Page 1 of Unmasked

CHAPTER 1

Mallory

“We’ll be at Stone Ridge University in ten minutes, ma’am.” Edward meets my eyes in the rearview mirror, the crow’s feet deepening as he gives me a reassuring smile. “You’re going to have a great time, Miss Mallory. I can feel it in my bones.”

“Lord knows those old bones of yours are never wrong,” I tease, trying to hide my nervousness by making a joke. It’s instinctual, even though Edward has been the one person in the crazy world I grew up in who I can be myself around. He never finds me lacking, unlike my parents.

“Watch it, missy. I could dump you and your suitcases along the side of the road and make you walk the rest of the way.”

“We both know you’d never do such a thing, Edward. Guilt would eat you alive.”

“You’re right. Mostly because my wife would skin me alive.” He chuckles and pretends to shiver from fear.

“She’s the only reason, huh?” I know better, but I can’t resist needling him. Edward and his wife, Helena, have been employed by my parents since I was a little girl. They’re theonly genuine people in the pretentious world I’ve grown up in.

“You bet,” he jokes, winking at me in the mirror.

I shake my head, my gaze moving to the endless expanse of woods surrounding the narrow road. The drive has been long and tedious, made bearable by the jokes Edward cracked to take my mind off the unknown.

This is what I want. It’s the only thing I’ve ever fought for.

I have one opportunity to prove to my parents that I can succeed. To demonstrate that I’m not awkward and can fit in with the wealthy and prestigious students at Stone Ridge.

They expect me to fail. They’ve controlled my life for so long that they don’t think I’m capable of making it on my own.

Not going to happen.

The car climbs the steep mountain, and my ears pop from the change in altitude. I scoot over the leather seat to get a better view out the window.

Tall evergreens are interspersed with maple and the occasional birch and oak trees. The once bright sun that guided our way from New York, where my parents and I had been staying because of a charity event, is now hidden behind thick clouds.

As the car gains altitude, the green fades to gray, and a foggy mist descends over us. I shiver. I’m not superstitious, but the eerie weather seems like an omen warning me to return home.

I shake it away, determination coursing through my skin. I’ve dreamed of going to college since I graduated high school two years ago. I won’t let my fears stand in the way of my dreams.

Pressing my face to the glass, I examine the world around me, searching for the first glimpse of Stone Ridge University.Although I was on campus three months ago for new student orientation, this is different.

I suck in a breath as the enormous wrought iron gates jut out through the misty fog, beckoning us closer. In ornate lettering above the gates are the words “Stone Ridge University.”

You’re finally here, about to embark on a new beginning.

As much as I’ve been looking forward to this moment, dread coils my insides like a snake. The cold finger of the grim reaper trails down my spine, making me tremble.

The gates swing open, and Edward accelerates, driving through them. They clink shut behind us, caging and locking me inside like a bird trapped in an opulent cage.

My mouth is dry as I swallow the lump in my throat.

I fought for a fresh start, and I got it.So why am I filled with ominous dread now that I’m here?

CHAPTER 2

Stryker

“Thanks for doing this, Stryker.” My cousin, Megan Ward, smiles at me from the passenger seat. “I never thought I’d be here after…” Her voice trails off, a pained expression on her face.

My eyes move from the twisty mountain road to my younger cousin. I pat her hand reassuringly. “You’re welcome. You’re my only family… well, not technically, but you know what I mean.”

“I’m sorry, Stryker.” Concerned eyes rake over my profile. “Aunt Susan’s an addict….”

---