The Society

by Michelle Brown

  Walking into my bedroom, I don’t have to search for Quinn, she’s laying on my bed wearing one of my shirts. Her green eyes watching me as I climb onto the bed next to her. “You smell like her.” She doesn’t have to say Katy’s name, the accusation in her tone alone has me feeling like shit. I’ve wanted to tell her what’s going on, yet something has held me back.

  “What the fuck are you doing Sebastian?” she whispers. “You are ruining everything our families built. And for what? Some cheap ass bitch who’s only shining quality is she sucks your dick like a pro?”

  “Go to hell, Penelope.” The use of her first name stings like acid. “If you would take that stick out of your ass, you would see that it’s never not been you,” I go on as if I’m not lighting us on fire. “I just found someone that my parents weren’t forcing me to love. She gets me. You… you follow orders like a puppy. If I told you that The Society deemed us not to be married, you wouldn’t even ask why. At least I know she would fight for me,” I seethe as I get off the bed.

  Storming out of the room wasn’t my best idea. I can’t hear her crying, and if I know Quinn, she won’t be. At least not where someone could see her, it’s a sign of weakness in her eyes. Walking into the living room, I head for the bar holding the liquor and pour myself a glass of bourbon. It’s not my drink of choice, however, tonight I need something strong. Storming down the stairs, Quinn looks over at me before she opens the front door. I open my mouth to apologize and then close it again. She will forgive me once she finds out the truth about Katy, I hope she does at least.

  “What’s wrong with the princess?” Devin questions as he walks into the room. Our looks are the only thing that are the same, my brother has a dark side, it’s tainted with the lives he’s taken for The Society. “Misunderstanding,” I offer as a response. Tipping his glass back, Devin swallows the amber liquid without issue. “Fix it,” he commands as he pours himself another glass.

  Smirking, I lean back against the bookshelf, “Or what?” Shrugging, Devin smiles, “Don’t know yet, but fix it fast. Or someone else might come along and snatch her up.”

  Chapter Five

  Quinn

  I waited for Sebastian to call, to apologize, to attempt at soothing the wounds he inflicted. When he hasn’t, I do what comes naturally, being a bitch to anyone and everyone.

  Walking towards the school, I catch sight of Serena with a group of her friends. Serena is a fucking whore and I feel like putting her in her place. She’s been pissing me off lately with her gossip about my cousin Elena and her attempts at destroying her. I may not be the nicest human around, not even in the top one hundred, if I’m being honest with myself, but family is family.

  “What’s going on here?” I ask as I stride over. My hair in a messy bun since I wasn’t in the mood to care. My green eyes blaze from the idea of tearing Serena down a notch. Harlyn and Belle stand close behind me and jump in if things get violent. “Nothing.” Serena gives a sweet sickly smile.

  Grabbing Serena’s blazer, I hiss, “If I hear Elena’s name in your filthy mouth again, you’ll regret it. Watch what you say Serena,” I warn as the class bell rings. Letting go of Serena, I glare at the girl as she rushes away down the corridor like her ass was on fire.

  Following her inside the building, I pretend that I don’t hurt a little when I see Sebastian standing next to Katy’s locker with her. “Morning Quinn,” she calls out to me as I pass them. I can feel everyone watching us, waiting for me to unleash my anger on her. Turning to them, I smile, it’s fake just like everything else in this town, “STD, how are you? Have you started breaking out in hives or does that happen later?”

  Snickering sounds from behind me, it gives me the push I need to keep my back straight as Sebastian levels me with a look. He doesn’t defend her, and I soften a little at the guilt on his face. Turning away from them before I break, I head towards my own locker down the hall. Two can play the game Sebastian started. I never saw myself as a cheater, never wanted to, or even thought about who else was out there for me. Sending a message to the one person with just as much to gain from me as I do him, I head to class.

  The day passes in a blur. The time ticking away until it’s time for me to meet with him. We chose to meet at a hotel, less chance of Sebastian finding out what we are doing. It feels dirty, and yet I don’t back out. I shouldn’t be here tonight, and maybe that’s exactly why I am, why I’m here standing naked in front of someone that isn’t Sebastian. Letting the sheer robe drop from my shoulders, I watch Devin drink in the sight of me until he’s had his fill. I’m not normally embarrassed by my body, yet in front of him, I’m on display and he doesn’t fall for the facade everyone else does. A wicked grin spreads across his face as I move closer to the chair he’s sitting in. Dropping to my knees in front of him, I rest my hands on his thighs, and let out a moan as he grins the back of my head and pulls me to him. Devin’s kiss consumes me, he’s fire, power, and evil all in one. Any other day, or time and I wouldn’t willingly let him this close. “Suck it.” Inhaling, I take in the difference in his smell than that of Sebastian, compared to him, he’s Whiskey to Sebastian’s Gin. “I’m not my brother, Quinn. If you don’t want to be here, leave, but understand I won’t ask for permission if you stay. I’ll take and take until there’s nothing left and then I’ll take some more.”

  Opening my mouth, I wrap my lips around his shaft taking note of how different he is than what I’m used to. Groaning, Devin holds my head as he rises up to meet my waiting mouth. Pulling me away, he searches my face for any sign that I want to stop our deal. Offering him a smile, I push against his legs until I’m standing. Holding Devin’s hand in my own, I pull him with me as I back up to the bed. Lying on the silk sheets, I watch as he rolls a condom on his dick. He’s big, must be a family thing, I think to myself as he crawls between my legs. “Eyes on me, Quinn. I want you to remember exactly who is fucking you tonight. I want this moment burned into that pretty head next time you decide to enter an agreement with the devil,” he commands as he pushes into me. Gasping, I don’t look away as he drives himself in and out of me.

  Chapter Six

  Sebastian

  I should have apologized for what she said to Katy, I didn’t think it would have been received well, we both know she meant every vile word. The day passed and I only ever caught sight of Quinn one more time just before she sped out of the parking lot. Sighing, I left it alone, she would calm down in a few days and I wasn’t in a rush to tell her that I was taking Katy to the Ball with me.

  Heading home, I grimaced when I parked next to my father’s car. I wasn’t sure what he mood would be and didn’t care to be the buffer between him and Devin today. Trying my best to sneak up the stairs, I only made it up halfway when he walked out of his office. “Sebastian, did you tell the whore she wasn’t to attend?” he questioned not bothering to stop on his way towards the front door. “Yes, sir. I told her,” I answer, keeping the fact that she was going either way to myself.

  “Let’s get dinner tonight. Devin has business to attend to, so it will only be the two of us. Say Manny’s at nine?” Nathaniel Johnson doesn’t wait for an answer, he’s already deemed it set just because he willed it. Nodding, I don’t bother to respond verbally. He’s nearly out the door, off to do The Society’s bidding.

  “Julianna, can you make the reservations for Manny’s?” I ask the older woman who is looking at the door close behind my father. I always wondered why she stayed, why she gave up her entire life to raise me. I suppose Nathaniel is the reason. Nodding at me, she walks out and sets about gathering the misplaced items along the way to the kitchen. Spending the rest of my day catching up on school papers, and calls for my father’s security business, I groan in frustration at the amount of work Devin left undone. It’s not like him, normally he’s meticulous, something or someone is keeping him from it.

  Deciding to arrive early, I set on my way to the restaurant, the drive only lasting a few minutes. As I toss my keys to
the valet, I hear Quinn’s laugh from across the street. I know her every sound, and as I look for her, I see Devin hop into his car. Looking around for Quinn, I take in the name of the building Devin just left. Internally I’m seething, I know the chances she would fuck Devin are slim, and yet I’m concerned that she has.

  Sitting through the dinner with my father, my eyes continue to wander towards the hotel entrance searching for any sign of them. “Sebastian, are you listening? I’m laying out your future right in front of you and your not bothering to act as if you are present. Maybe you need a reminder of who we are.” Getting the hostess to bring the check, I watch my father slap a few hundred-dollar bills on the table to cover the meal and provide a hefty tip. “My driver will come back for your car later,” it’s a statement, my father doesn’t ask when he wants something.

  Sliding into the back seat, I place myself behind the passenger seat where the driver is now that my father is driving. It was a safety measure we were taught as children, always in the back in order to watch out for those that would do us harm. The Society was always threatened by outside forces, and the best defense is to see the attack coming straight for you. The drive takes us just outside of the city limits, to the abandoned buildings and railroad station that hadn’t been used in years.

  “Stay here Marcus,” my father commands as he motions me to get out. Following him inside the ratty structure, I look around vaguely remembering this place. I’ve been here before, when mother was still around, it haunted my dreams as a child. Entering the room behind him, I look towards the center of the room where there a man tied a chair, his mouth stuffed with a dirty rag. Leaning against the wall, I wait for my father to tell me what we are doing here. “Vincent here, decided he wanted a piece of the pie. He didn’t want to pay for it though, he thought he could steal from the Montgomery family,” he goes on to explain. I know the punishment for theft against our families, it’s not jail time or even something as simple as community service. It’s death. “Handle it,” he commands as he walks out of the room, “make it hurt. Don’t come out until you do.”

  Chapter Seven

  Quinn

  I felt dirty after my night with Devin. The guilt eating away at me as the days pass. I haven’t spoken to Sebastian since the day when he chose to walk out. He’s always been my only choice. Hell, I’ve loved him since I was ten. I just wanted to be his first choice not his last. Walking into the kitchen, I see Silvia crying silently, my mother no doubt the reason. I’d cry every time she made me feel like shit too, if I still cared what she thought of me.

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Raynor. Your mother is waiting for you in the sunroom,” Silvia tells me, the smile on her face not meeting her eyes. Plastering on a fake smile, I take the outstretched bottle of water and the cheese stick from her, “Wonderful.” I know she can pick up on the sarcasm in my tone, she knows me better than either of my parents, and sometimes I think she knows me better than myself. My sandals click against the hardwood floor as I enter the sunroom, my uncle Randolph getting up from his seat beside her in order to grab another drink from the bar. “Afternoon, Penelope. Or do you go by Quinn now?” he questions.

  “Quinn, please. Only a select few people call me Penelope, mostly only Sebastian,” I reply, taking my seat across from them. Nodding, he sits down, “Well, that’s understandable. It’s only a few months before the wedding after all.”

  The reminder of our upcoming wedding sends a pang I'd hurt through my body. I have to make things right with Sebastian, they wouldn’t say it out loud, but our choices aren’t are own. They chose for us years ago, a business deal sealed with blood. If we can’t follow their rules we aren’t of any use, like others of The Society found out over the years, useless people don’t survive. “Quinn, I would assume that Sebastian will be arriving to pick you up in a few hours. I wanted to let you know that when you get back, I won’t be here. Your father needs me to handle business dealings in Manchester,” my mother acts as if it’s a shock for her not to be around. Confused, I nod and rise from the chair, “I need to get ready if that’s all you needed.”

  Spending the day getting ready, I wait for Sebastian to arrive. When he hasn’t yet, and the time creeps closer, I call Xavier, Sebastian’s best friend. It’s not long before he’s at my door in his tux, a grin on his face, “Well, Quinn, I guess this means you aren’t as disgusted by me as you like to say.” Rolling my eyes, I push past him and climb into the waiting SUV. The drive to the Ball is quick, almost painless as Xavier rattles on and on about his plans after school. I wish I had the option to choose. I would still chose him, I can’t say he would do the same.

  Walking into the Ball on Xavier’s arm, I stare wide-eyed as Sebastian stands along the other wall next to Katy. Internally I’m fuming, on the outside, I hide everything. No one would ever be able to tell that it phased me at all. Smiling at my cousin Elena and her date, I take my seat grabbing a glass of champagne. My eyes finding his, I can read his emotions and he feels guilt among anger. Tilting my head to the side, I motion for him to follow me.

  Once the door closes behind him, I straighten my back ready to unleash my anger. “You know a call would have been nice, a smoke signal, morse code, or just to see your face. I see the walking STD is still around, are you a thing now or are you just spreading your wild oats?” I snap. Coming behind me, Sebastian presses his lips to my neck, “It’s complicated, and I swear I’ll explain it all. I’m not fucking her. I would never. I love you, Penelope.”

  His words sound sweet, yet his actions are anything but. Nodding, I force the tears that threaten to fall back, “I need to tell you something. I did something that I’m not proud of, and you won’t forgive me,” I whisper. Running his hands down my arms, Sebastian nuzzles my throat, “I will. Whatever it is, I will.”

  I catch the slight hint of pain in his words, as if he knows, but Devin promised me he wouldn’t tell a soul. “Tell me later when I rip that dress off of you. We have a ball to get back to, and if Xavier so much as breathes near you, I’ll rip his lungs out,” Sebastian hisses, the need evident in his voice. Breaking away from me, Sebastian leaves me alone in the old library. Picking up a worn copy of Vanity Fair, I sit down and read a few chapters. I don’t want to watch Katy and Sebastian together, not when he should be here with me instead.

  I’ve been locked away for longer than I should have been, something I’m sure won’t go unnoticed by the higher members of The Society. Closing the book, I reenter the madness of drunken men, and gossipy women, all while the teenagers of the town play games like Truth or Dare, and take drugs. Taking the offered glass from Xavier, I toss the contents back. I’ll need something to take away the sting of the night.

  A woman’s scream echoes down the hallway I just came from, the man she was with leans over the edge of the stone railing of the room’s balcony as he spills the contents of his stomach. It’s disgusting. Her screams call for attention again, and that’s when I see her, Katy. Her eyes wide as the blood sticks to her hair and dress. Dead.

  Chapter Eight

  Sebastian

  Running towards the screams, I make my way through the crowd of perfume, dresses, and drunk men. My first thoughts are worry for Quinn, and guilt for leaving her alone in this place. My next are relief when I see her until I notice she is leaning against Xavier as if she can barely stand on her own. Reaching her, I hold her close, her words muffled by my clothes. Pulling back in order to hear her, she speaks in broken sobs the only words I can make out are Katy and dead. Turning around, I look at where the crowd is huddled, “Katy?”

  I don’t waste time as I shove people out of my way, my hands finding her cold, still body. Looking up as I hold her close, I register the flash of guilt on Quinn’s face. She wouldn’t, she wouldn’t, would she? The sound of sirens stops my thoughts, my back already straightening as I wipe my face with a handkerchief. Some would feel safe knowing that the police are going to be involved, not me though, I know that if this was a Society death, then
the killer would go free. I don’t move as the officers clear the room, my face a mask of indifference at their demands to let her go. “Mr. Johnson, for me to do my job you need to leave,” the officer tells me. Nodding, I take hold of Quinn’s hand and wait for them to do their work.

  Hissing in pain, Quinn pulls her hand from mine as we walk outside, “What the fuck Sebastian?” My hand acts on its own, wrapping around her slender neck, “Did you kill her? Where had you been for the last hour?” Pressing into my grip, her eyes darken to a dark green, “I was alone, reading, in the room you left me in. Why weren’t you with her? Or were you? Hmm? Isn’t she your little pet?”

  Letting go of her, I turn and shout into the night. Quinn’s hands finding my waist, “I am sorry. I may have hated her, but I didn’t kill her.” Turning around, I bring her to my chest, my eyes closing at the feel of her, “She was my sister. Nathaniel’s daughter, but no one else knows, not yet.” I hear her gasp, her whispered sympathies causing me to cry for the first time in nearly ten years.

  We are called one by one inside, officers escorting some to the police station for further questions while some are told to stay in town. I’m one of the few on my way to the dingy office downtown. Sitting in the cemented room with one wall of glass, I tap my fingers on the steel table. It’s hot in here, but I won’t let them see me sweating, it’s a tactic to get me to talk. I won’t though, I've been tortured before in order to break me. I broke more often than not, my father only making it harder and harder to survive, it was needed however. How else would you teach your children not to spill everything to just anyone? The time ticks by based on what my watch shows. Two hours later and the door opens, two detectives sitting across from me. “Mr. Johnson, I want to offer you a deal,” the one on the left tells me. He’s crazy if he thinks I would ever accept any kind of deal.