as he was about tonight’s meeting. He thought about standing up but decided to wait for Zoe to order him. It would help butter her up.
Zoe reached down to Aiden’s jaw. She stuck her finger under his chin and raised his face to meet hers. As she towered above Aiden, he glanced at her vagina which was poised inches from his nose. The clean-shaven folds covered in white paint. Aiden felt his penis stir, the sexual desires overriding the pangs of fear.
Zoe must have picked up on his glance at her privates. Her smile grew wider. Her confidence shined through. “Your blood is a good sacrifice on behalf of your brothers and sisters.” Zoe gestured to each side. “And, while it is a good sacrifice and an even more meaningful token of your dedication, the blood offering does not constitute loyalty...or trust.”
Aiden’s stomach fluttered with nervousness. He could tell Zoe was building up to something. Something he wasn’t going to enjoy. Because Zoe never allowed people to enjoy. He realized it was a bad decision to come back to The First Cut. Every fiber of his being told him to run. To get away before it was too late.
Yet, he stayed. Aiden wanted to exact his own revenge. And he needed to protect Leah. Running out on her would only further endanger her. She would never want to see him again, if he did something so cowardly.
“You will have to PROVE your loyalty. Before all of us. You must submit to the will of the hive. Every man and every woman is a star. Aiden, you must submit yourself before us. I am divided for love’s sake, for the chance of union. Remain bowed upon one knee and give yourself to The First Cut. Love is the law, love under will.”
Aiden listened to Zoe speak but it sounded as if two, distinct voices spoke out. A few of the things she said were strange, like quoted verses from an ancient poem. He wished to lift his head and see what Zoe was doing above him. Aiden needed to absorb the expressions of his friends, to understand if he was in harm’s way or allowing his subconscious to scare the crap out of him. Aiden was afraid. He fought the urge to scream out in terror and run.
Zoe whispered something. It was soft but meant to be heard by the group around him. The chill tingled the base of his spine and danced up the back of his skull. He knew the second he heard Zoe’s whisper, trouble had again found him. Aiden repeated the word silently in his mind.
“Spencer.”
“SPENCER.”
Zoe whispered over Aiden’s head. Zoe felt the tension skyrocket. She shot a look at Spencer who stood next to her, unflinching.
“Take his blood.”
“Wait a second.” Todd stepped forward. “The kid just handed you a gallon of his fucking blood. What sense does it make to take more?”
Zoe noticed Aiden remained in place, bent on one knee. His teary eyes pleaded for mercy. “It’s okay, Todd. I am ready to serve my master.” Aiden lowered his head.
Zoe was thrilled with Aiden’s conformity. Apparently, he was truthful about doing whatever it took to get back inside The First Cut. She changed her attention to Spencer who stood still.
“What are you waiting for?” She amped up her tone enough to inspire Spencer to action.
Leah chimed in next. “Aiden has drained his own blood for us. And he’s practically crawling around in here on hands and knees. There’s no need to humiliate him anymore.”
“It has nothing to do with humiliation. It has to do with loyalty. I would like to trust Aiden and believe he filled the jug with his own blood. But how do I know he didn’t just squeeze a roast out of his mother’s refrigerator? Did you witness him bleed for us?”
Leah diverted her gaze. Zoe knew she had Leah. Without factual knowledge, nobody could defend Aiden’s loyalty until it was laid bare, before all to witness.
“It’s okay, Leah. I am prepared to do what is needed to prove I am worthy of being a member in good standing.” Aiden spoke with his head downturned.
“There you go. Aiden is okay with it. So why shouldn’t you be?”
“This is crazy. This has gone beyond what is necessary. Don’t make me stop you, Zoe.” Todd pointed a finger at her.
Zoe stole a glance at Ryan. He was beside himself on his allegiance. Zoe was proud of him. Maybe his test was finished for tonight