Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 176552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 883(@200wpm)___ 706(@250wpm)___ 589(@300wpm)
Roxxi’s laugh was short and sharp. “I think it’s safe to assume whoever is hunting us this year is going to go all out to fuck with us for that exact reason. They know we wouldn’t look twice at them outside of this twisted ass tradition, and since we don’t know them from Adam, it makes things that much easier on their end.” She paused for a second. “Layla might’ve been onto something after all. Speaking of, have you seen her today?”
“No, actually. I think she’s avoiding me,” I admitted, shifting slightly. “She’s going through something right now.”
I now knew Roxxi had a vague idea about Layla’s issues somehow. She had all but confirmed that this morning during our call, but I wasn’t about to spill her darkest secrets because things between us were strained. This silent treatment and avoidance tactic wasn’t unusual for her to do, but it got to a point where it was exhausting.
Cloe’s tone sharpened. “We’re busting our asses to get through the semester, and now we’ve got strangers preparing to hunt us like dogs in the street. Let’s not forget the stalking. jump scares, and psychological workout that’s about to go down until they can attempt to snatch us up like a prize.” She laughed dryly.
“We’re all going through stuff, Sanj. We still wouldn’t have woken up and left you.”
Roxxi made a sound of agreement. “Couldn’t have worded it better myself. Now, before I say something I can’t take back, what were you trying to send us earlier, Sanj?”
I sat at the table and pulled out my phone. “This is what I got this morning.” I showed them the messages and then went into detail about the guy who had been waiting under the tree.
“What the fuck?” Roxxi snapped, pacing a step back once I finished. “We already knew we were Marked after the rock and the bird. So why are they still screwing with us before this thing even starts? It doesn’t count toward the actual Hunt.”
Ari shifted where she’d sat beside me, playing with the ends of her hair. “I think… all of this? It’s a lead-up for them. Conditioning, in a sense. A way to get under our skin, make us paranoid before the actual Hunt.”
“Stretch out the fear,” I murmured.
“That’s right. Draw it out slowly. The more they chip away, the harder we’ll crack and be easier to catch when it comes time to finish things up.”
Roxxi walked away. “I need to start cooking.” She disappeared into the kitchen area, washing her hands before pulling ingredients out of the fridge. “When are we going to tell the guys what we all know, they’re well aware of our fun new status?”
I sighed, chewing on the inside of my cheek. My voice came out quieter than I intended as I sorted out my thoughts. “I don’t like keeping things from them, especially Ryder. If he finds out about the bathroom incident and what happened this morning from someone else, it’s going to create a problem between us.”
I stood from the table and moved toward the sink, washing my hands too. “I think I’m going to tell him after practice tonight. If not, then tomorrow. We’ve got almost 4 days before things start.”
“Once he knows, the rest will too,” Ari said.
“You mean the rest will acknowledge it? I’m in full agreement they know already,” Cloe quipped.
Ari laughed lightly. “That’s what I meant.”
Cloe gave me a questioning look. “What about Ashton?”
“That’s complicated,” I sighed.
Roxxi didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, I know that sigh. What did he do now?”
I reached for two large bowls, setting them down for chips while she layered sandwiches. “It’s not one thing. It’s just, we’re not working. I’ve known it for a while. I think I’ve always known.”
“Because you were never supposed to be with him in the first place,” Roxxi replied, blunt as ever, spreading fresh turkey on thick slices of sourdough.
“Thanks for the reminder.”
She smiled, unbothered. “Am I wrong though? Plus, you’re doing charity work, Sanj.”
“Ashton isn’t ugly,” I shot back, reaching for the chip bags in the far cupboard. “You know he’s cute.”
“Hey, some people like chitlins. I don’t say a thing,” Cloe interjected.
Ari giggled behind her hand, trying not to laugh too loud.
Roxxi cackled, flipping a sandwich onto a plate. “He’s not ugly, but he’s not my type. I get short guys need love too, but he isn’t your type either.” She waved the butter knife at me for emphasis. “Anyway, everyone already sees you and Ryder as endgame.”
“Weren’t we talking about The Hunt? How did this become a me and Ryder thing?” I asked, exasperated.
“Like we haven’t cycled back to this a thousand times?” Cloe deadpanned.
“Ryder has Brooke.”
“That hurt you,” Ari said softly. “Which hurts us, too. You two should’ve been together a long time ago.”
“Ari—seriously, not you too?”