AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Q don’t make mistakes, Mia. Every thought, every action is carefully planned and considered. You think they didn’t know exactly whose name was going to be called that night?”
“But that’s not—"
“Isn’t it? You verus are always so happy to believe everything we tell you. Do you really think Quinctus would leave the Eligere to mere chance?”
“Well, no. I didn’t…” He’s right. I guess I hadn’t given it tons of thought. We’re brought up to believe that the calix produces the name of the chosen prosapia. Of course we all know that someone has to physically put the name in the calix, but we don’t question it. Just like we don’t question any of the traditions of our town.
But maybe we should.
Brook’s name should have been called that night. Everyone knows it, including Cade.
So why am I sitting here in her place?
It’s the question that refuses to leave me. The question I fear I may never have an answer to.
“There’s a reason they want us to be together, Mia. And I am all about giving Q what they want.” He smirks, and I find nothing but sarcas
m in his words.
“Where were you this weekend?” I change the subject.
“Always so inquisitive. For someone who claims not to like me, you seem to care a lot about my whereabouts.”
“It’s just a question,” I quip. “Don’t read too much into it.”
“You’re not the only pawn in this game, Mia.” He levels me with a hard look. “Don’t forget that.”
“So you were on official business?”
“Something like that.” He takes a big gulp of his drink. “It’s the full moon next weekend. There’s a lot to plan.”
My stomach drops. “Already?” Of course I should know this, but it’s been a crazy couple of weeks. “The Transitus,” I whisper, and Cade nods.
“Our initiums’ final test.” Something glints in his eyes, but the server arrives to take our order.
“What do they have to do?” I try to disguise the tremor in my voice.
“If I tell you, where would the surprise in that be? Just know, it’s going to be one hell of a weekend.”
Oh God.
Whatever they’re planning, it isn’t good. But how much worse can it be than the pit?
From the wicked glint in Cade’s eyes, I’m guessing a lot.
“You’ll need something to wear for the dinner. I’ll have Sasha take you shopping.”
“I’m quite capable of choosing a dress, Cade.”
He stiffens, no doubt growing tired with my defiance. But I can’t do it, I can’t be the meek and submissive girl he expects.
His jaw works overtime as he runs a hand down his face. “And I’m telling you to go with Sasha, and since you belong to me, you’ll do what I say.”
His hand grips my thigh under the table, squeezing hard. For a second, I’m so overcome with fear and surprise that I’m paralyzed. His hand slides higher, grazing the soft skin of my thighs.
Without thinking, I thrust my hand under the table and wrench his fingers back. “Don’t ever touch me like that again in public,” I seethe through gritted teeth.
Cade explodes with laughter, bringing his hand above the table and flexing his fingers.
