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

know yet.” I stood and walked out of the cafeteria, leaving a brooding Rally behind. I had already been forced into so many things. I didn't want to be forced into a party too.
“Why didn’t you tell me your hunt was moved up to October? And you had a physical exam that cleared you for hunting?”
“Thanks for knocking, Mom.” I swiveled in my chair. “Wait? October? What are you talking about?”
She blinked. “The letter says that your class has been moved up. Something about better suited for our community’s population needs. It also says that a copy of this letter was sent home with you last week and that you were physically cleared for hunting. What exactly did they do, Lea?” She held up a copy of the letter.
I looked down and saw the pink invitation Beth had given me. I moved my elbow and placed my arm over it. Mom watched me, but I didn’t think she noticed I intentionally covered something.
For a moment, I considered telling her everything. I almost screamed out, “I don’t want to hunt! Please don’t make me!” Instead, I sighed. “They laid me on a table. Poked around inside of me. Told me I was cleared to hunt. It wasn’t something I wanted to talk about.”
Her face softened. “Oh sweetie, I’m sorry. Usually that happens after you hunt and you’re fully aware of what’s going on. Did they ask you anything?”
“Yes.”
“What did you say?”
“I lied Mom, kept it vague. The doctor must’ve believed me. She cleared me for hunting.”
She crossed the room and kissed the top of my head. “I’m sorry you had to do that.”
“It was awful,” I admitted.
“You know you can talk to me, right? Tell me anything?”
“Yes,” I lied.
“You should’ve told me about all of this.” She waved the letter. “And Lea?”
“Yeah?”
“Your friend Rally’s mom called. Asked me if you were going to the sleepover tomorrow night. I promised her you would be there.”
My expression gave me away. I didn’t have to say anything. I was going to Beth’s tomorrow, and there would be no arguments about it. I spent the rest of the evening fuming in my room.
***
I rode home as fast as my legs would take me. When I got to my street, I sped up, skidded onto the grass, and dropped my bike to the ground. I checked our bike rack. Mother wasn't home yet. I flung the door open and climbed the stairs two at a time. My bag was where I had left it on my bed this morning. I threw some pajamas into it and ran the bathroom to get my toothbrush. If I hurried I could be halfway to Beth's before Mother got home.
When I walked back into my room, she was standing in the middle of it. I tossed my toothbrush in the bag and zipped it shut. I considered ignoring her and walking away, but I knew that would piss her off. I glanced in her direction.
“I'm glad you're ready. The walk there is going to take a while. I looked it up on the map today.”
“I was going to ride my bike. I'll be fine.” I slung my bag across my chest.
“You can't ride your bike with that bulky bag. We’re walking.”
“Why are you going with me? I'm sixteen. Perfectly capable of walking across town on my own.” I stalked out.
“Why are you being so difficult? I only want to get you there safely.”
I spun around. “You mean you want to make sure I actually go. That I don't sneak off somewhere.”
Her face went from shock to hurt to anger. “Don’t think terrible behavior will get you out of going tonight!”
I could hear Nana clicking her tongue from the kitchen. I was acting horrible. I didn't care. I was tired of being pushed into things I didn't want to do.
Without acknowledging her, I ran out the door and down the street. When I reached the intersection I stopped. Training had worked; I wasn't winded from my short sprint. Mother ran after me. I waited.
“Really Lea?” She gasped between heavy breaths. "I just want you to have friends, be a kid before you can't anymore."
“I’m sorry Mom. I won’t run again,” I promised. “Let’s