Page 35 of The Claiming

“Is he single? Am I his type and what tips have you got to make him notice me?”

I shrug, hating the idea of Jack near any of these girls for some reason. I expect because he’s such a great guy and they are definitely not the type of girl I hope to see him with someday.

“Just be yourself, Kennedy.” Is my standard response because she isn’t the first girl to ask me that question.

“Great, thanks.” She tosses her long dark hair over her shoulder. “I need someone hot to show Frankie what he’s missing. I’m guessing he’ll wake up soon enough and come crawling back.”

“Good luck with that.” Siri mumbles and I kick her ankle under the table.

They make to leave and Kennedy smiles sweetly. “See you later, girls. Come and say hi. We should hang out more.”

As they walk away, Siri sighs. “Why don’t I like her?”

“Same.”

I shrug. “It takes all sorts, I suppose, and she hasn’t done us any harm.”

“Yet.” Siri gazes after her thoughtfully. “I don’t trust her. It’s an act I’ve seen countless times before. You see, all through school my family has been in a year either above or below me. For some reason, the guys in our family attract a lot of attention and girls think that by befriending me, they can get to my cousins. They use me and I guess I’ve always been a little salty about that and you are the first person I’ve met who doesn’t.”

For some reason, I’m uncomfortable about that, unsure what she would say if she knew more about my day with her cousin. Would she believe I’m after him too and using her to get close to him?

Perhaps I should confess what really happened today, but then again, nothing did.

She sighs and gathers her books.

“Let’s get this study period over with so we can head back and dress to impress. My first college party will be one to remember. I can feel it in the air.”

EIGHTEEN

FRANKIE

It’s party night—again. It kind of gets old after a while and as I hang with the guys on the veranda, I welcome the cool beers Ali keeps on endless supply.

I ask him casually, “How many have signed up for The Claiming?”

“It’s full.” He smirks. “Five girls and five boys, all set to enter hell in two days’ time.”

He draws out his phone.

“We are also at capacity for the rest of the semester. It appears your idea sparked something among the students and everyone wants a piece of the action.”

Jesse groans. “Fuck, that means less choice. I fucking hate you, man.”

His bottle of beer hangs on his fingers as he appears a dejected figure, bemoaning his loss.

I shrug. “You were given the opportunity and now you’ll have to watch everyone else have all the fun.”

Santi asks, “Who signed up for the first one?”

Ali consults his phone. “Apart from Jack and Frankie, there’s River Callahan, Amos Sams and Ben Johnson.”

I consider the competition and, aside from Jack, I’m guessing the others are no threat.

Santi muses, “River could be a problem. He’s the quarterback and used to taking down his opponents.”

The guys laugh and Jack adds. “Size doesn’t always matter. Especially in tight spaces.”

I nod my agreement. “You make a valid point.”

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