Page 102 of Tempting God

Brooks answers, “That is why we’re here today, gentlemen.”

A loud laugh from the back of the room has everyone turning. Charles walks down the stairs slowly, as if he has no care in the world. Brooks meets my gaze, frowning.

“Boys, you’re being a bit dramatic. I guess that’s understandable with all the hormones in your homes these days.”

Several men chuckle and Alessandro glares at them. I know Moretti—he’s likely taking a mental note of who laughed and will make them pay for it later. It is, after all, why he’s known as the Violent God.

Blanc continues, “Traffic was a bitch, but I’m here now to plead my case, as you put it.”

Brooks says, “The floor is yours, Brother Blanc.”

Charles walks to his seat, shoving past Brooks. Brooks stands his ground, and Charles is the one who almost falls. This, too, gains chuckles throughout the room.

Charles turns to face the members of the Brotherhood.

“I have served the Defiant God Brotherhood since I was eighteen, but even before then, I knew it was my birthright. My uncle, Hugo, and my grandfather, Hudson, both made sure that I understood the importance I would play within the Brotherhood one day.” He points and calls out. “Santos, you, too, have served the Brotherhood since you turned eighteen. You understood the role you would play to help us grow. Your son, João, joined the Brotherhood when he turned eighteen, though we allowed him to take a different approach since his studies will take him out of the country. Can you say that you would not want your son to follow the same path as you?”

Dimitri stands.

“I can only speak for myself. It comforts me, knowing my son will continue on in my footsteps.”

Charles smiles, but Dimitri isn’t finished.

“But he should have been allowed time to find himself as an adult before being forced to join the Brotherhood.” Dimitri shakes his head. “My João is a good boy who will do good things. That would be true even if he had waited to join the Brotherhood. Now, I worry the Brotherhood will try to mold him to fit their cause, as they did with me.”

Dimitri takes his seat, letting everyone know he’s finished.

Charles’ face turns bright red. I’m guessing he didn’t think calling out Dimitri would go that way…

He says, “I agree that some things need to change. But the legacy status is how many families have been able to remain in the Brotherhood. God knows certain families couldn’t afford to be here on their own merits.”

He looks right at Montgomery, who jumps to his feet.

“How dare you! My family has been members of the Brotherhood since the inception of the group! My great-great-grandfather sat at the table where the initial rules were drawn up.”

Charles says, “And if we change this rule, your children will no longer qualify to be members. We all know you’re broke.”

People talk to each other in low tones, and I can see this is getting out of hand. I stand.

“Gentlemen, do not let Brother Blanc twist your minds with his implications. The other Elite Members and I don’t want to get rid of the rule. We just want an amendment. It should be up to the offspring if they want to take part in the Brotherhood. That also means no more marriage contracts when they’re not even old enough to vote.”

Charles says, “But look how well it worked out for you and my cousin Greer.”

“That has nothing to do with the Brotherhood and everything to do with my wife and I.”

Charles shakes his head. “That’s something I’ll never understand about your generation. You act like being a member is a burden, and yet you have all reaped the sweet rewards that come with said membership.”

He has a point. We’ve all reaped many rewards, all because of the Brotherhood…

Charles continues, “If we do not force our sons to become members, then they might decide not to keep our secrets close to heart. What happens to the Brotherhood then?”

I say, “You’re trying to raise fear, Blanc, and I won’t stand for it. Our sons will keep our secrets just as we kept our fathers’. The vote has passed by the Elite Members. Do you still oppose that vote?”

“I do.”

I turn to the members of the Brotherhood.

“I’m not going to stand up here and tell you how to vote. I will remind you that this vote doesn’t affect just you. Your spouses and children will be the ones who have to live with the choices made here today.”

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