Page 1 of The Claiming

ONE

CASSIE

This is what freedom looks like and I expected no less. I gaze around the dark hallway; the lightbulb flickering above me as it hangs onto life. The paint is peeling and the wood rotting, and I wonder how Rockwell Academy is still standing.

A shiver passes through me as a dripping tap sounds in the direction of an open doorway.

The chair is hard against my back as I wait with anticipation for my parents to vacate the office of Principal Constable.

As I wait, a sudden movement at the end of the hall diverts my attention from the lightbulb and I watch with interest as three people step into my view.

The man is tall, dangerous in appearance, with a gaze that pierces my soul from several yards out. He appears to be taking everything in and I’m no stranger to that.

My attention flips to the woman holding his hand. A strikingly beautiful blonde, far more anxious than the man slightly ahead of her.

Behind her is a girl who I stare at with interest. I’m guessing she is new, the same as me, and yet she shows none of the nerves of her mother. Her gaze collides with mine and a friendly smile stretches across her pretty pink lips, her eyes shining with friendliness as they approach. They stop at three chairs positioned on the opposite side of the Principal’s door and as they sit, the group smile at me politely.

I return it with interest because I’m curious about them. That’s nothing new. I’m curious about everything.

I listen as the woman sighs. “I’m not enjoying this.”

The girl laughs and as she catches my eye, she grins, rolling hers in an exaggerated fashion, causing me to chuckle softly.

“I’ll be fine, mom.”

Her voice is light, excitement wrapped in the words and her father ruffles her hair.

“Of course she will. Siri can look after herself and I don’t need to remind you of that, Charlotte.”

His voice is husky and edged with an accent I can’t quite place. He called her Siri. That’s unusual, possibly a nickname.

“I can worry if I like. It’s what moms do.”

The attractive woman catches my eye and winks, her soft smile causing me to reward her with one of the same.

Siri slides her gaze to me and grins and if I believed in fate, this would be the second our friendship began. Two like-minded souls who will share the greatest adventure and in the future I will remember this moment as the beginning of our story.

The door opens and my father’s husky tones make me smile—they always do.

He steps outside and his sharp gaze lands on the strangers before he connects with mine. I have never known any different. It’s his training, instinct, or a curious mind, but he searches for danger before safety and that will never change.

He nods to the man respectfully and holds out his hand.

“Ryder King.”

That is all he says—all he ever says and the man replies, “Ivan Volkov.”

It’s as if they are acquainted as mutual respect flashes in their eyes and I am mesmerized. Then mom follows him and smiles at Charlotte, Siri’s mom.

“Hi, I’m Ashton, and this is Cassandra, our daughter.” She turns her attention to Siri and offers her hand.

“You must be the girl Principal Constable spoke about. Cassandra’s roomie.”

My ears prick up as mom smiles in my direction and I jump up to join them.

Siri grins and, leaning in, whispers, “Well, that’s a good start, anyway. I’m Siri, otherwise known as Serenity.”

“Cassie, otherwise known as Cassandra.”

---