Afterschool, me and Kenai would go to the arcade to play Pac Man. We would try to beat each other's score after each other. Once we wasted all of our tokens, we headed to the local coffee shop to do our homework. We always shared a blueberry tea with extra sugar as we did Calculus.
"I don't understand! If it doesn't exist, then… Ugh!"
"Kenai, it's limits. Maybe you're not cut out for Calculus."
"Are you calling your own boyfriend dumb?"
"No, I just…"
"Kenai Scott! Where have you been!?"
I was rudely interrupted by Dylan, Kenai's friend. He sat by us and did homework with us. Sadly, me and Dylan did all we can to teach Kenai about Limits. I was having such a great time when Dylan brought up the Syrens.
"So Kenai, we really need to talk about what's been happening with the Syrens. We really need you, or else…"
Kenai looked at me with disappointment, like he needed to tell me something important. I made sure to keep quiet about the Syrens until Dylan left. We drove back to my house when Dylan messaged Kenai like 37 times.
"I'm sorry, Launa. I'll make it up to you, I promise. I didn't know Dylan was going to show up at the coffee shop like that."
"Kenai… I don't want to be nosey but… what did he mean by they needed you? You know, the Syrens?"
"Launa, the Syrens are very dangerous. I'm a bad guy but I don't want to be the bad guy anymore. Just know that you have changed me, listen, I'm trying to stay away from the Syrens because of you. I… want to keep you safe. Please Launa, don't ask about the Syrens… do not go to Dylan and ask about the Syrens. Please? Promise me you'll stay away from anything that has to do with the Syrens?"
I saw fear in Kenai's eyes when he was speaking to me. His hands were shaking just as he was about to hold mine. So I told Kenai…
"I promise Kenai."
The next day, Kenai nor Dylan showed up at school. I asked more of Kenai's friends but they gave me no answer. I didn't want to ask about the Syrens so I walked away. I spent the day with Jazz but she also kept quiet about Kenai. Afterschool, Jazz and my sister took me shopping for more clothes. I felt kind of better but most of the time I worried about Kenai and Dylan.
I was in my room when I got a message from Kenai. I looked outside to see that Kenai was waiting for me by his car. I hurried up to get ready but my sister came into the room. She wanted to choose my outfit before I actually got ready. I put my lipstick on as I ran outside the door. I got into Kenai's car to hug him, to kiss him.
"Launa, I need to take you somewhere. It's really important that you keep quiet when we get there."
Kenai drove outside of town on a dirt road to a forest. Within the forest was an abandoned garage with multiple cars parked by it. Kenai grabbed my hand to kiss it but he also looked at me with sad eyes.
We walked into the garage and what I saw was absolute mafia. There were guys dressed in leather with the word "Syrens" on the back. Everyone was drinking cold beers, girls sitting on guys laps with their hands in the shirt, and guns… on the tables. I saw Dylan with a girl that wasn't peculiar with. The guys made room for me and Kenai on the couch but the thing was… I had to sit on Kenai's lap. As I was about to speak, a very tall man came in. I recognized the hair… it was DJ!
"Welcome everyone, as you may know there has been some rift raft with the Vipers. They have snitched us out to the police but the police haven't caught us yet. I need everyone to keep an eye out because the Vipers are starting to roam the streets. Please everyone, do not wear anything that has to do with us, they will attack. Now let's enjoy the night, drink, party, and please… no fighting with each other. We have plenty of time to fight the Vipers."
Just as DJ was about to leave the room, he took a quick glance at me. He began to walk towards me and Kenai.
"Ms. Quinton, surprised to see you here, sitting on my brother's lap. Please, make yourself comfortable. We will begin initiation in one hour. Oh, and don't drink too much."
"Kenai, what does he mean by initiation?"
"Laune, let's talk in private."
Kenai led me to a room inside the garage where we could talk. He held onto me while he took a deep breath.
"With the Vipers out in the streets, they may try to claim you. I don't want them to claim you. You are all mine and you will stay mine. As long as I'm here, you will be protected. In order to keep you safe… I must initiate you into the Syrens. I'm sorry Launa, I should've asked you first."
"Kenai, look at me, look at me. As long as you're here, I will do anything to stay yours."
12am struck on the clock, everyone crowded me and Kenai. They all held candles in their hand waiting for DJ. When initiation was done, they rewarded me with a necklace. A necklace with the Syrens symbol hanging from it like a charm. DJ made it clear that since I was a new member, they would protect at all cost.
"Launa Quinton, you may take oath now. Please repeat after me. I, say your name."
"I, Launa Quinton…"
I took oath in front of everyone inside that garage. Kenai looked at me with a smile of relief. Dylan called me his sister, which I found hysterical. Finally, Kenai drove me home.
"Launa, don't ever wear that necklace outside of home. The Vipers will see it and try to attack you."
"I promise Kenai, goodnight."