Page 24 of Unpredictable

“I think that you should proceed to the next step of getting all the necessary tests and medical exams done,” I tell her with confidence.

“Really?” She instantly relaxes, and a smile covers her face.

“Really,” I assure her with a smile of my own. “I will be backing you as my choice.”

“I hope whoever the guy is, is at least good looking,” she muses, smiling widely.

“He will be,” I tell her with a wink.

“Thank you, Victoria. You don’t even realize how much stress this takes off of me. I will finally be able to end this nightmare.”

“Why haven’t you asked for help before? My family could have helped you.”

She gives me a tight smile. “I couldn’t take the risk that you would say no. Besides, we might have known each other a long time in passing, but we weren’t friends. Then after everything with Sage? I’m surprised you even let me interview.” She’s quiet a moment. “I already made amends with Sage, but let me tell you too. I’m so sorry for everything Ingram did. I know I wasn’t always involved, but I’m regretful that I wasn’t strong enough to remove myself from the situation sooner.”

“Apology accepted, even though I didn’t need it. We’re all shoved into situations that are less than ideal.” For a brief moment, my mind flicks to Sterling. “We can all say how we think we would be stronger or do things differently, but in the end, each situation is different and everyone’s circumstances are the motivating factor for their actions. I wholeheartedly believe you meant no malicious intent, as does Sage, if she allows you to eat here and continues to be friendly to you.”

She smiles. “We’re friends, sort of. I thought about asking her for help too once Ingram left, but I think the society will be my best bet.”

I lean back and stare at her for a long moment. “I can get the society to help you if you want. You don’t have to go through with this.”

She gives me a half smile. “I believe you could. However, I still want this. I want this to belong to just me. A piece of this world my mother can’t taint. Once in, she will never be able to have control over me ever again. I don’t want you to think that’s the only reason though. I also want to belong to a group bigger than myself. I want a new family, and that’s what the society will be to me.”

Understanding hits me. By the shy look on her face, I know what she isn’t saying. She needs this as much for herself and her own feelings as she does for the external factors that she’s claiming.

“Good. It’s settled. I will let them know as soon as lunch is over. For now, let’s get to know each other better.”

Day 75

I’m going to be okay. If this girl can endure the death of a parent and the other being overbearing and abusive and still have a positive outlook, I can too. I will survive this.

???

Chapter Seven

It’s finally the night I’ve been anticipating—Samhain. Samhain is where Halloween originated, a pagan religious festival at the end of harvest before ushering in the darker half of the year. At the end of harvest, the locals would join the Druid priests and light a community fire. The Celts believed that during this time the veil was thin. During the fires, the locals would offer the gods an animal sacrifice to keep evil at bay. Coming from a predominately Irish community, we have taken Samhain and made it into something of our own. Now days, instead of offering up an animal sacrifice, we offer virgin blood, which in some religions is strong.

Because every secret society has its weird rituals, I muse.

I stand around the bonfire, taking in all our hard work. Months of planning are finally over, or will be shortly.

I feel Taylor slide up next to me.

“It’s going to be a great night,” he says excitedly.

Ugh, ass.

Thankfully, I’ve only had to communicate with him a couple of times. Mostly, we did our research on our own. He might be damn good at reading people and organization, but his personality is surely lacking.

I barely control my eye roll. “I hope so.”

“You hooking up with anyone tonight? Or need a willing partner?” The wink he shoots me assures me that he would be said partner.

I can’t hold back my cringe and watch him sneer.

“What, too good for me?” His snide tone causes me to bristle.

“Actually, she is, and she has someone else for the night.” The voice from behind me is one I wasn’t sure I would ever hear again.

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