“Yes. She’ll have no choice but to accept her defeat. It’s not like she can go against the council,” I reply.
Their collective snorts confirm they think my plan is stupid. Sebastian voices their dissent. “That’s not a plan Wes. You’ve yet to put Sam in her place. Not choosing her isn’t going to be enough. Especially when we still need information from her.”
“It’ll have to be enough for now,” I growl, frustrated at their lack of faith in me.
Before we can discuss my idea further one of my father’s assistants comes into the room.
“Wesley, your father would like to see you before the ceremony starts,” Jerome says. Then, he turns to the rest of the guys, “You four head to the hall. Wesley will be out shortly.” And with that, he exits as quickly as he arrived.
Striding past them I head for the entrance and make one last attempt to convince them I know what I’m doing. “Trust me. I have this figured out.”
* * *
“Just rememberwhat we talked about, Wesley, and there will be no problem,” my dad instructs.
Still not completely sold on this plan, I ask, hoping not to earn his ire, “Is this the only way?”
To my shock, he doesn’t get angry. He looks resigned.
“Wesley, I know I’m not the best father. Fuck, I’m not even an okay father. But understand that while I might be hard on you, it’s for a purpose. So, when I tell you to do this, it’s because I know that in the long run, it will be not only what’s best for you but best for all of you.”
For a solitary moment, I see the dad I remember before Owen was taken. The one who would spin the world on its axis to ensure my well-being. However, as quickly as the look appears, it vanishes.
“You need to do this,” he implores, with no hint of malice or anger in his plea. He adds, “It’s time, let’s get out there,” leaving me to unpack his orders.
Striding down the hall of the estate to meet the guys, my mind tries to run every possible scenario. But, no matter how many different ways I work it in my head, it all boils down to the same conclusion. We’re fucked.
48
ARIAH
The room is silent. Each heir walks to the front of the room.
I still can’t believe Mr. Gra-Sebastian is an heir and Wyatt’s cousin no less.
Mr. Edgewood begins, “The heirs of Edgewood have taken a sacred vow. One that ensures the continuation of the original bloodlines,” pausing as he peers down the length of his nose, surveying the crowd and finding them wanting.
He returns his gaze to the four of us on stage and continues, “It is an honor of the highest regard. Unfortunately, we have lost another girl to the unscrupulous actions of a highly disturbed individual. One that will be dealt with, but the selection stops for no one. Tonight we will see the fifth and final choice made.”
The guys make their way up the stairs, halting next to Wes’s dad.
“Each heir will announce their choice and bestow her with a pin, symbolizing their commitment to the cause.”
If I wasn’t told what to expect, I would’ve thought this whole ordeal was fucking ludicrous. Shit, I still find it crazy, but knowing that Wyatt is the one who picked me makes it an easier pill to swallow.
“Let us begin,” Mr. Edgewood commands.
My palms begin to sweat. I know I said I could handle this, but it doesn’t stop my nerves from feeling frantic.
Lev steps up first and says, “I, Levi Nathaniel Washington, select Summer Elizabeth Anderson.” Leaning down, he places the pin on her dress. She’s looking up at him with dreamy eyes, but he looks about as interested in the situation as an empty shoebox.
Owen steps forward.
“I, Owen Preston Grant, select Megan Anne Brewster.” I grit my teeth and rub at my wrist, to prevent the protest on my tongue. He pins her and then quickly steps out of her reach. Not enough to draw attention, but enough for her to recognize the slight and turn her frosty gaze on me.
Sebastian goes next, selecting Brittany Livingston, who latches onto his arm as if she’s afraid he’ll run.
Wyatt is next and my pulse kicks, galloping in my chest.
