Page 55 of Twisted Legacy

Moira’s lips twitch at me intentionally butchering the name. Scott’s not so easily amused. “They also recruit based on skills.” He gives me a pointed look. “You know, like if a person shows an affinity for lock picking, and hot-wiring motorcycles that don’t belong to them.”

My eyes cut to the set that I still can’t get over look just like mine. Moira nods, “Yeah, we know about that.”

“Having me followed, huh?”

“Actually, a few days ago, I overheard some girls whispering over lunch about a Trium’s bike being stolen from campus. That’s what sparked us coming here today.”

Wow. Just blatant distrust. I mean, I did it. Of course I did it and will probably do it again. Okay, I’mtotallygonna do it again, but that’s my business. These two will never understand why I stole the bike. They’ll never understand me. “And you assumed I was the thief?”

“There’s not another person on this campus, let alone in this town, who would be bold enough to do it. And, since I have some idea of the things you were dealing with from The Trium before your accident… well, let’s just say, stealing Paxton Cox’s bike is something I would have done in retaliation.”

Scott tucks Moira against his side and kisses the top of her head, while I stand here gaping at her. Did she just confess that she’s stolen shit? “Now that’s a conversation I’d sit down and have with you.”

The tension around her mouth eases a little. “You’ll have to be in town at Christmas for that to happen.”

I nod. Knowing full well she just got me to agree to something I wasn’t willing to agree to before. Because even though I had every intention of finishing out the semester here, I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing or where I’d be at Christmas. My aunt-slash-mother is a crafty one. I’m gonna have to keep an eye on her. Where were these little gems of personality when I first came to town?

Side eyeing her, I say, “Fine, don’t get caught borrowing vehicles. Any other rules I need to know?”

“No more fighting.”

I arch a brow and Moira quickly says, “I swear we’re not having you followed. But there are eyes and ears everywhere.”

I tell her the same thing I told Wolfe. “I won’t go looking for a fight, but if someone brings one to me, I will vigorously defend myself.” Provided I don’t freeze up like a block of ice before they do too much damage.

“Understood.”

“What else?”

Scott joins in. “We’re very proud of the grades you’ve earned even with missing three weeks of on-line learning while you recovered. Just focus on that. Don’t give up on your goals, no matter what else is happening. Going to classes and getting your degree so you can travel the world like you plan.That’sthe most important thing.”

I nod. I’ve been cutting classes, but part of the things I’ve been thinking about during my rides is whether my plans for the future are still the same. They are. No matter what bullshit is happening around here, I want that degree and the life I’ve envisioned for myself so many days in Nags Creek.

They’ve gotten to say what they want. I’ve agreed to consider it, and I still don’t know anything. Moira steps forward and shoves a photo in my hand. “This is Joshua Laurent. My father.” She looks nervous when she says, “He wants to meet you.”

“Okay… do you not want me to?”

“The League has already announced to its members that they’re investigating the circumstances surrounding your birth and disappearance. My father’s bloodline is reactivated on a provisional basis. He’ll be spending more time in town as he campaigns to be restored to his previous position, which means you’ll be seeing a lot of him.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

She gnaws her bottom lip before answering. “We want you to make your own decisions about your relationships with members of our families.”

Members? Yeah, that sounds like a lot, and I’m not ready for that. I’ve already met Scott’s mom, and we were getting close, until I found out she was lying to me too. I liked Van, and even though I avoid the diner and hotel when I go to the beach, I still think about how much fun we had talking over tea.

“Are any of these family members gonna tell me what happened?”

“If you ask, I’m sure they’ll give you their version and understanding of events.”

“How sure are you about that? Because Van didn’t say shit when I asked her.” Talk to your parents is such a cop out.

“Van was trying to be respectful of our position. But we’ve suggested she be more forthcoming.” Moira’s staring at me, trying to gauge my reaction. “And you’re willing to let me hear all these other versions of events before you tell me yours?”

“We’d prefer to tell you, ourselves, but you’re not one to sit on questions for long, and we don’t want to influence your thoughts or opinions about any of our family members you may interact with in the future.”

I fold the slip of paper she handed me and shove into my back pocket. “I’ll think about it.”

Chapter35

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