I’m not sure about the younger boys' original families, but from what Creed told me, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Sighing at the ideas of what they've been through, I shake off the dark thoughts that have taken hold of me and swing my legs over the edge of the bed to stand. Sunlight is already streaming through the blinds, and when I open them, I’m momentarily blinded.
Downstairs, in the garden, I spy the staff working on getting a dancefloor set up on the lawn. The grass is covered with tiles which will be removed again tomorrow. The backyard has been turned into a small nightclub with strobe lights set up to illuminate the sky. Large speakers are set around the open space so guests can hear the music from wherever they are in the garden.
Usually, my father oversees the preparations of all parties at the house, but there are rare occasions when we’re all home, and we go all out. No expense is spared because we can afford it. Also, we love having the town talk about the parties for weeks after.
It’s part of the allure of attending a Thorne event.
I head to the bathroom to freshen up before I make my way down to breakfast. I find Joy making eggs and bacon, with Finn at the table and Damien at the coffee machine.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” Damien greets when I step into the room and grab a mug. “You ready for tonight?” I know he means the game, but I try to ignore what’s going to happen.
“Yeah, the party will be good.” He only offers me a smile at the response. Damien knows I’m more of a homebody than he and Finn, especially our younger brother. But there are times he’ll push me out of my comfort zone. This is one of those times. “Joy, that smells amazing.”
“You’re far too sweet for your own good, Cassian Thorne,” she tells me with a smile on her face. I’ve welcomed having her in our home. I don’t think about how she became a mother figure to us because when I do, I spiral into darkness, and I need to focus today. There’s no need to dwell on the past.
“I try.” Shrugging, I sit opposite Finn, who laughs out loud.
“This guy? Sweet?” He gestures toward me with his thumb, his taunting making me chuckle. “He’s as sweet as a lemon,” Finn teases.
“You can talk,” I smirk.
“Okay, boys,” Joy admonishes us with a gentle laugh. Damien joins us, and we settle in to get some food in our stomachs before the drinking starts. It’s going to be a long day and night, and I need to make sure I’m ready for it.
Our plates are piled high before Joy leaves us in the kitchen to eat. I glance up at Damien. “What time are we doing this thing?” I ask, and I quickly catch his expression changing from calm and relaxed to tense.
“Creed reckons we can slip away at about nine,” he says. “That way, it’s dark enough to get lost in the woods.” Creed’s choices in women tend to veer away from my own personal preferences. But this time, he’s managed to ensure we’re all interested in the girl. Mali has been in our circle for a while, and even though I won’t partake in the spoils of the game, I must admit, she’s pretty.
“And he’s going to take the lead on this?” I question Damien. I’ve heard the whispers from girls across campus about my brother and his best friend—their need to share, to enjoy the play together. Damien and Creed have had girls between them a few times already, and they’ve certainly left an impression on the women.
“Yes, but…” Damien’s response stills into silence, which only confirms my thoughts. He’s single, so there’s nothing wrong with it. He’s an adult and has always been responsible, even when he’s done stupid shit.
“As long as I don’t have to get involved,” I say then, “I’m happy to lure or taunt her until she’s in yours or Creed’s line of sight.”
“Is this about the girl?” Damien questions.
“Kalyn,” Finn finishes easily, his eyes on mine. He’s the only brother with brown eyes, taking after our mother while Damien and I both look more like our father. There were times after mom died that I hated Finn. I wanted to be as far away from him as possible, but it was only because he reminded me so much of her.
“She’s a friend,” I insist, as they both regard me with questions in their eyes. “I just don’t feel I need to do anything with Mali.”
“And you’re trying to tell me that has nothing to do with you having the hots for Kalyn?” Finn’s challenge is enough to have me pushing to my feet and leaving them at the table as I make my way to the kitchen counter. I don’t want to get into this with them, not now, not ever. They don’t understand. She’s given me something that no other woman can.
“I’m not getting into this,” I tell them from where I’m standing at the coffee machine. “I’ve agreed to play the game.” Even as I say the words, I don’t look at them, but I can feel their stares burning a hole right through me.
There’s no doubt they can see the anguish coursing through me.
I don’t like being laid bare like this.
Exposing my emotions, my feelings, it’s not me. Rolling my shoulders, I shake off the anger and straighten my spine. “I’ll see you both later,” I tell them when I finally turn and head out of the kitchen, a filled coffee cup in hand.
I’m exhausted, but I’m also on edge.
It’s not long now until the Haven’s host the gala at their house. This year there are two annual dinners, or rather, galas at each of our homes. As the founding families of the town, we’re expected to be hosts. But this one is slightly different because Octavius, Creed’s dad, has insisted that each of us has to bring a partner. And that means I’m going to have to choose a date.
I can’t ask Kalyn because we’re friends.
But I don’t want anyone else on my arm.
Once the invites go out, the ladies we choose will be our partners for the rest of the events. It’s an old tradition, one steeped in rules. And that leaves me at odds because I’m going to have to decide—do I keep Kaly as my best friend, or do I take that step?
4
Creed
Darkness descends on the town we call home, and soon we’ll be able to play our game. Six young men who have nothing better to do than to taunt girls. It started out as an idea sparking in my mind, and we made it possible only a few days later.
The thrill of the chase has always been exhilarating to me.
And there is no doubt in my mind this will become a Thorne Haven ritual. The excitement of what’s to come warms my blood as I consider fucking Mali. She’s gorgeous. Her perfect curves, long dark hair, and those almond-shaped eyes have intrigued me for a while.
She’s one of the few girls in Thorne Haven I haven’t fucked.
But tonight, all that changes.
I shrug on my black hoodie. The dark jeans I’m wearing will offer camouflage amongst the tree trunks this evening. There are still a couple of hours to go, but I’m on edge. My mind keeps replaying various scenarios of the game for tonight. It’s the unknown that has me anxious, but also excited. I want to get a few drinks down before it’s time to race through the shadows.
It’s where I’ve always felt most comfortable.