Page 111 of Ruthless Legacy

I stare pointedly at Provost Weston, and Silas Easton, the school psychologist. We’re not about to play that game. Because if faculty are exempt from league business, then what are they doing here?

Someone goes on to explain. “He’s not a member of the league.”

“He’s affiliated with the league. Doesn’t Coach Wolfe recruit for MISTIC?”

They share a look. “You’re correct, he does. But, you have to understand, he hasn’t attended the required mentorship training and there won’t be another class until six months from now.”

“I understand, but given that I didn’t grow up here, there’s a bit of a learning curve. I know my personality can be jarring for some people.” Flashing my most sincere smile, I say, “I want to succeed, and I think it would be best to work with someone who’s already familiar with me, don’t you? And I’m sure whatever he’s supposed to know is in your handbook, right?”

They’re all glaring at me. That’s right, I’m throwing the rule book in their faces. The rule book they insisted I have to live by, no deviations from it. I read that little section about allowances and special dispensation for friends to the league. Well, Deacon’s my friend.

“That’s a very basic outline of policies and practices. There are a few things that are traditionally passed down that are not written in our handbook, to protect the sanctity of our rituals if a book should fall into the wrong hands.”

Sure. Right. The rituals. Blah blah blah. They can accept Deacon or I’m walking. This is the fourth thing they’ve thrown at me. I don’t know why my involvement in this world is so important to them, and until I do, I’m not about to make this easy on them. The only reason I’ve stuck it out this long is for Van and the businesses on the boardwalk. I honestly thought they’d have dropped me by now.

I know The Trium is here. They’re sitting in the second row on the left. I can feel the anger vibrating off of Pax. Well, fuck him. They’ve been no help through this and are part of the reason I don’t trust any of the members.

The people on the dais spin in their seats, whispering to each other. When they turn to face front, the mentorship committee lead, says, “If Deacon Wolfe would like to challenge for the position of mentor, he may do so.”

Challenge. As in, fight for the right to be my mentor.

When opinions diverge, it comes down to who submits first

That’s what the note said. I don’t know who BOF is or why they’re sending me notes, but until proven otherwise, they seem to be on my side.

* * *

Finn

I’m going through everything that happened an hour ago. Thea entered chambers like the other selectees to receive her mentorship assignment. She walked out with approval to use someone of her own choosing.

How did she know she could pick one? How comewe didn’t know we could pick our own? I understand it’s probably different for the Trium, because of the secret access points on our floors, and in certain buildings, but judging by the whispers around me, I don’t think anyone knew bring your own mentor to chambers was a thing.

Pax is pacing the floor in my living room. He’s pissed.

“What the hell is going on?” Holden asks, voicing my questions.

Pax stops in the middle of his stride. “What’s going on is exactly what I’ve been saying all along. There’s something up with Thea. What other proof do you need that she’s hiding something? And tonight was obviously a big show.”

His head is bent all the way around and shoved up his ass. There’s no way he thinks Thea orchestrated tonight.

“A show of what? That Thea actually read the rule book?”

“What just happened is not in the rule book!”

I look to Holden, our resident expert. “Technically, it is. The rulebook gives anyone the right to challenge for a position.”

Pax is shaking his head. “That doesn’t mean your mentor.”

“It doesn’t specify which positions apply and the council agreed with her submission. If Coach Wolfe expresses an interest in mentoring her, he’ll step into the challenge ring against the person The League selected. If he wins, he’s Thea’s mentor.”

Pax stalks over to the door and snatches it open. “Where are you going?”

“To finally get some answers from our neighbor.”

The set of his jaw and the hunch of his shoulders have me on edge. If he goes over there like this, blood will be drawn. Holden and I follow after him.

The door swings open and Thea waves us in. “You just opening doors to strangers, now?”

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