“Nope.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket. As I pull it out, I drop my voice to a stern reply. “Come to the meeting.”
He takes a bite of pizza that looks as if it’s been there for a week. Chewing slowly, he mumbles, “Nope.”
“Fine, bitch.” I stand and head for the door. “Are you at least going to help us get some points on Thursday?”
He locks in on the monitor in front of him. “Nope. And neither will Olivia.”
I undo his twelve locks by muscle memory. “If we lose, it’s your fault.”
“’Kay.”
Shutting the door behind me, I chuckle under my breath as I finally check my phone.
Shit.
I’m scheduled to meet the new head of Northview University tomorrow. President Damon. Everything about her, from the rumors to the photos, screamsdangerous.Powerful. Someone who won’t be impressed by grades I didn’t earn.
No name.
No legacy.
No money.
The cards are stacked against me, as usual. But I know how to win over people like her: Do the jobs nobody else is willing to do. That’s how I’ve survived every system so far.
After a shower, food, and lounging in my room, with the Stallions game playing on my laptop, I feel good. Almost bold enough to text Scout. Thumbs hover over the screen, her number sitting at the top. A hint of that freedom from two nights ago lingers in the back of my mind.
But I don’t hit send.
Because I have no idea what to say to her. I’m terrified I’ll get it wrong.
Scout scares me.
The day gets busy. Handling issues, emails, and phone calls I don’t want to make.
That evening, I snap into winning mode. We took Wicked Wednesday and the guys taste victory. They want another.
Every face of my brothers in front of me grows determined and quiet. I’ve been blessed with the ability to call a room to attention without ever saying a word.
“Thriller Thursday,” I begin, hands clasped behind my back. “Four days out. For the freshmen”—my gaze sweeps the row of nervous faces—“remember, you can tank this entire fraternity if you screw around.”
Beckham Locke raises his hand, and it makes me grind my molars.
“Just ask your question, initiate,” Nicky snaps at him.
I don’t know how many times we’ve told him.
“Cat-and-mouse game, right?” He clears his throat like he’s nervous. “But in the dark?”
“The event takes place in Sanguine Manor next door under the full moon?—”
“Fidelitas vindicta!”
“ForVengracurus!”
The brothers roar the chant, fists pounding tables. It’s our sacred moon phase. One for every god for the three fraternities and three sororities here at NU.
