Page 199 of Seeds of Malice

Relief hits me.

Me: Okay. Love you!

Dax: Love you too, gorgeous.

Joy fills me. Dax no longer holds back his I love yous. He's constantly telling me, even when I don't say it first.

I send him three kiss emojis and go into my bedroom. I slip on the pink dress and matching heels, put on the pendant necklace that Avery gave me, and trace the ivy leaves. Every time I wear it, I smile. It was such a thoughtful gift.

I glance at my reflection in the mirror and have flashbacks of my night with Lilly, Bobby, and Dax. I close my eyes, trying to push them away.

I hate thinking about it.

I still can't believe I did it.

Dax might always assure me I didn't do anything wrong, but I wish I could erase the memory.

I got into the Gammas.

I did what it took.

My stomach flips. It's weird when I see Bobby. He looks at me differently now, and it's almost like he's too nice. Plus, he always hugs me, which makes me cringe.

Oddly enough, Lilly and I went back to our normal relationship. Nothing seems to have changed. I thought it would feel different, but she's her normal self.

I go into the bathroom and apply my makeup. I'm finishing putting on my whore-red lipstick when there's a knock on the door.

I open it, and Avery's there, wearing a pink shift dress. She beams at me, chirping, "There's my newest sister. You look gorgeous."

I glance down at my pink dress. "Thanks."

She hugs me, and her scent fills the air. I inhale it, loving it as much as I always have, and starting to feel the little bit of the intoxication it always brings.

She questions, "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes."

We leave the house and I get into her car. It doesn't take long to arrive at the sorority house. Only six girls I rushed with are in the dining room.

"Where's everyone else?" I ask Avery.

Her lips twitch. "They didn't get in."

"Oh."

She leans into my ear, "Only special women become Gammas, Ivy. And you proved you belong here."

I smile, forcing away the sympathy I have for the others.

Avery's breath hits my ear as she adds, "Prudes aren't allowed in our sorority."

They didn't do what I did.

My gut churns at the thought.

Stop it! You're a Gamma!

They picked me over the others. This is a happy time.

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