Page 5 of The Catalyst

“And that is why I have the perfect bucket list item just for you,” I say with my head held high. “It works perfectly with your predicament.”

Her eyes widen and I see it the moment she realizes she fucked up by joining my bucket list venture.

“What is it?” she mutters with fear in her voice.

“Item Number Thirty-Two: Without any explanation, walk up to the guy you have a crush on, kiss him, and walk away.”

She pales instantly. “What?.. I can’t just—I really don’t like you right now.” She pouts and I almost laugh, but I know how nerve-wracking this kind of thing can be. It’s not supposed to be easy or it wouldn’t be on the bucket list.

“You will be glad once you do it. I have the worst item. I’m going to walk up to a complete stranger and demand he fuck me. All you have to do is kiss a boy you like.”

She rolls her eyes. “Fine. You made your point, but this is insane. Ronan barely even notices I exist. Can we at least have a drink first? I need liquid courage.”

“You can have all the liquid courage you desire, but you’re still kissing him.”

August 12, 1814

As children, we swore we would find a better life… a better world. Our families were starving, and the streets ran red with blood. The police only help those who pay for them. The same goes for the gangsters. With us being the weaker of our nation, i.e., the poor, no one comes to our rescue. Yet, if we take matters into our own hands, sometimes the police will come out of the woodwork. That’s the way it is for people like us.

Dambán, Naiose, Tadhg, Aichear, and I have always had better visions for our futures. We’ve dreamed of a place where no one can hurt us or our families, where good always triumphs over evil and innocence is always protected.

We know what we must do to find such a place, to achieve what we’ve always wanted. We must leave Ireland and find our way across the sea to a place far better suited for us, a new world. That’s where our families can be free, safe and loved. And we will protect all those who need it.

Hopefully, that land won’t be anything like what we have experienced.

Until then,

Séamus O’Reilly

CHAPTER 3

BETH

Isit by patiently as Judy drinks at least three beers and introduces me to a few of the girls who are brave enough to try to talk to me.

Also, during that time, I had to fight off six—that’s right, six—jocks who looked at me like a hunk of meat to fight over. Ew. I’m not one to yuk someone else’s yum, but I do not like jocks, period. That may be Teigan and Delaney’s style, but not mine. Shawn was a musician and the hot stranger didn’t give off any athletic vibes. Sure, he’s ripped, but one can be without being into sports.

Do I need to mention the incredibly hot psychopath?

“You are a hot commodity tonight,” Arely comments as she flips her crimson-dyed hair over her shoulder. Arely is here because her boyfriend is another one of the hosts, Oisin McGowen, and apparently, all of the girlfriends stick together until they’re on the outs with their man. It’s quite the fickle group, but Arely is friendly.

“I’m the shiny new toy,” I joke dryly as I lift my beer can to my lips.

“That you are and…” she trails off before looking behind me, her eyes focusing on something or someone, but if I had to guess, I’d bet it’s the stranger who has been staring at me the entire time I’ve been here. I’m quite disappointed. Sure, I’ve been busy with Judy and need to be the one to make a move for my item, but I also expected a man like him to go in for the kill instead of watching me like a damn stalker. “Someone can’t seem to keep his eyes off you.”

I don’t turn around and Judy nods with a snicker. “Don’t say his name,” she whispers and I can tell she’s a lightweight. She’s not drunk but is affected and relaxed in this environment.

“Huh?” Arely quirks her eyebrow at us as Perla, the other Bastard girl, stands by, watching our exchange silently. This entire time, Perla hasn’t spoken, even in greeting. I’m pretty sure she’s mute since she did wave at me when she came over, but I won’t be rude by asking.

“I’m working off of a bucket list. I have to go through the entire party without knowing his name.” I don’t elaborate on the rest of it, but Judy can’t help laughing under her breath. “Are you ready to do your thing?” I press knowing it's a bit petty, but she needs something to make her smile. He isn’t worth her time if he makes a fool of her.

“That’s a bit of a weird thing to have on a bucket list, but I’m down for anything. Alright, I won’t say his name, new girl.”

She’s been calling me that no matter how many times I tell her my name. I guess it’s something we’ll have to work on long term.

“But, you should be careful. Casey is here and she goes absolutely feral when she sees anyone sniffing around Ni—him. Talk about crazy exes. Am I right?” She adds a playful edge, but I get the point. Shawn had a crazy ex-girlfriend too. She slashed my tires and threw a brick through my window. If I can handle that from my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend, I can take anything this Casey bitch throws at me.

“Shit. Here she comes,” Judy mutters under her breath. I move to her side, turning to face the threat, whatever it might be.

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