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“Run along, kid,” Tom grunts to Dakota, his meaty hand grabbing the back of my neck. “Don’t make me tell your parents.”
Dakota shrivels under Tom’s hard glare but nods.
“I’m sorry, Kota,” I croak out, pleading for him to forgive me for my outburst.
He throws his skinny arms around my middle for a quick hug. “Bye, Rae.”
I’ve barely hugged him back, thankful for his quick forgiveness, before he bolts, rushing back over to where Stacey holds Declan’s hand, watching me with a narrowed stare. I have the urge to give her the finger but don’t want to get Dakota in trouble for my actions.
Tom’s grip doesn’t loosen. I want him to let me go so we can erect our tent. I ache to crawl into the safety of it, sleeping instead of facing this new reality I live in.
“Looks like we’re making camp,” Tom rumbles, finally releasing me. “Mind your mouth and do your chores.”
An hour later, camp is set up. After a week of this, we’re getting pretty good at the routine of it. I hate to think about what that means. How I’ve slipped into a monotony of this nightmare I’m in. Is this what happened to Stacey? Did she simply give up and go along with it to make life easier?
I may not be able to wreak the havoc I’d like to because of fear of my siblings getting punished on my behalf, but I also don’t have to make things easy.
“Everyone,” Michael calls out. “Gather up for a second before we break for supper.”
The crowd of monsters mixed in with my family scoots in close to hear what Michael has to say. It’s strange for us to be settling in so early and I can’t help the unease of the unknown that washes over me.
“Tonight is a very special night for the Higher Earth community,” Michael begins, grinning wide. “As an elder and your active leader, I’ve made my decision on the matches.”
A few of the men, mainly CJ and Jace, hoot out in appreciation. My stomach twists with nerves.
“After supper, when the little ones have gone to bed, I’ll announce the couplings and we’ll make things official.” Michael pulls Stacey to him, his eyes twinkling with delight. “Who’s ready to celebrate?”
The whole group, aside from my people, cheers happily.
I’m going to be sick.
Dinner flies by way too quickly. By the time it’s fully dark, the campfire is roaring, and the alcohol is doing its part to make their people somehow more obnoxious, it’s time for the dreaded coupling.
“Raegan,” Michael calls out, penetrating orbs on me. “Come here.”
I’m frozen in place at Tom’s side, heart hammering like a jackrabbit. From across the fire, Ronan’s brows are pinched and his lips are pressed into a worried line.
“Get on with it,” Tom grunts, smacking me on the butt. “Don’t make him wait.”
I shoot Tom a nasty glare before shakily making my way forward. When I’m close to Michael, he grabs my wrist, dragging me closer with a sharp yank.
“Ahh,” I cry out, stumbling over my own feet and nearly crashing into him.
Mya starts to cackle from nearby. I swear to God, I am going to claw her eyeballs out.
“Tonight, my unruly child, you will be paired with a good man who deserves a wife and family. You’ll be given a grace period to learn to obey and eventually you’ll become accustomed to our ways. And if you don’t, you’ll be culled and removed as those before you have been. There’s no room for weak, disobedient, incapable people in our community.” Michael pulls me into his side with his steely arm. “Tom. CJ. I’ve made my decision.”
I squirm against Michael, hating that I’m having to be touched by him. My frantic eyes find Ronan, who’s now standing. He can’t see me from this far away based on his squinting, but he’s worried about me.
Don’t freak out.
Don’t freak out.
Ronan will get punished if you do…
“Please don’t make me,” I whimper, pleading with Michael. “Please.”
He releases me to shove me forward. Tom and CJ both grab my arms, righting me so I don’t fall to the ground. I attempt to tug from their hold, but Tom’s hand is an iron grip around my bicep and CJ’s bony fingers dig into my flesh.
