Page 72 of Shattered Legacy (Gravestone Elite 1)

“Surprisingly, yes.”

“It was probably the G.” She gives me a bitter smile. “I’m so sorry I didn’t give you a heads up, but I thought—"

“It doesn’t matter.” Cade would have embarrassed me either way. He would have spiked my drink and teased me in front of Bexley… just because he can.

“I still can’t believe he did that.”

“It’s all a game, Mia. I keep trying to tell you that. Cade is… well, he’s unstable.”

“Why do you all follow him so blindly?”

“It’s not like we really have a choice.” She shrugs, picking lint off her bed covers.

After fleeing the party, I’d run straight to Sasha’s room. I didn’t want to be in this godforsaken house, but I was confused and upset. Sasha welcomed me into her room as if she’d been waiting for me.

I slept here, curled up beside her.

The shame I felt last night has turned into something else this morning.

“We’re Quinctus heirs, Mia. It’s not something you just get to deny or walk away from. The first-born son of an heir must complete their Initium and eventually take their rightful place in Gravestone. It’s the foundation of this place.”

“And you?”

It’s different for Sasha; she isn’t a male heir. “I’ll be married off to spend my days breeding new heirs.” There’s a wry tone to her voice, but I know there’s an element of truth in her words.

“But it’s so—"

“Unfair? Life isn’t fair, Mia. Gravestone is one of the richest towns in the US. That kind of accolade isn’t earned just off of hard work and luck. It’s built into the fabric of the town. Nothing comes for free in this life… not a single thing. You’d be surprised what men are prepared to do for money and power.”

“W-what do you mean?” I place my mug down, my stomach too unsettled for strong coffee.

Sasha hesitates, probably unsure whether I’m to be privy to their insider secrets. But I’m Cade’s prosapia. I deserve to know this stuff—I need to know.

“It’s okay,” I say. “You can tell me. I won’t tell anyone.”

“This is so weird,” she laughs, but it comes out all wrong. “I’ve never had a girl friend to share this stuff with.”

Her words give me some comfort. Sasha might not always be able to warn me about Cade’s devious plans, but she’s a pawn like me, shackled to a life she seems to want no part of.

I wait, giving her the time and space she needs to reconcile things. Sasha wants to let me in; I see it in the small looks she gives me when we’re with the guys, silent shows of support and reassurance or discreet warnings when I’m overstepping the line or about to be blindsided.

“Gravestone isn’t as small-town as everyone thinks, Mia,” she says cryptically.

I want to ask what she means, but there’s a knock at the door.

“Sis, you awake?”

“Go away, Brandon.”

The door cracks open and his face appears. “Oh, hey, Mia. Does Cade know you’re still here?”

“Brandon!” Sasha shrieks. “Go away.”

“Geez, relax.” He slips into her room and closes the door. “If you must know, I came to make sure you’re alright after last night.”

“Like you care.”

I avert my eyes, hardly able to look at him after what happened. I saw him with Ashton and those girls… and he saw me with Cade… Oh God, how embarrassing.

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