Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137326 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 549(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
“Enough.” Kane pushes him, and while the movement looks relaxed, it actually isn’t. There’s no way he’d be able to shove away a bear-like man if that were the case.
That’s the thing about Kane. He somehow manages to make things look effortless when they’re far from it.
“Is that all you got, big man?” Preston tilts his head to the side and pouts at Jude, mimicking an innocent kid. “I’m disappointed.”
Jude dashes toward him. “You fucking—”
Kane extends his hands, punching them both simultaneously in the stomach. “I said enough. Save the energy for the rink.”
Jude snarls. “I’ll pummel his pretty face to pieces so he stops talking shit.”
“Ruining my face won’t stop me from dragging your ass.” Preston grins wide. “It’ll just show your inferiority complex. That jealous of my looks, peasant?”
“Your looks?” It’s Jude’s turn to mock laugh. “Which looks? Sickly and disturbing?”
“Said no one ever. But hey, I can find you a good plastic surgeon. Also a neurosurgeon so he can fix your messed-up personality.”
“Only if your personality will undergo the same surgery.”
“Blasphemy. I have a wonderful personality. Yours, however, revolves around mommy issues.” Preston pouts.
“I’m going to fucking bury you.” Jude charges, and Kane uses his body to absorb the shock and still gets pushed back.
“Pres.” Kane stares at him. The energy shifts without his having to say anything else.
Preston lifts his shoulder. “What? It’s fun to mess with him. Besides, he needs to be drained so he can sleep. Like a kid.”
“The fuck you just say?” Jude asks in a dark tone.
“See?” Preston lifts his hands as if he’s proving a point.
“Save the trash talk for the game,” Kane tells him.
“Hmm…let me consider it.” Preston taps his chin. “I refuse.”
Kane sighs as if he was expecting the reply. “Did you use that same antagonistic energy to get that player penalized?”
“I suppose. Told him that his mom is letting his coach fuck her in all her loose holes so that a mediocre player like him can be kept on the team.”
Sick bastard.
“No wonder he nearly killed you and was penalized for five minutes. Twice,” Kane says in an unnervingly calm tone. “You’re effortlessly annoying.”
Preston grins. “I know, right?”
“That’s not a compliment.”
“Did she?” Jude asks, seeming to have forgotten about his vow to kill Preston.
“Did she what?”
“Let the coach fuck her in all her holes for her son?” Jude asks in a cryptic tone, and Kane watches him closely as if looking for something, though I can’t pinpoint what.
“Dunno. Probably? Who cares as long as the story served its purpose.” Preston releases a sigh. “People are so easy to mess with, it’s getting boring.”
Jude removes his gloves and throws them at Preston’s face.
The latter scrunches his nose. “Uncultured as always, Callahan.”
My gaze zeroes in on the black ring on Jude’s index finger. Similar to that of Kane’s, though his is branded with his family’s symbol—a caduceus wrapped in thorny vines. Preston has one as well. His has the symbol of a sun and a crescent moon.
They weren’t wearing them during the game, probably due to regulations. They must have them on now because they’re practicing on their own.
Maybe they don’t want to be seen without proof of their allegiance.
Or proof of their power in this place.
People think Graystone Ridge is a sprawling, affluent town nestled in the US’s Northeast, where history and wealth blend seamlessly with modern ambition. The heart of the town’s center offers a mix of upscale cafés, designer shops, and historical landmarks lining cobblestone streets.
People also believe Graystone University, which is perched on the edge of the town, is a prestigious institution known for producing both academic and athletic powerhouses. Its historical architecture has aged well, harmonizing with its surroundings. While it offers renowned programs in business, law, sciences, and sports medicine, its true pride lies in its hockey program, which has become a breeding ground for future NHL stars.
The student body is a blend of wealthy legacy people—like Kane, Jude, and Preston—and ambitious scholarship students, drawn to Graystone for its connections and prestige—like me.
What people don’t know, however, is that beneath this shining exterior, the university hides a shadowy influence: Vencor. The secret society tied to its and the town’s founding families. Power here is not just earned but manipulated and handed down through generations.
Every corner of this place whispers power for the elite families who shaped the town.
The Davenports, Callahans, Armstrongs, and Osborns live in a gated enclave called Ravenswood Hill on the outskirts, in the mist-filled forest that looms above the town. Behind heavy iron gates, their secluded mansions reflect a legacy of influence and control over the town. The roads leading to Ravenswood Hill are lined with towering oaks and hidden security systems, creating an air of exclusivity and mystery.
The Hill has always been off-limits to outsiders, which is why I have to approach these three at college instead.