Initiation Read Online Free PDF Page A

mentors have their own lounge on the other side of the campus. I haven’t checked it out yet. It apparently has a full twenty-four-hour food station. I’m going to find out if there’s a way you can use it, and get you a pass or whatever you need to get in.”
    Faustine suddenly looked pensive.
    “What’s up?”
    “They’re not going to let me use it. Why would they? I’m just an Initiate.”
    “Not exactly. You are King Sebastian’s daughter. Your dad is one of the school’s biggest contributors. If it wasn’t for him, they would have had problems rebuilding after the fire. I don’t see an issue. You don’t look like you’re dangerous or anything. Are you?”
    She shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t think so, but I guess there must be some reason for my parents to have sent me here. It’s not like I wanted to come.” Her voice broke slightly.
    “It’s going to be okay. It really is. I’ll make sure you have some fun. I’m not going to lie; Initiation is difficult, but I made it through, and so will you. I didn’t even have anyone mentoring me. I’m going to be there for you every step of the way.”
    “Not all the time, though, right? I mean, you’re not going to be in all my classes with me. I’ll be all alone with a bunch of… creatures.”
    I chuckled. “Creatures? I guess you could call us that. Anyhow, not to worry. My time is my own this year. I was hoping to spend a lot of it playing tennis, but I can’t do that all day anyway, so I can come to your classes with you, if that makes you feel happier.”
    Her eyes clouded over, and a tear popped out and slid down her cheek. She was obviously terrified, too terrified to even share her worries. Clearly, I was going to have to do more than just mentor her. I had inadvertently been signed up to be a full-time babysitter. That was going to seriously mess with my planned schedule, and I had good cause to have Jagger find a replacement.
    But looking at Faustine’s face, I knew that I had no option. She needed me. For the first time in my life, someone needed me. The thought gave me a buzz. A feeling of excitement, responsibility, and power shot through me. Along with a spark of annoyance. Why was I letting a half-demon mess with my feelings? Feelings I didn’t even know I had, protective ones.
    Then, I felt it. My heart wasn’t beating entirely on its own. It beat in time with Jagger’s. I could feel him. Was he messing with my head as well? Making a mother out of me? The streak of annoyance was replaced by a jolt of fury.
    “Cordelia, are you pissed at me?” Faustine wore an inscrutable stony expression, but I could still read the agony behind it.
    “No! Of course not! I love spending time with you, and I’m really pleased to have been chosen to mentor you. We are going to have heaps of fun. You’ll see.”
    She responded with a small upturn of her lips. “Cordelia, do you ski?”
    “I do. I can hold my own on the slopes, but I’m not on the ski team or anything. I hear you’re an awesome skier.”
    She snickered. “According to my dad! I love to ski. My nanny takes me up to the Poconos, which are mountains in Pennsylvania, to ski most weekends during the season. Mom’s always too busy. She is a doctor. Anyhow, my nanny loves to ski, so I’m pretty good. I can do the black runs and everything. I’m hoping to try out for the ski team here. Are they good? Do you think I’ll get in?”
    “Have you ever skied with paranormals before?”
    “Not apart from my nanny.”
    “And what is she?”
    “A witch.”
    “Oh. Interesting. Well, witches aren’t particularly known for their skiing ability. Did she use any of her powers when you were out on the slopes?”
    “No. And she does fall a lot.” She giggled. “I’m way better than her.”
    “Did you use any of your powers?”
    “No, I don’t know how to use them, even if I have any.”
    “So, you’ve never skied using your demon powers?”
    “No.”
    I beamed. “Well,