“Help me,” I mouth, resisting stepping forward.
Talon squares his shoulders and turns his attention to Christos. If I could see Talon’s expression behind his mask, I bet I’d spot him glowering. Talon would much rather cross the room and punch Christos in the face rather than follow my dad to the altar. He’s protective like that. Probably jealous of the idea someone chose me for the ceremony when there are dozens of others to choose from.
My silent request for an intervention goes unanswered, but I had to try. I’d do anything at this point not to let Christos do this to me. Unfortunately, Talon would never break tradition and risk punishment. Not for anyone, including me. An act of disobedience, especially from our enforcer, guarantees not only degradation and humiliation, but it also guarantees a shit load of work he probably wouldn’t want to take on.
I force my mouth to smile, trying to cool Talon down now that I riled him up. It was unfair of me in the first place, especially because he doesn’t know what went down with Christos...at least, I think. He’d have to go through the collateral our society has on us, and something like that must be requested and proven necessary to share in cases of controlling our chapter’s members.
Christos is a lucky bastard and basically untouchable when it comes to his indiscretions with me. He’s far too good with his business endeavors and now one of the most sought-after money launderers, which is the only reason I bet he’s here.
But despite his worth to the St. Germaine empire, I will never forgive Christos for what he did. There is nothing he can do to make up for using me as part of his initiation in his chapter. And now coming here? I’m pissed Daddy didn’t warn me. He knows our history. He knows Christos broke my heart and betrayed me. He obliterated my reputation to get ahead.
I shudder at the thought and yank my fingers away from Christos, my rage intensifying.
I can’t do this. I can’t pretend his presence doesn’t mess with me.
I’d rather be punished than welcome him into our chapter.
I steel myself for what I know will not only embarrass Daddy but will also cause a conflict between chapters. This could fuck up whatever agreement William has with the Looking Glass. The repercussion could hurt our chapter as a whole. I can’t see another way around it, though. I’m about to disobey Daddy’s authority in front of another chapter leader, and nothing will change my mind. This could have more than the usual consequences, but I’m done.
I’m fucking done.
I have to prove to Christos that whatever he’s trying to do in coming here, trying to fuck with my head...it’s not going to work. He claims he still wants me and that I’m the only one for him but I know there’s more to it. It’s been years. Why now? Why come here and try to fix something broken beyond repair?
Because he’s a twisted bastard. This has to be some sort of power move.
Silence fills the air as everyone gathers into position for the Ceremonial Vows which always open our meetings. Daddy lights another candle, and he uses it to set the altar ablaze, creating brighter light.
Everyone chants their welcome to His Majesty in unison, holding a fist to their hearts with the recognition of his leadership and our promise of eternal loyalty to the Society of Secrets.
“And I vow the same,” Daddy responds, raising his glittering cane. “Court is now in session.” His voice booms through the air as he smacks the cane to the hard floor, calling order. “We have several things on our agenda tonight, but first, it has come to my attention that a welcome is an order. His Majesty of the San Diego Rabbit Hole chapter has kindly joined us tonight, bringing new blood with him.”
A round of calculated, soft applause fills the air as William heads to my father and joins him. “It is always an honor to join the Looking Glass chapter, Your Majesty.” No one uses real names while we’re together in session. We all have nicknames, and Daddy owns the king title here because he’s the leader, which kind of made me Princess, my nickname in honor of Princess Lily. I know it’s lame, but it kind of just stuck.
“I would also like to introduce you all to the newest members of your chapters coming in from Mexico and Greece. They have been in the San Diego chapter for a couple months now, but after an SOS His Majesty put out for another business expansion while waiting for the next initiation season, they have kindly decided to transfer.”
“They will be utilized to the fullest and become some of our greatest additions.” Daddy waves his cane, acknowledging Christos and the other new heir. “To show our appreciation, we will proceed with an official welcome and a vow in the form of the White Queen’s Kiss. Please step forward with your companions, and we will begin the blood-bonding ceremony.” Daddy’s voice sends my heart sinking into my stomach. If he knows Christos transferred, he doesn’t react. I thought he would show just as much anger as Talon. Maybe he’d even deny the transfer.
“We’re up, Princess,” Christos says, tightening his fingers around mine, forcing me forward.
I dig my feet into the floor, refusing to move.
Christos sighs. “Don’t be shy. We’ve done worse. Maybe you’ll remember why you were so in love with—”
“Fuck off!” I yell, ripping my hand from his. “Get away from me. I’m not fucking doing this.”
Audible gasps sound from the other members, but I don’t let it stop me. I ignore Daddy as he yells my nickname.
Spinning on my heels, I run toward the door. I elbow Talon and step on his foot before he can snatch me off my feet. I kick another guy between the legs. I dodge around a woman, trying to block the door.
“If you leave here, there will be some serious consequences for disobedience,” Daddy snaps, remaining in place. It is above him to chase after me. He has others to do it. “Don’t be stupid.”
“I don’t fucking care.” I point at Christos. “I’m not welcoming him. He can screw off. I’m done tonight.”
I don’t wait to find out what else Daddy yells. No one will follow me once I’m out of the room. They won’t stop the meeting on my behalf.
It gives me at least an hour to myself to decide what to do.
I know I should run, but I don’t. I refuse to show that my dad’s threat scared me.