Page 18 of The Claiming

I hate the jealously that flared inside me when Cassie ran to him and jumped into his arms. The way he buried his face in her hair, a little too long for my liking, and held her in his arms.

I hated every minute of it and something is telling me he could be trouble for my plan.

“He seems tight with Cassie. Are they together?”

Jesse raises his eyes and I snap, “Just asking.”

He bites back a grin. “He told me they are childhood friends, more like brother and sister. He’s been sent here to keep an eye on her, much like you with Siri, I guess.”

“I was here first.” I remind him and he shrugs.

“Same thing, though. I’m guessing they have history, but more the family kind.”

It settles my mind a little and I stare out at the scene, noting how easy they are with one another.

I’ve kept my distance from her for a reason. To detach from my sudden yearning to have her. A test if you like. Hoping the fascination fades and normal business resumes.

I’m not surprised at the dark thoughts I have concerning her. I’m used to dark thoughts. I thrive on them.

She still hasn’t signed up for The Claiming and I wonder about that. I issued a challenge. I thought she would rise to it. Due to the space restrictions in the dungeon, we opened the challenge to five couples at a time and the first few weeks are full already as everyone appears to want to give it a try.

Two names are penciled in for the first week and they are yet to confirm. They will, though. I’d stake my reputation on it.

I watch every move they make as they chat easily and as they make their way into the coffee shop, I prepare myself for the invasion.

As they enter, Jesse waves them over.

“Hey, Jack. Over here, man.”

I note the scowl on Siri’s face and the worried frown on Cassie’s and suddenly everything is right with my world. I feed off fear and both girls are right to sense it when I am nearby.

One because of my ability to ruin her experience and the other to fear what I’m capable of when I scent blood.

Jack slides in beside Jesse and Siri frowns as she takes the place beside me. Cassie considers her options and then slides in beside Jack, who immediately rests his arm along the back of her chair.

Her eyes find mine and I love the challenge in hers as she says, “I’ll fetch the coffee. Who wants what?”

Jack answers, “My usual, darlin’, what about you Siri?” My cousin tenses beside me, which I find extremely interesting and stutters. “Cassie knows what I like. Thank you.”

I note Jesse’s amusement as he notices it too, which makes life a lot easier for me. It’s obvious she likes him, which could help in my quest for Cassie.

Cassie lines up and Jack’s eyes follow her, causing Jesse to quip, “It appears there is only one girl on your mind at Rockwell, Jack.”

He turns our way with a shake of his head.

“She’s family,” is all he says as he fixes Siri with a bright smile.

“Thanks for making her stay here a good one. She hasn’t stopped texting me about you all week.”

Once again, I push down my irritation knowing they text. They are friends, of course they will but I don’t have to like it.

Siri has apparently lost her voice, which is a first, and I interrupt, “So, Jack. I believe Jesse told you about The Claiming. Shall I add your name to the list?”

“I’ll think about it.” He shrugs. “Give me a few days to adjust, and I’ll let you know.”

Jesse groans. “Don’t tempt him, Frankie. He’s just fucking got here.”

“Mind your language in front of my cousin, Jesse.” I warn him and he grins, his usual shit-eating one. “Sorry man, I forgot.”

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