Page 101 of The Claiming

You’ve got that right. He shakes his head and pats me on the back. “Good work.”

This was my revenge for Cassie and Abigail. This miserable piece of shit craved a life of rape, murder and kidnapping and thank God he only got to fulfill one of his aims.

I hand the knife back to my uncle and turn my back on Jason and growl, “It was nice catching up, uncle. Thank you for your help with this.”

“Keep in touch, Frankie.” Are my uncle’s passing words and as I walk out of the room, Jason’s cries following me out, I caress the burning ball of hatred growing inside me for a certain teacher who goes by the name of Jenna Sloane.

FIFTY-TWO

CASSIE

As the weeks pass, life settles down and we enjoy life at Rockwell as any other student would. Parties, study, and hobbies. Time spent with friends, date nights and more sex than can be healthy. There is a Claiming challenge every friday night because the list is even longer as the students decide to add some spice to their life and they now pass without a hitch.

I never discovered what happened to the predator and Frankie changes the subject every time it comes up. I can kind of guess, but some things are best left because I don’t want anything to burst the bubble I’m living in right now.

I’m late for class when my phone rings and as I glance at the caller, a huge smile breaks out across my face.

“Who is it?” Jack is walking with me and I stare at him with excitement as I answer it.

“Imogen.”

He smiles softly because we are the three musketeers back at home and despite two of us being here without her, she lights up our phones whenever she can. She knows as much about life here at Rockwell as I know about Mountain Grove where she opted to go.

“You’ll never guess what, Cassie.”

“What?”

“Is Jack with you?” She asks, her voice brimming with excitement.

“Yeah. Shall I put it on speaker?”

“Please.”

As I switch to speaker, Jack says gruffly, “Hey, darlin’. How are things?”

“Well–” She pauses for dramatic effect.

“You see, I’ve missed you guys too much and as Mountain Grove sucks, my folks have agreed I can join you both at Rockwell Academy next semester.”

“Oh my god!” I squeal in delight as Jack’s grin splits his face, and she laughs happily.

“Can you believe it? It’s all set and I’ll be heading back there with you after the holidays. Mom tells me I’ve already been assured they will place me in whatever house you’re allocated and we will be back together again.”

“I’m so happy.” My eyes shine as Jack catches my smile and nudges me playfully, saying, “You’ll love it here.”

“I can’t wait.” She sighs. “Listen, I’ve got to go because I’ve got history, but I’ll call you later for all the intel.”

“I’m so happy, Imogen.” I reassure her and I am. The three of us are family and, more than that, best friends. Now we have Siri too and Frankie, well, friend isn’t exactly the description I’d give him, but he’s an important part of my fucked-up Rockwell family and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

* * *

It’sthe night before we head for home for the holidays and as expected, The Elusives are throwing a farewell party. The guest list is restricted to Centurions and there are quite a few now. Frankie has amassed an army and they only lose their status as part of his elite club if they decide to twist when college resumes next semester.

“Tell me what happens at the Twist ceremony.”

Frankie is watching me apply my make-up as he reclines on the bed, his arms behind his head as he gazes at me with a lazy expression.

I moved in here the second night and never left and despite using my assigned room for study, I’m more than happy here.

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