Page 55 of The Claiming

My hand falls away, and he nods, saying quickly, “It was obvious she couldn’t swim because the river is wider than it looks and so I instructed her to get on my back and wrap her arms around my neck. I would carry her to safety and it was tough, but not impossible.”

Jack is one of the fittest guys I know and I have no doubt it was an easy task. Siri is light and would have weighed less than the Bergen that Jack practises with at home, under the instruction of whatever Reaper happens to want to put him through his paces that day.

We are lucky to be surrounded by ex-military assassins who were good soldiers. They want Jack to succeed, so taught him everything required to excel in training when he enlists at the end of college.

I am sad about losing him to the military, but realize it’s in his DNA and hope he excels and comes back to live out his dream of becoming a Reaper. I am envious of his future and would love more than anything to join him, but that would be against my father’s dead body, so I don’t rate my chances.

My heart softens when I think of my father and know he would be all over what happened last night with Abigail.

It spurs me into action and as we reach the entrance to the dungeon, it doesn’t appear half as chilling as it did last night.

“We should search it again for clues.” I blurt out impulsively and Jack nods.

“I had a feeling you’d say that.” He rolls his eyes and with a grin I reach above the door for the key, but it’s gone.

“Bother, they must have locked up already.”

I’m disappointed and Jack shrugs. “It makes sense.”

I test the door with frustration and yet it doesn’t budge and Jack huffs. “We’ll grab the key from the house and come back later. Nothing will change inside during that time.”

I fight my disappointment. “I guess so.”

As we move away, I point to the path running on the other side of the dungeon. “Let’s head to the riverbank. We may come across another way in if we scoot around the side.”

As we walk, I must ask, “What are your thoughts on Siri?”

“She’s a nice girl.”

“Who is nowyourgirl.”

I wonder why that tastes so bitter in my mouth.

Jack shrugs. “In name only. If that’s the result of last night, I won’t hold her to anything.”

“Frankie will be good with that.” I chuckle softly. “Poor Siri. She wanted her freedom and Frankie’s challenge has played right into his family’s hands. Siri won’t have the freedom she wants unless–” I hold my breath, hating the direction my thoughts have taken me.

“Unless what?” Jack turns to me and I choke on my words.

“What if you, well–” I can’t even say the words and he shakes his head.

“You want me to date her?”

For a second, we stare at one another and I wonder why we’re so awkward about this. I’m guessing it’s because of that night in the past and I push the memory firmly back into its box and shrug, forcing a lightness into my voice that is somehow against what I’m feeling inside.

“Why not? She’s a beautiful girl and you obviously get along. I mean–” My words trip over themselves in my haste. “Is there anyone you would rather be with if you think about it?”

For a second our gazes collide and our past swirls around us and then a passing bird calls out loudly, breaking the moment and Jack shrugs. “Not really.”

He lowers his gaze and my heart pounds as we choose the unfamiliar and I wonder why I suddenly hate the idea of Jack and Siri, despite the fact it was my suggestion.

TWENTY-SEVEN

FRANKIE

It’s as if the clouds have lifted when I wake and I reflect back on an evening that ended extremely well for me. My plan was well executed and now Cassie is my girl I have an enjoyable semester to look forward to.

I wander downstairs to grab some coffee and Ali is already there, checking his phone.

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