Page 120 of Crown of Thorns
I scrunch up my nose. “He kept on annoying Arthur.”
“Hmm. And what about that girl you locked in the bathroom? I had to come to school to apologize to her parents.”
I groan. “Maria Gaffard, I remember her. She kept on following Arthur like a puppy. He didn’t like it.”
“You get the point.”
I hum. I’d forgotten about those moments. “Do you think Noah can be accepted into the Brotherhood? His grandpa was a member after all.”
“I don’t know. It’s not common, but then nothing about this is common. The bigger problem is that paper he wrote.” Another squeeze. “Hey, don’t worry. It’s nothing we can’t fix. The Deverauxs didn’t get this far in life by being concerned about everything.
“Noah has a heart too big for his own good.”
“Which is why you’ll need to let him choose as well. By joining the Alpha Fraternarii, he steps into a different world. These are a group of men who haven’t been easy to lead. Overthe years, we’ve dealt with tensions, but I hadn’t realized they were still so strongly present. I’ll have my team do a thorough background check on every single brother during the summer break. Come September, we will take precautions. Individuals like Zachary pose a threat to our future. I’ve said this before, whether we like it or not, we’re going to need to modernize. This is why we approved that initiative to have you guys running around at nighttime like some twisted pledge.”
I nod against his head. “The Wicked Chase.”
“Yes. How’s that been going?”
“It’s been cool. Intense. Some of our brothers are very serious when it comes to claiming the one they want. It isn’t for everyone. A few students backed out during the actual hunt, because they were too scared.”
“Hmm. And Elder Jacques has been present during each Initiation?”
“So far, yes. There’s one more planned soon.”
“Good, good. Their little group of traditionalists has been a thorn in my side for long enough. Perhaps it’s time to shed some blood and give way to tomorrow’s leaders.” You see, This is why Jean-Luc’s my hero. He has this capacity of speaking in riddles that sound so fucking good.
“Aside from Zachary, who are you thinking of?”
“I don’t have any proof yet, so we’ve got to be careful.”
“Do we happen to speak of Elder Jacques?” I ask carefully.
Dad chuckles. “Don’t tell me you like the man? I’d be disappointed in you, Son.”
“Tss, pu-lease. We all hate that filthy, old fuck.”
“Hmm. My thoughts. He’s been on my radar ever since the drowning of Damien Devallée. That man makes my hands itch.” He pauses. “One day soon, he’ll overstep. And when he does...we end him. Quietly. Permanently.””
“Let Noah handle it, he’s good with a knife.”
Dad looks up, his dark eyes full of mischief. “Is he now?”
I yawn-smile against his shoulder. Ever since he officially adopted Régis as his son earlier this year, Dad’s been even more fiercely protective of us. And I fucking love it.
We sit together in silence. I don’t know when I fall asleep, but the next time I open my eyes, the sun is up, painting the ocean in silver sprinkles. Dad's gone.
The piano sounds welcome me downstairs. Dominique plays, while my aunt Marie-Louise and Natalie are cooking in the kitchen. Outside, I catch a glimpse of Gaël and Arthur, who are splashing around in the pool.
Natalie rushes my way, followed by Marie-Louise. “Darling, you’re up. How are you feeling? Let me get you a glass of water.”
I let my stepmother boss me around and sit my ass down on one of the stools. “No water. I need something stronger to remind me I’m still alive. Fuck me, I feel like Sleeping Beauty.”
“Sleeping Beauty? More like Shrek.” Arthur comes barging in barefoot. “Although Shrek doesn’t drink like you do. You know how many bottles of champagne we saved ourselves while you were out of it?”
“Arthur,” Natalie chimes. “Dry your feet on the towels before walking inside. Your father wants you in his office.”
My twin gives me a crooked grin. Grabbing the towel, he dries his feet, then throws it my way.
