Accept the Invite

Mark arrived at the address that had been given to him just before 8. At exactly 8 a black SUV pulled up. Another shadowy figure in a black hoodie jumped out of the front seat and opened the back door for Mark, and gestured for him to get inside.

“Umm where are we going?” Mark asked. Neither the driver (who was also in a black hoodie) or the person riding shotgun said anything. They simply pointed to a sign that was hanging off the back of the headrest. It was again all black and had the same red lettering on it.

Dear Guest,

Thank you for joining us for our event this evening. We have procured a venue off-campus to ensure discretion, and to allow us to have as much fun as possible without the worry of campus police.

Shuttles like this one will run from 8pm-10am tomorrow morning to ferry you to and from so you do not need to worry about driving. We require all guests to surrender their phones and any other electronic devices while at the party. All devices will be returned to you on the shuttle ride home.

Please enjoy the festivities.

As soon as Mark finished reading he looked up to see the mysterious character riding shotgun holding open a small black bag obviously for him to deposit his phone in. He obliged really hoping what Ali had said was true and he wasn’t actually being lead to a serial killers house.

*****

If this was a serial killer’s house it was a very nice one Mark thought as he exited the car and was lead through the front doors of the small mansion. He didn’t get to see much of it but he did catch sight of a pool out back and several large bars set up around. He was lead to the basement.

Already gathered were 14 of the other players. Counting himself that made 8 guys and 7 girls. They all looked fairly confused just like he did. He recognized some of them from around campus and classes, but didn’t know anyone’s name. Others it was the first time he’d ever seen them.

“Mark Rodgers?” A tall, thin, black guy approached him and offered his hand. He dwarfed Mark in size and his large hand easily enveloped his.

“Colin Shepard. I recognize you from the football team right?”

“Yeah!” Mark said trying his best to give a firm handshake. “You’re on the basketball team right?” He said remembering where he thought he recognized the guy from.

“Yup.” He replied offering an easy smile.

“You ever done this before?” Mark said gesturing around the room. It was full of comfy looking chairs and couches. There were a few tables with ping balls and cups laid out on it, but he got the feeling this wouldn’t be where the tournament was taking place.

“Hell no. I only just got the invite like 2 hours ago.”

“Same” Mark said looking around the room at his fellow competitors. They all ranged in terms of looks, but they all had one thing in common Mark realized. They were all objectively attractive people.

Mark was about to turn to his new friend when the door to the basement opened and the finally competitor arrived. Mark recognized her instantly. Chrissy Templeton.

The blonde with her signature double Dutch braids caught his eye instantly and made a beeline for him.

“Should’ve know You’d be here Mark. Looks like I might be able to get a bit of **** for last semester… assuming we’re not partners that is.”

Marks mind quickly flashed back to the mini pong tournament he, Chrissy, and two senior girls had on his final night in town last year. The image of Chrissy streaking past the senior bonfire was one that was hard to forget.

His mental image was quickly interrupted by a group of hooded figures entering the basement. None of them spoke but a computer generated voice filled the room thru hidden speakers.

“Welcome contestants to the Society of Omega beginning of the year beer pong tournament. You have all been chosen based on your skill, reputation, and potential. The tournament will begin shortly. It is a single elimination bracket. The matchups and pairings are on the board above you.”

As the voice said it a tv screen that Mark hadn’t noticed before lit up with a series of red lines creating the bracket. Mark quickly scanned the pairings. His name appeared on the top line next to someone named Shawn. They were playing a pairing of Lori and Issac. He noticed that Chrissy had been partnered with Colin. They were at the bottom of the bracket.

“The house rules of the game are as follows. Each team receives 6 cups. Bounces count for 2 cups. Island can be called once a game per team member. If made it results in two cups. One rerack per team per round. Both cups made balls back. For rebuttal each team member shoots until the miss unless on the final turn the winning team receives balls back. If rebuttal cups are made there will be a three cup overtime period. There is no rebuttal in overtime.”

Mark nodded along at all of the standard rules. So far nothing out of the ordinary.

“While not playing teams may feel free to watch the game currently taking place or to mingle about the party. As previously mentioned the team that wins the tournament will win a $4,000 cash prize. Teams that lose will become the entertainment for the evening. Upon losing both team members must immediately strip naked and remain that way until the close of the party tomorrow morning. There will be various activities that these losers must participate in throughout the night. The longer you last in the tournament the less you will have to participate in.”

A hush fell over the contestants. Those were, to put it lightly, really big stakes.

“All guests have had their phones confiscated and are beholden to a strict code of secrecy as are you. Nothing that happens at this event will ever leave this event. If you wish to back out now is the time. You will be driven back to campus, and you will never hear from the Society of Omega again.”

No one moved though several of the girls squirmed in their seats.

“Are there any questions?” The voice asked.

Chrissy eyed Mark mischievously. “Since the losers already have to strip what’s the nudie run rule instead of a team gets shutout?”

“If any individual player on a losing team fails to make a cup during their game they will be placed in a pillory in the center of the party where one random guest will be allowed to paddle their bare ass 10 times.”

“Works for me.” Chrissy said with a shrug “too bad it’s not the winners getting to do the spanking though.”

“The first match Mark and Shawn versus Lori and Issac will begin in 30 minutes. Best of luck players.” The computer voice finished and the hoodies figures left the room. Everyone slowly started to move throughout the room to find their partners.