Page 30 of Vicious Knight

“What do you want me to do?” Better to cut to the chase.

“You will be training with Aiden Sabioni.”

A fist clamps around my stomach. “Aiden Sabioni as in your vice president’s son who’s currently at M.I.T?” And hates my guts.

“Yes.”

“Why? Why does he have to train with me?”

“He’ll be working here after graduation just like you. You’ll be in the same department and have the same role.”

Fuck. This is it. The first heads-up. And now I know he’s trying to get rid of me. Aiden would make a fine replacement for me. M.I.T is exactly where I would have gone if I didn’t have to go to Raventhorn. I was offered a place when I was fucking sixteen but the old man raised hell, asking me if I wanted to throw away my legacy in the Knights.

“How the hell is he supposed to have the same role as me?”

“That is what I would like. Of course if you make it that far.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“The two of you have to complete various challenges that I will personally judge. If either of you fail to impress me… well, I think you know what will happen then.”

“I get nothing,” I fill in, keeping my tone measured.

“I’m sure you won’t let that happen.”

But he will. Then Aiden will take my place. What a fucking joke.

Aiden will take my legacy and my uncle will allow this because he’s threatened by me.

“This year will be about learning everything you can about Ivanov Tech, so you’ll both begin training next week. Of course you’ll have the unit to look after as well, so I expect you to organize your time efficiently.”

“Sure.” Asshole.

“A word on the unit: I need you to be highly selective on who you choose. In other words don’t pick shit. I don’t think I have to remind you that these people will form the next generation of the Knights leadership.”

“No, you don’t.”

“I don’t like Lucian Sokolov or his family. You know this, but I see you and Caspian have him and his cousin at Erebus house all the time. They are not fit for the elite.”

This is where I draw the line and take back the reins of control. He’s not allowed to tell me who to choose. It’s against the Knights’ law.

“Yes they are.” My voice is firm and I take pleasure in hearing it.

“You dare defy me on this?” His brows knit.

“Uncle, you know damn well you can’t sway my decision on the unit.”

He looks me over with distaste. “You need to remember who the fuck you’re talking to. Your future is in my hands, boy.”

“Maybe so, but you won’t choose my men for me.”

He looks taken aback and I’m actually surprised when he appears to back down. “You better make damn sure you pick the best.”

“Let me worry about that. What else do you have to talk to me about?” It’s time to change the subject before I say something I can’t take back.

“Your marriage prospects.” It’s he who claims back control now.

As he’s the head of the family and all things that have power over me, the fucking marriage is one topic I definitely can’t fight. It would be like trying to put out an infernal fire with a bucket of water.