Page 45 of Ruthless Legacy

“Ah, yes. The psychology teacher and the chemistry teacher. Correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I saw their CVs. I was quite happy the school could offer them employment and match their salary requirements.”

The psychology teacher has been working in private practice and the chemistry teacher worked for a DC think tank. The psychology chair has been trying to find a new professor for two years, to replace someone who retired.

A chemistry teacher was fired after he was caught having an affair with a co-worker- who happened to be the daughter of a league member- a verymarrieddaughter of a league member.

First rule of the league. Do what you want, and what you can afford to do, but don’t get caught and bring dishonor upon us. The daughter’s affair with someone unaligned was the definition of dishonoring her father. Her punishment was crafted to humiliate her and her lover.

The chemistry teacher showed up at their usual meetup spot, only to find his girlfriend’s father and husband were there. He had to stand there and watch as the woman he loved -the one who swore she loved him, and only him- get railed over and over again by her husband and two other men. When it was over, she’s the one who handed him his pink slip.

That’s why falling for someone is problematic in our world. Being matched with someone and negotiating the marriage contract keeps things simple. No messy feelings involved. It’s why I worry about Finn and Holden’s infatuation with Thea. Emotions make us weak, and caring about her gives her the power to break their hearts.

We talk for a few more minutes about school, and skirt around the final decisions for last semester’s pledges. I assure him his name is on the guest list for the crossover ceremony. When that’s done, grandfather transitions into the topic I’ve already suspected is the reason I’m here. I can’t get five seconds away from Thea LaReaux.

“How are things with the girl?”

“To be honest, she’s resistant to the idea of officially joining our ranks. She’s used to being on her own, and I think her opinion of Joshua Laurent doesn’t do much to sway her to accept the council’s decision.”

“Growing up away from us, the way she did, it doesn’t surprise me that she’s a loner. As for Joshua Laurent, he’s abrasive. He definitely didn’t do us any favors with whatever interactions he’s had with her. I’ll need to see the two of them together to see if any admonishments need to be made.”

Our brief interaction at the restaurant before Christmas break is the only contact I’ve had with him. There was nothing calm or endearing about the way he was scowling at her. League rules say I can’t comment on that, even though my grandfather left the door open for me to do so.

“In the meantime, I’m expecting you boys to help her truly understand her place here. She’s not a lower level legacy member. That means more visibility than she had when we entered our interim decision.”

I refrain from telling him that we’re the last people she’ll want guiding her. Or rather, I am. Finn and Holden might be able to get through to her again. Instead, I ask, “Do we even know how she wound up living alone in Nevada with no contact with her family here?”

“We do not.” After taking another sip of his drink, he says, “The council voted to reinstate Joshua’s line, but we’re still delving deeper into this situation. The council doesn’t like unanswered questions.”

“They went through a lot of trouble to hide Thea’s existence. You think he intentionally deceived The League?”

“So far, there’s no evidence of his involvement, which is why we made the decision we did. All that aside, there’s still the matter of his missing eldest daughter, who he was finalizing the terms of a marriage contract for when this lie began.”

His brows furrow as if he’s trying to piece it together. I hadn’t given thought to Thea’s mother. The one who raised her. But now that he brings it up, I’d be interested in knowing where the hell she is, too.

“At any rate, the child has returned, and she’s one of us, no matter how her existence started off.” He smiles, but he has that look in his eye he gets when he’s mentally moving pieces around on his human chess board.

“And which of the favorite sons will Theona be spending more time with? She’s of age, so I’m assuming the fathers have already started expressing interest.”

“Oh, yes. They certainly have. She’s quite beautiful.”

I refrain from giving my opinion on her looks. She is beautiful, and I try not to pay attention to that.

“It’s an exciting time.” He chuckles, “I haven’t seen this much fervor in years. But we’re taking it slow, so we don’t overwhelm the girl.”

I’m sure the high council already has some ideas about which offers they think the family should entertain. They’ll still let anyone interested submit an application.

I hide my smile behind my glass. I can’t wait to watch Thea stumble through a courtship with the poor suckers.

“In the meantime, I need The Trium to maintain order on campus. Protect her… reputation, going forward.”

Reputation? That’s a nice way of saying virtue, which she doesn’t have. Got it. No fucking randoms… I roll my eyes. Like I give a shit who she sleeps with. But The League will, and so does Finn and Holden. And for that reason, I’ll make sure all other dick stays out of reach.

Chapter20

Thea

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