Beasts and Savages (The Beastly Series Book 1) by Emma Woods Read Free Book Online

weekend plans we forgot all about our letters.” My fake sing song voice sounded terrible.
“Right.” She raised her eyebrow. “Well here they are.”  As I took the letters, her eyes shifted to my sleeve. Ms. Dawning grimaced and grabbed my wrist, twisting my arm as she inspected it. “Tell Rally not to go so deep next time. Or do it yourself. I don't know why you let her inject you.”
I glanced down at my arm. A small red spot spread across my yellow sleeve. I smiled at Ms. Dawning. “She can't handle poking herself, so I do it. Letting her give mine makes her feel better. Have a good weekend.” She let go of me and I ran back to Rally, waving our letters in the air.
“What did she say to you?” Rally whispered, her face still pale.
“That my arm was bleeding from the injection.” I giggled.
“Oh. Then we did it!” She joined my giggling.
We burst into the locker room. The silence that greeted us was deafening. Most of the girls had dressed quickly and bolted for the door. We started for our lockers when I heard a sob. I turned to see May, her face buried in her hands. Beth shushed her and patted her back.
“What's wrong?” I asked.
“What do you think?” Beth's amber eyes were icy. She looked at the unopened letter my hand. “You don't know yet do you?” Her expression softened.
“Know what?”
“The letters clear us for hunting. Or not.” She went back to comforting May.
Realization washed over me. I rushed to May and knelt down. “I'm so sorry!”
“It's fine,” She breathed between sobs.
“Why don't you go home? I'm sure Ms. Dawning will let you.” Beth suggested.
May stood. “I think I want to be alone now.” She pushed past us.
“Wait!” Beth called after her.
“Let her go.” I held up my arm to block Beth's path. “She'll talk to you when she's ready.” She was a head taller than me and had athlete's muscles to match her large frame. 
“What do you know about it? You haven't even opened your letter yet.” Beth flipped her caramel hair over her gold clad shoulder.
“I know about pain and loss.” As I left, I glanced down at Beth's open letter. It was yellow with the word “inconclusive” in bold letters. Underneath was the word “re-examine.” Poor Beth would have to go through this whole ordeal again next month.
Rally and I dressed in silence. Our letters remained unopened. I picked mine up and felt its weight. I wanted to open it by myself in the safety of my bedroom. I hoped it would be red. Then there would be no pressure to hunt. My family would be disappointed, but they couldn't blame me. If it were green, I wouldn't have to hide my own disappointment.
“I can't take it anymore!” Rally ripped the end off of her envelope. She jumped up and squealed, “Yes! Green!” She danced and her fists pumped in the air. Rally stopped and gave me a serious look. “Your turn.”
“Rally, I really want to be alone when I open mine.”
“What? No! This is life changing, Lea. You can't get this kind of information alone." Her voice squeaked and her face dropped.
“I know it's life changing. That's why I want to be alone.”
“Lea, no matter what, I'll be here for you. I'm your friend.” I considered what she said. If she was willing to trust me about the injections, then I could open my letter with her.
“Okay, here goes.” I carefully tucked my thumb under the corner of the envelope flap; the paper gave way easily. I let out a breath. Green. The top had a green band across it and read: APPROVED. There was a form letter at the bottom, but I didn't need to read it. I was cleared to hunt.
“Congratulations! Aren't you thrilled?” Rally wrapped her arms around me and jumped up and down.
“I guess, Rally, but Dr. Flynn had unofficially told me that I cleared.” I pulled away and tucked the letter in my bag.
“Is that why you aren't excited? Why didn't you tell me?”
I smiled at her. “I don't know. Let's go.”
As we were leaving, I noticed Beth still sitting in front