Wunderhein Academy: Book 1- Awakening

“Mmm...ow.” Kitten’s eyes opened at the smell of blood and closed again at her throbbing head. “Stupid Lexie with his stupid training...”

She sat up slowly and checked her arms, thankful she wasn’t wearing her jersey.

“Huh?” She frowned, flipping her arms over before lifting her shirt up as she checked for new injuries. “Nothing. But how..?”

She lifted her hand to the back of her head. She and Boris had been rolling. She kept hitting her head. It was slowly coming back to her. They had been playing a game with some of her friends. She had been hiding with the youngest when a cloth had covered her mouth. She remembered thinking it had been Dmitri trying to do some weird survival test and she had tried biting the hand holding it.

Or had it been a dream?

“Weird.” She stood up and waited a moment for the room to stop spinning. Her stomach felt horrible, like it wanted to jump all over the place. She placed a hand on it to calm it down.

It didn’t work.

“Great.” She grimaced, wiping her mouth and trying not to look at the new mess next to her bed. “Lexie is going to chew me out for that for sure if he sees that.”

She opened her eyes and dropped her hand. “What happened to my wall?”

She stepped a few steps and touched the opposite wall. The pale paint was peeling and had dark red spots splattered across it. She spun around. All her things were gone. The bed was the same cot she slept in but there was no bedding. Looking at it, there were red stains on that too.

“This is not good.” She whispered to herself, tempted to sit in a corner and just scream. Only then she would end up with Aleksei’s scorn and Dmitri’s ridicule. Ivan would be silent about the whole thing and Boris would try and play it down that she was a useless Alpha that was spooked by a room.

Kitten inhaled and exhaled a few times to clear her head before walking to the door. She placed her ear against it and heard voices sounding like they were fighting.

The others no doubt.

Waiting to hear her call for help.

Anger hit her. Was this some sort of test then. “Dumbass Boys.”

She tried to open the door and found it was locked. It made her angrier.

“I’m going to kill them.” She hissed to herself. “All of them.”

She looked back to the room, wondering how she could get the key. Nothing looked even remotely like a key in the place and there wasn’t anywhere to hide one really.

“If Lexie thought up this test, then he wants to make me think smart like he would to get out.” She tapped her chin. “In that case, all I need is something that would fit in the keyhole. Something small and sharp.”

“Think.” Her face scrunched up. “Come one, think.”

She hit her forehead before slipping her fingers down her face, rubbing her hand over her birthmark as she leaned against the door. “What would Lexie do?”

Her eyes widened at the hard bulk she felt pressing behind her.

“What the...?” Quickly she jumped back and found nothing but the handle on the door. Frowning, she ran a hand over her rear and discovered a lump there. She slipped her hand into her back pocket and pulled out the object, almost dancing when she discovered it was her switch-blade.

“Rule one.” She grinned. “Always carry your switch.”

She flicked it open and rubbed the blade between her fingers carefully before getting onto her knees to reach the locks eye-level. This was probably part of the test, making sure she knew how to use the Switch-blade. Knowing Lexie, he was probably expecting her not even to have hers on her.

“I’ll show them.” She muttered, slipping the blade into the keyhole and carefully working it to un-pick the lock. “Stupid Lexie.”

It felt like forever until she heard a faint ‘Snikt’ sound. Kitten bit her lip and tried the door and when it opened, relief shot through her.

“I won.” She laughed tiredly. Her arms were exhausted from trying the lock and her legs were cramped from kneeling in the same position for so long. But at least she did it. She stood up and attempted to stretch some feeling back into her muscles. It hurt like crazy but felt better after a few minutes.

“Time to go.” Kitten grinned, slipping the weapon back into her pocket. She opened the door and stepped out, ready to meet up with her team-mates.

Her face fell when she didn’t see them.

“Awe come on.” She whined, looking around an empty stone passage. “Not another challenge.”

In frustration, she hit the wall then halted. The thick wooden door opposite hers had a strange ‘M’ symbol on.

“What in the world is that for?” She wondered aloud. “Medic?”

She went towards the door and froze, her eyes widening. Something was wrong. She could smell blood by that door. Blood and Toothpaste and milk!

“Teddy!” She ran and tried to open the door, finding it was also locked. “Teddy, are you there? It’s me, Kitten.”

There was no response. She began banging on the door. “Teddy, answer me.”

Her hands fumbled to her back pocket, hunting for her switchblade. Aleksei was dead, creating such a dumb test.

“Don’t be scared Teddy.” She continued to call as she fumbled trying to slip the knife out of its sheath. “I’ll get you out of there, ok. I’m right here. I won’t go away. I’m ...”

“You’re very noisy.” A new voice commented. One that sounded like raw silk.

Startled, Kitten turned around and jumped back into the door.

The guy in front of her didn’t change his expressionless features. From looking at him, Kitten noted he was a ‘Cut’ with hair boasting patches of red mixed with black. His eyes were green and freckles were scattered over his nose. He was taller than her, so was probably older too. His uniform held a number of markings that she didn’t recognize except for one. This guy was a medic.

Kitten raised her weapon up at him.

“What do you what Medic?” She hissed, her eyes narrowing.

The medic looked at the door then at her. Next, he tilted his head. “Medic? I haven’t been called that in a long time.”

“Look, come one step closer and I’ll hurt you.” She threatened, jabbing her switchblade in the air for emphasis. She tried her best to recall everything Aleksei had taught her but her mind went blank. “Just answer my question, you stupid medic. What do you want?”

Her response seemed to make him smile.

“I’m the one that helps keep the rules around here.” He replied. “On the island. That’s what I want.”

“I don’t understand.” Kitten frowned. “Isn’t this some kind of test?”

“Everything is a test.” He laughed. “I’m here to help keep the balance at the school. It’s been out for a while. I had to take care of the ones that did that.”

He nodded towards the door. Kitten swallowed before looking at the door.

“If you’re done taking me hostage, I’d like to leave.” He continued as her eyes widened. “I have a report to fill out and some bodies in the back that need to be disposed of.”

“He's dead isn’t he?” She whispered, her blood running cold. “Teddy’s really dead.”

“Well, they weren’t having a tea-party behind there.”

“No, no, no!” She slipped to the ground, dropping the blade and hugging herself. “Not Teddy. It’s not fair.”

“Life’s not fair I’m afraid.” When she looked up again, the medic was on his hunches and looking at her. “Well now, look at you.”

“Look at me what?” She sniffed, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

“You can feel it can’t you?” He smirked. “We’re the same.”

“No, we’re not.” She lifted the corner of her shirt and blew her nose. “I’m s’not a med. I’m Brawn.”

“Are you now? One that drops its weapon?” He smirked, lifting up her switch and handing it back to her.

She opened her mouth to reply but he laughed. “Come on little Brawn. We better go. Whoever was running this place will be sending friends soon and we don’t want to be here when they arrive. Unless you want to stay?”

“I want to go back home.” Kitten hated how much of a weak girl she sounded as she answered. “I wanted my team.”

“I’ll take you back.” He stood up and held out his hand to pull her up but she refused and stood up herself. The youth only nodded in approval as he studied her for a moment. “Follow me.”

Kitten looked at the door one last time before running down the passage after the stranger. If this was some test of Aleksei’s then she lost miserably.

She didn’t pay attention to where the Medic led her. She was tired and trying hard to ignore the smell of blood that followed them.

A few times she yawned, stopping herself when she caught the Medic chuckling.

“Stay focused.” She whispered to herself, finding it helpful to follow the patterns on his uniform. She would have to ask Boris what they meant.

When they finally came to fresh air, she nearly burst into tears all over again.

“Tom.”

“Huh?” She looked up and blinked in confusion to find he was holding out his coat for her. When she didn’t move, he put it around her shoulders. He smelt nice.

“My name is Tom.”

“Tom.” She repeated, feeling slightly stupid as the words left her mouth.

She could have sworn his eyes went a shade greener as his lips hinted in a smile.

“It doesn’t matter who you are.” Kitten looked away, pulling the coat tighter around her. “You’re still a medic.”

“Of sorts. One that saved your life little Brawn.” Tom pointed out. “You can be more thankful.”

“You’re still a medic.” Kitten repeated stubbornly.

He shrugged. “So? You’re still pretty. Doesn’t stop the fact you ended up in that place.”

“What was that place?” She wondered aloud, turning back but not able to find the entrance they had gone through to enter the grouping of trees they were standing under. She felt more lost than ever.

It doesn’t matter.” The medic mused. “Do you have something you’re called.”

“None of your business.”

“Alright. Cat will do for now then.”

“You’re not allowed to call me anything.” She spat turning to face him.

“Understand something Cat. We are the same. And I know you feel it.” Without warning, Kitten found he had slipped a finger under her chin and lifted her face and was examining her. She felt herself freeze. “I don’t mind handing you back to your team but you’ll still belong to me.”

Kitten forced herself to move and pull away. “I don’t belong to anyone.”

“There you are wrong. You still have a lot to learn about being here. “Tom patted her head. “I’d prefer you learnt it by us where I could keep an eye on you.”

“I’m not some dumb kid.” Kitten straightened.

“Of course you aren’t.” This time he frowned. “I’m not happy about this. You’re barely knowledgeable about basic training. All you are at the moment is a moving target waiting to be attacked again.”

“That’s none of your business.” Kitten felt her face heat up at his word. “Look, just leave me alone Medic. I get find my way back to the school from here.”

She turned her head up to the sky trying to find the outline of the school building. She felt her stomach sink when all she saw was trees. Where was the dumb thing?

“I don’t think you understand. You’re going to need help. And I’m the one you can come too.” He undid the leather armband around his wrist, the movement grabbing her attention. “Take this. It has my branding. If you’re ever stuck like this again just show it to a Captain, medic, Grunt or Coat and they’ll help you.”

“I don’t want your help.” Kitten tried pulling away from him. “Brawn don’t need help from meds.”

“Stop thinking of it in such illogical terms. We can help each other.” He began again patiently. “In fact, it’s my job to make sure you stay alive.”

“Says who?” She lifted her head stubbornly. “I can keep myself alive.”

“Because you’re my mate silly.”

“What?” Kitten’s jaw fell.

“You can’t smell me yet.” His words went husky. “But I smell you. You’re just not ready yet.”

“You’re crazy.”

“Just take it. When the time comes for the cuts I’ll help you.” He grew serious, slipping the band in her pocket. “I can pull strings to get you past as long as you know enough basics.”

That was tempting.

She would love her name back and be treated as an equal. Except it wasn’t like her team was treating her badly now.

“I...”

He didn’t give her a chance to even protest. Instead,Lexi he leaned down and kissed her softly on the cheek, shocking her speechless before raising his hand and yelling out. “Cassonov, is that you? Over here. I found something of yours.”

“Cassonov.” Kitten turned to the direction Tom was yelling in, wondering how he knew Aleksei was there. A few seconds later Aleksei ran out between the trees towards them.

“What do you want Tom, I don’t have time for games...KITTEN!” The shock that hit his face as he neared them vanished.

“Lexie!” She blurted out in relief before she could stop herself.

“Are you alright?” Aleksei began, thankfully stepping between her and Tom. He took her arm in his hand and doing a quick check for cuts and bruises. He did the next arm, before checking her face and neck.

“I’m fine. I think a friend of mine is dead.” She looked unsure to Tom who nodded in confirmation. It felt as if someone had hit her in her gut. Her voice began faltering. “He was a Meat-bag called Teddy. He... I just smelt so much blood.”

Aleksei halted his inspection and stared at her. He thought she was crazy. Or weak. Why did she tell him that? Kitten grabbed Toms coat and buried her face in it.

“This is a brave one you picked up.” She heard Tom telling Aleksei. “When I found her, she was yelling at the top of her head at a door about to pick the lock. She didn’t even worry about getting somewhere to safety.”

“Brave or stupid.” Aleksei muttered. He grabbed the coat, pulling it off Kitten and threw it back at Tom. “Thanks for the help.”

“I was in the right place at the right time.”

“Sure you were.” Aleksei growled. Kitten felt him push her forward. “Come on; let’s get you back to your room.”

The two walked on in silence, save the occasional cheer around them that she had been found.

“We better let the others know your back.” Aleksei finally spoke up after what felt like forever.

Kitten quickly stopped him. “My room?”

He blinked, as if she was speaking a foreign language. Finally he seemed to understand what she meant.

“Take a nap and forget about your lessons. I’ll sign you off for them.” He agreed, walking the few steps to her door. “I’ll let the others know your back. We’ll get you for dinner.”

“Thanks.” She dug around in her pockets and was surprised that she still had her room key. She unlocked her room door, went in and locked it behind her again.

She wasn’t sure if Aleksei stayed or left. She was too exhausted to find out or even care about the traffic outside her room. She mustered up her remaining energy to drag herself to her bed. Once she fell on it, she hid her face in her pillow and began crying.