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While the past eight and half weeks have been precisely what I needed, knowing the stakes, I can’t hide anymore. I’ve trained, spent time learning about the Bradford role in the Fraternitas, and started healing. It’s time to go back. I won’t allow what happened to me to be the fate of anyone else again. The Fraternitas needs change, and neither the Council nor those assholes who somehow still make my heart ache are capable of doing it. I’ve wallowed enough. It’s time to end the Fraternitas’ archaic system.
After the conversation I had at dinner that night nearly two months ago and the one I had with just my grandfather when I was introduced to my protection detail, I know there’s a power struggle. No one believes the Filiae Bellonae is done trying to stage a hostile takeover, but we all agree that if the mission were to merge organizations under the Bradford line, then killing me wouldn’t be their plan. The question is, are the Heirs in on it?
The more time I’ve had to think about everything that’s happened, too many signs point to a hostile takeover with their help. Selection girls were murdered until Samantha was able to become a pick. The rapid rate at which Wes went from hating me to doing everything in his power to earn my trust was partially why I made him work so hard. He hated me and was vocal about how beneath him I was. Yet somehow, I slowly fell for him. Then, Lev, who can’t stand to be touched, allowed me, of all people, to touch him like I’m some anomaly. The quintessential “not like other girls.” I should’ve recognized their game.
My guess is that they quickly learned bullying me into submission wasn’t an option. I should’ve prepared myself for the emotional tactics. But how could I? There was so much vulnerability and sincerity in their actions. I’m usually a great bullshit detector. I mean, like being able to sniff gaslighting from across the globe, but I didn’t see this coming until it was too late.
I think the added bonus to the plan we’ve devised is that I get the opportunity to make each Heir regret the day their dads decided to nut inside their moms instead of on their faces.
“Ariah,” Reign’s gravelly timber shouts.
I twist to where he stands. “Fifteen more minutes,” I reply to his unspoken command.
“We can’t. Your dad wants to be back at the house before it’s dark, and you know he wants you all together for this one,” he explains.
He’s right. Dad brought jumbo Jenga and Tic-Tac-Toe for us to play. “Okay, five minutes then,” I sigh. I’d stay in this spot forever if I could.
I hear his muttered curse before he presses the com in his ear to relay our ETA.
Twisting back to the river, I watch the way the water beats against the rocks in its path and think how metaphorically perfect this scene is. Water is a force that wears the most jagged pieces smooth, given enough opportunity. It has the ability to both destroy life and rebirth it, much like fire. And while water is not entirely undefeatable, it’s one of the most vital elements.
So, do I burn their world down or beat it into submission?
“Okay, we’ve got to go,” Reign instructs, leaving no room wiggle room for negotiations. It’s like having an annoying know-it-all big brother.
Peering out, I take in the beauty of the landscape around me for the last time and stand. Once again, this spot has been just what I needed. I have my answer.
It’s time to go back.
7
ARIAH
“Why aren’t you coming back with us, Grandpa?” Kellan whines as we sit outside under the Colorado evening sky.
I watch the orange, red, yellow, and purple hues line the scattering clouds as the sun sets off in the distant mountains. Part of me wishes I could stay here in the bubble of calm, but a greater part of me recognizes changes must be made.
A shriek of laughter before a large-sounding splash garners my attention. Turning to the pool, I see a very wet Nando and Eli rising from the water. Their scowling faces lasered on Reign, who’s bent over cackling. He’s so distracted he doesn’t notice when Jamie and Kylan sneak up behind him. Both give each other a knowing look and smirk before shoving Reign into the pool.
“That’s what you get,” I shout once Reign’s head pops up from the water before he flips me the finger and grins.
Our grandparents decided to throw a small graduation and going away party. High school seems so long ago, and I honestly forgot about graduation in all the mayhem. Yet another thing they robbed me of. The list of their transgressions is mounting.
Gazing around the intimate gathering, I recognize some of the people I’ve met since being in Colorado mixed amongst a crowd of unfamiliar faces. One, in particular, grabs my attention. I feel like I’ve seen her before, but I can’t be sure. I study her for a moment. Her brunette hair is highlighted auburn and falls just past her tanned, slender shoulders. Her head turns slightly as if she can feel my eyes, and honey-brown eyes connect with mine. A catlike grin curls her lips before she winks, then returns her attention to the man she is watching.
“Who is that?” I lean over and whisper to my grandmother.
She follows my line of sight and smiles. “That’s Brea, Dear.”
“She looks familiar. Have I met her before?”
“I’m sure you’ll meet her at some point this evening,” my grandmother replies.
Way to not really answer my question.
Sighing at her non-answer, I ask, “And who’s that?” nodding to the man across the pool who Brea’s been watching.
“Caden Danvers, sole heir to the Danvers Group Incorporated. Your grandfather is a silent investor, but once we come out of hiding, he will join their board of trustees,” she explains.
