Nine
Remington
P ractice starts before the sun is up Monday morning. All the guys in the house are awake and milling around as we head to the door.
“None of you fuckers better be late,” I warn before we leave. Nix, Gray and I are always the first to the gym to get everything set up. It’s become a routine now. We throw our bags into the Jeep before climbing inside.
The drive to the gym is quiet, the early morning stillness only broken by the hum of the engine. I’m at the wheel, eyes focused on the road while Nix sits in the back, scrolling through his phone. Gray stares out the window as my mind drifts back to Fallon, and the events of the weekend. The scene of her near-drowning repeating over in my mind makes me feel agitated. What would have happened had I not been there? She wouldn’t have even been near the pool if it wasn’t for me.
“So, what’s going on with that blue-haired chick?” Gray asks, looking over at me. A growl escapes my throat at his question as I glance back at him with burning rage pouring from my eyes. He holds his hands up in defense, but continues, “What? She must suck cock like a dirty slut if ‘The Shark’ wants her more than once.” I slam on the breaks, throwing his ass forward and forcing his head to hit the dash. The motherfucker should have been wearing a seatbelt, for one. And two, my warning should have been enough for him to drop the subject.
“What the fuck, Remy!” Gray holds his nose as blood gushes out. Nix chuckles from the back, clapping Gray on the shoulder.
“I wouldn’t bring up Fallon if I were you. He’s got a new toy, and no one is allowed to touch,” he jokes, throwing him a towel for his nose.
“I didn’t touch shit!” Gray howls.
“What’s got your fucking panties in a twist lately? This shit isn’t cool, dude.” He gestures to his nose, but I laugh darkly.
“Take Nix’s advice and drop it. She doesn’t concern you.” My anger is steadily simmering under the surface, ready to explode on any unsuspecting target. Normally I have my temper in check with the amount of time I spend in the gym and at the pool, but the past few days have shown me exactly how fucked up I can become. I don’t know what it is about Fallon, but she sank her claws in deep and won’t let up.
I press the gas and speed off again. Gray grumbles something under his breath, but he’s not a pussy. Once he gets a few laps in, he’ll be back by my side, especially since tonight is initiation night. The freshmen on the team will have their loyalty tested in the most unconventional and twisted way. The founders, my great grandfather and a few others, set up this little game and it’s continued down through the generations. It’s gotten more aggressive over the years, and the administration is forced to look the other way. They get enough hush money to conveniently be unavailable on game night, giving us free reign of the campus.
A signup sheet will be placed in the freshmen dorms today, urging people to come play hide-and-seek. Unfortunately for them, this is a fucked up version where the swim team tracks them down, then does whatever the fuck we want to with them. Being the bastard my father is, he found a loophole in order to protect his image, ensuring that if anything goes awry no punishment or lawsuits could be executed. That’s probably the only thing he’s good for, covering my tracks.
When students sign their names on the sheet, they are agreeing to the rules, even if they aren’t exactly visible. They’re there, but you’d need a blacklight to see. Basically, anything goes as long as it’s consensual.
Once we arrive at the gym, my anger is redirected at Emerson, thinking of all the ways I can teach him a lesson. Not only will he be paying for his late times from the last meet, he will be punished for pushing Fallon into our pool that night. He thinks I brushed it off, but if there is anything he should know about me, it’s that I never forget someone who crosses me.
Our shuffling feet echo through the dark, enclosed gym. Nix turns on the lights, casting long shadows that flicker ominously across the water. He quickly gets to work, setting up the equipment and preparing for the team’s arrival. Gray begins positioning the lane markers, his movements unusually tense this morning, probably from the incident in the Jeep.
The smell of chlorine fills my senses, calming my nerves. I need to remain in control. Showing my rage too soon will not have the desired effect on Emerson. I want to make him suffer first and for that, I must give him a false sense of security.
With a twenty-five-man team, we split up between the pool and gym exercises, then switch after a couple of hours. Most everyone’s class schedules are conducive to early morning practices. I jot down everyone’s expected exercises and sets for the morning, my pen scratching loudly in the silence. As I glance over the list, I notice a smudge next to Emerson’s name, almost as if someone tried to erase it. My lips curve in a smile, because I wish I could wipe him away. I wish I could make him disappear with a single flick of the eraser.
As the rest of the team begins to trickle in, most of them look as though they’re still half asleep.
“Wake your asses up!” I bark, making a few of the newbies flinch. Oh those poor fuckers haven’t seen anything yet.
“Alright, let’s get started,” I call out, clapping my hands to get everyone’s attention. The team gathers around and I go over the day’s workout plan.
“Here’s the list of what everyone is expected to do this morning. Either Coach Morris or myself will sign you off before you can leave.” The board gets passed around to each swimmer. The guys nod and start to disperse, heading to their respective stations, except Emerson. Of course he has a problem with the sheet.
“You have me down doing double what everyone else is doing.” he whines, holding the board up like I don’t know what I just wrote down.
“And? Is there a problem?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. I’m several inches taller than him and I definitely have more muscle on me by a long shot.
“Yes, there is a problem. You don’t scare me, Remy. I can get my father down here so quick it would give you whiplash,” he seethes. Hmm, we’ve moved to threats. That’s where I shine. I smile as I move into his space, allowing his words to sink into his thick skull. Too bad they don’t and he stands firm.
“Oh, Emerson, do you really think your father has any pull around here? Look at this place.” I gesture around the gym and by extension, the campus.
“Is your name on the school?”
“Well, no but–” I cut him off before any more stupid words can leave his pathetic mouth.
“Exactly. You’re no one, and you will remain that way if you continue to get on my bad side. Understood?
Emerson’s eyes flicker with something I can’t quite place—defiance, maybe, or something darker. He clenches his fists, a small, almost imperceptible smirk playing at the corners of his mouth before he quickly hides it. For a moment, I wonder if I’ve underestimated him, but I push the thought aside. He’s just a scared kid, after all.
As practice gets underway I keep a close watch on everyone, especially Emerson. The tension in the air is palpable, and I know that today is going to be a test for all of us. I just hope everyone’s ready for whatever comes next.
The only way to bring my mind peace is to be in the water. I strip off my shirt and dive into the pool, the cool water enveloping me, washing away the anxiety that’s been slowly building. As I swim, my thoughts become clearer and I focus on the rhythm of my strokes, pushing the unease to the back of my mind.
Practice continues as usual, with the team splitting up between the pool and the gym. The sound of splashing water and the clanking of weights fill the air. Emerson seems to be pushing himself harder than usual. His strokes are powerful, but there’s a hint of desperation in his movements.
Nix and Gray are focused on their own routines, but I notice them glancing at Emerson occasionally, their expressions unreadable. The atmosphere feels charged, like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
As the session progresses, I call out instructions and corrections, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. The team responds well, but there’s an undercurrent of pressure that’s hard to ignore. Emerson’s resolution is noticeable, and I can’t shake the feeling that something is about to change.
When practice finally ends, the team gathers around for a quick debrief. The elders on the team know the details of what the night holds, but the freshmen will be dumped into the deep end and forced to swim against the currents to keep their spot on my team. Emerson stands at the edge of the group, his face set in an intense mask.
As the team disperses, I linger by the pool, watching the ripples in the water. Tonight will be a test for all of us, and I can only hope that we’re ready for what’s to come.
“You comin’?” Nix calls from the large doors, his voice echoing through the now quiet pool area.
I take a deep breath, letting the peace of the water calm my nerves one last time before turning around. “Yeah, I’m coming,” I reply, grabbing my towel and drying my hair off quickly.
Nix gives me a curious look. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just thinking about tonight,” I mention, trying to sound casual. “It’s going to be interesting.”
Nix nods, a knowing look in his eyes. “Yeah, it will be. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when we barge into their rooms tonight. That’s always my favorite part.”
“Remember last year when Devon peed his pants when he saw us in our masks? I think he slept with the lights on for a month after that,” Gray laughs as Nix and I join in.
“Some people don’t have what it takes,” I retort, shrugging my shoulders.
We head out of the gym together, the excitement of the upcoming initiation hanging in the air. Something feels different this year and I can’t pinpoint exactly what, until my phone chimes in my bag. Pulling it out, I see a message received.
Jake:
Just thought I’d let you know that Fallon’s roommates signed her up for the games tonight.
A chill runs down my spine. Fallon? She’s not supposed to be a part of this . My mind races as I try to process the implications. Fallon is smart, resourceful and fiercely independent, but she has no idea what she’s walking into tonight. The thought of Emerson or anyone else for that matter drawing her number has me seeing red.
I quickly type back a response.
Remy:
How did you let that happen?
Jake:
I tried to warn them, but they laughed it off, thinking it’s just a harmless game. They said someone insisted they sign up, but wouldn’t say who.
I curse under my breath. This changes everything. I need to find a way to protect her, without people thinking I’m obsessing over some chick. I mean I am, but they don’t need to know. I already know Emerson is behind this, which brings to question, how does he know about the surprise initiation? He’s going to try to use her against me. He fits that exact slimeball mentality. That’s why he pushed her in the pool. He was trying to get back at me for calling him out after the swim meet the other day. How far will he go to prove a point? With Fallon on the line, I’m not willing to find out.
Somehow I need to take Fallon’s number out of the bowl so no one can draw it, and I’ll have her all to myself.
Nix notices my distraction. “What’s up?”
“Emerson,” I snap, slipping my phone into my pocket. “The fucker thinks he can mess with me.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Who texted?”
“Jake. He said Fallon and her roommates were persuaded to sign up for the games tonight.” I shake my head, wondering how the hell he pulled that off.
“That’s what this is about?” Gray asks incredulously.
Nix shoots him a look and he shuts his mouth, understanding. “What’s the plan?”
“I don’t know yet, but I do know that Emerson made sure that she and her friends were going to be there tonight. He’s going to try something. That fucker doesn’t know he just messed with the wrong person.” “He must have left practice and went straight to their dorms. That’s definitely suspicious,” Gray warns.
“How the hell would he know that initiation is tonight? No one would have let that slip, unless he has inside information,” Nix wonders aloud.
I nod, my mind racing with possibilities. “Yeah, maybe we underestimated him. We need to keep a close eye on him tonight.”
Nix and Gray exchange a glance, understanding the gravity of the situation. “We’ve got your back,” Nix says firmly.
“Thanks,” I reply, feeling a bit more at ease. My boys always step up when it’s needed. We’ve been best friends since middle school, and we’ve seen some messed up shit along the way, but nothing has ever broken us apart.
I stumble out of my Jeep, slamming the door and falling back against it. The cool night air hits me, sending shivers along my skin. I came straight to Phoenix’s mom’s house after I finished my laps at the Kingston Prep gym. Well, I might have detoured to the liquor store, but after the text I received I was seething.
“What the fuck, Remy?” I hear Nix call out. The sound of gravel under his shoes echoes as he gets closer.
“I couldn’t go home,” I bark. Fuck, why am I being a dick to him? He and Gray are all I have left.
“What did he do this time?” Nix asks, pulling my arm over his shoulder as he basically drags me inside his house. He drops me on the couch, then comes back with a bottle of water. I suck it down in one gulp, crinkling the bottle in my hands and wishing it was my father’s throat.
“Need something stronger?” he laughs, handing me a beer.
“Fuck!” I yell. Nix slumps down beside me, pulling out his phone.
“I’m calling Gray.” I nod, knowing I need them both right now.
“I got a letter from the University of Texas,” I mumble.
“Bro! Are you shitting me? That’s been your dream. Why the hell aren’t we celebrating?” Anger at my father’s betrayal threatens to suffocate me. I thought I knew what hate was, but not until today did I realize how much more I could loathe a single human being. The University of Texas trains the best swimmers in America. Most of the USA Olympian swim team members come from there. It was my ticket out of here. A way to get out from beneath my father’s thumb, but the dream blew away like a puff of smoke.
“He called the fucking Dean there and declined the offer,” I curse. I pull out my phone to show him the message I received while I was swimming.
Sperm donor:
You think I wouldn’t find out about you applying to UT? I’ve told you a million times that you will be attending Frampton University. Swimming is a fucking joke and the sooner you realize that, the better. I guess I should say congratulations on being accepted. The Dean was very disappointed to learn that you’d changed your mind and decided to pursue your law degree instead of wasting time in the water. Your ass belongs to me, Remington. You owe me.
“What the actual fuck? Benjamin has taken this shit too far,” he explodes. My friends don’t call him my father because that term is a fucking joke. He is the furthest thing from it. I can only credit him for the sperm he unknowingly supplied my mother. I scrub my hands down my face. The rage I feel is unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It’s like he tries to one up himself with everything he does to me, but I will never be a lawyer like he wants. Once I’m at college, I’ll use my own power to make the staff bend to my will. After all, it’s what he’s taught me best.
Gray storms through the front door, heading straight towards us. “Tell me.” I hand over the phone, letting him see for himself.
“What a piece of shit! He thinks this is ok?” Gray shakes the phone screen at me. “Wonder how much he donated this time to make sure they didn’t contact you again?” Gray tosses the phone on the couch, then grabs a beer from the mini fridge. Nix’s mom is cool with us hanging out here and drinking as long as we don’t take it anywhere else. It’s a nice reprieve from the constant hate that envelops me at home. Mrs. Huntington always welcomes me, even going as far to ensure I always have a safe place should I ever need it.
“So, what’s the plan?” Gray asks, twisting the top from his beer.
I shrug, the alcohol in my system finally dulling the ache in my chest. I lean back, closing my eyes.
“There’s nothing to do. I have to go back and pretend that he didn’t just fuck up my entire life. He wants a reaction but he won’t get one,” I vow.
“Once we get to FU things will be different,” Nix reassures. “Plus, I doubt he will come out of his way to drop by. At least it’s a couple hours away.”
I snap my eyes open, bolting upright. “We are going to be fucking legends on campus and not a single fucker will question our rule. He may have won this round but I will own that campus!” Cheers roar out as we clink our drinks together. Frampton University better be ready for its new king.
“Let’s just make sure everything runs smoothly tonight.”
Gray claps me on the shoulder. “Yeah, we’ll keep an eye on Emerson and make sure he doesn’t pull any stunts.”
As we head to class, the weight of the new information hangs in the air.
Fallon means more to me than I’d ever admit, and the thought of anyone else laying a finger on her makes my blood boil. It’s not that I’ve developed feelings for her. It’s just her sass that has me intrigued, that’s all. Once I fuck her out of my system, then anyone can have her. But until then, I have to make sure she stays safe. Only I get to play with her. She’s my little fox, and I’m far from through with her.
Classes end early since it’s the first day, so I make my way back to the house. I need to get everything ready for tonight. Jake gave me the list of participant names, erasing Fallon’s before any of the guys could see it. I guess I owe the fucker, because he came through for me again.
Gray and Nix are sitting in the game room when I get back. Call of Duty is blasting on two big screen TVs while both battle against each other in Team DeathMatch.
“Yo, I’m killing it, dude,” Nix goads, making Gray roll his eyes.
“It’s because you’re camping in the respawn area. That’s what noobs do,” he chides. After a few minutes, the game is over, making Gray jump to his feet with his arms in the air.
“I told you I’d beat your ass. Now hand it over.” He holds out his hand as Nix grumbles about wanting a rematch. He slaps a hundred dollar bill in his hand and shoves off of the couch, turning off his Xbox.
“You guys are idiots,” I say, shaking my head with a grin. “But seriously, we need to get everything set up for tonight.”
Gray and Nix exchange a look before nodding. “What’s the plan?” Gray asks, folding his arms.
I pull the sheet of names from my back pocket and hand it over. They both read it over, seeing Fallon not listed. I couldn’t come out and say it, because there are eyes and ears everywhere, leaving only Gray and Phoenix who I can trust. They both look up and nod as Nix hands the sheet back.
“It’s time to put them to the test. Let’s get our masks, boys,” I laugh as they chime in.
If Emerson thinks he has what it takes to be one of us, he’ll have an up close and personal chance to prove it. He may know about tonight, but he has no idea what’s in store. No one is supposed to know about our little secret society until they get thrown into the deep end on initiation night.
Ah, initiation night—the clandestine rite of passage where the veil of secrecy is lifted, revealing the hidden truths. It’s a plunge into the unknown, a baptism by fire.
Adrenaline thrums through my body at the dark activities that the night holds. It’s been months since I donned my mask. It’s time to bring it out to have a bit of fun.
“Wake the fuck up!” I bark into the darkness after barreling into Emerson and Williams’ room. Nix and Gray follow me in, ripping the blankets from the beds.
“Hey! What the hell?” One of them yells as our flashlights shine into their scrunched faces.
“Up. NOW!” Nix growls behind me, throwing the masks at their heads. Their stunned faces spike the energy coursing through my veins.
“It’s initiation night, boys. Time to prove you can swim with the sharks by catching your prey.” Williams jumps from his bed and races toward the door but I step into his path, slamming him against the wall. My hand tightens around his throat with each attempt he makes to flee. I can see the illumination of my mask in his frightened eyes. The pink X eyes and unsettling stitched grin smile back at me.
“You will take this fucking mask and do what I say, or your name will be ruined on this campus.” I throw him backward toward his bed. “Stop being a fucking pussy.”
Nix grabs the mask from the bed and yanks it over Williams’ head. The bright orange LEDs flicker on, further illuminating the room. Gray’s green mask comes into view as he pulls Emerson behind him. The contempt on his face is replaced by a glowing yellow smile. I hope that bastard gets what’s coming to him.
“It’s hunting time,” I announce as my hands clap together. I tug Williams out by his collar and throw him toward the stairs. Emerson at least comes on his own. He didn’t act surprised, which further proves my suspicions. He’s getting information from someone. I don’t have time to find the rat tonight, but I will find them.
The rest of the team are gathered at the bottom of the stairs, each wearing a different colored mask. They know the drill by now, but the freshmen don’t.
“This is your initiation night. You may think your place on this team is secured, but after tonight, the true Frampton Sharks will be revealed,” I announce, my voice echoing through the dimly lit room.
“What the hell? I earned my spot on the team!” a freshman off to the right exclaims, his voice breaking the tense silence. His bravado hangs in the air, a stark contrast to the nervous energy around him.
I turn to face him, my expression hidden behind my mask. “You earned your spot, but tonight you prove you deserve it,” I reply calmly. I hold up a box filled with slips of paper.
“Before you begin, you must draw a number. This is who you will seek in tonight’s game. Find them and you pass. Fail and you’re out.” I look to Nix, giving him confirmation to send out the rules for tonight. With his excellent computer skills, he’s able to send out anonymous messages all at once. Everyone’s phones around us begin buzzing with a new notification.
“Okay?” someone murmurs from the back of the group. We stand and wait for the rules to be read. The room is silent as they scan their screens, curiosity and anticipation coursing through the air. Once they are finished, the messages disappear from their phones without a trace.