Heathen Chronicles - Changed

Chapter 16 - Messages and Machinations

Dwayne's POV

I sat at the computer doing research on something unknown to the rest of the group, making sure to keep myself busy as I always did. I looked up to take a quick break from the screen and glanced around to see what the rest of the group was up to. No wonder it was so quiet.

Xelia spent the day relaxing on her bed, scrolling through Pinterest and laughing at the stupid quotes and memes that people had likely been posting all day. Without realizing it, she stood up, walked into the lounge, and sat on the couch just to do the same thing. Weird as always. Victoria sat in the corner huddled with Jeydon, isolating themselves as they usually did. What was the point of them even being here if they were going to constantly isolate themselves? They should just fuck off.

Ntsakela sat at the table playing cards with Tannah, Serina, and Shaylin; she looked like she was about to win, too. Serina kept glaring at Shaylin, who chose to sit between Ntsakela and Tannah. Great... more trouble in paradise. This is just going to make things awkward for the group again. I always tell everyone not to date in the damn group, but do they listen? No. They still do. Idiots.

I looked back at the screen, no longer caring about the others. I was taken aback to find the monitor flashing with a big sign indicating we had received mail. Why the fuck would they use that setting for notifications? It's so annoying.

"Hey guys! We got mail! It's from Raven."

Everyone rushed over to surround the computer, excited to see what she had written. Ntsakela leaned over me to type in the password; she could have just asked me to do it for her. Anyway, I made no move to get up and decided to read the email aloud for everyone:

"My dearest friends! I'm not sure what to say because I miss you too much and there is way too much to tell you. This program is definitely not what I thought it would be. It's hard to do the training they want, and it's driving me mad not being able to communicate with you daily.

Oh! I thought I saw a guy with large black wings coming out of his back—how stupid, right? That's how tired I am! We have been studying here, too: weaponry, army strategies, and hand-to-hand combat, plus a bonus class. Our normal school classes don't seem to count as much here.

I'm struggling with the combat and it's really bad. Kyle whips my ass at every sparring session. The only thing that gets me through is the art class; you know me and my doodles. Not as good as you guys, but I try. I have a huge duel in two days, and they say if we don't pass, we'll be sent home. The others have been sent back already, but it was weird because they didn't say anything to us until they were gone.

Any suggestions on how to win the duel? I want to stay, but I wouldn't mind being sent home to see you guys. Oh! I have two guards watching me now and one following me everywhere. The people here are hot, but not for me. Every time I see someone, I think they'd be perfect for Tannah or Ntsakela or Xelia! Maybe I can find Xen a military man. LOL!

I hope you are tormenting Miss Satan for me. If she's picking on you, I'll take care of her when I return. I'm expecting pictures from you guys, too! Anyways, I plan on practicing tonight to better my skills; maybe it will give me an edge.

Oh! By the way. Kyle is really creeping me out! He confessed he was interested in me and said I'd be perfect for him. He's been treating me like property even though I turned him down! What the eff do I do!!! I love you all. Raven."

"Wow, it sounds like Raven is actually enjoying herself despite the training," Serina said, surprised.

"Yeah, we should get pictures ready to send tomorrow if we can email," added Ntsakela.

"So, we meet here tomorrow around 10:00 AM and make a day of it?" Shaylin asked sleepily.

"Yeah! Why not?!" Xelia answered.

The excitement grew tenfold, but no one had really noticed what she said about being watched or about Kyle. I made a mental note to ask about the Kyle situation later.

***

Victoria's POV

I saw the computer screen change and go static for a moment before returning to normal. I kept quiet and watched everyone happily planning. I grabbed Jey's hand and gently tugged him out, planting kisses along his neck and lips. I hoped I could get him in the mood to make him forget about the email. If he knew the truth, he would surely leave me, and I could not lose him. He was mine.

I didn't want Raven to come back. I wished she'd get accepted or worse. She must not come back ever! Especially if she knew the truth and was ready to tell everyone what I made happen to her. No. She was avoiding everyone while she was here... she didn't know.

I felt Jey tug on my hips and knew he wanted more. We made it to my room and I let him lead. He stripped us and moved between my legs. I felt the pressure turn to pleasure as he slipped in and out. I made sure all he thought about was us—not her. I know how close they had been. Still, she could not come back. She would ruin everything! I flipped him over and started riding him the way he liked. Slow at first, then faster.

Maybe I could get Kyle to finish her off. Or if they come back, maybe he could keep her busy. I made a guy take care of her once; I can surely do it again. Jey came and pulled out quickly. I wasn't done yet. Filled with a new force of determination, I needed satisfaction. Now it was MY turn.