Page 75 of The Claiming

I’m prying, but I’m not sure if I’ll be okay with the answer and she shrugs. “Its early days. Kissing is all it’s been until now, but I’m hopeful.”

I raise my eyes and she blushes. “I’m not my mother, or any of my aunts. That virgin for marriage thing is sooo archaic these days. I’m having the full college experience if I get my way and I want it to be with Jack.”

I can’t argue with her because that was also my intention when I came here. I didn’t plan ahead, and Jack has complicated my new adventure. Why do I feel so guilty about having slept with Frankie? It’s as if I’ve cheated on him and I’m not sure why. Jack is a guy. He must have fucked hundreds of girls already. Frankie admitted it, so why would Jack be any different?

I hold on to that thought as Siri adds, “We stopped by the dorm and grabbed some of my things and Jack carried them back here for me.”

She smiles wistfully. “It was a special night.”

“Why, did you–?” I hold my breath and she shakes her head.

“We kissed. Nothing more, but perhaps it could be.”

She is so happy I chase away my own reservations and smile. “I’m happy for you, Siri. Both of you.”

“Are you though?” She surprises me by reading the script in my mind, and I falter.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

She shrugs. “I’m probably over thinking it, but I’ve seen how close you are. I know that Jack was pissed you left with Frankie.”

“He is just looking out for me, like Frankie does for you.”

I make light of the situation and don’t miss the relief in her eyes.

“I guess. Anyway–” She grins. “Life begins now. We live here with some incredible guys—my cousin apart and college life is looking fine and dandy.”

As I follow her out, I push down my concern about her growing relationship with Jack. I should be happy for them. I’m happy with Frankie and have no right to deny them something that could be amazing. I am just hanging onto the past and must grow up and face the future. Jack is my family and always will be and will never be anymore than that.

* * *

We headto the diner in town. It took a couple of cars to get us here and I love the sense of freedom that gave me. I’m not really used to freedom. Not really. If I head into town, it’s usually by virtue of a ride from one of The Reapers. I can drive, so can Jack, but my father is way too overprotective. Despite my mom’s insistence that I should be free to make mistakes like any other human on the planet.

It probably has a lot to do with the life we live. The job they do and the secrecy surrounding the way we live. It’s only now that I understand how important freedom is and it’s opened my eyes that are unlikely to close again any time soon. When I return home, I doubt it will be to the same rules which is probably why my father resisted my attendance here. Everything will change—has changed and as Frankie slings his arm around me as we settle into the booth, a spark of excitement lights my soul as I sense my life taking a different, more exciting new turn.

As we huddle together, choosing what we’ll eat, I am aware of Jack and Siri in much the same pose opposite us. I’m okay with that. Why wouldn’t I be, especially as Jack is giving her his full attention?

It’s still strange, but I’m settling into our new roles and as soon as we place our order, our attention shifts onto a more important subject.

“What’s the plan for today?”

Jack directs his question to Frankie and I’m surprised how easily Frankie has become the leader of our little group.

“I want to check out the tunnels again.”

I interrupt. “I spoke with Kennedy at the party and she confirmed that Abigail was first into the tunnel and Autumn was last. We left them first in the room and it wasn’t long before I heard a scream.”

Siri nods, her expression serious. “Me too, and it was almost immediate.”

I add. “Kennedy told me the centurion was in the tunnel with Abigail, which means he must have been there before the challenge began or he would have been seen by the others.”

“We must check the tunnel she crawled into. There must be a way in there I’ve missed.”

Frankie speaks in a low voice and I whisper, “Who do you think the centurion is, Frankie? He had a tattoo of a serpent on his wrist. Do you know anyone who has?”

“No.” He shrugs. “It can’t have been any of us. There were the five centurions taking part in the challenge, plus Jesse, Ali and Santi. Eight in total and they are all accounted for.”

Jack adds, “So the guy was aware of the challenge and where we got the robes and masks. Were there any spares?”

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