Page 14 of Rite of Unity

I’d go see him again soon.

My gaze drifted to her file again.Choose Corrine.There’s no point in even looking in that file.

I flipped the folder open and scanned the top line.

“Elias, darling, your father wants to see you.”

I looked up.“Okay, Mom.I’ll be right there.”

“Don’t make him wait, okay?He’s in one of his moods.”

I stood, sliding the folder closed, and set my fork down.

“Of course.”

Outside August Hale’s office, a line of advisors and counselors stood rigidly.Inside, a glass shattered.They watched me approach, gazes wary and drawn.

I pushed the door to his office wide and stepped inside.My father didn’t approve of men who cowered or showed fear.Walk like a man.Accept your decisions with pride.If you fuck up, own it.I'd been practicing that walk my whole life.

I stood, shoulders squared, avoiding the woman on her knees cleaning up bits of glass with her bare hands.

“You’ve been home from college a month.”August’s sharp eyes locked on mine.They were the same shade of blue as mine, so pale they were almost white in the light.I knew what that stare felt like.What it could do to a person.That was why I was careful to never look at anyone the way he did.

“Do you think you can sit on your ass and wait for me to die?You need a job.A profession.You need to get your hands dirty.”

“I’m preparing for the Rite, Father.”

“Don’t give me that shit.You think a man can’t choose a wife and have a job at the same time?What do you even have to do for it?”His lip curled.“Read a few files, go on a few dates and smile for the camera.”

I opened my mouth, but he barreled on.

“Go make some arrests.Protect our great nation.I want you in the field first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Field agent?”I asked incredulously."That's a woman’s—"

“That’s your job this week.Prove you have balls and I’ll give you something better to do next week.”

“Fath—”

“Get out of my office.”

I swallowed, but August’s gaze had dipped to the woman cradling broken glass between red-slicked fingers.

“Yes sir.”

His sharp eyes narrowed on me once more.“The people are getting antsy.You think perfect hair and a pretty smile are enough to convince them you can take my place one day?”

“And putting me in a woman’s position is going to make me look strong?”I crossed my arms over my chest.

“We aren’t going to frame it that way.Gideon Charles is coming in personally to film your Rite.He’s going to blow this whole thing up.By the time we’re finished, the nation will be cheering your name.But right now, you need to show them you’re tough.That you enforce the laws.”He leaned across his desk.“Make some arrests.Understand?”

Another performance.Another role August had written for me.My jaw tightened, but this wasn’t a battle worth fighting.I dipped my chin.

“Good.Go see your mother.She’s all worked up about your last match.”

I turned.

“Elias.”