Page 5 of The Claiming

As I lean back in my seat, I wonder if my mind is fucked because there is not a girl in this entire academy I want to be stuck with for months on end. Maybe I never thought this through.

THREE

CASSIE

Siri is impatient. I see it in her eyes as her parents hover at the doorway of the room we’re sharing.

I try not to stare, but the room is small and I have nowhere else to go, so I look on with interest as Siri attempts to get them to leave.

“Well, thanks, but shouldn’t you be heading back? It’s quite a journey.”

“We’re staying nearby, in case you’d forgotten.” Her mom says with a smile. “If you like, we could pick you up and take you for dinner.” She smiles at me warmly. “You too if you like, Cassie. It would be good to get to know you.”

Siri’s horrified expression drags a smile from my lips as her father says with impatience, “Charlotte. Leave her. Cut those fucking apron strings and allow her to discover that life isn’t all about getting what you want whenever you want it.”

“Mind your language.”

It amuses me to hear the clipped British accent of Siri’s mom colliding with the rough Russian tones of her father. They intrigue me because her father is tall, built and tattooed to fuckery, much like the men I’ve grown accustomed to. Her mother is an English Lady, from her smart dress and styled hair and polite mannerisms.

Her father sighs and turns to Siri, smiling and pulling her in hard to his embrace. “Malysh.” He whispers, as he buries his face in her hair and as her arms wrap around him, I sense the close bond they share.

Her mom, Charlotte, wipes another tear from her eye before her daughter is released and ends up in her mom’s arms almost as quickly.

Mr. Volkov winks at me, before grasping his wife’s hand and physically tears her apart from her daughter.

“You know where we are and any trouble – find Frankie.”

As they leave, Siri blows a deep sigh of relief.

“I thought they’d never leave.”

For the first time, we are alone and Siri heaves a welcome sigh.

“So, Cassie. This is exciting.”

Her broad smile matches my own and I must agree, it is.

“It’s all new to me.” I confess. “I’m a caged animal most of the time, with zero freedom. I’m surprised my folks agreed to this and from what I just witnessed, I’m guessing you’re the same.”

“One hundred percent.”

She wanders across to the window and stares out at the academy looming in the distance.

“They only allowed me to come because my cousin goes here. He’s been detailed with looking out for me, but if I know him, he won’t give a shit.”

“Same.”

She turns, her eyes wide.

“You have a cousin here?”

“No. Same situation, though. My best friend Jack is due here next week. He’s currently dealing with his grandmother’s death, but arrives soon. We live in the same, um, community and watch out for one another.”

“Community?” Her eyes widen. “As in a cult or some shit like that?”

I laugh out loud and only when I catch my breath, do I gulp, “Something like that.”

She perches on the edge of the bed. “I kind of get it. I mean, I’m part of something like that myself. It’s, well, quite stifling.”

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