Page 2 of Checks & Bonds

“Ah,” Rebecca said, her tone softening with understanding. “You guys broke up then?”

“What do you want?” I snapped, pressing my lips together immediately after, regretting how harsh I sounded. But I wasn’t going to apologize to someone who had no business prying into my life.

“I can help you,” she said simply. “Get out of your engagement, I mean.”

“What?” The word slipped out before I could stop it.

Rebecca nodded confidently. “There’s a way.”

“What way?” I asked, my voice laced with skepticism. “I’ve tried everything.”

“No.” She shook her head slowly. “Not everything.”

I gave Rebecca a long look, trying to gauge her intentions. She was stunning, with sharp cheekbones and a cascade of chestnut hair that framed her face perfectly. Her eyes were a piercing green, and she carried herself with an air of confidence that seemed unshakable. It was easy to see why anyone would be drawn to her.

“What’s in it for you?” I asked, suspicion lacing my words.

Rebecca smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Let’s just say, Henry and I have a complicated relationship. And I can’t get what I want if he’s engaged to you.”

My eyes narrowed as I considered her words. There were only a few possibilities that made sense. Either she was one of those puck bunnies infatuated with Henry because he was an NHL draft pick who had deferred the NHL for Crestwood, or she wanted the Mathers' wealth. Maybe it was both.

“Typical,” I muttered under my breath. “Henry can sleep with whoever he wants, and that’s okay, but God forbid I have a boyfriend.”

She nodded, her expression serious. “I agree. It’s not fair. It’s why I want to help you.”

“Why do you assume he’d even go to you after he breaks things off with me?” I challenged.

She shook her head slowly, a knowing look in her eyes. “He won’t break things off with you.”

“Wait, what?” My confusion deepened, and I stared at her, waiting for an explanation.

Rebecca leaned forward again, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “He won’t break things off with you because he doesn’t have to. You have to make him want to let you go.”

“How do I do that?” I asked suspiciously, leaning back and crossing my arms.

Rebecca leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “Have you heard of the Ravenwood Society?”

I furrowed my brows, the name unfamiliar. “No.”

“I thought not,” Rebecca said, a hint of smugness in her voice. “It’s kind of… Look, I’m not being dramatic, okay? It’s a secret society on campus.”

“A secret society?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Henry’s part of it,” Rebecca continued. “A lot of the wealthy are. Most have ties to the NHL, which is why the school is affiliated so closely with the league, but others aren’t. They’re legacies, like Henry.”

“Okay,” I said slowly, still confused. “What does that have to do with my engagement?”

“There’s a rule in the society,” she explained. “It’s an Imprinting ceremony that happens during the new moon in April every year. Basically, the members must claim a willing girl and the girl belongs to them until they let her go.”

I wrinkled my nose. “That’s disgusting.”

“It offers the girls protection,” she said quickly, as if trying to justify it. “As well as elevates their status. Obviously we can’t be NHL players, but belonging to a Ravenwood? You’re set for life, even if you’re released from your contract.”

“Contract?” I asked incredulously. “I don’t want to be bound by another contract.”

"Don't think of it like a contract," Rebecca said, her tone carrying a note of impatience. "Think of it more like a shift. Henry is a junior, which means he's expected to claim someone. Only juniors and seniors may take part, and only if they've done what's required."

"How do you know all this?" I asked, my curiosity piqued despite my reservations.

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