Page 56 of Revere

“Challenge you? Word on the street is that you don’t want it. That’s why you left, right? Or have you changed your mind now that everything is a fucking mess?”

It’s a good question. One I’m still debating, but I try not to let that show.

I didn’t want to be the Council president when it was first offered to me years ago, and I certainly shouldn’t want it now. Not when the House has fallen into chaos and someone needs to redraw the line.

Not when I’m so close to finally getting my hands on Gideon Lancaster.

And yet, that’s the very reason I’m even considering it.

For her.

If the Council is the hand that moves the chess pieces, then becoming one of them is the only way to control the game. If I don’t accept that role, who will? And what will that mean for Patience?

I’m not the first person to consider using her against her family, and I won’t be the last.

“My reasons aren’t up for discussion” is all I offer in explanation.

“You have something you’re trying to protect?” Quinn guesses; it’s the downside of him knowing me for too many years. “I didn’t realize you were keeping secrets. But I guess I now understand why you’ve been in LA.”

I ignore that. “When I make a decision, you’ll know it.”

“You don’t just get to decide because Declan wants you in the position to further his interests. You turned it down once years ago, so now it goes to a vote. Who says you’ll win?” He eyeshis men across the room. “You left. Your loyalty is running thin here.”

“Is it?” I smirk, glancing at Quinn’s men.

They’re watching us, waiting for an order. And Quinn is arrogant enough to think that order will come from him. Which is why I feel the need to remind him that it doesn’t matter how long I’ve been gone. These men are an extension of the House—not him. AndIam the House, whether I’ve accepted it or not.

I glance around the room and nod once. At that, all the men turn their backs on our conversation, giving us privacy. Quinn’s eyes widen, and color drains from his cheeks.

“Power is an interesting thing, Quinn. Men chase it with money, ego, influence. But do you know what works better than any of that?”

He swallows hard, shaking his head.

“Respect.” I take a sip of my drink, looking out at the room. “That can’t be bought or bargained. That is earned, and it’s the reason my family’s name has continued to hold the highest position in Sigma House since the House first expanded outside of Bristal. It’s also why I can reclaim my role at any moment I choose. While you and the others worry yourselves with menial power and political control, my bloodline has only ever cared about one thing—the House. The whole. We’ve been hated for it, and we’ve been revered for it—depending on what side of the fence you’re on. But it is a fact. So you can ramble about a vote all night, but we both know it’s irrelevant.” Lifting my chin, I raise my voice. “Turn.”

All the men in the room turn back around to face us at that simple order. They likely heard the entire conversation in this small room. Having them look away wasn’t about privacy; it was to make a statement.

Quinn swallows hard, setting his drink on the bar. “Why are you here then?”

“Don’t worry. If I wanted a bullet in your head, you’d already be halfway dismembered in the kitchen.” I spin to face the bar once more, and he follows suit. “I’m here because, like you said, we were friends once. I’d like to think the loyalty we shared on these stools still stands. Pissing contest aside.”

“Of course.” Quinn nods. “What do you need from me?”

“Information.”

“Just give me a name.”

“Patience Lancaster.”

“Gideon’s daughter?” He chuckles. “Rumor is you already have her in LA to piss off Gideon. What else could you ask for?”

My jaw tightens, and my gaze drifts.

“I see.” Quinn snickers. “You’re planning to push the family harder than just hanging her over his head, aren’t you?”

That was the plan, now… I don’t know what I’m doing.

“I thought Gideon came out clean in this mess?” Quinn’s eyebrows pinch. “Was he hiding something?”