Academy Of Beasts XVI: Shifter Romance

By Becca Fanning

I thought the Slayers only killed Shifters. I didn't know the real purpose behind their twisted work. Heinous doesn't even begin to describe it.
But at least now we have a plan. We're going to get to the bottom of this, no matter who gets in the way.
No matter the cost.
USA Today Bestselling Author Becca Fanning is proud to bring you this Reverse Harem Academy Romance serial, packed with all the action, intrigue and great chemistry you can handle!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gizmo Media
• Release date: Mar 23, 2021

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Fanning

Chapter 1

Ihaven’t spent a lot of time in Jasper’s room, and it’s weird being here with him now, just the two of us, alone. So many times, the guys came to my room, and I didn’t go to theirs. I wasn’t sure what that meant, but Jasper wasn’t focused on the fact that he and I were alone. Maybe I shouldn’t have been thinking about it, either.

He was completely occupied with the pendant he was showing me.

I need you to answer a question, Jasper said. He was looking at the pendant, not me.

Like what? I asked. That’s a weird thing to say.

Just go with it, he said.

Okay.

Jasper thought for a moment. Are you a student at the Academy?

What?

Jasper glanced at me. Just play along, he repeated.

I had no idea what he was doing. I sighed.

Yes, I’m a student.

Jasper brought the pendant a little closer to his face, so close his nose almost pressed against us.

Are you one of us? He asked.

That’s not fair, I said. You know I’m not a shifter, and you don’t have to rub it in.

I’m not trying to bait you, Fiona, just answer my questions. Don’t take it personally.

He sounded a little irritated. Fine, so was I.

I folded my arms across my chest and nodded. If he was going to do this, I might as well play along. I was getting curious about his direction, anyway.

So, you’re not a shifter, Jasper repeated.

No, Jasper, I said and rolled my eyes. I’m just a normal person.

The pendant lit up, glowing, pulsating softly in Jasper’s palm.

I knew it! Jasper cried out.

What? I asked.

Come, Fiona, he said, hurrying to the door. We have to get everyone together.

He disappeared through the doorway before I could ask what was going on. I still had no idea what he was trying to prove what had just happened.

By the time I left Jasper’s room, he was long gone. I walked to the dining room, where I assumed everyone would assemble. A moment later, Dracus appeared.

Jasper has called a meeting, he said.

I nodded.

Do you have any idea what this is about?

I shook my head.

Interesting turn of events, Dracus said.

I agreed. Dracus was usually the one calling meetings, but Jasper seemed very excited about whatever he had just found out.

One by one, the other guys filtered in. And finally, Priscilla.

Dracus glanced at her when she sat down next to me.

Jasper, is this information sensitive?

Jasper looked confused for a moment before he looked at Priscilla. He understood what Dracus was saying.

I don’t doubt that Priscilla already knows everything there is to know about our situation, he sniffed.

Everyone looked at me. I refused to feel guilty about talking to Priscilla, even though she sank a little deeper into her chair as if she wanted to hide.

I don’t think it’s a problem if she stays, I said, speaking up. After all, after the Slayer was in her room, she is as much a part of this as the rest of us.

Not really, Ren spoke up.

I glared at him.

That’s enough, Dracus said, finishing an argument before it could start. Priscilla can stay here, but, he looked at Priscilla, you do understand that all of this information should stay within the house.

Priscilla nodded. Absolutely, your highness. I won’t let any of it slip. You have my word.

Thank you, Dracus said. And please, don’t call me your highness.

Priscilla blushed a little, looking down at the table.

Okay, now that that’s out of the way, Theo said, looking at Jasper. Mind telling us what’s going on? I have studying to do.

Enrique burst out laughing. Studying? Since when do you give a damn?

Excuse me, have you seen my marks, lately? Theo asked.

Obviously not, Enrique said. Because I don’t give a damn.

Theo rolled his eyes and punched Enrique in the shoulder. I always wondered why the two of them sat next to each other at the table when they couldn’t stand each other half the time. Maybe it was so they could be within punching distance then they could always start something if they felt like it. I couldn’t remember how many times the two of them had fought it out, shifting in the middle of dinner, pouncing on each other – the bear and the lion.

It sounded like some kind of kid’s fairytale.

Jasper, if you don’t mind, Dracus said, drawing the attention back to Jasper, who stood at the other end of the table, waiting patiently for everyone to settle down. I was so curious, and I didn’t know how Jasper was able to keep the information contained for so long. I would probably have blurted whatever it was out ages ago.

I did a little experiment with the pendant, Jasper said. He held up the pendant, hanging it by its chain so that everyone could see it. It was dull again, now, the light gone out. I asked a couple of questions, Fiona helped me.

What did you ask her? Enrique asked. Or is that personal? He waggled his eyebrows at Jasper.

Stop it, I scolded Enrique, but I tried to hide my smile, tried to ignore the blush that rose to my cheeks.

It doesn’t matter what I asked, Jasper said dryly. What matters is the answer. If it’s true, nothing happens. But if it’s not… This is a Truth Amulet.

He looked around the table, waiting for some kind of recognition. No one responded except Dracus, who looked surprised.

I didn’t know those existed, he said. It’s surprising that you found it here at the Academy.

Jasper nodded. "I did a little research. The last time one of these was seen was ‘round about the