Page 10 of Shattered Legacy (Gravestone Elite 1)

“What the fuck was that?”

“Cade’s a jerk,” I say.

Understatement of the century.

“I’m going to help him. Stay here.” Bexley ducks out of the shadows and moves along the water’s edge to offer a helping hand to the butt-naked guy as he clambers out of the water.

“What the fuck?” he growls at Bexley.

“Relax, man, I only came over here to try and help.”

“Help? I don’t need your help. I don’t need anyone’s help.” He cups his junk and shoulders past Bexley, slipping into the tree line.

“That went well,” I say as Bexley returns.

“I was only trying to help.”

“He’s embarrassed.”

“If you ask me, the asshole deserved it.” I bristle, and Bexley’s eyes shutter. “I did not mean… fuck, that came out wrong. Obviously, I don’t think he deserved it.”

“I know what you mean. But Cade and his guys are… a lot.”

“Yeah, what’s with that?” He sits back down beside me.

“You know how every school has one group of guys who run the place? The popular kids with all the social power?”

A strange expression washes over Bexley as he nods, and I wonder what secrets he’s keeping. “Yeah, I know.”

“Well, Cade and his crew are like that but on steroids. Gravestone U is their territory. Has been for the last three years, since Cade was a freshman.”

“You seem to know a lot about them.”

My shoulders lift in a small shrug. “Everyone does.”

But Bexley isn’t from Gravestone. He doesn’t understand what it’s like.

I envy him.

“Are you going to head back to the party?” he asks me.

“Not until I have to. But you should go, I’m sure you have friends waiting on you.”

“Nah, Alex will deal.”

“Alex Shaw, right?” I’ve seen the two of them together, at classes this week and before that, at high school.

“Yeah, why?”

“No reason.” I shrug again before uncapping the vodka and taking a large swallow. Everything is beginning to relax as the liquor seeps into my bloodstream, but I like the sensation. It’s better than the gnawing pit of hopelessness I’ve felt ever since the Eligere.

That night, the night I stood beside the other prosapia and heard my name called, was a total mess.

My father was almost as dumbfounded as me. Brook looked ready to claw my eyes out. Phillip Cargill was utterly confused and slightly irritated, and I was in denial.

I still am.

Brook petitioned her stepfather, of course. My father demanded answers. And Cade seemed completely indifferent as chaos unfolded around us.

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