Page 110 of Deviant

“Oh, yeah? How so?”

“They think they can somehow make it out of this alive, but you and I know better.”

“Is that right?” I take another drag.

He nods, completely oblivious to the sarcasm in my tone.

“Damn straight. We’re the strongest of the group. The smartest too. If anyone is going to get that prize money, it’s one of us.”

“So that’s what this is for you? A way to make some serious cash?”

“Of course! What else?” he says, sounding offended I would think otherwise.

“Most people would be more concerned about staying alive and making sure that their friends did too.”

“You can’t be serious?” He laughs. “Just because I went to school with most of these assholes doesn’t make us friends. Even if they were, who gives a shit? My dad taught me to always look out for number one. And I am.” He goes as far as pointing his thumb to his chest to make his point.

“Funny. My dad also tried to teach me that same lesson, but it didn’t take,” I retort, flicking my cigarette into the fire. “I guess some of us learn from our parents’ mistakes, while others are doomed to repeat them.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” he asks, annoyed.

“It means that I’ve had enough of your voice for one night. Either shut up and stand guard, or I’ll find something to gag you with so that I don’t have to hear another word come out of your mouth.”

“Come on, don’t be that way. I thought that maybe we could make a pact. An alliance of some sort,” he explains with a nefarious grin.

“You thought fucking wrong. Are there any other irritating questions you would like to ask? Or should I look for that gag now?”

If his eyes could kill me, then I’d be as good as dead, but since they can’t, I’m not one bit bothered by the mean glower he throws my way.

“Glad we’re finally in agreement,” I say, putting an end to this conversation.

It’s always good to know who our friends are, but one thing I’ve learned in life is that it’s even better to know who your enemies are.

And by the looks of it, I just made one in David Hall.

Chapter 21

Rowen

I can’t sleep.

Though every bone in my body aches from today’s long hike, my mind refuses to quiet down. No matter how hard I try to clear my thoughts in hopes of getting a little rest, it all feels futile.

And it’s all Elias’s fault.

He put my tent up.

Why would he do that?

He hates me.

And yet… he has been one of the handful of people to have shown me any kindness or affection lately. While it may be a stretch to call any of his actions affectionate, hehaslooked out for me in his own way. First when Aidan tried to manhandle me at his mom’s wake and then now by pitching up both Abbie’s and my tents. And let’s not forget our encounter in the alley by the park. He definitely took care of my needs then too.

Though he hasn’t said a word to me since last night. Not even to gloat that it was him behind the wolf mask.

Maybe the reason he hasn’t said anything about it is because it wasn’t him.

I pull my pillow over my head and let out a little scream.

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