Page 142 of Ruthless Legacy

I don’t know what that means, but everyone else is excited about it.

He concludes with, “First year prospects with less than three months on board are on a probationary period. If you are at the bottom of the board after two challenges, we will dismiss you from this year’s group.”

Where was that in the rulebook? Or is it one of those unofficial rules our mentors are supposed to tell us about? How do we combat falling behind or getting points deducted, if we don’t know what the challenges are, so we can prepare for them in advance?

This portion of the meeting is called to a close and the next person rises from his seat. Nervous chatter erupts around the room as we wait for him to take his place at the podium.

The lights dim, and a hush falls over the room. “The foundation of our society was established almost eighty years ago by the esteemed members of town, looking to create a better future for themselves and their families. Those first founders knew the basic foundations of success and longevity hinged on creating friendships and alliances with people committed to the same tasks and they understood that a support system was integral to maintaining a positive mindset in difficult times.”

He pauses and looks around the room. “Sadly, they quickly learned that support would not always come from the brethren within the walls of our esteemed society, as competitive spirits clash and eventually lose the capability to build each other up.”

He frowns, as if this saddens him. “During the building of our great organization, it was proven time and again that single men were more susceptible to being targeted by individuals for their wealth. That their competitors would do whatever they could to sabotage their goals.”

That’s not a secret, nor does it make them more special than anyone else. Being taken advantage of happens no matter who you are.

“To combat these risks, the system of assigning an assistant was born. The assistant was on hand to manage schedules, meetings, and events. To be a sounding board for our members to vent frustrations, fears, and concerns, without worry of condemnation, and to help the member’s life run easier. This tradition continues today. Our daughters tasked with this momentous role.”

His gaze sweeps across the crowd. “We are here tonight to celebrate a new year of matches. The council has reviewed all submitted applications and has given careful consideration to the requests. This evening, we are pleased to announce that ten new companion pairs have been approved.” He grins. “When your name is called, step forward facing the dais, and obtain your envelope. We will go through the ranks.”

They start with the third year prospects and work their way down. Finally, they get to the first year group and one more name to call.

“Theona LaReaux.”

My head snaps towards the dais. What? No, that can’t be right. I’m a first year prospect but I just started. There’s no way I’ve been matched with someone. Joshua couldn’t have started the process already, could he?

What am I saying? Of course he could. He’s probably been working on it since the day he strolled back into town. It’s okay. I can decline like I have everything else.

Glancing over at the leader board, I wonder how many points this will cost me. I don’t mind coming in last place if I failed, but being put there because of pettiness? Moira said only thirty percent turn into a permanent match. That means for 70 percent of us it’s temporary.

It’s just a title. I can let someone call me their companion while I make plans to find someone on my own. I take my place in front of the dais. We’re standing side by side. Someone comes down the line and hands us an envelope.

“In your envelope is the name of your designated companion. You are required to attend all mandatory league events together. The female half of a companion match is willing and able to assist you at a moment’s notice. She is fully at your disposal for whatever you need. She serves in whatever capacity you request. She is yours to guide, yours to mold, yours to protect above all others.”

Is he serious? The female in the match has to do whatever they want and all he’s gotta do is tell her how he likes it and make sure she doesn’t stub her toe?

Protect above all others. That explains a lot. For all of Finn’s vigilante justice, he hasn’t shoved a knife in Eloise for what she did. No matter what he says, his loyalty is to Pax, Holden, and her.

The guy at the podium takes a dramatic pause. Good. This is the part where he modifies the requirements for me, since I’m the only female prospect up here. I wait and wait and wait. Seconds tick by, but sadly, no further instructions come.

“When your name is called, you will turn and face the room and open your envelope. Two recorders will verify the information on your card, and then you will announce your companion.”

Once again, they start with the most senior people and work their way down. The companion’s name is called out, and a recorder repeats the name, along with the rank of the legacy family.

I notice a trend. The further down the prospect ranks we go, the lower the familial status of the companions. I’m sure whoever is on my card will be a nobody. I’m okay with that. That means they’re not important enough for their egos to be out of control, just yet, so I can probably control the expectation of this whole companion thing.

“Theona LaReaux.”

I cringe at the use of my government name. I do as instructed, stepping onto the platform and turn to face the room, before pulling my jailer’s name out of the envelope.

A recorder stands on either side of me. We all stare down at the card I’m holding. I flip it over, because thishasto be a joke. The universe and I have been on good terms lately, so there’s no fucking way they’re pulling this shit.

There’s nothing on the back, but I stare at it anyway, until the recorder on my left says, “Please present the name of your companion to those in attendance.”

If I don’t do it, it’s not real. If I don’t speak this name, then I’m not matched. I wonder again how many demerits I’ll get for refusing? I sneak a glance at the challenge board. As I drag my eyes over the crowd, I see everyone is staring at me. A lot of them smirking, because they know what I know. Or what IthoughtI knew. That my companion would be scraped from the bottom of the legacy family barrel. I like those guys at table number thirteen. Iwant someone from the bottom of the barrel. Not someone who’s going to make it his mission to ensure I fail.

“First year prospect, LaReaux. We’re waiting.”

This has to be intentional. The high council knows I don’t get along with any of the legacies, so this has to be a test. A fucked up one to be clear. This is the straw that makes me want to quit.

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