Boys of Brayshaw High (Brayshaw, #1)

by Meagan Brandy

“We’re leaving now.”

“Now.” “Now.” “It’s not even lunch.” “Quit fucking complaining,” Royce chastises me. “And don’t worry about Perkins busting you. It’s handled. Maybell too.”

we did it behind your back, you were the last to know, you didn’t get to choose, blah blah blah. Get used to it already.” “You boys are ... forget it. Fine, whatever.” I sigh. “I hate school anyway.”

“Bring a swimsuit.” I frown. “It’s November.” “And there are hot tub parties.” Royce grins. “Well, I don’t have one.” Captain looks to Maddoc who nods his chin. “Don’t worry about it, let’s go.”

I throw my hands out, motioning for them to lead the fucking way.

“If I get kicked out, one of you bastards are driving me all the way back home. I’m not getting stuck in a juvenile hall where I won’t know anyone.” Captain’s lip twitches but i...

We’ve been in the car for two fucking hours.” “It’s called a road trip.”

Captain turns in his seat. “Never been on a road trip?”

“You’d have to have a car to go on a road trip.”

“Your mom never had a car?” “Once. For about a week.” “What happened to it?” “Clientele was low, she ran out of ...

“None of your friends back home had cars either?” Friends. Yeah, people never liked me much. My f...

“Just telling Cap here about my extensive knowledge of a nineteen-ninety Honda Civic … hatchback.”

“Buckle up, big man. We’re ready to get on the road.” I grin

“So, what’s this place like anyway?” “It’s chill,” Royce says. “Ours is the farthest in the back, up against the creek.” “Yours?” “Yup.”

“Wait ... what?” Royce spins in his seat, shooting for innocent,

“Half the senior class will be there.” “No.” “Yes.” “Royce.”

“I don’t wanna play with your friends,” I snap. “You’ll play with nobody,” Maddo...

“I’m not a fucking whore, but if I wanted to act like one, I would. And there’s not a damn thing you could do about it. I won’t bend at your will.” “No, but you’ll drop to your back at yours.”

My mouth gapes, but I quickly close it, glancing off before my eyes give me away. Hate to admit it, but his floppy ass attitude delivered a small sting. I don’t appreciate my mind and my emotions not being on the same page here.

“Speaking of the female species and horizontal positions ... don’t go around choking chicks or cutting off ponytails this weekend, a’ight? Pussy will be slim pickin’, and I want a new rider every night. No cockblocking.” “Seriously?” “Hell yeah.” “So ... you expect me, the ghetto girl from the group home, a literal fucking charity case, to step into some rich kid zone, and let them run all over me if they try?”

“I might be with Royce on this one. Maybe you can get yours when we get back?”

“I only meant, if you feel the need to kick someone’s ass, wait until we get back. Nobody will fuck with you, Raven.”

Maddoc moves closer so he can whisper, “You really think we’d sit back and allow someone to fuck with you?”

“You’re as hot as you are cold, big man.” “Stop making me crazy and I won’t have to be.”

“Whatever you say. But don’t act like I can’t handle myself.” “I know you can,” he says slowly,

Want. Confusion. Need. It’s...

“We know you’re as capable as we are, Snow. It’s why you’re here.” “Thought it was so you could keep an eye on me?” The corner of his mouth tips up slowly. “That too.” His fingers find my wrist and feather across,

“But let’s be real, Raven. My eyes have been on you, haven’t they?”

“If you think you’re gonna catch me in some twisted shit, you’re wasting my time,” I whisper. “I told you before, I’m no planner.” He hums, a smirk now coming out to play. He leans in, his mouth now grazing my ear right as Royce’s eyes find mine in the mirror.

“Those lips of yours will be on me soon.” His tongue hits my earlobe

“Plan on that.” He pu...

I close my eyes, forcing myself to repeat the national anthem in my hea...

The boys roll the windows down and the smell of fresh, clean air hits my nostrils.

reaching over to roll my window down as well and take another deep breath. “What is that?” “What?” Captain asks. “The smell.” He meets my stare in the rearview mirror. “Pine?” When I shrug, he spins,

“Have you never been to the ...

I look at the other two. Again, no judgment stares back, so I go with honesty. “No. Is it, I mean, is it always fresh like this? Like...

“Is that?” I lean out my window and take another deep breath, ignoring the chuckles behind me. “Campfire?” I look over my shoulder. “Real campfire?” “Is there such a thing as fake campfire?” Maddoc’s brow lifts but amusement shines in his eyes. “Yeah, there is. We had bonfires all the time, but that was, I don’t know, a burnt, smoky smell. A fire kept going by beer boxes and trash. This is ... clean and” – I look out the window again – “intoxicating. Almost...” I can’t find the word. “Peaceful?” Captain offers,

“Come on.” I follow behind him, stopping at the next door, the room right next to mine. “This is me, across from me is Cap, then it’s Royce, a spare for Leo, in case he needs it, and then the bathroom. You’re the last room in the hall ... surrounded by us. Don’t try to pull no shit.”

noticing a small bridge that leads to the other side. “What’s out there?” “Bears.” When my eyes widen the boys laugh.

I go to lift my shot, but Maddoc stops me. “Together.” His eyes lock on mine before moving along each of us and my chest grows warm.

“Watch out for each other and don’t act alone.” They nod then all eyes are on me.

Right then, several sounds hit. Music, laughter, slams of car doors. Royce yelps and runs down the deck stairs,

Maddoc’s eyes lock on mine. I go to follow, but Maddoc blocks my move.

“A lot happens out here, don’t go d...

He steps against me until I’m forced to lean back over the railing to meet his eyes. “You want a wolf?” he murmurs and that pulls in my abdomen. “I can make that happen.”

“I bet you can, big man...” I trail off and he steps back, disappearing the way Royce ran.

“There’s no point.” She crosses her arms. “It’s already set for later. Once he’s done partying, he’ll find me.” “I’m nothing for you to worry about then.” “As if you could take my place.” I shrug and step back.

“Screw you and your bet, I already know for a fact he’ll be mine tonight.” “Okay.” I shrug and walk off before she can say a word.

“Wassup, Rae?” Leo holds his fist out, so I give him knuckles. “Not a damn thing.” I keep my eyes on Captain. He studies me. “What’d you do?” “Nothing.” “Nothing ... yet?”

“You got plans with the bride of Chuckie over there?” Leo spits beer, laughing and Captain grins. “More like an open option, but uh…” He looks to the brunette beside Leo. “She’s not needed now.”