Belligerent (Vicara) by B.N. Mauldin Read Free Book Online

look after yourself here, but I'm certain that will be nothing new to you,” Shifter said but Ryan didn't bother to respond. “We should be heading to Dupin's office.” Shifter seemed annoyed with Ryan's attitude. What did the man expect from him? Had his other Belligerents been happy to be kidnapped? Ryan followed behind Shifter as the man confidently made his way down the dimly lit hallways coming to a stop only to knock loudly on a thick, wooden door.
    “Dupin,” he called out a little too cheerfully.
    The door swung open revealing a frowning man. “Shifter,” he remarked, not bothering to hide the frustration in his tone. He glanced at Ryan and a frown appeared on his face. “It seems that the rumors were correct. This is your new ward?”
    “This is Ryan. Ryan, this is Dr. Dupin. He is the current headmaster of Proserpine Academy.”
    Dr. Dupin was probably about Shifter's age, but he didn’t have the same relaxed manner or mischievous look in his eyes. Instead, he was tense and chaotic. His hair was messy, sticking up in several directions as if he had been tugging at the strands. Stubble crawled across his face and his suit was disheveled to the point that he might as well have worn a t-shirt and jeans for the professionalism it exuded.
    “Hey,” Ryan greeted in a nearly polite tone, but all he received for his efforts was an absent nod.
    “Are you sure you know what you're doing, Shifter? I thought after what happened to-” Dupin trailed off and glanced over at Ryan. “I thought you would take the last threat seriously. You plan to bring more people into this danger?” In a lower tone, Dupin continued, “Are you going to endanger him ?”
    Shifter's grin never faltered. “Don't worry about me, Dupin. I've got everything handled. I'm just here to drop off Ryan and check in on the others.”
    “I don't worry about you. I'm concerned about all the drama I'll be asked to handle when things go sideways.”
    Shifter waved his hand as if shooing away the concern. “I'd like to get Ryan settled, if you please. I do have other business today.”
    Dupin grunted and turned to address Ryan. “First off, there are some rules,” he began. “Students are not permitted to kill each other. Injuring each other in ways that will leave a permanent disability is also not allowed, however, we understand that accidents occur and each situation will be looked into to adjudicate the intent and circumstances.”
    Ryan shook his head in disbelief. What kind of academy needed a rule about killing? “That’s it for rules?” he asked.
    The doctor shook his head. “Students also must wear their uniforms when attending lessons. Now for what you will need. Come.”
    Dupin beckoned as he disappeared into his office. Following behind, Ryan noticed the room was as unorganized as Dr. Dupin, but it seemed the headmaster knew exactly where everything was like a blind person in their own apartment.
    “Here,” the man said handing Ryan a tablet. It was thinner, more advanced and newer than Alex’s tablet. “Do not lose this. You will need it for your classes. It contains the handbook, the academic and athletic calendar, a map of the campus and your class schedule. One of your teammates will probably help you download your textbooks onto it as well as show you how to access any online assignments. I'm certain Clarisse will help you get hold of anything else you might need.”
    “Who's Clarisse?”
    “You're about to meet her,” Shifter assured him from the doorway. “Speaking of which, any idea where my team might be?” he asked Dr. Dupin.
    “Forgotten your tracker?” Dr. Dupin asked as he pulled a slim device from among pile of objects covering his desk.
    Shifter grinned. “You know me,” he said.
    “What is that?” Ryan asked, not wanting to appear curious but desperate to know the capabilities of the tracker.
    “All Owners, instructors, and disciplinary squad members have a tracker in order to be able to locate the