Page 124 of Atone

“She seems nice,” he pushes, and my teeth grind as I hold back. “You deserve a little fun. You’ve earned it.”

Like being locked in a psychiatric ward earns me a prize?

“Onto business.” Dad swiftly moves the conversation along, like he always does. “I need to meet with Declan when he’s back in town. Rumor has it that he’ll be taking over control of Ian Pierce’s remaining assets as soon as the judge unfreezes them. We need to ensure the Pierce family’s goals are still in alignment with ours.”

He saysourslike I care.

“I know he set up the temporary Council, but I’ve heard he’ll be transferring that back out of the fraternity. A smart move on his part, and it’s only fair that a founding family member be considered for the position.”

Meaning him.

Dad always resented Declan’s father for holding the reins, but now that he’s out of the picture, he’s hoping to gain favor with his son to claim control.

“I need you to make sure this transition is smooth, Alex. Declan trusts you.” Dad grips my shoulder, and I stiffen. “This is the way it needs to be. And don’t forget, you owe me.”

Dad nods, leading me back outside. But those words don’t stop rattling even as the door closes behind me and I walk to the car.

What was owed used to be a good enough reason to do anything for my father. Like him or not, he’s blood. Family.

But now I can’t help wondering who he really cares about. Who he’s really helping. And who will take the fall when I’m the one who will be expected to clean it up.

39

SALT AND HONEY

ALEX

When I stepinto Sigma House, the energy cools to quiet whispers. People avoid catching my gaze, but their attention follows me as I make my way through the foyer.

Declan, Kole, Maddox, and Asher are the only four members who know what happened to Marco, but the rest of the House suspects it. They’re not stupid. They wouldn’t be here if they were.

At least they’re smart enough to keep their mouths shut when they see me because they believe the rumors told about Sigma Sin’s urban legend.

The one the House calls on to do shit that will make most members lose their lunch—or worse—their minds.

I’m numb to it, so it’s never bothered me when I’ve been tasked with the House’s dirty work. At least my tasks don’t require me to play politics like Declan is forced to as president.

It probably says something about me that the most human interaction I’ve had these past couple of years is when I’ve been chopping bodies to bits. That fact alone iswhy Declan’s first warning when I arrived at Sigma House was to try to actnormal.

Like I even know what that is anymore.

For Declan’s sake, I’ve maintained appearances. I’ve done my best, with the exception of Marco.

And Oxy.

And Ricci.

Maybe I’ll try harder next week.

Two members watch me walk past, bristling when they meet my stare. It could be irritation since Marco was their friend, but the undercurrent of fear will keep them from questioning my actions.

Asher stops at the bottom of the staircase when he sees me coming. “You have a visitor.”

I nod, walking past him, appreciating his loyalty even if it’s clear he’s uncomfortable in my presence. He knew better than to let Mila wander the house without me here, so he’s earned a bit of my trust by bringing her to my room.

The carpeted stairs silence my steps as I ascend, and the cloud of pot that constantly hangs in the air seems to thicken the higher I go. Through it, I swear I smell Mila’s sweet apple-honey shampoo. I feel her in the air. She’s a magnet, and I’m helpless to resist her pull.

Reaching my door, I try the handle, relieved she was smart enough to lock it behind her. I pull out my key, and when I swing the door open, a soft glow of candles flickers. It makes my room warmer, in hue and temperature.

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