Read First Kiss: The Ghost Bird Series: #10 (The Academy Ghost Bird Series) for Free Online

into my heart.
    Maybe I didn’t have to be afraid of the Academy, as they did good things for other people, but what I did fear was if they shined the light too brightly on us and discovered secrets we weren’t ready to reveal. Maybe they’d call us out for being silly and unrealistic, planning an impossible outcome. Maybe they’d try to shut us down.
    The answer was up to me. But because I was new and, as Kota said, too nice, they weren’t sure I’d be able to convince the Academy I really wanted to stay with them. At the end, I would have to face the Academy and stand firm, telling them I didn’t want to leave them, no matter the cost.
    But the offer still remained a mystery. Maybe even they didn’t know what they would offer to keep me within the Academy.
    The boys couldn’t help me with this. Maybe it was better to face the Academy now instead of waiting it out like Dr. Green had suggested. If the Academy learned my decision, then this whole worry would be behind us.
    I simply had to make that final choice, which meant I had to work on my resolve and conviction. They doubted; I had to believe.
    “I wish we could tell you more,” Kota said to me. “Unfortunately…”
    “It’s okay,” I said. “Please, don’t worry. You said it should be fun and we should make it fun.”
    “She’s right,” Dr. Green said. “It’s uncomfortable because we don’t know what will happen. She wants to stay. We want her to stay. How could they tell us no?”
    “We shouldn’t worry,” Mr. Blackbourne said. “Perhaps someone should take her home. We can finish up here.”
    “I’ll take her back,” Victor said. “Or can I take her to lunch?”
    “Take her somewhere random and low-key,” Mr. Blackbourne said, turning his attention to Dr. Green and Kota. “We have other things to talk about.”
    This was one of the reasons I needed to belong to the Academy. There were certain things I had to leave for because they had secrets and I couldn’t be involved. As much as I was curious, I had to respect that boundary. For now.
    The others talked about upcoming Christmas decorations and eventually Victor and I started saying goodbye as I prepared to go with him. Dr. Green and Mr. Blackbourne shifted boxes and gifts to other parts of the living room. Mr. Blackbourne took over my spot and said he’d help with the wrapping process to get it done.
    Victor guided me toward the door.

     

SECRET GIFTS
     
     
    I didn’t really begin to breathe normally until we were out in the fresh air, realizing I’d desperately needed that break from the conversation.
    At least I was aware of what I needed to do, even if I didn’t know how to do it. For the next several weeks, I’d go over what I would say at the end of it all. I might not know what would happen between now and then, but I thought it would be like preparing for a speech in class. I want to stay with my group. I want to join and be part of their group. I appreciate suggestions, but I prefer to stay with my group.
    The words repeated in my head as I followed Victor. Next to Dr. Green’s car was Victor’s BMW. Victor opened the passenger door for me. There was a chill in the air, although the sun was out and warmed the inside of the car.
    I buckled in as Victor got behind the wheel.
    “I hope you’re not too nervous, now,” Victor said as he pulled the car out of the drive and onto the road. “I know I was when I first went for an introduction.”
    “Did they not tell you about it, either?” I asked.
    Victor tightened his hands on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. “Normally, you wouldn’t even be aware it was happening. Us telling you about it is an exception, because of what we just talked about. I’m not sure how much I’m supposed to tell you about the process at all. But they’re all nice. All of them. I don’t want you to stress out about that.”
    I sighed, lowering my head, absently looking at my shoes against the gray of the carpet of the