Page 326 of Knox Academy Omnibus
“I found out that I’m a double blood line for a secret society. The first ever to exist – or maybe I should say the first to survive – and in the rules, that person will take over the entire Order. My first born will be the legacy to take my position and so on. My position can never be taken back or away from me. There are some ancient rules, and basically it has been run by men since it started, so they’re not exactly welcoming me with open arms. My first agenda was to abolish the no women rule. And I have to initiate some women. I want your help.”
“Holy shit, that is a lot to take in! Who else is in this secret society? I’m presuming all your boyfriends?” I nod.
“And Baxter, Monty, Jasper and Frost.”
“Jasper?” she whispers, looking crestfallen.
“Yes. Now hopefully his need for secrets makes sense to you. Once you’re officially in, you can talk to him about it, but not before. You will need to be an official member before he’s allowed to tell you anything. It’s the rules he has to follow or an execution team could be sent after him.”
“Execution team,” she parrots. I can tell she’s in shock, so I take her hand in mine and give it a gentle squeeze.
Again, I find myself nodding. “Like I said, once you’re in, you’re in. The only way out is in a wooden box.”
“Shit, well I guess I’m in, so long as I can pass that test.”
“You will pass, I’ll make sure of it. But we need to go and meet Baxter. I’ve finally tracked him down, and he wants to meet this morning. He likes to hide in the shadows, so I guess we’d better go get coffee and then find him.”
He has a dingy ass shack just outside the school boundary and I’m sure that is where he’ll be.
We both stand, and Elsie grabs my hand and pulls me into a hug. She doesn’t say anything and holds me tight, until the door flies open and we pull apart. Adrianne is standing in the doorway looking between us.
“Um, sorry boss but I was summoned. If I’m interrupting, I can wait outside.”
“No need, we’re heading out now. So let’s go.”
We all exit the room, and Elsie glances over at Jasper. She turns away quickly and her and Adrianne walk ahead of us. Jasper falls back with me.
“What was all that about?” he asks.
“Elsie’s in.”
“Do you think that’s wise? She’ll never pass initiation.”
“Are you questioning my authority?” I frown at him and he quickly shakes his head.
“Good.”
I speed up to catch up with the girls. We end up in the cafeteria and get our coffees and Elsie grabs a juice.
“Where are we meeting the sinfully sexy man meat?” Adrianne asks, and I snort. Baxter isn’t going to like that I’m bringing her but tough shit, this is his punishment for disappearing on me.
I fill her in on where we’re going and we all head off. It doesn’t take us that long to find the damn shack. Jasper heads up the stairs and pushes the door open before motioning for us to come up. Baxter is leaning against a wall, and he takes in everyone with a look of confusion, but doesn’t say anything about them. He instead looks at Jasper.
“Wait outside and make sure the area is secure.”
Jasper nods and leaves.
We all take a seat on the dusty chairs. There isn’t much else in here besides them and a table. Baxter joins us and lumps a pile of folders onto the table in front of me.
“Let’s get this done because I have places to be and, honestly, better shit to do.”
Adrianne coughs suddenly, choking on her saliva or something. She’s obviously shocked by Baxter being his usual delightful, lovely self. Elsie is used to him and just smiles.
“You can’t speak to her like that, you know who she is,” Adrianne stage whispers in fear, like I’m not sitting right there able to hear her. It’s kind of cute that she wants to protect and warn him like that. I snort.
“You do realise you’re not an official member yet?” he snaps at Adrianne. “I could kill you and there would be no repercussions. I’ve been feeling super stabby lately and wouldn’t lose any sleep over your brother being left with no family.”
“Baxter,” I chastise. “That’s a horrible thing to say. Let’s focus on what we’re here to do.”
