Claimed by the Vampire Frat Boys

I don’t belong here.

Sitting in the cavernous classroom, I survey the other students. They sit in rows of tiered seats, chatting and laughing. They’re all vaguely intimidating—maybe due to their manicured hair and crisp designer clothing. I’m nothing like them. My hair is disheveled, my clothes are from a thrift store, and I don’t have a single friend here.

I’m a scholarship student.

I come from a different world.

This is one of the oldest universities in the country. It’s a storied institution, and it’s educated the sons and daughters of prominent families for centuries. Presidents and business leaders have passed through these halls. Famous actors and musicians have sat in these seats.

But what about me? Why am I here?

When I was accepted to the university, my family was overjoyed. I excelled in high school and scored near-perfect marks on all final exams. I was the football team’s star player, and I’ve got a ripped, sunbaked physique. Blessed with brains and brawn, my friends used to joke that I’m a unicorn—an anomaly. By all metrics, I’m the perfect candidate to attend a prestigious university. Something feels wrong though…this is like being a peasant in a royal court. I don’t know how to fit in.

“Mind if I sit here?” a voice calls out, causing me to jump.

“O-oh, yeah. Sure.” I give an awkward smile.

“Thanks, bro.” He flops into the seat beside me.

Like everyone else here, he’s got an old-money vibe. Boat shoes, dark blue jeans, a black polo…there’s something a bit different about him though. His large green eyes are friendly. His brown hair is a bit messy—just like mine. He’s tan and muscular too…is he an athlete?

“I’m Zack.” I wave.

“Cool. I’m Russell.” He smiles, showing off pearly teeth. “Are you a transfer student? I haven’t seen you around.”

“N-no. I’m a freshman.”

“Woah! I didn’t even know they let freshmen take this math class. You must be pretty sharp.”

“I guess so.”

I laugh while his eyes narrow.

“So that means this is your first day of college then, right? What high school did you go to?”

“Yeah, I moved into the dorms last week. You wouldn’t know my school. I moved here from across the country. I’m here on a scholarship.”

“Oh, I see.” His eyes widen. “Most students here went to boarding schools on the east coast. A lot of them already have friends before classes even begin.”

“That’s definitely not me.” I glance away.

“Hey, how about I help you out? You seem like a nice guy, so it’s the least I can do.” He pats me on the back. “Just promise to help me with my math homework, alright?”

“Ok. Deal.” A smile forms on my lips.

“Great. There’s a homecoming party this weekend at one of the frat houses. It’s by invitation only, but I can get you in.”

“Wow…you’d really do that for me?”

“Absolutely! It’s a costume party though, so make sure you dress up.”

“A costume party? Isn’t that a bit weird for homecoming? Halloween isn’t for another couple months.”

“Yeah, but it’s hosted by Alpha Beta. They’re a bit quirky—big on tradition and secrecy. I think it’s because they’re the oldest fraternity here. They were founded back when the university first opened. Their roots go deep.”

“Huh. I’ve never heard of them.”

“I think they’ll like you. You’ve got a certain vibe that they look for. Who knows, they might even invite you to join if you play your cards right. They’re a prestigious group—a couple presidents have even been members.”

“Damn.” My smile widens. “Well, I doubt they’ll want me to join, but I’m always down to make new friends.”

“Sounds good, bro. Just stick with me, and I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly. This will be the perfect start to your college career.”

This can’t be right.

I double-check the address on my phone. Yep…this is the place.

The monolithic structure before me doesn’t look like a frat house. Hell, it doesn’t look like a house at all. It’s more like a palace.

Tall, grand walls of stone extend toward the night sky. Moonlight shines down, bathing the structure in a pale glow and illuminating tall, narrow windows. Heavy curtains hang behind the clouded glass, blocking any light from escaping. I’m not even sure anyone is home.

But I can’t help admiring the gothic architecture.

The steep roof is layered with slate tiles that bear the scars of countless storms. The windows all possess a pointed arch at their tips, emphasizing the building’s height. At the center of the house, a narrow tower stretches up, looming over all other buildings in the area. I’ve never seen anything like it before…and I can’t help but wonder what’s inside.

The house’s aged exterior is blanketed in green ivy—as though nature is trying to reclaim the land. If this fraternity dates back to the founding of the university, then this house is hundreds of years old. I can practically feel the weight of history pressing down on me. It’s smothering.

The black iron gate lets out a shrill cry as I push it open. My footsteps echo atop the cobblestone pathway carving through the unkempt yard. There’s something off about this…something that causes my heart to pound. Cold sweat begins seeping through my shirt.

The floorboards creak as I approach the door—a towering oaken monstrosity. Strange images are carved into its wooden surface, depicting grotesque creatures and twisted vines. What kind of person would want a door like this in their home…?

But the sound of upbeat pop music wafts from behind the portal, putting my mind at ease. I’ve found the right house. I’m about to attend my first college party.

*knock* *knock*

It takes a moment, but the door finally cracks open—it’s Russell.

“Hey, man! You made it!” He swings the door wide, bathing me in orange light.

I smile and enter, letting the sound of revelry wash away any unease I felt outside. The interior is magnificent.

The foyer walls are encased in dark blue wallpaper that stretches up to a wooden ceiling high overhead. A crystal chandelier hangs low, casting beams onto antique portraits on the walls. My eyes comb over the artwork, each depicting young men in formal clothing. It’s strange though—they all share a certain look. Their hair is tidy, and their posture is composed. They have sharp, masculine features with minimal body fat—almost gaunt. Pale skin covers their faces while dark eyes stare blankly into the distance. They must be the founding members of the frat.

But something about them makes me uneasy. I don’t understand why…

“Follow me! We’ve got plenty of booze!” Russell throws an arm around my shoulder and leads inside, forcing me to look away from the art.