by E. C. Land
Adalind Marie Stonewall.
My mother, and yet, someone I barely know. Someone who is the acting director of the botany wing. My uncle Jonathan didn’t even tell me. Yesterday I decided to make myself comfortable with the grounds and walked to the different buildings where my classes will be held, so I wouldn’t get lost when classes start. Imagine my surprise when I saw her photo and name in a case with all her achievements. She could accomplish great things, but she couldn’t ever be there for me like she should’ve been? Fucking ridiculous.
In the end, I know how I lucked out with having Ashley as my mom, and I thank God every day for my dad marrying her. But it doesn’t mean it still doesn’t hurt to know my mother picked drugs over me, and then seemingly she must be recovered . . . and never once reached out. Actually, it infuriates me. It pisses me off so much I texted my dad and told him about ten minutes ago. Twiddling my thumbs, my phone vibrates and I see my dad’s name pop up. Immediately, I open his message.
From: Dad
Seriously? Shit. I’d like to say I should’ve known . . . but I’m sorry I didn’t. Don’t pay any mind to her. She might be clean now, but you can never change selfish people. They’re always gonna be that way.
I nod at what I’m reading, knowing he’s right. So, I quickly type a reply back.
To: Dad
Thanks. Sorry. Just pissed me off. I’ll do my best to avoid her. Maybe she doesn’t even know I’m here.
No sooner than twenty seconds after I send it, I have a reply.
From: Dad
Yeah, right. If you ask me, this was all a charade. Keep me updated tho, I gotta run.
I place my phone back on my bedside table and decide to follow my dad’s advice. Even if I wanted to, I know trusting her isn’t the smartest thing to do. Plus, I have the best mom ever—Ashley.
Shaking the doubt from my mind, I rise and head over to the door leading into Josh and my dorm room. Only the second I begin to open it, it’s being pushed.
“Whoa,” I grumble, still a bit aggravated by everything I’ve learned.
Josh smirks, adjusting his flashy tie. The guy is wearing a navy suit. It’s a freaking weekend. This is what I mean when I say he belongs here. “Hey, I was just coming to find you. I hear there’s a dope party going on in about an hour at a frat house. Wanna go check it out?”
“Eh, I don’t know.” I shrug. I’m not the type of guy these people are used to. Hell, I have my cut on and I’m the bad boy people like them always seem to want to avoid.
Josh narrows his eyes at me and pushes his glasses back. “C’mon, Dex. What do we have to lose? I know one of the bigger sororities on campus is going to be there and it’ll be great. Plus, don’t you wanna show off your flashy vest?” He wiggles his eyebrows.
“Cut. It’s called a cut,” I remind him.
“Yeah, sorry. That’s what I meant. You know the ladies will eat you up, being that bad boy and whatever.” Josh smirks, trying to charm me into agreeing.
Sucking in a deep breath, I weigh the positives and negatives. It’s either going to be one of two things—great or awful. “Fine. Let me grab my phone and I’ll head out with you.”
“Sweet,” he snickers while I turn around to go grab my phone.
I only hope I don’t regret this.
Instead of taking my Harley over here, Josh and I walked from our dorm. He lied straight through his pearly white teeth when he said it was only a five-minute walk. More like fifteen. But whatever, we’re here now and I’m about ready for a beer. “Now, you’re not gonna freak out about drinking underage, right?” Josh cocks a brow, eyeing me up.
Is he for real right now? I scoff out my reply, “I had my first drink when I was fifteen. Relax.”
“Oh, okay. Should’ve figured with your bad boy exterior and all. You just seem . . .” Josh goes quiet.
“I seem?” I question, wanting to know whatever’s going on in his mind.
Josh shrugs, running a hand through his dirty blond hair. “You seem nervous, dude, I dunno how to explain it.”
“I’m not nervous,” I snap but realize I just confirmed I am. Josh doesn’t need to know about my internal struggles. “Okay, it’s just odd going to a party like this. I’m used to Harleys and trailers . . . not big ass houses like this on land I’ll probably never be able to afford,” I admit, giving him a taste of the truth. Josh doesn’t need to know more than this.
“Pssh, they’re nothing special. I’m betting yours are much more interesting. Don’t worry, though. You’re my roomie, so I’ve got your back. A few of these guys are kids of my father’s associates . . . that being said, I’ve got a little bit of leeway here.” Josh snickers, sliding his hands in his trousers. He seems more relaxed.
I nod. “Cool. Shall we head in and grab a drink?”
“Hell yeah,” Josh responds, leading the way as we move from the sidewalk to the brick path that leads up to the white colonial home. It appears to be two stories with an attic, even having those nice windows at the top which show you it’s a livable space too. On the right-hand side, there’s a porch and I can see girls hanging out smoking cigarettes, but as we approach, the stench of marijuana hits me. The left side of the house is closed up and while I scan through the windows on that specific side room, I can tell it’s some sort of study.
“You know much about this frat?” I ask Josh while we head up the few stairs that lead into the house.
“I know enough, like how they throw the best parties on campus.” Josh chuckles, placing his hand on the gold handle. He pushes it forward and opens the door, walking right in. For some reason, I expected someone to be standing guard at the front, not letting certain people inside . . . but we are at one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation. Everyone here belongs, and so they must not really care.
I see quite a series of guys packed in the foyer and living area. A few of them have gold necklaces on with some sort of symbol that I can’t make out. “Those are the guys who belong to the frat.”
“Ah, okay.”
“You haven’t told me what you’re here for, major wise or whatever,” Josh speaks up, and I realize he’s right. I haven’t said a word.
“Agricultural Engineering.”
“Cool, didn’t take you for that type, but I dig it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I inquire, furrowing my brows.
Josh opens his mouth but then shuts it before running the palm of his hand across his mouth. “I mean, I figured you were the business type or in graphic design.”
I chuckle. “The only technology I can successfully operate is a cell phone and my video game console. Otherwise, it takes me a good minute. Both of your guesses are hysterical.”
“Josh, is that you?” I hear a woman’s voice ask from the living area. The light-skinned girl with blue dreads immediately comes walking over.
“Hey, Delaney, how’re things going?” Josh smiles widely at the girl, immediately making me think he has a crush. Shit, I didn’t think she was his type. He’s so proper, and she’s more my style. Hell, she’s fuckin’ gorgeous. Josh and I might be roomies, but I might have to shoot my shot.
“Good. The jitters are finally subsiding. You?” Delaney smiles.
“Yeah, same here. Though, I’m sure the liquor will only help some of the few that remain.”
Delaney laughs and while she does, I introduce myself. “Hey, I’m Dex.”
I extend a hand, and she meets it. “Delaney, but of course, you know that.”
I nod. “Yeah. When did you two meet?”
“We arrived at Stonewall on the same day. Bumped into each other at the student center,” Josh fills me in.
“Delaney, get back here!” A woman’s voice calls for her friend, and Delaney looks to Josh and me.
“Sorry, I’d better get back. It was really nice to meet you, Dex. Hopefully, we all run into each other again soon.”
As she walks off, I can’t help but stare at her ass, and while I am, another girl
runs straight into Josh, wrapping her arms around him. “Hey, cutie.”
Jesus. Is this dude a chick magnet? I mean . . . does the nerdy aesthetic really work? If anyone should be attracting women like bees to honey, it should be me. “Cara, hey. This is my roomie, Dex.”
“Cool. Nice to meet you. This is my roomie, Ember.” She turns a bit and as she does, another woman comes into view. They’re about the same height and almost have the same color hair. Cara’s is more platinum mixed with a honey blonde throughout, and Ember’s is an ash blonde.
“It’s an absolute pleasure, Ember.” Josh smirks, taking her hand. I figured he’s going to shake it, but once he presses his lips to the top of her hand, I cock a brow.
“Are you trying to flirt with my friend here, Josh?” Cara asks, cocking a hip with a red Solo cup in her hand.
“Never! I’m simply showing that gentlemen are around these parts.”
“Did you really just say that?” Now I’m the one with attitude. He’s a dude from the city, trying to sound like he just rolled out of central Wyoming.
Josh looks at both ladies. “Girls, we’ll be right back. I think it’s about time Dex and I get a beer.”
“Sure thing.” Cara giggles, and I walk alongside Josh as we head over to the line by the keg.
While we’re standing in line, he strikes up some conversation. “Alright. I need you to be my wingman and vice versa. Okay?”
“Which one are you eyeing up?” I question, making sure we’re not heading after the same girl.
“Cara. I plan to sneak her back into a bedroom tonight. You feel me?”
“Yep.” Little does he know I’m glad he’s going after Cara. ‘Cause from the look of Ember in those dark denim jeans and tight sapphire blue top . . . she’s my type.
Chapter Three
Ember
How did I let Cara talk me into coming out to some frat party with her? Oh yeah, that’s right, she used the whole ‘we have to watch out for each other’ speech. Not wanting her to go alone and risk something happening to her, I merely sighed and changed out of my Nirvana tee shirt, putting on a blue top that my cousin Bethany bought for me.
There’s one thing for sure about spending time with Bethany, she knows how to pick clothes to compliment one’s figure. This shirt is one of my favorites.
Grabbing my cup I’d been drinking out of, I follow Cara out of our room.
“Why are you bringing a cup with you? They have those there.” I’ve been dreading the moment someone would ask me that.
“Yeah, they do but not with lids on them.” I shrug.
“So?” Cara angles her head to face me as we walk.
“So, I don’t go to parties without taking my own. You don’t know who will try something. It’s a lesson I learned a while ago when I caught my friend’s boyfriend trying to roofie my beer. Let’s just say that didn’t work out for him too well. One, he lost his girlfriend and ended up soaked in cheap beer that night. Second, he got a visit from Micah, one of the member’s little brother at my uncle’s club, due to the guy being underage. After that, I never went to another party without a cup with a closed lid on it.” I probably should be embarrassed by this, but in all honesty, I’m not. I prefer to stay safe rather than be one of those women who find themselves drugged and taken into human trafficking.
Okay, so I kept that part out of my little spiel to Cara. The guy who attempted this was targeting girls for a group that dealt in the sex trade.
“Wow. I can understand that. Now let’s have some fun,” she murmurs.
Smiling, I follow her up the stairs into the huge white house. Windows light up and music blares through the open front door. Stepping inside, dread washes over my body. This isn’t really my type of party. Then again, this is supposed to be my new beginning. Be someone other than the MC princess to the Satan’s Keepers.
Shortly after getting to the party, Cara drags me through the room to talk to some guy as she calls out, “Hey, cutie.”
With a brief exchange, the guy and his roommate head off to grab a beer.
“What the hell, Cara?” I ask, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with this all.
“What? It was just Josh and Dex. They’re harmless. Well, Josh is, that’s for sure. I met him on the first day here and he’s a hottie. One I intend to party with tonight.” Cara giggles.
Oh God, kill me now.
We’ve been at the party for a while now and I’ve just lost Cara. I think she’s gone off with that guy. She said his name was Josh. I’m about ready to just head on out when I get an eerie feeling wash over me. You know, the kind when you feel someone’s eyes are directed on you.
“Hey, Ember, right?” a familiar voice says from a few feet beside me. I look over to see that guy I met before. I think his name was Dex, but I’m not too certain.
“Uh, yeah. And you’re . . . Dex?” I ask, hoping for confirmation.
He nods with a beer in hand. “Yeah, that’s me. Josh left me to the sharks, but it looks like Cara did the same to you.” He chuckles lightly, obviously finding some amusement in all this.
“Um, yeah, I suppose she did,” I stammer, not sure what to say. I’ve never really seen a guy look like him. Well, if you don’t count the guys at the club back home. They’re my family. Though, Dex has to be well over six feet, considering he towers over me at my five-foot-nine self.
“Eh, I guess we’ll have to keep each other company. You excited for classes to start, or are you dreading it?”
“I guess I’m more nervous than anything.” I shrug, lifting my cup to my lips to take a sip of water.
“Don’t be. College is easy compared to life itself. Shit, I’m here for Agricultural Engineering. My class schedule looks like a mixture of design, general education requirements, and weird computer shit. I’m fucked and I know it. What’s your major?” Dex asks.
“I haven’t really figured out what my major will be yet. I want to either become a social worker that helps place kids in homes worth anything or work in the school system. Either way, they have the same basics for the first year,” I state, diverting my gaze. Something about Dex just makes my stomach feel as if it had butterflies and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s just an insta-crush.
“That’s sick. A lot of my friends and family are adopted. Hell, my uncle, Zane, adopted my cousin Sydney. We knew her birth parents and whatnot, but they died and he took her in. The world needs a lot of people like you.” I don’t know if he realizes what he said was sweet as pie, but it was, and now it’s only making my butterflies turn into a full-blown swarm inside my body.
“Thank you. I’m sorry your cousin’s birth parents died, but glad to know she had someone to take her in. My uncles took me in and raised me after mine were killed in a house fire.” Why did I just tell him about my parents? I never talk about them. It hurts too much to bring up my mom and dad. Due to issues with not only the De Luca family but a rival club, my parents paid the ultimate price, as did my aunt when she was killed in a car accident. All because of the De Lucas.
“Oh, Jesus. I’m sorry. That’s got to be hard.” Dex looks at me with sadness in his eyes before he shakes his head. “That’s how Sydney’s birth mom died. She was trapped in a fire and couldn’t get out. We tried everything we could to get to her . . . but we couldn’t. We couldn’t get close and . . . well, you know. Fuck, you know more than anyone else would.”
“Wow, I’m so sorry. It sucks that you guys weren’t able to get her out. With my parents, there was no saving them either. They were trapped, windows locked from the outside, and the door was barred shut,” I mutter as a chill races down my spine at the memory. It pops back into my mind, flashing across it like a movie reel. Turning my head, I look at anything else but Dex as I try to regain composure. What was I thinking to bring up such a hideous subject? It’s probably just as hard for him to talk about.
God, I’m so stupid.
Dex’s eyes widen and he runs a hand over his mouth. “Saffron, Sydney’s mom . . .
she was trapped too. Shit. Who would’ve thought two random strangers like us would have something so specific in common? Weird. You want a beer or anything?” I appreciate him trying to get me a drink, but I don’t trust anyone.
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Alright. I’m runnin’ low, so I’m gonna go get a refill. Mind if I come back in a couple minutes?”
Chapter Four
Dex
The line to get refills is fuckin’ mind-blowing. At the club, it’s quick. We get our liquor and go back to hangin’ out, but here in college, it’s like everyone wants to dig and know everything about you. I think I’ve been standin’ here for at least five minutes at this point with my Solo cup in hand. I’m not lookin’ to get drunk, but hell if I don’t want to relax a bit. Shit. If I keep waiting, Ember might scurry off and I don’t want that to happen.
Turning, I walk a few feet and see a thin, petite brunette walkin’ right up to me. She’s got a nice pair of striking cyan blue eyes and her skin is really pale, but as she gets closer, I see a reddish tint to her hair. You know, kinda like the Irish girls have. “You’re Dex, right?” Her eyes light up, waiting for me to confirm or deny.
I cock a brow, never seeing this girl a day in my life. “Uh, yeah. Who’s asking?”
A smile crosses her face. “Harper. Harper Stonewall.” Shit. I didn’t know I had a cousin named Harper. Then again, I’m not really familiar with this side of the family. I know my uncle Jonathan has one son, but I wasn’t aware he had a daughter.
“Sorry, I didn’t know um . . . I don’t even know how to say this.” I scratch the back of my head, feelin’ awkward as hell. “I didn’t know I had another cousin. Thought Uncle Jonathan only had a son.” I chuckle embarrassingly.