The Fortunates (Unfortunate #2) - Skyla Madi Page 0,32

serving a greater purpose.”

Kade rubs his hands over my shoulders and down my back. “You’re under a lot of stress, Nine. I know this change is really difficult for you, but—”

I laugh and it’s a laugh that hides a sob. My eyes fill with tears, but I don’t let them fall. “Don’t make me feel crazy, Kaden. I’m not crazy.”

He cups my face in his large hands, planting quick, soft kisses on my nose. “I know. I know you’re not crazy.”

He pulls me into a hug, swallowing me up in his large arms.

“We can talk. After this is over, I promise we can have an in-depth discussion. I’ll listen to everything you have to say, but not here. It’s dangerous here.”

I nod against his chest, messing my hair. I wish I could stay like this forever, tucked away. I close my eyes and wrap my arms around Kade’s waist. This is nice. This is safe.

“Anna!”

My heart sinks into my non-existent shoes and, for the second time tonight, Kade’s body tightens against mine as Vince’s voice echoes around us.

So much for safe.

“Anna, come here.”

Kade releases me and I lean away from him, peering curiously over the banister and onto the foyer. There is no music, no chatter, and no dancing. Excitement crackles through the air, inflicting a heavy bout of nausea onto me. The last time I felt an atmosphere like this, an Unfortunate was forcing his fingers inside of me—by Vince’s instruction.

My gaze locks with Vince’s and I’m met with that same cruel, wry smile. To his left, Elizabeth stands tall, her slim hands planted firmly on her hips.

“Time for your initiation,” he calls out, lifting a handgun above his head.

An outrageously loud applause explodes around the room, sending my pulse sky-rocketing.

I glance at Kade over my shoulder and he tilts his head, his face sympathetic and apologetic. Why?

Cautiously, I move toward the staircase and descend it as calmly as I can. Kade is close behind me, his hand occasionally brushing against my spine. Fortunates part, creating an obstruction-free path to Vince, who refuses to drop the smug look off of his face.

Five metres away, I see it. The young Unfortunate in front of him. He sits on his ankles, his bare knees pressing against the cold floor. My breath hitches and my heart rips in half. Clenching my jaw, I don’t let my pain etch onto my face. I can’t. Not here.

Vince beams widely, extending the handle of the gun in my direction. “I want you to shoot the Unfortunate.”

I flinch, taking a minute step back. “What did he do?”

Vince scoffs with a glance around the room.

“What did he do?” He chuckles, drawing the snicker of a few others. “That’s cute.”

Kade moves in behind me, planting a firm, comforting hand on my hip. It does nothing to calm the cataclysmic storm inside me.

“He was born, Anna.” Vince steps close and holds out the gun. “We need to make sure you understand the way the food chain works around here.”

I shake my head and a collective gasp echoes around the room. He’s out of his mind. I’m not shooting anyone and definitely not for entertainment.

“I don’t have to listen to you,” I say, my voice shaking.

“Me? No, but you will prove that you’re on our side by killing this Unfortunate.”

Killing an innocent places me on their side? Surely they can see that puts them so clearly on the wrong side?

“This exercise has no merit, Vincent. It doesn’t prove anything,” Kade protests, his booming voice sending a tremble through my knees.

“Oh, but it does, and it’s been approved by three of the four families. She has no option.”

“You didn’t consult me.”

“I didn’t have to. Majority rules. We didn’t need a unanimous decision. You’re outvoted.”

Kade falls silent beside me, but the grip he has on my hip is anything but placid. Sauntering closer, Vince snatches my wrist and slaps the heavy gun into my palm. I cave to the pressure, to the eyes glued on my every move, and close my hand around the handle. It’s heavy and warm…a whole lot of death and sadness packed into one small metal weapon.

The Fortunates watch me with their eager stares, waiting for blood to be spilled. Tears sting my eyes as I finally drag my gaze to the Unfortunate on his knees.

He doesn’t look back at me. He’s not allowed to. We grew up in the same hell, went through the same motions, and experienced the same fear, but I’m no longer allowed to