“You’re one paranoid fuck,” Declan says to Xavier. “But I don’t blame you.”
“Talk shit if you want, but I don’t see you drinking anything, fucker.”
The other recruit grins. “I’m not a fan of liquor. I’m more of a beer guy.”
June sighs. “So, is this going to be the theme of the night? You guys jerking each other’s chains?”
“Pretty much,” Declan says. “It’s why we love each other.”
Xavier shakes his head, his lips twitching.
I smile and lean into Xavier’s side. He squeezes my neck, the gentle pressure comforting. The evening progresses without incident, and I find myself liking Declan a little more. June certainly enjoys his company, which is good. She deserves a guy who’ll treat her well. Knowing what I do about the Order,I wonder if he broke up with June to keep her away from the secret society.
A high-pitched tinkling noise hits the air, the sound reverberating throughout the large room. A hush falls over the crowd. Everyone’s gaze shifts to the dais where the musicians were all evening, but they are nowhere to be found.
A masked man, who I assume is one of the leaders, stands there with his gaze sharp, tapping his signet ring against the glass tumbler in his hand.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he says. His voice is smooth and commanding. “Thank you for attending the Sanguine Solstice. This event is to honor the recruits that are one step closer to becoming full-fledged members of our esteemed society. The blood moon has reached its peak, appearing redder than ever. Like the rising of the moon, we encourage you to rise up and conquer. To take what’s yours.”
A few men in the crowd nod. The leader lifts his glass and a chorus of “Mors solum initium” follows. I look at Xavier.
“What does that mean?”
“‘Death is only the beginning.’”
I press my lips together to stop myself from saying how fucked up that is.
The leader steps from the dais, and the entire atmosphere shifts. People move about the room, the energy charged with anticipation. Xavier stiffens beside me, his fingers digging into the back of my neck.
“What’s happening?” I ask.
He doesn’t answer me as the entire ballroom is plunged into darkness. One by one torches are lit, creating enough light to see, but only a few feet in front of you. Music swells, a seductive and forlorn sound, a mixture of violins and the beat of a drum. It’s ominous and hauntingly beautiful.
My pulse races, and my stomach tightens. Is this another ritual?
A man grabs a woman from behind, his large hands spanning her waist. The movement is sudden and unexpected. She whimpers, her mouth falling open in a soundless scream. The man yanks her dress down, exposing her breast, and pinches her nipple. The woman’s eyes roll into the back of her head, and her body relaxes, her expression blissful.
My gaze darts from left to right, watching as men and women come together, all of them removing their clothes except for our small group.
“What the fuck is happening?” I ask.
Xavier leans down and presses his mouth to my ear. His breath is warm, causing a shiver to race down my spine. “The blood moon is a symbol of power, but also virility.”
“So everyone is just going to what? Have sex all over the place?”
He nods, his expression tense. “That’s the idea.”
“Will you and me…” I press my lips together, unable to finish my sentence.
“That’s what’s expected of me, to take what’s mine.”
Chapter 22
XAVIER
Iscowl at Declan. “I told you they weren’t just fucking rumors.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” he mutters.
