Page 178 of Heartless Legacy

We told them about the loophole we found in the archives and then they asked us if we knew the penalty if we failed the challenge. We admitted we didn’t, and the look they gave us spoke volumes. They were disappointed in us for what they called an ill-thought out plan. We walked away with the understanding that they did not and would not sign the paperwork because the risks were too high if we failed.

Afterwards, our mothers stopped us for a little chat of their own. At least they had pie and were more understanding. My mother said she felt bad that we couldn’t just make a unilateral decision, because as far as she was concerned, eligibility is in the eye of the beholder. Then she told me if I was just gonna get all mopey about hearing the word no, then that proved I wasn’t mature enough to be making life long decisions about marriage.

Holden’s mom came right out and asked if we’d truly given any thought to what a shared marriage contract would look like as far as divisions of assets and responsibilities were concerned. We both admitted we hadn’t.

She gave a noncommittal hmm, and said something about using the big head instead of the small head when making plans, and getting a more favorable response.

I drop down into the seat next to Holden and huff out an irritated sigh as I turn my attention to the door for fashion show number… I don’t even know how many it’s been. Eloise is sitting nearby giving everyone the stink eye, because there’s nothing she can do to stop this. I pull out my phone and pull up my chat message with Thea. She turned down my breakfast invitation, because she said she was training with Deacon. Maybe I should go to the gym.

“What are you frowning at?” Holden asks.

“We need to make a statement.”

“About what?”

“Everything. We need to let everyone know that Thea’s our girl and let the council know we’re serious about claiming her.”

“You heard what our fathers and grandfathers said. If we go directly to the council, they’ll say no.”

Pax glances our way. I know he’s listening to our conversation. “Anything to add?” I ask.

“Riptide.”

I respond, “God bless you?”

“It’s what your dad texted us the first week of school. He told me this story about being pulled out to sea and having to swim diagonal to the current instead of going straight at it. So if we can’t go straight to the council, we need to go around them.”

“We?”

He turns back to the pajama parade and says, “Whatever you decide to do, I’m in.”

I look at Holden, who’s gives me a small shrug. “You might not be so ready to agree in a second.”

Chapter 101

Deacon

The official alert has finally gone out for the bloodline challenge. The prospects need to find the pieces of a custom chess set. The trick is finding the correct pieces because there are multiple forgeries out there.

“Good game.” My cousin Bryan says, slapping me on the back.

“You, too.” I towel off before dropping into the seat beside him, watching as the teenagers in our family take the court.

“We’ve missed you the last few games.”

“Whatever. We both know how you play when I’m not guarding you.”

“Straight down the lane every time.”

“Exactly.” We laugh because that’s how we’ve matched up since childhood. We talk shit to each other during the game and try not to foul out. “So how’s it been?”

“It’s been good, but busy. Pop’s been working a lot of overtime.”

Eyeing him over my water bottle, I ask, “Don’t you mean you?”

“I wish. Whatever this job is, he’s kept the team really small, and is supervising it himself.”

“Is it league related? You know how the security protocols for those jobs are.”

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