Page 25 of Consume Me

Samuel welcomes us in, and the moment we’re in Cassandra’s office, she asks, “What is it?”

Kaden looks at Blake, and he starts. “There may be copies of my father’s research.”

Cassandra’s brows pinch together. “We didn’t find anything.”

“That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I know how to get the truth out of him. I could torture him, or I just need a bit of time inside the lab at the Family’s pharmaceutical company.” His voice has no emotion or conflict, and I realize I don’t care that he can do that.

“The latter,” Cassandra gives.

Hunter elbows me. “Stop looking at that psycho with those eyes. He’s a predator, after all.”

While I glare at my twin, Blake says, “I won’t be able to do my job like I am supposed to with them tailing behind me.”

Kaden clenches his jaw so hard it might crack. “Ma’am, the only decision our group will abide by is that we’re all involved.”

“I don’t like being on the sideline and even less being kept in the dark. Bailey already works for you, and you brought Blake back,” Hunter says.

Cassandra looks at each of us and sighs. “I want you to have a normal student life.”

“We never had one and never will,” Celine says.

Abigail and I nod, acknowledging Celine’s words, which ring so true.

“Fine, but if any of your grades slip, I won’t like it.”

Her message is clear. I appreciate her wanting a regular life for us, but that’s not who we are. Accepting that gives me strength, knowing we finally stand together in the face of danger. And maybe, just maybe, we can overcome the strain.

“Ma’am, we need to know what’s going on,” Kaden says.

“Through my talks with the senior members, I have encountered resistance. I understand that my return created friction, but I am afraid it gave some of them reason to side with Felix.”

“Fuck.” We all curse, some more subtly than others.

“Language.”

“Yes, Ma’am,” we reply in unison.

“I am in a precarious position. I can’t accuse any of them of betrayal without evidence.”

“But we can. They are our parents. We will find you the proof,” Bailey says.

“I want to see Caleb now,” Blake says.

“I can’t let you go in there alone.”

“I’m going with him,” I suggest, my mouth opening before my brain could think it through. Wouldn’t be the first or last time the connection is severed when he’s in my vicinity.

“I don’t need a chaperone.”

Cassandra looks at him pointedly. “It’s that or I won’t allow you to see him, Blake.”

“Fine.”

Of course, the stubborn asshole who loves to do things by himself wouldn’t like that, but I don’t care.

When the group leaves, a guard walks us toward the tunnel.

“I don’t need you here.” Blake’s words sting, but I look ahead and keep walking.

---