Page 86 of Ruthless Legacy

“The 1840s.”

“But the town was built in 1869.”

“The township, yes. The original version of the town had a wider footprint, and goes back to the late 1700s. Canyon Falls University opened in 1710. So you can see why women weren’t included.”

Oh yeah, I can see. They’re being chatty, so I press for more answers. “Fast forward three hundred years. Why is it happening now?”

Holden says, “There are tons of things on display in museums and private galleries acquired during periods of unrest. Women weren’t invited into certain spaces and would never have been able to complete the challenges.”

“That’s bullshit.”

“That’s how the world operated back then, Thea.”

“Maybe if women were members, the vaults wouldn’t be full of shit that nobody will ever get to see. It could be on display in museums or galleries.”

Pax snorts. “If you were actually reading up on this stuff like you’re supposed to, instead of taking the easy way out, you’d know some members suggested that. People who tried to raid the vaults and return the items to their so-called rightful owners. Those traitors lost everything trying to go up against The League. Their families are now cautionary tales of what not to do. You can’t have a bleeding heart, and expect to be successful or make any money. They were weak, and they deserved to be crushed.”

I’m furious that he’d say that. The one thing I want to do with my life is uncover truth and return things where they belong, or display them to share with the world.

He’s sitting here telling me I’m wrong because somebody three hundred plus years ago saw something they wanted and decided they deserved to have it?

“You know what?” I hiss. “You’re such a fucking snob. Not everything is about money. It sounds like these people wanted to do some good in this world.”

He smirks at me. “It sounds all sweet to want to do some good, but without money and power, all that good thinking doesn’t mean shit.”

“Okay, then. Name me one good thing you’ve done with your money and power, because all I see is you walking around this school acting like you’re better than everyone else. News flash, Coxsucker. Nobody respects you.Nobody likes you. They kneel at your feet out of greed. Without your legacy status and rumored affiliation with The League propping you up, you’re just another spoiled rich kid with daddy issues.”

He bolts to his feet and takes a step towards me, growling, “This is why women don’t belong in The League. You’re supposed to be learning about what it means to join us, and instead you’re whining about what you think isn’t fair. You lack what it takes to be powerful. Relentless. The best. You can’t make the tough decisions. You won’t put in the work and think batting your eyes will make this easier for you. The only thing you’re proving is that all you’re good for is nagging and spreading your legs.”

I smile, my reaction an odd response to the venom he’s just spewed. “Finally. The truth. You know, everything makes a lot more sense now. I couldn’t figure it out, but I get it now. Strong women threaten you. That’s why you’ve gone to so much trouble to get rid of me. Why you hate me being anywhere near Finn and Holden. You’re afraid I’m gonna sway them to my way of thinking.”

I already knew The League was run by a bunch of asshats, and the future generation will be no different. That’s why I’m determined to make it through initiation and get the right to vote. The first measure I’m bringing to the table is to add women to their committees.

Pax slams his hand on the table. “Whatever I’ve done is because you’ve been running around here like an entitled brat. Failing to concede that you’re beneath us. I don’t care what The League says. You’ll never be one of us. I’m gonna enjoy watching you crash and burn during your trials and won’t bat an eye when The League drops you from this recruitment cycle and puts you in your rightful place. I can’t wait until they match you, and watch you forced to your knees to suck cock to solidify your arrangement like all the other first wives have done.”

It always comes back to the same thing. “That’s the lay of the land around here, with you limped dick motherfuckers, isn’t it? Forced subjugation. Well, you’ll be in for a treat, because the next person who tries to force me to my knees is gonna walk away with fewer fingers and balls than they started with.” I tap my knife against my cup for emphasis. “See you at breakfast, boys.”

Chapter38

Holden

I’m shaking. That’s how furious I am. How dare he say that to her? Pax sounded just likethem.We’ve all said how much we hate that woman are used as bargaining chips, married off to men they don’t want. Finn and I are always saying we want better for our sisters, and Pax agreed. I’m staring at him, trying to figure out who the hell he is.

Finn walks over, grabbing him by the shirt. “You bastard.”

“What the hell are you so mad about? Because your side piece walked off with another attitude? God, get a grip and find someone else to fuck, Finn.”

“This isn’t about sex! It’s about you, and how you think women are only good for what’s between their legs. You think my sister is only good enough to lie on her back and take orders from the man my father matches her with?”

“I didn’t say that.”

I step forward, closing ranks beside Finn. “Yes, Paxton, you did.”

His brows furrow. “No, I was talking about Thea.”

“And how is she different from the other daughters and sisters of the other families?”

His chin juts out. “She’s not from here. She doesn’t know her place.”

---