Total pages in book: 331
Estimated words: 315585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1578(@200wpm)___ 1262(@250wpm)___ 1052(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 315585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1578(@200wpm)___ 1262(@250wpm)___ 1052(@300wpm)
“What’s up with the dress?” Adam asks, picking up the ripped material. He stares at the silk in his hands as if he’s seen it before.
“Did you kill his wife too?” Haidyn glances around, spotting her high heels as well. “Where’s the body?”
She definitely wasn’t his wife. He was paying to rape her. “Gone,” I answer, refusing to give them any details about my angel. The less they know, the better.
I help my brothers throw the Lord into the Atlantic Ocean over the private balcony. Placing my arms on the railing, I watch the deep sea that’s lit up from the lights under the yacht, feeling the nausea returning and trying to make sense of the night.
Who the fuck was that Lord and why was he with my girl? Was it meant to go down this way? Was she supposed to have led him to me? I have to find her.
“Let’s go.” Adam claps his hands.
FOUR
KASHTON
INITIATION
One of them
Senior year at Barrington University
It’s hot. I’m sweating and my skin is blazing from the heat coming from the nearby fire.
I’ve been tied to this wooden post for quite some time. The slightest movement feels like splinters in my back.
My arms are secured behind me. I’ve tried to untie it, but it’s useless. My ankles are tied to the post and so is my neck.
They’re either going to burn me at the stake or brand me.
The hood is yanked from my head, and I blink rapidly to adjust to the sun beating down on me. A quick glance tells me that I’m in the courtyard with my three brothers. And the firepit before me tells me we’re about to be branded.
“Lords,” a man says. “Today is the day that you take your oath. And with that oath comes great responsibility.”
I look up, scanning the balconies, and see all the Lords gathered to watch. Not a single one in a cloak or mask. They get to be seen today. To watch the next generation take their spot in the society.
“As a Spade brother, you will be the ones who must punish those who disobey their oath. You will show them that we do not take our life for granted. You are their jury and executioner. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” the four of us answer.
The Lord nods and steps away from the firepit. The smoke makes my eyes burn, and I hear Adam coughing as he chokes on it.
My father appears in front of me, and he looks just as disappointed as he does angry. He never wanted me to make it this far. “Kashton Landon Pierce, you have completed all your trials of initiation. Do you wish to proceed?”
I want to laugh in his face, but that wouldn’t accomplish anything. “I do, Father,” I answer through gritted teeth. It’s the closest to acceptance he’s going to get from me.
His face tightens when he speaks. “A Lord must be willing to go above and beyond for his title. He must show strength and have what it takes. If you fail your position as a Lord, your brother will take what you earned.”
They’re the only ones I’d allow to kill me.
He turns and walks to the firepit, picking up one of the brands. When he returns, he shoves a rag into my mouth, forcing the back of my head into the wooden post I’m tied to.
“Kashton Landon Pierce,” he begins, “welcome to the Lords. For you shall reap the benefits of your sacrifice.”
My entire body tenses as he shoves the hot brand into my sweat-covered chest, and I bite down on the rag in my mouth.
If my existence makes him angry, then I will vow my life to make him miserable.
FIVE
EVERETT
Eight years old
My father ushers me into the room with his fingers digging into my upper arm. He shoves me into a seat and orders, “Stay.”
Where am I going to go? I don’t even have shoes on.
Sometimes I think he talks just to hear his own voice, or maybe he’s trying to convince his friends that he owns me. Not sure why. Everyone in this room knows he does.
I drop my eyes to my hands resting in my lap and see a piece of fuzz on my nightgown. It’s the most I’ve gotten to wear these past few days. It’s high up on my neck and falls to my knees. I might as well be naked, considering it’s sheer. You can see right through it. And it’s really itchy. I’d rather be naked.
I start to pick at it when the door opens.
I’m not allowed to speak. I’m to be seen, not heard.
“Hello, darlings,” the woman’s voice calls out. It sounds nice and comforting. Much different from the gruff and commanding ones I’m used to here at home.
Keeping my head down, I peek up at her through my lashes. She’s standing with her back to me, hugging my father in greeting. I’m surprised he gives her the time of day. He hates everyone. Especially me.