Page 70 of Revere

“Hey, Violet,” I call out to her as they start to walk away.

She pauses, glancing over her shoulder.

“I think I’m hungry after all.” I slap my laptop closed and stand.

I’ve spent so long stuck in one spot, not moving. Scared what it would mean if I did the wrong thing or let my guard down. But last night, that’s exactly what I did. I followed my heart, and I survived.

So even if I’m going to be eating lunch with Kole, at least I’m doing something. I’m moving forward, and I’m living my life.

24

SUBTLETY IS A FORM OF ART

JACOB

“You knowhow I feel about meeting on campus.” I lean back in my chair when Anson and Derek step into my office, closing the door behind them.

Anson smirks, brushing his dark-red hair off his face. “The great Sigma Sin interrogator masquerading around as the respectable professor. You know I can’t pass up the opportunity to see you pretending you’re honorable.”

He drops into the seat beside Derek.

“Subtlety is a form of art.” I tap my thumb on the arm of my chair. “Maybe it would do you some good to learn that.”

Anson shrugs. “We both know I’m better when I’m being direct.”

I’ve known Anson and Derek since my second year of college, when they pledged Sigma House. I wouldn’t call them friends, but we’ve always shared a common goal to protect the fraternity. Like me, they prefer to operate on the sidelines, taking care of the dirty work and avoiding the political games.

It’s why I reached out to them after Declan approached me with information on Gideon a few months ago. I knew they’djump at the opportunity to help, as they’ve never shied away from an excuse to spill traitor blood.

The problem is, when I initially reached out, all I saw was vengeance. The situation wasn’t as delicate, and my intentions with Patience weren’t as complicated.

“I have class in less than an hour.” I hurry them along, since I don’t like conducting House business on campus. “Talk fast.”

“You were more fun back in college.” Anson shakes his head, resting his forearms on my desk. “Word in Bristal is that Gideon is making moves. With his son out of Montgomery, he’s trying to position a Lancaster to lead the Council.”

“Declan and Quinn won’t let that happen.” I shake my head. “And Alex doesn’t want it.”

“How do you know what he does or doesn’t want? He’s been meeting with his father since he got out. They could be working against us. That mute psycho?—”

“Don’t.” I grip the arm of my chair, my eyes narrowing.

“What’s your deal with that fucking kid? You’ve been protective of him since his trial went sideways. Are you forgetting he’s just an extension of his father?” Derek’s eyes darken.

“Leave the Lancasters to me.” I don’t bother answering his question because then I’d have to reveal too much.

To go down that rabbit hole myself and admit why I have any sympathy for Alex Lancaster.

The truth is, I feel guilty.

As the one who administered his trial, it was on me to set the limits. To push him to a breaking point but to pull back as needed. Except, I got played. Someone called me away to gain access to Alex, and in my absence, he was nearly killed. It’s my fault for leaving that room.

The core of the House is to protect its members. When that foundation breaks, we all do. As someone who has experiencedthe failings of the House firsthand, I can’t help relating to what Alex has been through.

We bear different scars but similar damage.

“Well, something needs to be done before Gideon does something that fucks us all.” Anson leans back in his chair. “If you aren’t going to act, then why did you bring us in? I’m tempted to take care of the matter myself. Hell, maybe I’m done hiding in the shadows. There’s a presidential seat up for grabs; maybe I’ll take it.”

“We both know you’re better at burying bodies than playing politics, Anson. Don’t get in over your head.”