Page 77 of Ruthless Legacy

“Good? What’s so good about that, Thea? Giving them leverage is the worst thing you can do.”

I have to remember Van grew up here, and we’re still getting to know each other. She doesn’t know how many times I’ve had to outsmart gangs, or the cops back at home. “It’s simple Van. If they’re focusing on my perceived weaknesses, then they’re not looking at my strengths, and I can catch them off guard every single time.”

“Pledging still doesn’t give you decision making power, or a vote.”

I knew Van knew more about this world than she let on. “How high do I have to go for that?”

“Third year prospects are given voting power. Second year prospects have the right to add an item for consideration to a ballot, if they meet the minimum point requirement.”

Points. Now we’re getting somewhere. “And how long does that take?”

“That depends on the person. The most cutthroat competitors amass points quickly. Earning theirs and stealing others. It’s a competition. Not everyone is willing to do what it takes to win every challenge.”

“How do you know so much about this, Van?”

She gives me a pointed look. “I don’t know anything about it.”

“Fine. If someone knew something about it and they’re not a part of it, how would they get their information?”

“By overhearing gossip over the years. Or having a friend whose initiation ended abruptly.”

“Can I talk to this friend?”

“No, I’m afraid not.”

“Because he’s still bound by some kind of oath of secrecy?”

She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “No, hun. You can’t talk to him, because dead men take their words to the grave.”

Chapter34

Thea

There’s an incessant knocking on my dorm room door. I climb from the couch and swing it open, expecting to see LJ, only to find Scott on the other side. “Scott?”

“What did you do?”

“Got to be more specific.”

“Fine. Why is Joshua calling your mother all up in arms because your name is showing on the Indoctrination Roster for The League of the Daggered Ravens?”

Damn. Joshua is already running his mouth? I was planning to tell Scott and Moira in person at our mandatory family dinner. “Because I’m going to let them attempt to indoctrinate me.”

“Thea,” Scott groans. “This isn’t a joke.”

“I know that.”

“How is this even possible? You just came to town, and Joshua’s reinstatement only just happened.”

I shrug. “I don’t know what to tell you.”

“Fine, then tell me when they approached you.”

“It’s been a few weeks. I was ignoring their calls and letters.”

“Weeks?! And you didn’t tell us?”

“There was nothing to tell. My answer was the same answer I gave about The Guardian appointment and this legacy shit they keep shoving down my throat.”

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