Page 46 of Ruthless Legacy

The guys seem to think the Lady Lions are the people most likely to be following me around, so I’m investigating that lead. They have an open house today. It was easy getting LJ to agree to go. It’ll be a revolving door of people, but it’s also the perfect time to ask important questions about what to expect during initiation season. You know, like, does it involve stalking potential candidates or dropping them off in drug dens?

LJ tried to get me to strike that from the list of questions I have. I refused. If they get upset about me being concerned for her safety, then they’re not the right sorority for her, either.

I pass a group on the way to The Lions’s Den. I recognize two of them. They pledged Rho Beta Psi last semester. Campus is all abuzz about them finally getting to do their crossover ceremony. I’ve marked the date on my calendar and set an alarm. I’m not getting caught out doors again.

As I approach the door to the sorority, I spot Rodney -the Lady Lion’s messenger- on his phone. He holds up a finger, signaling me to wait until he finishes his call. I’m a little early for meeting LJ, so I don’t mind entertaining him for a few moments.

When he ends the call, he steps closer, a huge smile on his face. “Changed your mind about the Lady Lions?”

“Not exactly. I’m meeting LJ here for the info session.”

“I’m telling you Thea, you won’t find a better organization.”

“That’s the same shit they said about the Zeta Nus, and I vehemently disagree with that opinion.”

“The Nus just think they’re better because they’re all from legacy families. It’s a crock of shit. If they didn’t have that going for them, they’d be at the bottom of everyone’s list.”

“Well, isn’t that what the Lady Lions are trying to do? Poach Zeta Nu pledges and rejects so they can add a legacy member to their roster?”

“That’s what Zeta Nu wants you to believe. The truth is, when The Lady Lions and Pride first started, we had legacy families in our ranks. It’s the Zeta Nus who started excluding other applicants. Eventually, that became the draw to their group. We never turned down applications, and our recruitment efforts have always focused on the best despite their family heritage or lack thereof.”

He reads the skepticism on my face.

“Don’t believe me? You’ll hear all about it in the open house and when you tour our legacy hall, you’ll see it.”

He eyes something over my shoulder, his smile back in place. “Layla-Jean, glad you could make it.”

It’s the same smile he gave me, so either it’s his salesman smile, or he really is happy she showed up.

“Why do I always see you with the Lady Lions? Are you their official hype man or mascot or something?”

He chuckles. “Or something. We always work together on our recruitment efforts. And this semester, their community liaison officer is taking an intersession class at another school, so I’m filling in.”

“Couldn’t they just have someone else fill the role?”

“They could, but I already do the job for The Prides, so it’s no hardship helping them out, too.”

LJ says, “That’s really nice of you.”

“When we say we’re a family, we mean it. Our bonds are truly built on respect, kindness, and helping everyone. That’s why we want the two of you.”

“I already told you I’m not cut out for a sorority, but if you pass the test, you might be lucky enough to get LJ to join.”

He smiles again. “We would be very lucky to have her. That’s why we invited her, and you. I’ve seen the way you both interact with your friends. You are exactly the type of members the Lady Lions need.” He steps behind us, placing his hands at the small of our backs, ushering us towards the doors. “They’ll be getting started soon.”

I grab his arm before he walks away. “You said you’ve seen us interact, but other than the two times I’ve seen you we,” I point between us, “Haven’t interacted. Does that mean you’ve literally been slinking through the shadow spying on us?”

“Myself or some other member of the recruiting committee. That’s not unusual for any of the organizations on campus. To truly get a feel for a candidate, we often watch them on campus, or out in public spaces. Sometimes the face they present when they know they’re being scouted is different from when they think no one’s looking. We adhere to our honor code and creed. We want members that will do the same, even when they think no one’s looking.”

I snort. “Then you definitely don’t want me. The only codes and creeds I adhere to are the ones I’ve made up for myself, and trust me, there’s a lot of wiggle room in them.”

He laughs as he backs away. “Enjoy your visit, ladies.”

I look at LJ, who’s smiling like she just won the lottery. “What are you so giddy about?”

“They want me.”

“Of course they do. I already told you that.” My nerves settle. Rodney didn’t have to admit to spying on us, but he did. I appreciate his honesty, because at least I know I’m not crazy. I link my arm with LJ’s, pulling her towards the foyer. “Now let’s go start our screening process to see if they deserve you.”

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