Page 134 of Eternal

“How do we know this isn’t just a play for your father to get more power?” Jase asks.

I step forward, coming to a stop directly in front of him. “Haven’t you heard? This morning, the FBI raided his campaign headquarters due to a tip he was involved in a ballot fraud.”

Jase shakes his head.

“Did you know the Council originally voted a different Sigma member for that seat in office, and he used secrets learned in the trials to steal it? He turned on his own brothers, and he’s finally going to pay the price for that.”

Jase’s eyes widen as he stares up at me.

“Take from the House, we take from you. Are you ready to live and die by that sentence?” I step back, looking around the room. “Are you ready to be loyal?”

They all silently watch me.

“For the record, I don’t care what dirty secrets about yourselves Kole sent you just now. I don’t care what you’re hiding so long as it doesn’t hurt the House. If you are loyal to the House, I will protect you. This is not a vote, and thisis not a test or trial. This is a decision to make. Are you with our traitors, or are you Sigma Sin?”

The men glance at each other, slowly answering one by one until the entire room rings out with, “Sigma Sin.”

I nod, looking back at Kole, Alex, and Maddox. “Good. Then meet your new Council. Be loyal to us, and we will be loyal to you. Am I understood?”

“Yes,” they answer in unison, even Jase.

“One more thing. Everything you’ve received about the Council will be dealt with. The old Sigma Sin regime will fall, and your test will be making sure that happens.” I smirk, thankful when I finally see excitement sparking through the room. “Dismissed.”

Talking takes over as they start to stand, and one by one, they walk up to shake my hand. They each make their way down the line in a show of respect for their new Council. Alex refuses to stand or greet any of them, but they nod and pledge their allegiance because they know what’s for their own good.

As the room empties, Jase hangs back.

“Jase.” I tip my chin when he finally stops in front of me.

“Declan.” He shakes my hand. “I hope you don’t think I was challenging you out there.”

“You were. But it proves you give a shit about Sigma Sin, and I respect that.”

“Good.” He nods. “And my father?”

“He was notified a half hour ago that he’s no longer Sigma Sin Council, but he’s been loyal to the House, as far as I can tell, so he won’t face any consequences. Unless you’re here to share somethingwith me?”

“No.” Jase shakes his head, looking relieved. “I’m here to let you know I stand behind you.”

“Then how do you explain sharing Sigma Sin business with my girl?”

“I fucked up. I didn’t realize the extent of what it was when I was saying it. I didn’t know you two were serious.”

“We are.”

“I see that now.” He nods. “Then you should know something, Declan. In the spirit of proving my loyalty, you need to know her father’s a real piece of work.”

“I’m aware. He’ll be dealt with personally.”

And I’m going to enjoy it.

“I don’t think you do know.” Jase rakes his hair off his forehead. “I heard him talking to my dad last night after he found out your dad was backing out of whatever he was promised. He said Weston Randolph was missing, and he guessed you had something to do with it.”

“He’s not wrong.”

“I see that now.” Jase swallows hard. “He was rambling, but it wasn’t just him being pissed off; it was something else.”

“What?”

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