Page 2 of Beasts

I need to go to this school, but I can’t live here. Closing the door, I grab my backpack and throw it over my shoulder. It’s already getting dark outside. There might not be anywhere to go, but it sure as hell is going to be better than whatever freaky hazing ritual these girls might have planned.

Grabbing the handle of my luggage, I pull it behind me and make my way down the stairs as fast as humanly possible. I hear the girls’ voices, but I choose to ignore them as I push my way through the front door and out into the street. The chill hits me harder than expected, but I have to stick to my guns now. There is no turning back from here.

Chapter two

Better Than Expected

After wandering aimlessly for what feels like an eternity, the exhaustion and the weight of my situation begin to settle in. My feet, aching from the constant trek through the dimly lit streets of San Francisco, plead for a moment’s respite. Finding solace at the edge of a gutter, I sit down, the cold concrete a harsh reminder of the reality I now face. Alone in a new city, with nightfall encroaching, my mind races through options. A part-time job, a modest studio apartment – these seem like distant dreams now. The university might offer temporary housing, but with the offices closed, that hope too dims like the streetlights around me.

As I sit there, lost in thought, a sudden voice shatters the stillness of the evening. “Hello.” Startled, I leap to my feet, my heart pounding in my chest. Before me stands a figure, his voice deep and calming. His eyes, a piercing shade of blue, capture my attention instantly, gleaming in the soft streetlight. “I didn’t mean to startle you,” he says, a slight smirk playing on his lips as his blonde hair catches the light. His companion, equally striking but with tan skin and hair and eyes of a shimmering silver, stands beside him. I find myself wondering if his unique eye color is natural or the magic of contact lenses.

“Sorry, I just didn’t expect anyone,” I stammer, my eyes still locked with the first man’s captivating gaze.

“We noticed you’ve been sitting here for a while with your luggage. Waiting for a taxi?” His tone is casual, but I can’t help but wonder how long they’ve been observing me.

“No, I’m...just figuring out where to stay tonight. Can’t stay at the sorority house I was supposed to,” I admit, feeling a vulnerability in revealing my situation to these strangers.

“You’re a sorority sister?” The question comes with a hint of surprise.

“Well, not exactly. It’s a long story. I just got to the city today, and well, things didn’t go as planned.,” I confess, a lump forming in my throat.

The other man, his stance relaxed yet alert, interjects with concern. “It’s not safe on the streets at night. Do you have any family here?”

“No, no family, I was thinking of trying to find a motel, maybe,” I reply, trying to downplay my predicament.

The two exchange a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Then, the first one, with those mesmerizing blue eyes, speaks up. “You know, we have a spare room.” He gestures towards an old-style manor next door, its white, wood-plaster exterior framed by a vibrant array of plants. The absence of a pathway explains why I hadn’t heard their approach, and how they had been watching me. “I know a frat house is probably the last place you want to be, but it’s better than the street, right?” He offers, his tone earnest.

His friend, quick to reassure, adds, “The room’s got a lock, and we won’t tell the others about you being there until you sort things out in the morning.” Their kindness catches me off guard. They don’t fit the stereotype of fraternity guys I’ve seen portrayed in media. Hesitantly, a small smile finds its way to my lips. “I’m Hugh,” the silver-haired enigma introduces himself.

“And I’m Nolan,” his friend extends his hand, which I shake, still slightly in disbelief at this unexpected turn of events.

“I’m Amelia. Thank you, Hugh, Nolan. This means more than you can imagine.” As I speak these words, I realize that for the first time since my arrival in this city, I feel a glimmer of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, things might start looking up.

The first light of dawn filters through a cracked window, bringing with it a crisp, chilly breeze that stirs me from my slumber. I shiver slightly, the unexpected cold causing my nose to tingle unpleasantly. Propping myself up, I take a moment to survey the room in the soft morning light. Last night’s darkness had concealed its details, but now I can see the stark emptiness of the space. It’s clear this room was hastily vacated; the bare walls and unoccupied beds speak of a sudden departure. Their former fraternity brother’s sudden move back home had left this room unclaimed - a stroke of luck for me in my current predicament.

After changing into fresh clothes, I cautiously unlock the door, keenly aware of the promise made by Nolan and Hugh. According to my watch, the fraternity house should be stirring with morning activity. I edge out of the room, my steps light as I navigate the hallway, trying to remain as unobtrusive as possible.

Reaching the stairwell, I catch glimpses of a group of guys engaged in a low discussion. I hesitate, not wanting to interrupt but aware of my need to leave and seek assistance from the university’s housing office. As I’m about to turn away, a sudden encounter startles me, causing me to yelp and recoil, my head thudding softly against the wall.

Before me stand three identical faces, their striking green eyes assessing me with a mix of curiosity and caution. They don’t offer help, merely observing as I regain my composure.

“Hi,” one begins.

“You must be Amelia,” the second chimes in.

“Sorry if we scared you,” the third adds.

Gathering my wits, I respond with a nervous jest, “Seems like startling people is a frat boy specialty.” I turn to find more faces now in view, including Nolan and Hugh, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

Nolan steps forward, his manner formal yet friendly. “Apologies for waking you. These are the triplets - Niles, Richard, and Hendrik. Be wary of your belongings around them,” he warns with a hint of humor. Glancing down, I realize my silver watch is missing, only to spot it in the smirking middle triplet’s hand. Snatching it from him I go to place it back around my wrist, following Nolan further into the living room. “And, even though I know you won’t be staying tonight, I feel it’s only polite to introduce, this is Kane and Reyes,” Looking at the two boys sitting on the windowsill ledge, they couldn’t possibly be more different. Kane appeared to be ready to go out in a snazzy dress shirt and thin folded blazer, but Reyes was the definition of the school goth kid - we used to have a few of them at my old school. “, Seth, Hunter and Echo.”

“And I am Valentine.” Valentine, his hair tied in a man-bun, steps forward with a flair of overconfidence. His attire is casual to the point of being inappropriate for a college setting. He takes my hand, his intentions clear in his flirtatious gaze and words. His advance is too forward, too presumptuous. “Perhaps instead of rushing off, you would like to stay by my side this morning embraced in a feat of passion. I can show you what it’s like to be with a real man, and perhaps show you again afterwards.” In a reflex of self-defense and disgust, I step on his foot, causing him to release my hand as I step back.

The room falls silent, everyone’s expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. Nolan steps protectively between us, and I can’t help but feel grateful for his intervention. Attempting to diffuse the awkwardness, I apologize, though my tone suggests I find Valentine’s behavior more repugnant than regrettable, “Sorry, I was probably a little out of line there,” I comment, “, but dude, that was gross. Just cause I’m in a sorority doesn’t mean I’m looking for a quick-snap play date.” Everyone, well everyone except the guy that was pointed out as Seth earlier, still appears very surprised by the events that just unfolded.

“Don’t be sorry.” Nolan comments. “We’re just surprised, girls usually do fall for that.” I make a face that causes a few of them to muffle laughter. I don’t understand how any girl would fall for that nonsense, but how drunk did he expect me to be at eight in the morning?

“Were they high?” I ask, half-joking but genuinely curious about the absurdity of the situation. Valentine, his pride evidently bruised, retreats to the couch, squeezing in among the others.

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