Page 5 of Twisted Legacy

“I know you did this and I swear to god I’m going to find a way to make you pay.” She lunges at Eloise, grabbing the collar of her shirt. Someone drags her away, but not before she leaves a tiny scratch on Ellie’s perfectly made-up face.

I ignore the cut and ask, “Eloise, what the fuck was that all about?”

“How do I know? She and her bestie are psychos. They keep attacking me.” She wails, falling into me again.

I hear The Dean’s voice at the other end of the crowd. “Make room. I said, make room!”

Instead of everyone dispersing, it seems like more people are showing up. The crowd now extends into the street. A break in the bodies reveals a cop car and a second ambulance. “Eloise, was anyone else other than Zeus hurt in whatever shit they were doing?”

She doesn’t answer. I grab her chin, making her look at me. “I asked you a question. Was anyone else hurt?”

“From what I hear, it was nobody important.”

Something about her tone puts me on edge. “What are your spies saying happened?” She gives me a bright smile. “What does it matter, Finn? God, it’s not like you’re a doctor and can help or anything.”

“It matters, because The Trium don’t know anything about what the hell is going on right now, and that’s unacceptable. You’re withholding information from me. Now talk before you need a medic.”

“Don’t threaten me, Finn. It’s done, okay? The problem’s been taken care of, and I expect my reward.”

“What’s done?”

She nods, looking over her shoulder. “Right. We probably shouldn’t talk about it here.” She looks around the crowd again. “Where is Pax, anyway? He should be here acknowledging that I fulfilled my end of the deal, so it’s time for you to make good on your end.”

I grip her arm and drag her away from the crowd. “What fucking deal?”

“Let go, you’re hurting me.”

“No, I’m not. But if you don’t start talking, I am more than happy to make that a reality for you. I’ve been dying to see your blood on the outside of your skin.”

She pales, then starts babbling. “The Trium wanted that bitch to be taught a lesson.Imade it happen.” She points to the gurney being wheeled past us. “Now I want my compensation for that.”

Thea’s strapped to the bed. Pale and unmoving. Her face a swollen, bloody, unrecognizable mess. An officer walks by holding a bag with what looks like torn and bloody clothes. Her friend Layla-Jean clings to her hand, sobbing.

No. No. No. This can’t be happening.

I’ve never wanted to knock the shit out of Pax as badly as I do now. I called an emergency meeting for him and Holden to stop whatever they’re doing and meet me back at the dorms. He’s leaning back in his chair like he’s the goddamn king of the castle without a care in the world.

I stalk to the kitchen to grab a drink to calm down. Fuck that. Day drinking won’t help. I walk back over to him and slam my fist into his jaw.

He rubs it, and I do it again. Before I can swing a third time, he’s on his feet. “What’s up your ass?”

“As if you don’t know.”

“If it’s about the girl from last night, my bad. I didn’t feel like a group fest.”

“You think I’m pissed because of that? What do I care whose ass you ream?”

“Aren’t you? Since you and Eloise haven’t ended her chastity vow yet, I figured—”

“Fuck, no. You’re welcome to all the legacy bitches on campus. I’m done with them.EspeciallyEloise.”

“Then what’s your problem?”

Is this really how he wants to play this? “My problem is you sitting here acting like you don’t know what’s going on. Damn, Pax. I know you’re a ruthless mother fucker but this doesn’t bother you? Not even a little?”

“Probably not, but how about you explain which situation you’re talking about?”

“Thea! I’m talking about Thea.”

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