Page 63 of Shadows Within

“Legacy won’t protect them anymore. Tradition is not enough. With the public eye on this case, we need to be more—” Deluca hesitates. “More selective in the future.” Deluca’s response is well versed.

He’s referring to Emily. Her parents went to the press about her death and are demanding answers—ones they’ll never receive.

Deluca looks at me. “And most of all, we need to be careful with who we trust,” he threatens.

I twist my neck to one side as I adjust my shirt.

“Respectfully, as the one who cleans up everyone else’s fucking messes, you don’t need to worry about me.” My sharp eyes lands on him.

“You need to be careful, Callum. Protection is earned, not given.”

“Glass houses.” A voice I often avoid speaks up from the bar. Holding a drink in his hand, unbothered, he raises his glass at me.

What the hell is he doing here?

Although I try to avoid him, it’s hard when we share the same spaces. I almost ended him four years ago, but money can buy you anything, including protection, in this vile world. I’ve struggled to watch him talk to Scarlett. My teeth clench as I try not to give him the reaction that he wants, but it’s too late, I’m unraveling.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“Just came to show my support to The Society, since I’m also a member.” He reminds me.

Leo looks at me and then back at him.

“Gentlemen.” It’s a warning.

He leans against the wood, his shirt freshly pressed, all to maintain his polished image. He proceeds with caution. Everyone’s eyes are on him.

“We need to remember that our loyalty to The Society comes first. There’s always a bad apple in the basket, sometimes you just need to eliminate it before it rots the entire bunch.”

“And you’ve already been eliminated from her life, I still don’t know what you’re doing here.” My response is quick.

“I told you, I’m here to support The Society, that includes you, Callum.”

“I don’t want anything from you. The only thing I want, is for you to stay away from me and stay away from her.” He knows exactly what I mean. I close my eyes and picture her, lying on the bed, trapped underneath him. I’ll never be free of the memory, just like she’ll never be free of the trauma. Shetrustedhim.

“Are we done here?” I need to get away from him, from all of them.

Leo nods toward the door, motioning for me to follow him. “Yes.”

As we make our way down the hall, he turns to me.

“You need to distance yourself from her, Callum. You need to remember what’s important right now.” Leo’s always been one of the only Highers that I’ve seen eye to eye with—even though he’s sharp and closed off. I can sense that he comes from a place of worry.

“I can’t do that Leo.” It’s the truth, I don’t trust anyone else to protect her the way that I can. Even though she might be better off without me, I’m too fucking selfish to let her go.

His softening gaze holds mine.

“While I will always put The Society first, you do what you need to do. Just don’t trust anyone. Clean up your own messes, Callum.”

He grabs my shoulder and walks back into the parlour. His words stay with me.

Maybe I can let Leo in, just a little.

I can’t help but fixate on why they lethimcome to the meeting. I should’ve asked Leo, but there’s no point—especially with the recent events. Deluca must have brought him as a warning. Leo wouldn’t have had much say in it.

My phone vibrates and I pull it out of my pocket.

Harrison.