I shrug. “It was a way for my family to not have to deal with me for a few months out of the year.”
Instead of looking at me with pity, which would make me even more uncomfortable, when I glance at Julien, he’s nodding. In solidarity. Like he understands.
“So we’re friends, then,” he says.
“And soon-to-be lavender lovers.”
Olivia Cardell—yes,the asshole’s sister—shifts at the white-paneled podium in front of all ofOmega Nu Epsilon. It’s Sunday evening, Greek House meeting night.
Our sorority president looks distracted, and she never is. Part of me wonders if it’s because she’s gotten hung up on that computer geek, Valen Von Dovish. Fitting pair.
My freshman dorm roommate, Athena, a fellowONE, perches on her chair next to me like it’s a duty. The thing is, I don’t mind her. I know she doesn’t like me. But at least she rarely talks. It’s a beautiful gift for a human to have, in my opinion.
For the first month we lived together, I thought she was deaf. Until she asked me point-blank to please turn down mymusic because she was sleeping. That was a real disappointment.
I once overheard her and her cousin, Zoe, talking about how I was a bitch and always trying to get attention. Zoe seems tolerable, though. So I’ve let it slide.
“All rise,” Olivia instructs us, and we stand as a unit.
Together, we chant our oath aloud: “We areONE. Ours to cherish. Others to inspire. Opportunities to unite. And one true love to forever hold. Blessed beCaliphylla, goddess of all life. May she grant us the sacrament in our appointments. Heed her words. Multiply the earth through the labors of your wombs.”
It’s all crap. But Icouldn’tpledge the same sorority as my cousin, Pippi. Not to mention, I think I’d shoot up the place if I had to interact with Valencia Von Dovish for more than two minutes.
Also, I heard a rumor from Valencia that even if I’d applied, they wouldn’t take me because I’m toorowdy.Me…From the rowdiest group of girls on campus! They have Evie Lynx! Whatever.
Sigma Lambda Psi’spresident is an utter cunt.
At least Olivia is cool—in a frigid way.
“For anyone new, Wicked Wednesday is the third Greek Game of the year. It happens under a waxing gibbous moon atDeltaHouse. Outside are several carnival tents, and in each, you’ll encounter a different mini game. A full casino is in their back room. Play games and win coins. The more you earn for the activities, the more points we get as a house. The goal of each event isn’t physical endurance and skill… It’s abouthow far you’re willing to go to win.”
A few of the women in the back shift and giggle. Some start to recollect previous years and mention things like beingwhippedby the ringleader and so forth.
“Attention, please! Yes, there’s naked Twister. SevenMinutes in Heaven, but you must outlast your partner… Um, Spin the Bottle leading into Truth or Dare?—”
Zoe Griffin pipes up loudly, “Don’t pick dare from aTheta!”
The girls laugh at her outburst, and Olivia’s cheeks turn pink.
“And, of course, the casino games. Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette. Some slot machines, but those are rigged, I’m convinced. Don’t use them.”
“The dunk tank!” one of the seniors shouts.
Olivia chuckles low. “Okay, if you get caught cheating, or if you lose a dare, or if enough of the boys gather up bids, youmayget thrown in the dunk tank. They’ll strip you naked and put you into the booth filled with lube. When brothers throw a pie at the target? You’ll drop into the tank, but onto a, um…well, a giant dildo.”
Bursts of laughter seep out of the room, and murmurs abound about who has previously had to do this or not. I blink slowly. Are these people all crazy?
My eyes scan the smiling faces to find Scout’s in the sophomore row, who’s looking not asconfusedas me, but moreannoyed.
“What about the brothers? Do they do that, too?” one of my fellow freshmen asks.
“The boys have anobediencecourse. Naked, of course. Sisters attach a collar and leash on him and lead him through kinky obstacles where he needs to perform for the crowd in the main circle. Then he can return to his cage for the rest of the night.”
Women hoot and cheer at the sound of that, and I do admit…it sounds perfect for someone who believes himself to bein charge…
“I can’t wait to drag Aiden into the closet with me,” an irritating voice caws behind me. When I turn, I catch Haileybragging to a few juniors. “I wonder if he’ll be able to endure what I plan to do to him.”
“I’m sure Aiden would have you running,” Zoe says with an edge of irritation.