Basilisk

by M.E. Clayton

Do secret societies really exist?

The Order of the Cronus does, and as an organization that has stood the test of time, it made a person question what exactly it took to make something like that happen.

Saxton
Reputed to be able to assess any situation before reacting, Saxton Voss was no stranger to being the most rational person in the room, no matter the crisis. Born with the backing of wealth and power, Saxton’s future had been laid out for him since birth. Destined to become a powerful player in the game of life, Saxton wasn’t intimidated by bigger fish. After all, he’d been raised to be a shark.

With only one more year left at Hales University, all that Saxton had to do was make it through his senior year without getting caught up in any unnecessary drama. The Order of the Cronus didn’t suffer fools gladly, and being an initiate was a far cry from becoming a full-fledged member. There were rules, requirements, and regulations that had to be met, something that Saxton understood well.

However, that was all before Hastings Martin came into the picture.

Hastings
With her entire future ahead of her, Hastings Martin was more than ready to tackle any and all obstacles that might come her way. Having grown up in wealth and privilege, Hastings has lived a great life. Though she’d been raised with more than her fair share of blessings, Hastings’ parents had still raised her to be decent and kind, something that Hastings has always been immensely grateful for.

Prepared to make the most of her future possibilities, Hastings hadn’t shied away from any of the new adventures that’d been presented to her by attending Hales University. Being one of the best schools in the country, Hasting has enjoyed every aspect of college life, and then some. The world truly was her oyster, and Hastings knew it. Life couldn’t get any better.

However, that was all before she found herself in the middle of the craziest $#!^ that she’s ever heard.

When secret societies really do exist…
Saxton Voss had been prepared to secure his future at all costs, but when Hastings Martin ends up in his bed, everything changes, and that includes where he stands within The Order.

Hastings Martin had not been prepared for Saxton Voss, or the crazy tangled web that he’s trapped her in, but that doesn’t change the fact that she has a serious decision to make about the rest of her life.

Together, Saxton and Hastings find themselves facing a dangerous game that had dire consequences, but that still doesn’t stop them from playing the game to the very end.

This is not a standalone work. It is the third book in a continuous story that spans five books and can be considered a cliffhanger.

* This book contains violence, adult language, adult situations, and explicit sexual encounters. If sensitive to any of the aforementioned issues, please do not purchase.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

There's not much to add to my bio, I'm pretty boring...LOL. My favorite thing is to read and, last year, I decided to trade in some of those reading hours and try my hand at writing. The experience has been one of the best things I could have ever embarked upon. It's turned into a hobby that is fun and thoroughly enjoyable. When I'm not reading or writing, I'm spending time with my family or friends.

Reviews

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75✯

°Non virgin MCs
°Switching POVs
°Both are 22 y/o
°Both with others after meeting
°Neither with others after having sex
°What I didn't like: #1- the MCs have had a crush on each other for years but never did anything about it. The reason he didn't pursue her sooner was bc he didn't know if she liked him or not, that's a weak ass reason for a self proclaimed alpha. #2- the hero's relationship with his bff Kincaid. They had no romantic feelings for each other, they were more like brother and sister but I didn't like that dynamic, like they would literally die and kill for each other, in the book he tells the h that if he had to choose between her and his bff the person who made him choose was the one who was in the wrong, what kind of answer is that? idgaf that they've known each other since the 2nd grade, when I read romance I want my heroes to be 1000000% loyal to the heroines, they should be their number 1 priority... I also didn't like that he call her "babe", he asked the h about that and she said that she understood their relationship and that she was not jealous, good for her but it made ME uncomfortable
°No OW drama
°No OM drama in the romantic sense but the same OM from the past books beat the h up pretty badly (also the h's former fb is mentioned several times which makes the H jealous but he never shows up in the story)
°No separation
°No push/pull
°No cheating or intimate scenes with OP
°HFN it's their wedding day
~*~*~*~*~*

Excerpts:

**********

My thighs clenched at the thought of how long it’s been since I’ve had sex. Scott North had been the last guy I’d been with, but that’d been about eight months ago. We’d met our freshman year, and he’s sort of been a friends-withbenefits options ever since. I liked him well enough, but there was nothing there beyond some satisfying sex when I needed it.

**********

“Well, you can always blow Saxton off and come with me if I decide to go,” I joked. I knew there was no way she’d cancel on Saxton for me. Whatever bond she had with Saxton Voss, it was ironclad. He was her best friend in every sense of the word, and I couldn’t see her ever picking someone else over him, even if it was just to hang out. Kincaid scoffed. “Saxton would lose his mind if I told him I was going to a party at Eraser,” she replied. “He’d duct tape me to the couch, if not worse.”

**********

“Besides, why would you want to go? If you have an itch, call Scott.” Kincaid knew all about my comfortable arrangement with Scott. My shoulders drooped against the back of the couch. “I don’t know,” I mumbled. Her onyx gaze widened. “And what is it that you don’t know, ma’am?” I shrugged. “Don’t get me wrong, Kin. I mean, Scott’s good in bed and his package is respectable as hell, but… there’s no fire,” I complained. “Like…there’s passion, but no…fire.” My face scrunched. “Does that make sense?”

**********

“Babe-” “What, Saxton?” Her brows rose. “You act like she doesn’t deserve it.” I grinned and ignored Fox’s irritation. He hated it when I called her babe, but I’ve been calling her that since we were fifteen, and I wasn’t going to stop just because they had static between them.

**********

Now, would I choose any of them over Kincaid? No, I wouldn’t. Kincaid’s been my best friend since the second grade, and I’d kill for her and die for her. I’d sacrifice my entire life for that girl, but as much as that sounded like a grand gesture, I knew that Kincaid would do the same for me, so it wasn’t that selfless.

**********

While I wasn’t a timid flower, there was just something about Saxton Voss that made me stupid. The very first time that I ever joined them for a beach trip, seeing Saxton Voss in nothing but board shorts had short-circuited everything inside my brain. To this day, it had been the worst trip of my life. Especially, considering how it had been a group outing, and there hadn’t been a shortage of girls desperately trying to get his attention. I’ve had a thing for this guy ever since Kincaid had introduced us, and it was rather sad.

**********

Opening the drawer to my nightstand, I pulled out my handy, dandy, trusted vibrator wand, and crawled into bed. I needed to take the edge off if I didn’t want to jump the first guy that I saw tonight at the party. While I had nothing against one-night stands, I still had enough sense to be selective. Whoever I ended up with tonight, I wanted to make sure there was some chemistry, and I wasn’t just horny as hell.

**********

If I needed dick that badly, that’s what Scott was on standby for. Only this time, I wasn’t thinking of Scott as I worked the wand over my clit. I wasn’t thinking about anything other than a six-foot-two god with black hair, grey eyes, and a body made for sin. Saxton Voss was the star of tonight’s show, and I was doing everything I could not to moan out loud.

**********

Hastings Martin acted as if she could barely stand to be in the same room as me, and all the while, I wanted the girl in my bed more than I’ve wanted something else in a long time. The last time that I could remember being this desperate for a girl, I had just discovered pussy, and my dick had been eager every waking moment of the damn day. While I had a general appreciation for women, and really didn’t have a type, Hastings Martin was perfection in my eyes.

*********

“You’re supposed to always be on my side, Saxton.” I was throwing her legs off my lap, and I was in her face before she knew what hit her. Grabbing her chin with my fingers, I shook her a little. My grey eyes boring into her black ones, I said, “I am on your side. I have always been on your side. I agreed to ride into battle with you years ago, no questions asked.” Her eyes started to shine. “I love you, Kincaid. You are the most important person in my life, even above my parents and sisters.” “Sax-” I shook her again. “You are my best friend, and I will kill and die for you,” I told her. “I am always on your side. I will always choose you. Do not ever question my loyalty again, do you understand me?” She nodded. “I mean it, Kincaid. We have saved each other a million times over the years, and that should mean something to you.” “I’m sorry,” she cried out softy.

**********

Kincaid crawled into my lap, and my arms automatically wrapped around her. “How about I make you a deal?” “How about you quit fucking with me?” I countered. She let out a sigh. “Just for tonight, you let me have some fun,” she bargained, ignoring my remark. “Let me do my thing, then we can talk about the plan some more tomorrow. Or…later this week, or whatever. But I promise we’ll talk about it more, and I promise to listen.” “Christ, you’re hell on my sanity, babe,” I told her. “You’re also a dick.” Kincaid laughed, and I smiled. It was my most favorite sound in the world because the girl has been unhappy for too damn long in my opinion. So, what did I do? I agreed.

**********

“Every guy you walk by is going to get a stiff dick by just looking at you.” Sometimes I wanted to tell her that I only wanted one stiff dick, but I would never put her in that kind of position. Saxton was her best friend, and I wasn’t about to make things awkward for everyone involved. As much as Kincaid and I got along, I knew she’d always choose Saxton over me, and that was okay. It was expected. However, better to not test it.

**********

As much as I wanted to keep an eye on Kincaid, she wasn’t the one wearing next to nothing. Though her tank top could cover a bit more, she was fully dressed, and she couldn’t help what nature had gifted her with. Hastings, on the other hand… Now, did she look beautiful? Abso-fucking-lutely. However, she also looked like she was trolling for dick, and that was a problem. I’ve been denying myself too long because of the dynamics of her being Kincaid’s roommate, and the fact that I wasn’t entirely certain if she liked me or not, but there was no way I could stay at this party and ignore what she did to me.

**********

“Do you even have anything on underneath that sorry excuse for a dress?” Her head reared back, and I knew I was pissing her off, but I was done being Mr. Nice Guy where Hastings was concerned. While this was something that I should have spoken to Kincaid about first, that damn dress had changed everything. Plus, as long as I didn’t get her pregnant, The Order couldn’t say anything about who I chose to date. As long as I wasn’t marrying her, it wasn’t any of their business.

**********

I wasn’t sure what had me stupid enough to start an argument with Saxton Voss, but here we were. Staring up at his gorgeous face, I wasn’t sure what was bothering me the most. While I wasn’t a supermodel, I had pampered myself for two days and put in the work to look pretty tonight. Truth be told, I was trolling for dick, but that was none of his business.

**********

While I’ve had a couple of one-night stands in my time, my arrangement with Scott had made me comfortable, and it’s been a while since I’ve gone looking for some action. It’s also been a while since my body has felt on fire like this.

**********

I’ve wanted this girl long enough to know that I wouldn’t be feeling this way with another girl. I wouldn’t because I’ve never wanted another girl the way that I wanted Hastings. As Hastings worked my dick, I pulled my wallet out of my back pocket, then took out the condom that I always carried with me. While I didn’t fuck indiscriminately, I was still a red-blooded male. I was always ready for if the opportunity presented itself.

**********

Hastings’ eyes were closed, and she was moaning with each slide against her clit, and I wished I could ditch the condom. There have been many times in my life that I resented having to use condoms, but never like this.

**********

This wasn’t about my ego. This was about Hastings sneaking off after I’d made it clear what was between us now. I also couldn’t deny how right she had felt in my bed. Most of my conquests happened at their place, and if not, hotels were aplenty in Serenity Springs. I’ve never brought a girl back to my place before because this was my sanctuary. The only girl who has ever spent the night here has been Kincaid, and she had her own room here.

**********

I needed him to tell me that I was his girlfriend. I needed absolute clarification. I also knew that we needed to have a serious talk about protection because I knew exactly what he’d been asking when he’d asked if I trusted him. His bare cock also felt different inside me. I’ve never had sex without a condom before, so this felt different than anything that I’ve ever experienced before. It felt wicked.

**********

Even when she was trying to put Saxton in his place, there was no mistaking her love for him. I do believe she’d die or kill for him. It was also a good thing that I wasn’t the type of girl to resent what Saxton had with Kincaid. Sure, it helped that she and I were friends and got along, but I still would never put Saxton in a position to have to choose between us. Besides, if I ever did some low-level crap like that, something told me that he would choose her. That same something also told me that Kincaid would probably murder me if I ever did that to him.

**********

“He’s always going to choose you over me, isn’t he?” Kincaid looked at me sadly. “If you think there will ever be a time where he might have to do that, then maybe you should rethink this relationship you have with him. It’s still early enough to walk away, Hastings.” Tears started to fall.

**********

“Are you sure you’re okay with me being his best friend?” I gasped. Honestly gasped. “Kinc-” She threw her hand up to stop me. “I know you’re not the type to get jealous or resentful or any of that, Hastings,” she said. “But when I say that Saxton is my best friend, when Saxton says that I’m his best friend, we’re not talking life-long acquaintances or good friends or anything like that.” Her brows furrowed as she regarded me. “I’m talking about the fact that I will always choose Saxton above anyone else, even my parents. I’m talking about the fact that I will have no problem keeping his secrets for him, even from you. I’m talking about the fact that Saxton would give up his entire future to support me. I’d also give up my entire future to follow Saxton anywhere.” Emotion was clogging up my throat. “I…I don’t understand,” I stuttered. “Then…why aren’t you guys a couple? Why aren’t you together if you love each other like that so much?” Her features softened again. “Because we weren’t meant for that kind of love. Whatever is in God’s plan, it’s not for me and Saxton to be together. We have been by each other’s side for years, and there has never been a flicker of something more between us. His soul recognized mine as his friend, and mine did the same.” She shrugged. “I don’t know why it’s not Saxton, only that it isn’t.”

**********

“If there ever comes a point where I have to choose between you and Kincaid, whoever is making me choose is the one who will be in the wrong, Hastings. Kincaid is my best friend, but you’re the woman I love. You’re the one who is going to marry me and have my children one day. If you can’t distinguish the difference between those two relationships, then we need to sit down and have a serious talk.” “No,” she grumbled. “I was just…I think I was just jealous of never having someone like that in my life. I let…I let that envy speak for me, and I’m sorry. I would never put you in a position to have to choose between us, Saxton. I swear.” I kissed her on her forehead. “Good,” I replied. “However, I’d never let you put me in that position. If you and Kincaid ever did get your dicks tangled up, I’d make you guys work it out. Nothing else is an option in my life.”

**********

Kincaid had chosen to sit on the coffee table, though she was sitting on my side. “What’s that, babe?” “Christ, will you stop calling her that,” Fox bit out. “It’s confusing as hell. Plus, you have a girlfriend now. How does she feel about you calling another girl babe?” I needed a good laugh, so just to needle the asshole, I said, “Well, since she’s heard me call Kincaid that ever since we first met, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t care.” He shot me a look that would level a lesser man. “Still, you can ask her when she wakes up.”

**********

“Now that we’re together, does it bother you that I call her babe?” My head jerked back a bit at that. “Fox made a comment last night, and it got me thinking.” “What did he say?” “He said it was confusing.” He shrugged. “I’ve been calling her that for so long that I’ve never really given it much thought. However, from the outside looking in, I can see how someone could get confused. Now that you’re my girlfriend, I don’t need anyone going back and spreading rumors.” I smiled at that. While it didn’t bother me that he called Kincaid babe, I appreciated how he was asking me about it. “It doesn’t bother me, but I get it,” I finally answered. “When I first heard you call her that, I had assumed something was going on between you guys, too. I never asked because it wasn’t any of my business, though.” Saxton sat down next to me, then tenderly took my face in his hands. “I love Kincaid, but I love her like a sister,” he said. “However, I’m in love with you. I need you to understand that, okay?” “Okay.”

**********

“So, while Kincaid and I are close, and we might do something that seems odd, or act too familiar, if any of it ever bothers you, Hastings, you need to let me know. I can’t have you sitting on something, letting it fester, because you don’t want to intrude or don’t think you have the right to say something,” he continued. “Because you do have the right to say something.” “Honestly, I’ve been around you guys long enough to see the way you two interact,” I told him. “I’m fine with all of it. I trust you, Saxton. I also trust Kincaid.” “Just promise me, okay?” I nodded.

[LaBlue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book really didn’t work for me. They knew each other for years and never had any hint of interest but all of a sudden it’s a desperate need to be together. Yeah, no. Besides that, the order is a joke, as well as all of these characters supposedly being so prominent that one wormy guy can get around all of them with nobody having dirt on him. Smdh. Like I said, it just didn’t work. Good luck.

[EliseVioletReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yikes....
Imagine being called girlfriend/wife, but he calls his female best friend "babe". Imagine knowing that you and your partner will never have the bond, he and his female best friend share. Imagine always being second best to hero's female best friend.
Frankly don't care that hero and his female best friend (who gets 2 books later) are platonic, its just too much for me.

Reminds me of M.E. Clayton's Holy Trinity or Generation-something book series, where the other heroines will always be second best to one of the MFC.

[Elise Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving these stories!

Book 3 is so good! There’s enough variation between the couples to make each story unique. It’s definitely a series worth reading if you’re into Dark Secret Society Romances. This one is about the love between two people where each one thought the other one wasn’t interested. Hastings was introduced in the first book because she’s Kincaid roommate. The scenes are very hot and steamy and of course our Villain is getting crazier and crazier ! Off to next book!

[nancy brune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basilisk

Great ongoing story but it is dragging. There seemed to be a lot of fluff. Also this one had a lot of errors. So I still will be continuing on to the next book. Because I'm invested.

[Payal - A Bookaholic's Musings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saxton and Hastings

Both the guy and girls want each other, but both think the other doesn't like them.
The H doesn't go for her, because he's not sure if she likes him (and vice versa)
That seemed weird for a self-proclaimed alpha.
But I think after he sees the other guys go for their girl in the previous books, no holds barred, he decides to do the same... and my oh my...

"In this day and age, I should be offended that he was talking to me this way. In this day and age, his hand around my neck should be assault. In this day and age, I should be appalled that he’d make demands of me.

Instead, my body was clenching with every curse word he uttered. Instead, I was flushed with the threat of punishing me if I ever left his bed again. Instead, I was leaking down my thighs with the grip he had around my throat."

I mean OMG!!

This author... omg this author... how does she write like this?
The push and pull was a little much in this but towards the end... oh dear...(not gonna add spoilers.. go read people!)

All these men are way way way OTT, possessive, and are nice only for their women... nothing else matters more than making sure their women were happy and cared for...
And I totally dig that!