Gabby’s talked with her Adept “a few times”, and I’ve gotnothing? Not even an invite to this Syndicate partyspecificallyfor Adepts and their Acolytes?
“Evie, I’m sure your Adept just forgot to mention it. Remember, these people are all high-ranking members of the Syndicate. Like, they've got shit to do, right?”
“Oh, for sure,” I murmur, frowning. “Hey, what’s the address of that place?”
She rattles off the ritzy address and I quickly type it into my laptop.
“Hey, I know,” she says brightly. “Why don’t we meet up before for a drink or something and go together?”
I frown. “Don't you think I should wait for my Adept to get in contact first?”
“Eh,” she says casually. “Again, these people arebusy, girl. I say if they reach out, great. If not, just show up. They’ll probably be relieved when they see you because they'll realize they forgot to give you the details.”
MyAdept?
Highly debatable. But I also didn’t go through what I went through the other night to quit now, just because Vaughn sucks at texting.
A grin spreads over my face. “Meeting up before soundsgreat.”
Me
How come I wasn’t invited to the Syndicate party on Saturday?
Okay,I cracked. It’s been three days since I talked to Gabby, which meanseightdays since the initiation. And I still hadn’t heard a word from Vaughn.
I mean, purely from an administrative standpoint… This isn’t just any Adept. He’s the freakingMarquis. I get that he’s probably insanely busy, but surely he could have had an assistant message me about Saturday?
So earlier tonight, after rehearsal, when I saw Val’s phone lying open on the side of the stage, Imayhave grabbed his brother’s personal cellphone number.
I stare at the “Read” notification next to my text. Which means he’s seen it but has chosen not to respond.
Me
Hi
Me
Hellooo? I know you’re there.
Those are both “read”, too. I sigh, staring at the screen as I lie back in bed. Finally, I see the three dots appear.
Vaughn
Getting my personal number from Val was a poor judgment call.
I shiver, shaken at how easily he knew that. Then I remind myself that there’s logically only so many ways Icouldhave gotten his number, especially since he's a ghost online.
Me
I just want to know what I’m supposed to do now.
Vaughn
What you should do is use that safe word.
Me
??
