Page 17 of The Claiming

I pull Jack down on the grass beside us and make the introductions.

“I’m pleased to meet you, darlin’.”

Jack drops her a wink and I swear Siri blushes.

I don’t blame her really because Jack is incredibly handsome and has a rugged aura that most girls seem to adore. Like most of the Reapers, he has an easy going nature and yet anger him and you’ll regret it. He is also totally buff and when his t-shirt comes off, the beginnings of a trail of ink is already decorating his toned skin.

Siri, for once, is speechless and merely stares at him in astonishment and as I catch his eye, he winks with the smug acceptance that once again he dazzles on sight.

“So, tell me about this place.” He asks, and I shrug.

“It’s okay I guess. The tutors are cool and the facilities average.”

“What about the other students?”

“Okay, I guess, although we haven’t had the opportunity to make many friends yet. It’s been all work and no play so far.”

Siri has obviously lost the power of speech and I fill in the awkward silence.

“Where is your dorm? Have you met your roomie?”

“Roomies.” He shrugs. “There was no room in the main block, so the principal placed me in one of the houses.”

I have a premonition, don’t ask me how and say fearfully, “It’s not with the Elusives, by any chance?”

Siri’s eyes widen as Jack nods. “I think that’s what they called it. Some guy called Jesse showed me around. He seems cool. I’m not complaining.”

The cold fingers of dread clutch at my soul as I picture Jack among Frankie and his group of friends. I may not have been here long, but I’ve learned a lot about how they work and that’s not Jack. He simply won’t fit with them, and I’m not sure what to say about that.

“So, baby, tell me about you. What’s the real deal around here and don’t tell me there isn’t one because you forget I know you inside and out?”

“Truth is—nothing.” I shrug. “The only piece of news is some challenge everyone is talking about.”

“The Claiming?” He raises his eyes and we share a wicked grin.

“Yeah, Jesse told me about it but warned me off it. He told me I would thank him later when the chicks were crawling all over me.” He winks, and I shake my head.

“That’s not you, Jack, and you know it. Although–”

I glance between Siri and Jack and a wicked grin lights my face as an idea forms.

“I’m familiar with that look.” Jack chuckles and Siri finds her voice at last.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” I shrug. “Not yet, anyway. So, Jack–” My voice is bright to disguise my racing mind.

“How about you buy us a coffee and tell me more. I am desperate for news from home and did you see Imogen while you were there?”

I pull him up and motion for Siri to join us. Catching up with Jack is now the most important item on my agenda and I need Siri to be part of this if the plan weaving its magic through my mind can work.

TEN

FRANKIE

Jesse updates us on our new member as we see him chatting with Cassie and Siri from our window in the coffee shop.

“He seems a good sort. No pushover and sharp as a tack.”

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