Page 7 of Blades of Obsession

But skimming through it at practice, I realized the pages were filled with filth. Pure filth. On five pages alone, I counted the wordpussywritten fifteen times. So naturally, I bookmarked some things to try with her. As any rational man would do.

Traffic is a grueling bitch and when I finally make it into Harvey’s home office, the scent of stale coffee and cheap cologne hits me. Harvey offers a small smile, but I don’t return it. Every time I see his face, I’m flooded with memories of the cellar—dark, suffocating, a prison where I broke my promise and traded in my humanity. I haven’t liked him ever since he dug those nails into my thigh, and the fact that he’s an asshole only adds fuel to the fire.

He waits until I sink into the chair opposite him to speak, in his usual raspy tone that sets my teeth on edge. “So, no girlfriend?”

“You called me all the way here just to ask me that?” I clench my fist, suppressing the urge to drive it into his smug face.

He chuckles. “Well, let me elaborate. You’re almost twenty-two. It’s time to start making sons, who will one day take your position after you retire. The future generation of Serpents.”

“Bullshit, time to start making sons.”

“You’re already a senior in college. So in John’s eyes, you have two options. Either be forced to have kids with someone he picks or someone you pick. I’d suggest the latter.”

“I’d suggest you shut the fuck up and stop trying to tell me what to do with my life. I’ll have kids wheneverIdecide. Screw you and John.”

Another reason I hate this group. Their ridiculous tradition to force every member to have at least two sons to produce new members. The higher ranking you are, the sooner they want you to start.

But, I gave up my soul already. I gave in to John’s deal to take over his position. I went through the years of torture. If I don’t get to live life howIwant, it would’ve all been for nothing. So they can take their rules and traditions and shove it up their ass.

Harvey shakes his head. “This is why John didn’t want to discuss this with you himself. You’re stubborn and hot-headed.”

That’s so funny it almost makes me laugh, considering John forcibly beat me until I was this fucking way.

Take what’s yours or someone else will.

Weakness is a death sentence.

Never ask, demand.

Your power lies in their fear.

All mantras he’s drilled into me, etched deep in my mind with every slash of my skin. He trained me to be a cold-hearted assassin and a leader, so that’s what I’m going to be.

“Like I said, fuck you, Harvey. Don’t call me back here unless it’s important.”

As I’m walking out the bastard’s front door, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Rhett: Some football player tried to be all over them. I went over there and started flirting with her friend to shoo him away. Even got her friend’s number

Me: Get his name

I’m going to rip his fucking teeth out with pliers and feed them to him down his throat.

I have to claim her soon.

Give her my necklace to wear so everyone knows she’smine.

And when she’s mine, no prick will think to even look at her, let alone approach her.

I could’ve claimed her as mine the first day I saw her, but I’ve been taught to make calculated moves. Learn your prey before you strike. I took my time, observing her from a distance, studying her every quirk. It’s to the point I could probably tell if she’s lying just by the look in her eyes. Or when she’s nervous, or sad.

Then the thrill of lurking in the shadows became addictive, transforming into a game that I couldn’t stop myself from playing.

Chapter 3

AMELIA

I can’t stop fidgeting with the sleeve of my sweater as I wait in line at the campus coffee shop. It’s not that I’m cold—ordering just always makes me anxious, even though I know it’s silly. I rehearse what I’m going to say in my head, but the second it’s my turn, it feels like everyone’s staring, waiting for me to mess up.

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