Page 24 of The Claiming

“That’s true. They didn’t have it easy though, but that’s a story for another time.”

“So, did he claim her—in the ceremony?”

“No, it wasn’t a thing back then. It was abolished several decades earlier. My father learned about it and when he told me, I was intrigued.”

“I can understand that.” She smiles suddenly and I’m surprised at the bolt of electricity it shocks in my veins. Cassie is a stunning girl but when she smiles, it transforms her and magnifies the attraction a million fold.

“I love a challenge. I suppose that’s why I’m intrigued.” I attempt to re-focus my attention.

“Tell me about yourself.”

I already discovered everything I need to, courtesy of a call to my Uncle Malik who sent me over the finer points. He is the information gatherer of our organization and a useful tool in my weaponry.

“There’s not much to tell. I live in a motorcycle club—my father’s the president. Jack lives there too and his father works alongside mine.”

“Interesting.” I reply because it’s unconventional, but I like that. I’m used to living a different life from most anyway and I’m guessing there isn’t much difference in the way we were brought up.

“It’s funny, but when I usually tell people, they back off.” She turns and her impish smile causes me to chuckle softly.

“I’m not scared of a bunch of bikers. Why would I be? I’ve done nothing to cause them to have issue with me.” I refrain from adding ‘yet,’ on the end of my sentence.

She nods, appreciation reflecting in her eyes.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For not judging where I come from.”

“Is that usual?”

“Yes.” she states simply and then adds.

“So, tell me about yourself, Frankie. Siri told me you are family but hasn’t really expanded on that.”

“Much like you, really.” I shrug. “We are an organization made up of several families. We have many homes, but one in particular is where we meet the rest of them. It’s in the middle of nowhere and heavily guarded.”

“Like a fortress?”

“Kind of.”

“I know a lot about that.” She smiles as if we share a bond. “The place I live at is called The Rubicon.”

“The point of no return?” I say and she nods, a soft expression in her eyes as she thinks of home.

“We live in the middle of nowhere too and it is also heavily guarded. Perhaps we have more in common than I first thought.”

“Perhaps.”

We reach the dungeon area and, as I push through the trees, she is following close behind me.

“I haven’t been here before.” I love the curiosity in her voice.

“You’re excused – you just arrived.”

“I guess, but I like to scan the area and learn what I’m dealing with.”

“Military style.” I grin and she laughs, a sound that echoes through the trees, sweeter than birdsong.

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