“Nope,” I said, head shaking. “At least not that I can see from my surveillance. I guess she could be having secret whispered conversations here and there, but I doubt it. It really seems like she’s just here for the degree.”
“Huh. That’s a surprise.” He took his refilled mug from me. “But it’s good news. The last thing the Club needs is a massive media firestorm sparked by one of us being actively investigated for murder.”
I raised a brow. “Kinda funny to say that, given what we do as Reapers.”
He rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean,” he said. He took a sip, and then his expression turned serious. “Speaking of Reaper responsibilities… have you picked your girl for the Selection yet? The deadline’s only a few days away.”
“I’m considering my options,” I said carefully. “There are a lot of them, obviously.”
“Remember, you’re supposed to pick the best candidate. Not just a woman you want to fuck,” he said, his face settling into a grim expression. “You know how things can go wrong when a man chooses based on his dick. Or his heart.”
“I know. That’s why I’m thinking about it so carefully.”
He dipped his chin in a curt nod. “Good. I’m looking forward to seeing who you pick.”
I turned back to the other counter to grab my coffee, hiding the smile tugging at my lips. Roman thought I needed more time to decide. More time to find the perfect candidate. But I didn’t need it.
I knew exactly whose name I was putting on the List.
20
Julian
The Council chamberhadn't changed since the last time I was summoned here.
Still the same oppressive darkness, lit only by sconces mounted on stone walls. Still the same massive table carved from a single slab of black marble, its surface inlaid with the Dionysus symbol in gold. Still the same eight high-backed chairs arranged in a semicircle, positioned so that whoever stood before them felt appropriately small.
I wasn't small. But I knew how to play the game.
The eight Council members sat in shadow, their faces barely visible despite the flickering firelight. I recognized them anyway, because I'd grown up with these men. Attended their dinner parties. Listened to their lectures about legacy and power and what it meant to be born into the Dionysus brotherhood.
My father sat in the center chair, his posture rigid, hands folded on the table before him. To his right was my uncle Damien, looking as severe as ever. The other six Council members—Rockwell, Prentice, Pontellier, Marsden, Wellington, and Bellamy—completed the semicircle.
None of them looked particularly pleased to see me.
“Julian.” My father's voice echoed through the chamber, cold and formal. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
As if I'd had a choice.
“Of course,” I said, keeping my tone respectful. Neutral.
“I assume you know why you're here,” Damien said, leaning forward slightly. The firelight caught the sharp planes of his face, making him look almost skeletal.
“I have an idea, yeah.”
“The List was due last night,” my father said. “All Reapers were required to submit their selections for this year's hunt by midnight. You submitted yours at 11:47 PM.”
Thirteen minutes to spare. I'd cut it closer than I should have, but I wanted to be sure. Wanted to think through every possible angle before I committed.
“That sounds right.”
“Violet Jayne Calloway.” Rockwell spoke for the first time, her name sounding like an accusation on his lips. “That'swho you chose.”
“Yes, sir.”
A heavy silence fell over the chamber. I could feel the Council’s collective displeasure radiating toward me like heat.
“Explain yourself,” my father said. There was steel beneath the calm surface of his voice. “Explain why you thought it was appropriate to put Calista Hoffman's sister on the Selection List.”
