Page 19 of The Claiming

Siri laughs out loud. “Don’t listen to him, Jesse. Frankie swears like a trooper whoever is listening, including his mom. He’s playing with you.”

She nudges me. “Back off cousin, it’s getting boring.”

Before I can react, a shadow passes across the table and my heart sinks when Kennedy takes the seat beside Siri.

“Hey guys, isn’t this cozy?” She softens her voice as she addresses Jack.

“Hey, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Kennedy, ex girlfriend of Frankie’s and very much available.”

I roll my eyes as Siri shakes her head and I can only imagine the face she is pulling, judging from Jack’s amused expression.

“So, Jack–” Kennedy purrs, completely ignoring Jesse and me, even though Jesse fucked her against the wall of the party on the first night.

“I hope you’re signing up for The Claiming. I promise not to run too fast.”

Of course, Kennedy’s name is on the list. I’d put it there myself to avoid her. I still need to add mine, but I’ve left a spot open. In fact, there are three waiting to be penned in.

“No, not this time.” Jack says pleasantly and Kennedy’s face falls.

“Shame, I may withdraw until you decide to take part.”

Cassie returns with coffee for everyone and, as she sits beside Jack, she says apologetically. “I’m sorry, Kennedy. I would have fetched one for you if I’d known.”

Kennedy shrugs. “It’s fine. I was leaving anyway.”

She hesitates and obviously can’t leave without knowing. “Are you, well, together?”

Cassie laughs out loud. “Not in the sense you mean. Jack is my best friend.”

Kennedy stands and addresses Jack. “That’s good to know. Remember, tell me when you sign up and I’ll do the same. Later guys.”

As she heads off, Cassie watches her go with a confused expression. “What did I miss?”

Siri replies, “Just the usual Kennedy fawning over every man she meets. Poor Jack didn’t even get a warning.”

Jack shrugs and once again his arm rests behind Cassie. “It’s okay. I’ve met her type countless times before.”

“So, Jack.” Jesse adds. “Will you tell Kennedy when you throw your name on the list?”

“I’ll pass thanks.” Jack pulls a face and addresses me. “I’m sorry man, I know she’s your ex, but she’s not really my type.”

“No offense taken.” I shrug, retrieving the coffee that Cassie delivered my way.

“Thanks, angel.” I wink as she withdraws her hand a little faster than normal and from the spark in her eye, I’m guessing she’s as much affected by me as I am her.

I retreat and watch as the rest of the group chat and the entire time I plan my strategy. I issued a challenge, one I will not lose and when the challenge ends, Cassie will be controlled by me.

ELEVEN

CASSIE

After an awkward hour in the coffee shop, I grab some alone time with Jack.

We take a walk around campus to catch up, and it’s as if he has never been away. I love the easy familiarity of his arm slung around my shoulders, and hearing his husky voice makes me realize just how much I’ve missed it.

“Was it bad?” I refer to the funeral and he exhales slowly.

“It was tough, but beautiful. Emotional even.”

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