Page 24 of Backstroke

“What a piece of shit! He thinks this is ok?” Gray shakes the phone screen at me. “Wonder how much he donated this time to make sure they didn’t contact you again?” Gray tosses the phone on the couch, then grabs a beer from the mini fridge. Nix’s mom is cool with us hanging out here and drinking aslong as we don’t take it anywhere else. It’s a nice reprieve from the constant hate that envelops me at home. Mrs. Huntington always welcomes me, even going as far to ensure I always have a safe place should I ever need it.

“So, what’s the plan?” Gray asks, twisting the top from his beer.

I shrug, the alcohol in my system finally dulling the ache in my chest. I lean back, closing my eyes.

“There’s nothing to do. I have to go back and pretend that he didn’t just fuck up my entire life. He wants a reaction but he won’t get one,” I vow.

“Once we get to FU things will be different,” Nix reassures. “Plus, I doubt he will come out of his way to drop by. At least it’s a couple hours away.”

I snap my eyes open, bolting upright. “We are going to be fucking legends on campus and not a single fucker will question our rule. He may have won this round but I will own that campus!” Cheers roar out as we clink our drinks together. Frampton University better be ready for its new king.

“Let’s just make sure everything runs smoothly tonight.”

Gray claps me on the shoulder. “Yeah, we’ll keep an eye on Emerson and make sure he doesn’t pull any stunts.”

As we head to class, the weight of the new information hangs in the air.

Fallon means more to me than I’d ever admit, and the thought of anyone else laying a finger on her makes my blood boil. It’s not that I’ve developed feelings for her. It’s just her sass that has me intrigued, that’s all. Once I fuck her out of my system, then anyone can have her. But until then, I have to make sure she stays safe.Only I get to play with her. She’s my little fox, and I’m far from through with her.

Classes end early since it’s the first day, so I make my way back to the house. I need to get everything ready for tonight. Jake gave me the list of participant names, erasing Fallon’s before any of the guys could see it. I guess I owe the fucker, because he came through for me again.

Gray and Nix are sitting in the game room when I get back. Call of Duty is blasting on two big screen TVs while both battle against each other in Team DeathMatch.

“Yo, I’m killing it, dude,” Nix goads, making Gray roll his eyes.

“It’s because you’re camping in the respawn area. That’s what noobs do,” he chides. After a few minutes, the game is over, making Gray jump to his feet with his arms in the air.

“I told you I’d beat your ass. Now hand it over.” He holds out his hand as Nix grumbles about wanting a rematch. He slaps a hundred dollar bill in his hand and shoves off of the couch, turning off his Xbox.

“You guys are idiots,” I say, shaking my head with a grin. “But seriously, we need to get everything set up for tonight.”

Gray and Nix exchange a look before nodding. “What’s the plan?” Gray asks, folding his arms.

I pull the sheet of names from my back pocket and hand it over. They both read it over, seeing Fallon not listed. I couldn’t come out and say it, because there are eyes and ears everywhere, leaving only Gray and Phoenix who I can trust. They both look up and nod as Nix hands the sheet back.

“It’s time to put them to the test. Let’s get our masks, boys,” I laugh as they chime in.

If Emerson thinks he has what it takes to be one of us, he’ll have an up close and personal chance to prove it. He may knowabout tonight, but he has no idea what’s in store. No one is supposed to know about our little secret society until they get thrown into the deep end on initiation night.

Ah, initiation night—the clandestine rite of passage where the veil of secrecy is lifted, revealing the hidden truths. It’s a plunge into the unknown, a baptism by fire.

Adrenaline thrums through my body at the dark activities that the night holds. It’s been months since I donned my mask. It’s time to bring it out to have a bit of fun.

“Wake the fuck up!” I bark into the darkness after barreling into Emerson and Williams’ room. Nix and Gray follow me in, ripping the blankets from the beds.

“Hey! What the hell?” One of them yells as our flashlights shine into their scrunched faces.

“Up. NOW!” Nix growls behind me, throwing the masks at their heads. Their stunned faces spike the energy coursing through my veins.

“It’s initiation night, boys. Time to prove you can swim with the sharks by catching your prey.” Williams jumps from his bed and races toward the door but I step into his path, slamming him against the wall. My hand tightens around his throat with each attempt he makes to flee. I can see the illumination of my mask in his frightened eyes. The pink X eyes and unsettling stitched grin smile back at me.

“You will take this fucking mask and do what I say, or your name will be ruined on this campus.” I throw him backward toward his bed. “Stop being a fucking pussy.”

Nix grabs the mask from the bed and yanks it over Williams’ head. The bright orange LEDs flicker on, further illuminatingthe room. Gray’s green mask comes into view as he pulls Emerson behind him. The contempt on his face is replaced by a glowing yellow smile.I hope that bastard gets what’s coming to him.

“It’s hunting time,” I announce as my hands clap together. I tug Williams out by his collar and throw him toward the stairs. Emerson at least comes on his own. He didn’t act surprised, which further proves my suspicions. He’s getting information from someone. I don’t have time to find the rat tonight, but Iwillfind them.

The rest of the team are gathered at the bottom of the stairs, each wearing a different colored mask. They know the drill by now, but the freshmen don’t.

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