.

  "Hey." I laughed, and for once, it didn't feel like I got stabbed in the shoulder. "Do you mind brushing my hair?" Even though my right shoulder was fine, any movement like that also pulled the muscles in my injured shoulder. I wasn't ready to be that tough yet.

  "Of course." He grabbed the brush and ran it through my hair.

  After rushing into the bathroom, I brushed my teeth, put a little bit of makeup on to give my cheeks some color, and used the bathroom before I was ready to start the day. I headed back into my room to find Liam texting on his phone.

  He glanced up and met my eyes. "Are you ready? The guys are at my dorm, waiting on us."

  "Yeah." I hadn't meant to make him late, but I couldn't leave looking like I’d just rolled out of bed.

  His face spread into a grin. "You do look like you're feeling better."

  "I am, but the makeup also helps hide some of the pain." I pointed to my backpack against the wall. "Do you mind carrying it?"

  "If you remember, I told you that was a requirement." He winked at me and grabbed the bag. He opened the door and waved me through. "Evan’s cooking French toast."

  "Wait. Really?" That was my favorite breakfast meal, and the restaurant didn't have it on the menu. Apparently, I'd talked in my sleep while recovering in their dorm room. Both Evan and Liam had fun listening.

  "I don't know if I should be ecstatic that Evan likes you or jealous." He shook his head. "He's never gotten up to make me breakfast before."

  "Stop. He knows we're fated mates." I walked down the hallway to the front door. "You've got nothing to be concerned with. Hell, he was the one who told me to leave with you the night of the party."

  "That's his only saving grace. Well, that, and he knew how to get the bullet out and take care of you." He arched an eyebrow as he opened the door.

  Soon, we were outside the building and walking into his dorm next door. By the time we entered their room, Evan was laying a plate on their kitchen table with the pill bottle next to it. Micah and Simon were giving him strange looks as they sat on the couch.

  That piece of furniture was the one slight change from their dorm and mine and Bree's. They had a more open floor plan where the kitchen table was open to the den.

  "What's she doing here?" Simon's amber eyes scanned me over as he scowled in my direction. His skin wasn't as dark as Micah's but a slightly darker olive tone than mine and Liam's; his ash-blond hair made him appear darker. His body tensed as he wrinkled his nose.

  "Who'd you think I made French toast for?" Evan rolled his eyes.

  "Wait. You did that for her? I thought it was for you." Simon looked at each one of the heirs, stopping on Micah. "Tell them this is ridiculous."

  "She saved my life, man." Micah lifted both hands in the air. "So..."

  "Are you fucking serious?" Simon took a step back and shook his head. "You've all lost your damn minds." He pointed at me. "Her dad's not even a city alpha. What the hell are you three thinking?"

  "We aren't here to debate this." Liam placed my bag on the floor and went over to the table, pulling the seat out for me. "Eat and take the meds. You need to stay on top of the pain."

  He didn't have to tell me twice. I dug my fork into the French toast and took a bite. "Ooh, it's delicious." I turned to Evan. "Tastes just like my mom's."

  "That's because we got her recipe." Liam chuckled as he watched me.

  "You need the medicine." Evan pointed at the bottle.

  "I just want Advil today. I want to go to class." I took another bite of the food and enjoyed the taste.

  Evan eyed Liam as if he was asking permission.

  "Oh, no." I pointed at Evan and lifted my head. I didn't care if I had a mouthful of food, they didn't get to make my decisions for me. "This isn't something the two of you decide for me. I refuse to take this damn pill, so give me the stuff I'm asking for."

  "Just do it." Liam nodded his head, and Evan headed back into the kitchen, opened a cabinet, and pulled out the medicine. He brought me four pills. "Here."

  "Thank you." I glanced around the room. "Is anyone else going to eat?" It felt strange that all four of them were watching me stuff my face.

  "Yeah, I made enough for all of us." Evan went back to the kitchen and piled his plate full while Liam and Micah followed his lead.

  When Simon stood from the couch, he just stared at the four of us sitting at the table. He shook his head. "So, we're just a happy fucking fami
ly now. We all come together to eat breakfast and talk about our day?"

  "Shut the hell up, Simon." Liam turned his chair so Simon wasn't to his back. "You know why we're all here, so get on with the story."

  "With her here?" Simon blinked, and his mouth dropped open.

  It appeared that we were going to have this same conversation with him over and over again. "You might as well get used to my presence. If being kidnapped and shot didn't run me off, then it finally should sink in that I'm not going anywhere."

  "She's right." Liam took a bite of his food as if he didn't have a care in the world, but our bond told a different story. He was pissed. "And if you try forcing our hand, then you'll be down an heir."

  "Fine. Amber and I have been having a casual thing." Simon's eyes filled with laughter, and he smirked as he caught my eye. "You know, kinky sex. She still yells Liam's name sometimes, but I don't give a fuck."

  Liam jumped out of his chair and grabbed Simon by the throat, holding him in the air just where his feet couldn't touch the ground. "I'm about to lose my shit. When Micah told us Amber helped in getting Mia kidnapped, all I wanted to do was go to her room and make her hurt like she'd done Mia. The only reason I didn't was because Mia needed rest, but today is a new day. And from here on out, if anyone tries to hurt her, they better be ready to feel my wrath. Do you understand?"

  He nodded his head, and Liam placed his feet back on the ground.

  "Got it." He rubbed his neck where Liam's handprint marked his flesh red. He cleared his throat as he took in a deep breath.

  Liam walked back to his seat and popped another piece of food into his mouth as if what he'd just done was nothing. However, he was still livid. It had taken every bit of his control to put Simon down. Our bond didn't allow there to be any secrets between us.

  It was crazy how I'd already forgotten how he could be. Granted, he never hurt me physically, but he had left some emotional scars before we finally worked things out between us.

  "Now, please continue." Liam arched his eyebrow as if he was almost daring him.

  "Like I was saying. Amber and I had been spending some time together. Yesterday, she asked where you've been. That she'd expected to see you by now." Simon sat on the couch and rubbed at his neck again. "I asked her what she meant. The bitch actually thought I was jealous." He chuckled.

  Evan kept staring at me, so I finally gave in and took the four pills. He nodded and placed his focus on Simon as soon as I'd finished swallowing. At this point, I wasn't sure if he or Liam was worse.

  "When I mentioned that you," Simon said as he pointed at Liam, "were taking care of Mia, that she’d gotten kidnapped and then hurt, Amber started freaking out."

  "What do you mean, freaking out?" Evan's voice was his usual low rasp.

  "She jumped up, got dressed, and started pacing, asking questions like ‘did we know who took her’." Simon rolled his eyes. "She was upset, and I knew better than to believe she actually cared about someone so use..." He paused and winced. "So important to Liam."

  "Did she come right out and say it?" Liam arched an eyebrow. "Or did you just assume it?"

  "Well, she asked if we figured out who took her, and I said yes. That's when she broke down and told me that she was the one who had lured Mia into the trap. She kept going too, telling me that she and I needed to work together to get rid of her for good."

  Wait. He does want to get rid of me for good, so why is he telling us this? It made no sense to me whatsoever.

  It's because he's trying to use this as leverage over us. Liam took a drink of his water, acting as if he didn't have a care in the world. He's using this information to make up for hurting your brother. Evan and I haven't been talking to him, and because of that, his father has been throwing a fit at the council’s meetings over it. He's trying to bridge the gap he created between us. Especially now that Micah has crossed over to our side.

  How can you all live like this? It still blew my mind. They were heirs and vital to the shifter world. Yet, instead of working together for the betterment of the packs, they were scheming, trying to be the one with the most control and power.

  Honestly, I never questioned it before you. Through our bond, I could feel his love and adoration. It's always been like this, how we were raised. "So how did you respond?"

  "I told her definitely. That the bitch needed to go."

  Liam stood from his seat, ready to inflict pain once more.

  “Whoa!" Simon raised both hands in the air. "Obviously, it’s not going to happen even if I think it should, so I figured I could lead Amber into some sort of trap."

  "Did she say whether the council was involved?" Micah took the last bite of his food. "Those three guys swore it was them."

  "No, and if our dads said they didn't do it, then we know they didn't." Simon shrugged. "But if I play this right, then maybe we can find out who really did order it."

  Is he really that stupid? Who else would it have been? I didn't see how Simon could believe them without any hesitation.

  We were raised not to question them, and honestly, I didn't have a reason to do so … until you. Liam nodded his head. "Then, we use it. We can't do too much too soon, or she'll be suspicious. I want her ass in jail, so we need to get proof and show our dads. Then, we can get justice."

  "That's cold." Simon grinned, and despite his words, humor filled his eyes. "She'll go down, taking her family with her. I fucking love it."

  He scares the shit out of me. I'd always thought the other three were the scariest, but now I realized it was Simon. He was unhinged and enjoyed inflicting pain on others. Someone like him should never be allowed on the council.

  There's nothing to be afraid of. Liam reached over and took my hand. He's crazy but totally predictable.

  "That just proves I need to go back to class." I took the last bite of my food and stood. "If I go back and act normal, that will drive her even more crazy."

  "I hate to admit it, but she has a point." Liam picked up my plate along with his and took them into the kitchen. "The quicker we go back to acting normal, the more irrational she'll get."

  "Thank you for breakfast." I smiled at Evan, touched that he would do something like that for me.

  "You're welcome." He stood and arched an eyebrow. "Be careful. Otherwise, you're going to be in a lot of pain tonight."

  "Got it." I took a deep breath as Liam grabbed my bag and opened the door for me.

  Here it was. I was returning to reality. I'd thought I was ready for it. However, after hearing how desperate Amber was to get rid of me, it made me hesitate. Except, I couldn't let fear dictate my life. Instead, I took a deep breath and exited the dorm to face my enemies head-on.

  Chapter Ten

  When we walked into the building that housed my Composition, Precalculus, and Shifter History classes, Liam sped up as we breezed through the main entrance between the stairwells. As we entered the hallway, he stepped slightly in front of me.

  Before I could ask what he was doing, I heard her voice. "Liam, I've been worried about you. You missed the football game and haven’t been around lately."

  You missed your football game? That hadn't even crossed my mind. I had gone missing on a Thursday and they found me Saturday. They had a game against another smaller shifter school last weekend, and it was a huge deal.

  Of course, I did. Evan did too. Do you really think I'd choose football over finding you? Liam stiffened and turned to face the bitch head-on. "Had more important plans last weekend.” His feeling of hatred toward her filled our bond. He was so close to coming unglued.

  "More important than a football game where packs came to see the heirs in action? Your dad was beside himself." A smile began to spread across her face until I stepped into her view.

  I wasn't going to hide behind Liam. He wanted to protect me, but that was only going to make things worse. My wolf was as strong as his was, and we had to fight our battles together.

  "As newly fated mates, I had more important th
ings to do like spend time with Mia." His eyes were so dark that the navy blue could have easily been black. He looked at me and winked.

  "Oh, well ..." She frowned, and her nose wrinkled in disgust. "I told you she's not good enough for you. Now she's got you missing important games."

  "Football isn't what I'm concerned with." He gently wrapped his arm around my waist, careful not to jar my shoulder. "I've learned that there is more to life than being the quarterback." A tender smile crossed his face.

  “It’s more than a game, and you know it.” She sneered as her gaze landed on me. “This is about all the packs seeing how strong and determined the heirs are. That’s why you need someone like me by your side, who understands these things … not her.”

  “Well, I’m not interested in having you.” Liam narrowed his eyes and smirked. “But congratulations on snagging Simon. You two are perfect for each other.”

  “If that’s what’s holding you back, I can dump him in a heartbeat.” She wet her bottom lip and scanned him from top to bottom like a piece of meat.

  “It’s cute that you think he’d want you.” I’d never felt such hatred for someone before, and to be honest, I didn’t like it at all.

  “I wasn’t talking to you.” Her voice was a hiss as she spoke low.

  “You need to get it into that dense head of yours.” He dropped his hand from my waist and took a menacing step toward her while looking down his nose. “I was never yours, to begin with. Now, leave me alone. I won’t be so kind if you try this shit one more time with either her or me.” He turned his back on her and took my hand, pulling me toward the elevator.

  Once we got in, he blew out a breath. Damn! I’m so sorry.

  For what? He’d done absolutely nothing to apologize for.

  Bringing you into this world. He stepped into me and brushed his fingers along my cheek. It’s like around every corner, someone is there who wants to hurt us.

  You didn’t bring me into this world. I’d be here regardless. He needed to remember that I was an heir too. You do realize I’ll be taking back what is mine?