Page 148 of Let Us Prey

“Goody!” she shouts as she jumps to her feet and runs over to tell her friends. When she returns, her grin is almost splitting her face. “I hope you're ready to watch Dirty Dancing because nobody puts this bunny in a corner anymore.”

Oh, fuck, what have we gotten ourselves into now?

Fighter

Delores

Thankfully,the talent show was not an absolute train wreck. Cori and I would have had good grades anyway, but Rufus was almost unbearable near the end. The audience loved our song and dance, so I was happy, especially when I got to go home to snuggle with my guys.

It almost overshadowed the shock of Chad’s body dangling from the rope in the middle of rehearsal—almost. That’s been bothering me ever since. I can’t help wondering why the killer dropped a dead body at rehearsal instead of during the actual show. It wasn’t the optimal location to get attention and Chad’s parents have money, but not enough to turn the tide to a proper investigation.

There were parents, donors, talent scouts, Apex faculty, and Council members at the actual show. You’d think that group would be a better audience for a dramatic statement. It’s as if the shadowy figure in the wings was more concerned with scaring the students than the big wigs.

I’m not sure what to make of that.

Is this person hunting me? Are the dead people connected to my presence here at Apex?

That makes little sense, though. I didn’t know most of the people who went missing; they were sophomores and upperclassmen. The only ones connected to me were the weasel and Chad. The first barely spoke to me and the second couldn’t remember my name after twelve years of school together. Of course, the ominous note the former sent me was odd, but again, I hardly knew him.

I’m determined to figure out what the hell is going on at Apex before someone I care about gets hurt.

Aubrey and I have spent countless hours in his archives, but we haven’t figured out where I recognize the damn drawings from. Fitz and Chess are tracking down every scrap of info we can find in various agency records to find a connection between the victims or their families. I even gave them the dossiers Clotilda made for me during the summer, when I was planning revenge. Her research was on the Council families, but I thought maybe it would help connect the dots somehow. Even Rennie is taking off occasionally to meet with people he won’t tell any of us about—though it has yielded nothing so far.

We can’t get our hands around the reason this started when I arrived or how kidnapping students is related.

In ‘A History of the Honorable Academy of Apex Predators’, it mentions the ‘Society’ can access their powers through a vaguely described list of items. We haven’t located any of them yet, but the drawings seem to be linked to their hiding spots. I’ve asked Ren and Aubrey several times if they recognize any of it, but they always redirect me. I assume there are reasons for their hesitancy, so I haven’t pushed it. Our two truths game has allowed us to get to know each other better; but I understand certain subjects are sensitive. I’m not a hundred percent certain I want to push their boundaries that far yet.

Even though it might help us figure this out… before more corpses appear.

I hate that my presence has made everyone unsafe.

Regardless of the brave face I’m putting on, I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me. Solemnly gazing at my bathroom mirror, I wonder if I’m not worth the trouble I’ve already caused. Lucille would agree with that sentiment—she’s told me how little value I have a million times. I know Rufus and Cori care about me, and the guys have opened up in their own ways, but I can’t help wondering if I’m more of a burden than a bright spot.

My mother’s criticism practically rings in my ears, as I brush my hair and brood.

As if I’ve summoned her, my phone rings, and I groan. When I see my mother’s name on the screen, I press my forehead to the cool glass. I haven’t heard from her in weeks, which gave me room to breathe. She’ll have something disparaging to say about my performance at the talent show, though she couldn’t be bothered to attend. The entire audience loved our performance, but Lucille will never be pleased with anything I do. With a sigh, I press the green button and wait for the snide barb in place of a greeting.

“Delores,” she purrs. The sound makes my entire body tense—Lucille is good at toying with her food. “I’m so glad I caught you!”

She says it like I had a choice. If I hadn’t answered, she would have sent Bruiser.

“Hello, mother. It’s nice to hear from you. What can I do for you today?” It's easier to ask her what she wants as politely as possible at the beginning of her calls. Getting down to business means I don’t have to endure as much drunken rambling dotted with random threats.

“Don’t be like that, my daughter. I was so pleased to hear about your outstanding performances in the talent show. You made our family look poised and talented, according to my sources.”

What the hell?

Suspicion floods my veins at her words. Lucille doesn’t give compliments unless she wants something. Praise from my mother costs way more than I’m willing to pay, so I brace myself for what’s coming. “I appreciate your kind words, mother. I rarely earn your praise. I am pleased that I represented our family well.”

Her laugh is airy; she’s transformed into her delightful socialite persona. “Oh. Delores, don’t be so dramatic. I only wish for you to secure a husband who can provide for you in the manner to which you were raised. Our family name is respected, as you know. I want to protect it so you can wield its power in the future.”

Well, this is new.

Her personality transplant makes me extremely skeptical. The real Lucille has to be laying in wait under the surface somewhere. I don’t believe this pile of tripe for a second. She’s made it unquestionably clear she didn’t want the family name associated with me at all—that I will never take her place on the Council as heir. Whatever she’s fishing for must be very important for her to make this much effort.

I’m not concerned about her finding me a husband. I’ve found my fated mates, and I don’t need to worry about her political matchmaking. My hope for a future with them is rooted deep in my heart, and the seed blossoms a little more each day. I’d like to find time for a bit of naked time with the remaining grumpy kings, but that will happen when the time is right.

I believe it in my heart.

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