Page 76 of Eternal

If anyone else tries to lay a hand on her, that’s a different story.

I’ve been in denial since I made this arrangement. Since I felt what it’s like to have her at my mercy and in my bed. I’ve been resisting what changed the moment she surrendered and kissed me. And now that I’ve accepted it, she needs to do the same.

Kole is standing across the courtyard with Violet. He has her caged against the Social Sciences building, and they’re in their own world talking about something. He tucks her black hair behind her ear, and she blushes.

Her hair is stick straight, while mine has the slightest wave to it. Still, I can’t deny our similarities. I might not have much in common with my sister, other than our mutual trust in Kole, but we share the distinct blue Pierce eyes and midnight hair.

I still haven’t brought Violet up to my father, but I will soon. I’m not done digesting what it means that he kept a flesh and blood sibling hidden all these years. I’d like to use her against him because he deserves to suffer forbeing a lying bastard, but as I watch Kole with her, I know I can’t.

She’s the only person who brings any hint of good out in my best friend—albeit good that is bloody and twisted.

Still, even if Kole wasn’t involved, I don’t know if I could do anything that would hurt her. I’ve never been close with my older brother, Emmett, so I didn’t think I had it in me to care that much about family. But when Braxton took Violet hostage, a protective urge kicked in when it was revealed she’s my sister. One I usually only reserve for Sigma House.

Kole takes Violet’s hand and tugs her away from the building. He leads her to her next class, watching her until she disappears through the doors before making his way over to me.

Spinning around, he drops into the chair at the opposite side of the table to face the building Violet just walked into.

“Are you just going to sit out here for the next two hours and wait for her?”

He glances up at the window Violet’s class must be in, then back at me. “Yes.”

“You’re such a fucking stalker.”

“You’re one to talk. Who are you waiting on, Dec?”

When I don’t answer, he smirks knowingly.

While my father is just catching onto my interest in Teal, Kole has seen it since the second I followed her into the stacks at the library.

“I was thinking about Jase’s Pride trial.” I change the subject.

“What about it?”

“We should save it for when the Interrogator transfers back to Briar next year.”

“Interesting.” Kole taps his thumb on the arm of his chair. “And potentially violent. I like it.”

Of course he does. Kole is in agreement with me that initiates have been skating by too easily lately. They aren’t tested like we were when we joined the House, and because of that, they aren’t as loyal as we’ve been.

Now, with the Interrogator returning to teach at Briar next year, we can reset the scale in which new members are weighed.

He was feared during his time at Sigma House but is even more so now that he’s been away doing work for the Council that most people would try to turn down. He’s ruthless and one of the few legacies who are close to the Council and who I still trust.

The Interrogator never puts anything above Sigma Sin’s interests, especially himself.

“Jase skated through his first three trials too quickly. We need to really test him to make sure he’s a good fit,” I say.

“Assuming he’ll be here next year.” Kole watches me.

“I guess that will depend on him.” I smirk. “As of now, I don’t see why not. But there are always reasons that could change that.”

So long as Jase doesn’t make a move on Teal, he can admire her from afar. I’ve never had a problem with people envying what’s mine.

“Speaking of reasons…” Kole glances across the courtyard as Teal walks through the gate.

In the sunlight, the blonde in her hair stands out. She has it tied in a low bun on the back of her head, hiding most of the colors. She practically glows under the sun, not seeing she’s the sunflower she’s always pining after. Blooming so bright in the light that her whole body drinks up the rays.

“Just let me know when you hear back from the Interrogator.” I stand up. “I might need another favor from him sooner than later.”