Academy of Beasts XXX Read online

  Academy Of Beasts XXX

  Shifter Romance

  Becca Fanning

  Copyright © 2021 by Becca Fanning

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Also by Becca Fanning

  Chapter 1

  Those eyes, filled with quiet acceptance, were fixed on me until they skated away. I continued to stare at Demetrius, sitting there in chains, shoulders squared. I couldn’t look away. How could I let this happen? If only I’d been honest with Dracus. If only I’d gone to speak with Demetrius the night he requested to see me. Maybe I could have done something. If only I hadn’t been a coward and ran off after learning the truth last night. It was Dante who was really responsible for murdering Daniel St. Clair. I wasn’t the one on trial, yet guilt assailed me. It took my breath away. Literally. Breathing had become a struggle. Demetrius was sentenced to death… and he was innocent. However, no one knew that, did they? Only I knew, and it felt like a heavy burden weighing on my chest.

  He’s innocent!

  I wanted to stand up and shout it in the courtroom that resonated with the murmurs of spectators. If I did that, I’d probably be taken away and thrown into a dungeon right along with Demetrius. I’d be seen as a sympathizer for a vicious murderer. But, Demetrius wasn’t a murderer after all. An innocent man was going to die, and I was doing nothing to stop it. They said the execution wouldn’t happen as quickly as Anton’s. Demetrius was a warlock. Out of respect, word would be sent to the witch community about the verdict and his fate. So I had a little time. Still, I had no idea what I was going to do.

  The guards gathered Demetrius and carted him out of the courtroom. He could barely walk with his feet shackled. Knowing what I knew―that he wasn’t some murderous monster―I hated seeing him like that. He glanced over his shoulder right at me and my stomach lurched. There was a slight shrug of his shoulders as if he were saying: Oh, well, this is it. I’m going to die. I gripped the banister in front of me and pulled in a deep breath. I was going to be sick.

  “Come on, I’m getting you out of here.” Dracus’s concerned voice filtered into my panic hazed brain. I was vaguely aware of him helping me up, but I couldn’t say a word. I was too busy trying to find my next breath. On wooden legs, I followed him out of the courtroom. My vision blurred, and I almost pitched forward right onto my face if not for Dracus’s hold on me.

  “Fiona?”

  My heartbeat was so loud, it was like the organ was hitting against my eardrums. Or maybe it was just because all the blood was rushing from my head to pool in my churning stomach.

  “Fiona?”

  I blinked once. Twice. And glanced up into worried eyes. “Huh?”

  “What’s happening to you? Are you channeling too many emotions again?”

  “No, I think I’m having a panic attack.” Breathing had gotten a little easier after leaving the courtroom. I pulled in a deep breath. “Was. I’m fine now.” Barely.

  Dracus and I stopped in a corner, and his body blocked me from the view of passersby. “I don’t think you are fine.” His eyes moved over my face. “Since when do you have panic attacks?”

  Since a man's life was somehow dropped into my teeny tiny, incapable, and very frightened hands. But I couldn’t come out and tell Dracus, could I? Nor could I approach the queen with it. I was too afraid of their reaction. Everything was still too fresh. Emotions were still running too high. They’d hate me. Gazing up at Dracus, I imagined him looking at me with the same hatred he looked at Demetrius. The thought made my chest tighten again.

  Gods. Get it together, Fiona.

  Clearing my throat, I shrugged. “Or maybe it wasn’t one. I guess I’m just emotionally drained. You know, being a calm and all. There were plenty of emotions floating around in there.” The nervous giggle that escaped made me cringe inwardly.

  Eyes narrowed to suspicious slits, Dracus studied me a little too closely. Thankfully, he didn’t find whatever he’d been searching for on my way too expressive face. He sighed. “It’s a good thing it’s all over then.”

  “Is it? When exactly will Demetrius be,” I gulped, “executed?”

  “In a matter of days most likely.”

  Awesome. I only had days. “Will you be informed of the day?”

  “I’m sure Mother will send word.”

  “Will you be coming back here for the execution?” It was so hard to get the word execution out. When I said it, I felt the pressure of having to figure out how to save Demetrius without Dracus thinking I’ve betrayed him.

  Dracus’ brows puckered. “You’re really invested in this, aren’t you?”

  “Just trying to be supportive,” I shrugged, feeling like the biggest fraud ever. What was so hard about telling Dracus what I’d learned about Demetrius? “Dracus, what if Demetrius isn’t as bad we think he is?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  The sudden change in his demeanor was enough to discourage me from making my confession. One minute he was looking at me with concern, the next, fury shadowed his features. “Never mind. When do we head back to the academy?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  As soon as I returned to the academy, I’d have the resources to make an attempt at saving Demetrius. “Okay.”

  “We have one more night together. Alone.” A small smile appeared on Dracus’s lips. “I bet as soon as we walk through the manor’s doors tomorrow, we’ll be bombarded with some crisis or another.”

  Rubbing my arms, I forced myself to return his smile. “Of course we will. There’s never a dull moment at the academy.”

  Dracus still peered at me with worry and a little suspicion. I prayed he didn’t ask anything further because I’d break and spill my guts for sure. Luckily he only said, “Come, let’s get back to my room. Clearly, you need a break from all of this.”

  I gazed at Demetrius through the rusty bars of his cell. He sat, staring back at me, his expression unreadable. There was no fear projecting from him. He was...calm.

  “Fiona, what are you doing here?” There was an exasperated bite to his tone. “I told you to stay away.”

  “I know but…” Shoving my fingers through my hair, I released a frustrated sigh. “I feel so bad, Demetrius. The guilt is suffocating me.”

  Mercury-like eyes swirled with amusement for just a moment. “Guilt? I believe I was the one on trial, not you. You’ve done nothing wrong.”

  Yet, I felt as if I was the worst person ever. “I’ve wronged you.” And that’s what had been eating at me―gnawing at my insides since I ran out of the dungeon last night. Which is why I snuck off yet again to pay him a visit. “I didn’t say anything to anyone about what I saw. You’re innocent.”

  “Be rational, Fiona.”

  My eyes flew to his. His expression remained cool.

  “You don’t really know if I’m innocent. You have no concrete proof.”

  My mouth opened and closed. Okay, call me confused. “What? I...but I saw…”

  “You had a vision.”

  “Yes. One that showed Dante controlling your body, using you to commit murder.”

  “But that’s not enough. Telling anyone you had a vision is hardly enough proof. You can’t
even be sure, I didn’t manipulate you, made you see what I wanted you to.”

  I took a step back. “Did you?”

  His expression softened. “No, but that’s the response you’ll get if you utter a word about what you saw. Accept it just as I have; you can’t save me. It’s time for you to walk out of here and forget about me.”

  Shaking my head, I threw my hands up. “I can’t. How am I supposed to just go on with my life as if I did nothing to save an innocent man’s life.”

  Demetrius gazed at me with something akin to affection...or maybe I was wrong. The man barely knew me. “You’re just like him,” he murmured.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Nothing.”

  My eyes narrowed to suspicious slits. “You said, I’m just like him. Who?”

  “Fiona,” he hissed, “get out of here. Now.”

  “You asked for my help.”

  “And that was a mistake. I never should have involved you. It was selfish on my part.”

  “Why, Demetrius? You’re trying to protect me. I’m not stupid; I know that’s what you’re doing. The thing is, I don’t understand why you’d care so much.”

  “You were my student. I’ve always cared about my students.”

  Bullshit. There was something more to his concern about my safety. And what was with those strange looks I caught him giving me? It was almost...parental―if that made any sense. I was struck with a memory. When I first met Demetrius, I swore he looked familiar. It made no sense then and it made no sense now. “I’m not going to just drop this, Demetrius. I’m going to try to save you.” I scoffed. “I can’t believe you. First, you beg for my help, now you’re demanding I don’t help.” Stepping closer, I wrapped my fingers around the bars and glared. “Tough, Demetrius, you pulled me into this, and I’m not going to drop it. I can’t. That’s just…”

  “Not who you are,” he finished. He chuckled. “I know.”

  I could have sworn I saw pride flicker in his eyes, but that made no sense either...just like everything else about him. “Why did you really help Dracus and Jasper when they came to you for help about my powers, Demetrius?”

  His gaze locked with mine. His expression shuttered, and he was back to being unreadable. “What can I say, I’m just a nice guy.”

  I rolled my eyes, but I was starting to think that maybe he really was. There was something Demetrius wasn’t telling me; I felt it. But why?

  His sigh echoed in the dungeon. “Since I can’t get you to drop this, all I can say is, be careful, Fiona. Please. I appreciate any effort you put out helping. If you succeed, I’ll owe you my life; if you don’t, I’ll still be grateful. And promise me you won’t wallow in guilt for the rest of your life if things don’t go the way you want them to.”

  Crossing my arms around my middle, I nodded. “Fine.”

  “Give me your word.”

  Demetrius trying to protect me was kind of sweet but did he have to be such a downer? It was like he was low-key telling me I couldn’t save him. “Alright, I promise that if things go south, I won’t beat myself up. I’ll move on.”

  The tension visibly seeped out of his shoulders and he let out a breath. “You should cloak yourself and leave. The guards are coming.”

  There were indeed footsteps approaching. I gazed at Demetrius with remorse. “I’m sorry this is happening to you, Demetrius. I see now that you don’t deserve it.” He only nodded. Throwing up my shield, I left the dungeon, determined more than ever to help him. I just had this strange need to not let him die, and I didn’t understand it. But he was right. I couldn’t go off of my vision alone. I had to at least get proof that Dante was capable of doing what Demetrius said he did, or no one would believe me. I only had days to do it. Fan-freaking-tastic.

  Chapter 2

  Being back at the academy should have been a relief. I actually missed the place. Well, more so the people than the academy. However, my mind was still stuck in the dragon kingdom in a dungeon with an innocent man that I was supposed to save. So, as Dracus and I stepped through the huge gates of Beast Academy, I felt no relief, only a sense of urgency that I had limited time. We made our way across the campus towards the manor.

  Some of the students mulling around acknowledged us, and some looked at us with curiosity. No doubt word got around about us going to the trials. I knew I’d be getting tons of questions from friends and even non-friends. The manor loomed in the near distance, and I blew out a breath. Home. It was the only one I had right now, so I felt a sliver of warmth at the sight of the impressive building.

  By the time we made it to the front door, I could virtually feel eyes boring into my face, but I didn’t immediately look at Dracus. He’d been watchful since the end of Demetrius’s trial. I knew he was wondering what was wrong since I’d gone out of my way to avoid him as much as possible.

  “We’re back,” he announced. “Finally. Are you happy?”

  Taking a deep breath, I had to gather my composure before I looked at him. Somehow, I managed to force out a smile. “Sure. I missed the place. What about you?”

  Dracus’s sharp eyes moved over my face. He wore a small frown. “I’m not sure what I’m feeling right now.”

  My eyes jumped back to his face. I was expecting to hear his usual diplomatic answer. Something about returning to his duties as leader of the Core Council. Instead, he looked and sounded troubled. “Are you still thinking about the trials? That’s understandable. What happened to your family isn’t just going to go away because justice has been served.” My words left me nauseated. Justice hadn’t exactly been served for Demetrius. Dante is the one who should have been sentenced to death for the murder of Daniel.

  “You’re right, Fiona, but it’s something else that has me feeling uncertain.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You.”

  Taken aback, I could only gape at him, unable to find words. He held my gaze, unwaveringly. So we just stood at the manor’s front door staring at each other. Talk about awkwardness. “Me? What do you mean?”

  As soon as Dracus opened his mouth to answer, the door swung open. Four grinning faces appeared...well, three grinning faces. Ren wore more of a slightly amused barely-there smirk. But that was his usually happy face. Enrique, Theo, and Jasper beamed.

  “Princess!” Enrique greeted. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. Hey, Dracus. Sorry, man, I’m not as excited to see you. Fiona is much prettier.”

  Theo snickered. “Don’t feel bad Dracus but he is right.”

  An unsmiling Dracus pulled his gaze away from me and I was relieved. He totally knew something was up. He assessed each face in the doorway, then coolly greeted, “Gentlemen.”

  Theo snagged my wrist and pulled me inside. “Get in here!” I was scooped up into a bear hug and swung around like a ragdoll. My surprised gasp turned into giggles.

  “Theo, put me down.” I feigned annoyance, but I enjoyed every second of his smothering embrace. He set me on my feet.

  “I’m so happy to see you.”

  “Not as happy as I am.” Enrique nudged Theo out of the way. Always one for dramatic flair, he snaked an arm around my waist and pulled me close. Then he took me by surprise, dipping me backward to plant a quick, hard kiss on my lips. “Now that, my rowdy bear friend, is how you give a lady a proper greeting,” he said to Theo.

  I was a little dazed when he stood me upright. My cheeks burned as I gazed at the other guys. No one seemed upset about his show of affection. Only Theo rolled his eyes.

  “Out of the way, you libertine,” Jasper stepped forward. “This is the proper way to greet a lady,” he lifted a brow in Enrique’s direction like a true gentleman. He took my hand and bowed slightly at the waist. “Fiona, it’s such a pleasure to once again be graced by your lovely presence.” He planted a kiss on the back of my hands. I couldn’t suppress my giggle.

  Enrique scoffed his disgust and grumbled. “Apparently, I’m the only one here with any game.” That earned him an elbow jab courtesy
of Theo. He rubbed his side and grinned good-naturedly.

  Next, it was Ren’s greeting. With his typical coolness, he stepped―or more like gilded―closer. All the while, he assessed me from head to toe. “Fiona,” he practically purred, and my gut clenched. “Welcome back.” All he gave me was a gentle peck on the forehead and I nearly swooned. Ren’s intensity just had a certain effect.

  “Thanks,” I said, a little breathless. “Gods, I should go away more often if you’re all going to greet me like this when I return.”

  “Don’t you dare leave us again, Princess.” Enrique clapped Dracus on the shoulder. “Welcome back, drill sergeant.” Dracus scowled and he chuckled. “I almost missed that scowling face.”

  I bit back my smile and watched as the others welcomed Dracus home with manly handshakes and more shoulder claps. All the while, Dracus peered at me with a frown. My gaze skated away from his. Every time I caught him looking at me, I felt guilty.

  Theo announced, “You two should get settled in. Rest up for tonight’s festivities.”

  “Festivities?” Dracus lifted a brow.

  “We have to have a welcome party, you sourpuss.” Enrique shook his head and eyed Dracus with disappointment.

  “We don’t have to do anything,” Dracus growled. He marched off. “Fiona, a word.”

  Dracus disappeared up the stairs. Everyone remained quiet for a while. Theo sighed and turned to me. “Confession, we didn’t plan our little party just to welcome you guys home. We thought we’d do everything we could to keep Dracus’s mind off what happened to his family. He still looks downright miserable.”

  “We should have known, he wouldn’t be thrilled about a party,” Jasper said. “I mean, it’s Dracus. When does he ever want a party?”

  “If you had all listened to me…” Ren studied his fingernails.