being inside me is hilarious to say the least. Elijah, the man who is an abusive fuck like Midas, steps forward. He runs a palm down his face, and I can tell he's ready to strangle me.
This is what happens when they force kids to marry one another and fuck out in the open. Do they realize that's child pornography?
Yeah, they did it back in the day, but fuck, we've come a long way for their kinks to not get involved now.
Maybe they're all into that shit, and the thought turns my stomach.
"Tasha, after she's clean, I expect you to purify her with the oils."
The pain in my mom's expression actually bothers me. To see that she cares on some level is more painful than her usual disapproval.
"Do you remember how it goes?" Elijah scoffs. "Since you ran on your wedding day."
This is news to me and has me staring at Mom. She cowers behind Elijah and Midas, and I wonder what the fucking story is there.
"Yes, Eli. I'm aware."
"Good. Don't disappoint me again."
Again?
Chapter Thirty-One
Lux
Father didn't bother ask me where I went or why I'd been gone so long, but he did stare at Just, Jordan, and I. If he knew we'd all fucked, he didn't say anything and I'm grateful.
It's insane to think about the fact that I'm into guys, and my father or any other part of the Vestige could kill me in the blink of an eye. Now knowing Cass was with Parris, it almost makes me wonder if that's truly the reason Cass was killed.
I haven't had the chance to speak to Colt about her conversation with Parris. Did he tell her everything?
Colt and I are escorted to the bathing chambers. Separately.
As we saunter down the halls, which somehow changed from the normal decor to a more darkened vibe, I feel uneasy.
I know what's expected.
The wedding of any Emerald goes the same.
Vows.
Blood oath.
Copulation.
It's weird and traditional, but from the oldest time I can think of, the man gets to choose the two members who are witnesses.
Luckily, for both Colt and I, I'm looking for our best interests. In the chamber, there are no cameras, whereas in the room where vows are done, there is a recorder. A man they will pick will literally typewrite the entire exchange, and like the old bastards they are, they’ll file it in a ledger.
The problem is, the ledger has been missing for fifty years.
Where have the entries been since?
"Scared?" Jordan asks me as we walk back.
"I probably should be since Colt didn't ask for this, but when we think about it, what's safer than her being married to me?"
He nods. "I agree. She's out options here, and it's not entirely fair to her."
"When has life ever been fair to any of us, Jordan?"
"Hurry up," Ten complains. "It's bad enough I've lost the girl, but you two being all buddy-buddy and fucking on the side doesn't help."
"Don't be a sore loser, Tennison. It's unbecoming," Jordan mocks our parents' tones.
He grunts and turns to us both. The hatred in his eyes isn't anything new. Ten isn't like Ross. He can't hide behind fake illusions. When he hurts, it shows. When he's mad, it's there. When he's about to come, it's obvious, though that last one is the funnest to point out.
"Not even sure why I give a fuck," he mutters.
Ten's reaction to the world isn't a positive one. It never has been, but Colt has always been a miracle to him. The way she loved him without questions. She didn't push or prod about his depression or need to be distant. She just fucking loved.
"Because she's worth fighting the entire organization for," I mutter aloud, realizing how true it is. She's worth dying for. She's worth killing for. She's worth taking them to war.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Jordan asks, his face one of pride and curiosity.
"If he is, I'm in," Ten mentions.
Stopping in the hall, I look at them both. "Let's finish what Cassidy started."
They both nod, but it's Ten who speaks. "Blood oath on involvement?"
"That'll be my second one tonight," Jordan muses aloud, showing his sliced palm. "Colt made me make the same promise."
"Seems like our little vamp isn't as lost as we thought," I concur.
Ten's eyes bleed with emotions, triggering the sad part of I’ve buried. "Think she'll ever remember us as we were?" Ten asks, his voice cracking. "You know, before her mind was fucked with?"
Tears prick my eyes. "I thought she was when she