* * *
Winter break was always one of the worst times of year. It meant spending too much time with my foster families, odd gift exchanges, and forced merriment. I had a feeling that this one was going to top the list as the worst of all time.
We were stuck on campus. Just the first year students with minimal staff left to make sure we didn’t destroy the place. The Academy felt like a ghost town, especially in the dead of night as snow drifted onto the lawn.
Without classes or homework, I had way too much time to think. I leaned against a lamp post watching the snow fall. My life had just begun a few months ago. I was eighteen and out of the foster system. Finally I could be in charge of my own life. Or not. Instead, I’d ended up in a freak show college, lined up for the slaughter.
I was going to die. To be fed to the Tromara.
Every day I thought about that. Every day hopelessness nestled deeper into my chest.
If I left here, and the Tromara found out about it, they’d kill Isabella. If I stayed, I was doomed. Madison’s mom’s note also kept popping into my brain. Once you fall into the culling ten percent, there’s only a seventeen percent chance that you’ll rise out of it.
I was fucked.
A shiver ran through me that had nothing to do with the dropping temperature. I headed back to my dorm, not at all looking forward to Madison’s cold shoulder.
When I entered our room, she held out an envelope but didn’t meet my gaze. “This came for you.”
“Thanks.” I opened it. Inside was an invitation to a Culling Club party tomorrow night. The idea of a party made me miss Elena. We’d had plans to party our way through college together. Another unfulfilled goal.
Now that she had a boyfriend and had settled into life at UMBC, she wasn’t as responsive to my text messages. My old life was really fading away.
I glanced at Madison. “This is an invitation for a party tomorrow. Want to come?”
“No thanks.” She remained focused on the book in her lap.
We spent the rest of the night ignoring each other. The one good thing about all this downtime was it allowed me to read another classic novel, this time The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and check it off my list. Though, the storyline was particularly disturbing given my current struggle with my identity.
I woke to Solstice evening. Making my way down the hall to the bathroom, I noticed someone had magiced strands of lights all along the ceiling. They floated about six inches from the top with no visible strings. It did little to improve my mood.
Back in my room, Madison was awake too. For the first time since the scoreboard had gone up, she grinned when I came in, chucking a package at me.
“My mama sent you cookies,” she said. “And I know you’ll love them because she’s the best baker I’ve ever met. You have to open it and try one. Oh, and those are for you too. They appeared just a moment ago on your bed.”
I glanced at my bed, where, sure enough several wrapped packages sat atop the crumpled blankets. The tags showed that they were from Isabella. I brushed my fingers over the silver and green patterned paper. Receiving gifts always made me feel awkward.
“Tell your mom thanks for me, will you?” I asked Madison. She nodded, tearing into her own gifts.
I picked through my small pile. The three packages were from my grandma. There were also several envelopes that were unmarked. I opened one at random, which turned out to be from May, wishing me a happy Yuletide.
The second one I plucked up was from Jaxon. My heart skipped a beat.
Don’t give up, Caprice. We’ll get you out of the culling next term. You have my word. And happy Yule. -Jaxon
This school didn’t have any rules against showing favoritism, it seemed. For a second, anger flared in me. It was fine for all the other kids to die, but I was getting special treatment for being Isabella’s granddaughter. It was unfair. At the same time, I was grateful. And that made me feel horrible about myself.
The last card was signed by Liam. Heat flooded my cheeks. I’d kissed him. It had been amazing. A hunger stirred in me at the thought of him, and I had to resist the urge to seek him out. At least I could control these crazy dragon-shifter instincts—for the most part.
His card was disappointing. Happy Yule. I hope you have a good holiday. -Liam
I didn’t want to think too much about him at the moment. A break from him was good, just what I needed to clear my head. Right?
The first package I opened was a hand-knitted sweater in deep red and black. I rubbed the material against my cheek, surprised at its softness. Next I unwrapped a variety of books that were on my to-read list. She’d sent Lolita, Brave New World, and Atonement. Isabella knew me better than I’d realized.
The last, and smallest gift, had a hand-scrawled note attached to it. Of all the family heirlooms, I thought this was best to pass on to you now. May it bring you good luck and courage.
Curiously, I tore open the small package to find a velvet covered box. It opened on tiny hinges, inside was a dazzling ruby suspended on a gold chain. My breath caught. It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.
Madison craned her neck, catching my eye. “What do you have there?” she asked.
I held the box toward her so she could see it.
“Oh my God!”
“Yeah, that was my reaction too.” I brushed my fingers over the sparkling jewel, as I stared at it in awe. This necklace had to be worth a fortune. It was too much. I snapped the box closed.
“Aren’t you going to put it on?” Madison asked. “A piece like that shouldn’t live in a box.”
“It’s safer in there.” Wearing it would make me feel like I was pretending to be someone else. Some rich person who could put on a jewel like that and act like it was normal. That wasn’t me.
* * *
The Culling Club party was held in the basement of Sorrentino Hall, which was also the club’s headquarters. I’d decided to dress up a bit with a blouse and mini-skirt, because why not? Who cared that it was freaking freezing outside.
As I surveyed the party-goers, I wondered which of them were among the twenty who would be culled. And, if I managed to dig my way out of the club, which student would then take my place.
I downed the beer in my hand, apparently underage drinking was also not a big deal at this school. Why would it be? Everyone here was either going to die or have to watch others die at the end of the year. This whole situation sucked. Did I sacrifice myself or someone else? Those seemed to be the only two options in this warped supernatural world.
The basement was packed with what looked like most, if not all, of the first year students. When I’d entered, I’d spotted Aimes with his group on one side of the room and so far managed to steer clear of them.
I refilled my beer cup, drinking in the hoppy tanginess. I wasn’t sure if it was thoughts of mortality, or the holiday season, or that necklace that Isabella had given me, but I was in a dark mood tonight. I chugged the rest of the beer and went for another refill at the keg.
Pop music competed with the roar of voices as people shouted into each other ears. I took up a post against one wall, tapping my foot to the beat. The beer was finally starting to drown out my feelings and thoughts. I welcomed it.
Madison entered with a group of witches. So she had been planning to attend, just not with me. I tried to brush off the hurt that swelled in me by taking another swallow, only to realize that my cup was empty again. I pushed through the crowd to get back to the keg.
Two more beers and I was out on the dance floor, just trying to blend in with the other writhing bodies. Letting the music take over, I danced like I didn’t have a care in the world. No culling, no bullies, no dragon-shifter shit. I was free.
Strong hands grabbed onto my hips from behind, moving in rhythm with me. They pulled me in to grind up against a solid, hot body. An even hotter erection pressed against my ass. I smirked, wondering which guy I was dancing with.
“You’re
so hot, Sorrentino.”
A chill prickled my scalp, momentarily sobering me. I turned my head to find Aimes’ cruel emerald eyes heated with desire. I stopped moving, trying to break free of him.
His grip tightened on my hips. “Oh no, you’re not going anywhere. Tonight you’re mine.” His beer-scented breath prickled the fine hairs on my neck. My chest clenched as a cold sweat chilled my skin. “Be a good girl and come quiet, and I won’t hurt you.”
I nodded and he let me go, taking my hand in his.
I rounded on him, shoving my knee into his groin as hard as I could. He went down fast, his face contorted in agony. I pushed through the crowd toward the exit. Climbing the stairs, my pulse pounding in my ears, I made it out the door that opened into a quiet, freezing night.
My head spun. I used the side of the building for support, resting my forehead against the cool stone. My limbs felt wobbly, partly due to adrenaline, but mostly from alcohol.
I had to get out of there and back to my dorm. I shuffled along the side of the building, both hands planted on the rough surface to keep my balance. It took forever to reach the corner. When I did, I slipped around the side and slid down to sit on the damp grass.
This was not good. Fear and nausea fought for dominance in my stomach. I had to…find help. But everyone was back there at that party. Now I was alone.
Footsteps crunched on the gravel path in front of the East Hall. They were coming closer to where I sat. I tried to stand, but the world tilted. I fell back down and landed hard on my ass.
“There you are.” Aimes rounded the corner. His eyes hard, his jaw clenched, as he leaned down to yank me up by the arm. One of his hands twisted into my hair. He used it to pull my head back, his mouth coming down on mine hard.
I screamed. Someone had to hear me. It was my only hope.
Aimes tsked. His wand appeared in his other hand. He pointed at my throat and murmured a spell.
I screamed again, but this time no sound came out.
I grasped my throat in horror. He’d silenced me! No matter how hard I tried, no sound would come out of my mouth.
“That’s better.” Aimes put away his wand, his free hand coming up under my shirt to fondle my breasts. His mouth moved to my chin and neck.
I beat against his chest. Tried to knee him again, but he pinned me to the side of the building with his body. I was trapped, dizzy from too much beer, and completely unable to fight him off or call for help.
A gasp escaped me when he shoved my skirt up to my waist. He parted my legs with a forceful thigh. I silently whimpered against his shoulder.
He drew back a couple of inches to unfasten his pants, letting them drop to his ankles. He used the hand he had wrapped in hair to pull my face to his. “I have to show you your place, Sorrentino.” He stared into my wide-eyed gaze. “You’re in the Culling Club because you’re weak. You’re nothing. I’m going to make you my play-thing until the end. Now I want you on your knees.” He shoved me down to the ground.
A long, low growl broke through the quiet night air.
I silently yelped as Aimes was yanked away from me, his hand still twisted in my hair. I slumped against the cold stone wall. Through my hazy vision, I registered that Jaxon and Liam each took one of Aimes’ arms.
Aimes struggled against them. “Get off me! Let me go.”
Angel, in human form wearing only jeans, came around in front of Aimes. He punched him in the stomach. Aimes doubled over. Then Angel grabbed his hair, punching him again, this time in the face. Aimes slid to the gravel unconscious.
18
Caprice
“I’ll deal with him,” Angel said. “Take care of her.”
Jaxon and Liam both rushed to my sides. Liam took one of my shaking hands in his, as the other wiped tears from my face. Jaxon pulled my skirt down to cover my underwear. His grey eyes bright with anger.
“Did he hurt you?” Liam whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
I opened my mouth to answer, but not sound came out. I clawed at my throat.
“That bastard.” Jaxon took out his wand. I’d never seen it before because he always used his hands to direct his magic. The tapered stone was orange and red carnelian. He pointed it at my neck to removed Aimes’ silencing spell.
I gasped. “I think I’m okay.” The words came out slurred. Then I leaned to the side and vomited. Liam held my hair back.
“Okay,” Jaxon said. “Let’s get her home.” Once I’d finished puking, he scooped me into his arms. Liam walked ahead of us on the lawn, opening doors as we came to the Academy Hall and went up the stairs. Apparently home meant Jaxon’s apartment.
The space was plush yet masculine. He had more furniture than I would have expected in a bachelor’s apartment. Even matching sofas and a coffee table in the living room.
My eyes started to water. “I think I’m gonna be sick.” I told Jaxon, who carried me straight to the bathroom and set me in front of the toilet. I heaved into it, feeling ashamed and disgusting. After tonight, none of these three were going to want anything to do with me. I tried to tell myself that would be a good thing, and make my life simpler.
I groaned. Jaxon handed me a glass of water. I rinsed my mouth with it then drank the rest. My stomach settled a little. “Thank you,” I murmured at him.
He left me alone for a few minutes. I blew my nose in a tissue. Finding a bottle of mouthwash on the counter, I rinsed my mouth again. My hands were still shaking. I glanced into the mirror and cringed. Then went to work wiping the runny mascara from under my eyes.
Aimes had tried to rape me. The reality of it settled over me and I vomited into the sink. Was I puking because of the booze or because of what I’d just been through? Probably both. I shuddered.
I rinsed out the sink, and my mouth—yet again. I was safe now, with Jaxon and Liam. At least I hoped I was. Irrational fear fluttered into my chest. Or was it irrational? I shook my head. I had no reason not to trust these two. They’d saved me from Aimes.
“Okay, cupcake, do you think you’re done retching?” Jaxon stood in the doorway behind me.
I met his eyes in the mirror. “I think so.”
“Come on then, let’s get you to bed.” He wrapped an arm around my waist as I stumbled out of the bathroom. Steering us toward an open door, he flicked on the light. We stood in his bedroom. A massive king size bed dominated the space. The sheets were turned down.
“In you go.” He lifted me and set me under the covers. “If you need to puke again, there’s a bucket right down here.” He left, closing the door behind him.
I snuggled into a pillow that smelled like spice and oatmeal soap. More than that, it smelled safe and familiar.
* * *
The nightmare was back. I sat in a dark room with filthy brown carpet. A mattress in the corner for a bed. A man shouted downstairs. “Clumsy bitch! Deserves the belt!” Panicked, I ran down the hall to the stairs. In the living room, a little girl was crying. A woman cringed against the far wall. The jingle of a metal buckle sounded at the man took off his belt.
When I woke with a start, the clock on the nightstand told me I’d slept through the day. I lifted my head, but when the room spun, I set it back on the pillow. The events of last night came rushing back to me. I groaned, turning to lay on my side.
What was Angel going to do with Aimes? Surely, they had some rule against rape in this damned place. I didn’t want to think about Aimes. All it did was fill my stomach with revulsion.
I was in Jaxon’s room, in his bed. A pleasant tingle ran through me as I breathed in his scent. Then I remembered more of last night. Of puking my guts out, looking like shit, and Jaxon putting me to bed. My face heated. How freaking embarrassing. This was way worse than making out with Liam and inviting Jaxon to join it—which was the last time the three of us had been in the same room together. Well, there was having to explain everything to the dean.
Humiliated. That’s how I felt. I wished I could sneak out of this roo
m and hide in my dorm. But at some point I’d have to face Jaxon, and maybe Liam and Angel too. They’d pulled Aimes off of me. Would they know that it was him and his friends who’d beat me up? Either way, whatever they did to Aimes, he would blame me for it. And take it out on me later.
The bedroom door opened. Jaxon walked in, wearing only his jeans. Dear God, he was gorgeous. He thrust a glass of water and several aspirin into my hands. I swallowed the pills. He was a good man. Too good for me.
“How are you feeling?” He sat at the edge of the bed.
“Um.” My face flared.
Jaxon reached out and caressed my cheek. The gesture lessened the harshness of his voice as he said, “Don’t you dare blame yourself for what happened last night. That wasn’t your fault in any way. Do you understand me?”
I couldn’t help it, I let out a sob. Those were the exact words I needed to hear. Even though did blame myself for being so careless.
Jaxon scooted closer to pull me against his chest. “I’ve got you. You’re safe now,” he murmured against the top of my head.
I let myself cry into his bare chest. The warmth of his skin sunk into my very core as the headache eased. Once I cried myself out, Jaxon wiped away the tears from my cheek with his thumb.
He bent his head close to mine. His lips brushed against the corner of my mouth in the most gentle kiss. Then he drew back with a sigh. His grey eyes held my gaze for a long moment. I read in them everything that he wouldn’t say. Fear and longing. What did Jaxon fear? What did he long for?
“Knock, knock.” Liam stood in the doorway, holding a bundle of fabric. His gaze took us in. Not a flicker of jealousy registered, though I’d been tense and ready for it. “I brought you a change of clothes.” He strode in and set the bundle at the foot of the bed. “You can shower and change in there.”
I glanced at a half-open door across the room that must lead to a second bathroom.
Jaxon stood, leaving the room with Liam. They closed the door behind them.
Academy Obscura: The Flame Within Page 15