Page 103 of Ruthless Legacy

His smile drops. “Because she lives on our floor and she’s going to be one of us. Don’t you think it’s time we started including her?”

Before Pax can answer, I say, “Her final Indoctrination Evaluation is coming up. This was review week.”

Pax mutters, “How many wings does she eat?”

We go our separate ways for class and on my way back to the dorm; I see Thea exiting the science building. We walk in silence to our building and into the elevator. My voice is low when I say, “You should rest.”

“What?”

“Instead of worrying about leaving the dorm, you should get as much rest as you can.”

“I’ve gotta eat, and my fridge is empty.”

“We’re ordering food. I’ll bring you some.”

“I don’t need-”

“Trust me, Thea. Stay in and rest while you can.”

Later, Pax calls in the order, and it’s not until I’m setting the tray outside Thea’s door, that I realize he didn’t ask for our share of the bill.

* * *

Thea

I took Holden’s advice and stayed in my room last night. I even managed to get a few more hours of sleep before all hell broke loose.

The fire alarm went off at three in the morning. I threw on some sweatpants I don’t remember leaving on a chair, and shoved my feet in my shoes, before running down ten flights of stairs.

I was braless and wearing a tank top, which means my tits were flapping up and down.

When I pushed through the exit door into the lobby, my neighbors were already heading outside. As soon as Finn spotted me, he yanked his hoodie over my head.

I was following the egress route like everyone else when someone bumped into me and shoved a piece of paper into my hand.

Fast forward to now. It’s a little after eight in the morning, and we’re at a sunrise breakfast gathering. I’m glad I listened to Holden and rested. I’m also glad Finn gave me his hoodie. I’m not the only person whose dorm experienced a fire drill in the middle of the night, but Iamthe only woman who isn’t half naked or wearing a negligee.

“So, how has the process been so far?”

I listen to the others say amazing, exciting. All the other polite things you’re supposed to say to strangers. Maybe it’s been that for them, but my mileage varies. Never one to shy away from telling my truth, I voice a differing opinion. “It’s been confusing and every lesson we’ve had has only added to that confusion.”

“We hear that from time to time. If you make it through to the next round, your mentor will answer most, if not all, questions you may have.”

If. Not when. If. Those words hang heavy in the air, suggesting that those who are confused at this stage of the process -or have the guts to admit it- rarely move forward.

The guy sitting next to him says, “We really can’t say much, but we have a fine group of gentleman who have offered to serve as mentors for you.” He bites his lips, raking his gaze over us, lingering too long on our chest area. “I submitted my name as well.”

I wrestle with the urge to gag. I’m gonna give Finn a big ole kiss when I see him. His hoodie saves my nipples from being on display.

“Selectees step forward.”

When we do, someone approaches us holding a silver serving platter. He lifts the lid, revealing folded sheets of paper. We each take one when he presents the tray to us.

“There is a changing room set up for you on the second floor, with clothes selected by the stylists who worked with you earlier this week. When the first alarm rings, dress in an outfit appropriate for the next activity. When the second alarm rings, you must proceed to the location listed on the paper you’re holding. Do not be late.”

My slip of paper doesn’t have a time on it. It has a location, and twenty minutes, which I assume is how much time I have to get there after the second alarm.

We stand around, answering a few more questions. When the bell rings, we make our way to the second floor. There’s a maid standing at the top of the landing. She escorts us to a room at the back of the hall. Inside there are garment racks of clothes, and vanities set up cluttered with makeup. Floor length mirrors are positioned all around the room and a full bathroom connects to the room.

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