“If you have any hesitations, perhaps the Brotherhood isn’t for you. Evidence of your initiation is mandatory, either with an eyewitness account or via video. Any questions?”
The guy next to me is as pale as a ghost. He stands and rushes out of the room with a stuttered apology. “I-I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”
Gentry nods, as if he was expecting that outcome. “Anyone else?”
No one else defects.
“Take these.” We’re handed masks that will keep us anonymous as an extra precaution. “You have until midnight. We’ll be waiting here.”
I pull out my phone and get to work. She hasn’t blocked me on socials yet, and with her public settings, it’s easy enough to figure out where she is tonight. Out at some club, drunk with her friends, just like every other Friday night. Honestly, I can’t believe I ever found her wild, slutty behavior attractive.
Walking back to my car, I’m surprised to hear my name called in the parking lot. “Hey, Gabriel!”
I turn around to find three other initiates around my age: Brandon, Thomas, and Theo. “You got a girl in mind?”
I nod, resolute. “Yeah.”
“Can we tag along? In case she’s got friends?”
I bark a laugh. Amanda’s friends are part of the reason we broke up in the first place. They never liked me, and they weren’t subtle about it, either. “Hop in.”
We pile into my car and drive to the bar where they’re at. Once inside, I spot her almost immediately in the center of the dance floor. I make my way across the room, and she’s so drunk she doesn’t even object when she realizes I’m there. “Oh my god, Gabe! How are you?”
She’s hanging all over me, like we’re old pals or some shit. Apparently she forgot that she cheated on me and then dumped my ass. “Hey, Mandy. Can I buy you a drink?”
She gives me a glassy-eyed smile. “As long as you promise there are no hard feelings between us.”
There won’t be after tonight,I think. “Promise.”
Several rounds of shots later, we—along with the guys and Amanda’s friends—all walk out together. My ex is so drunk she’s practically passed out standing up. Her friends insist on calling her a ride, but I assure them she’ll get home safe. I’m a man of word, after all.
After that, it’s all too easy. We set up the camera and do what we need to do to ensure our future as brothers. Amanda’s so far gone she barely even protests.
Once we’re done, I make good on my promise and drop her off at home, content to never see her face again.
We return to the meeting hall and show Gentry and the others the video. The group of brothers surrounds us, shaking our hands and offering their congratulations.
“Welcome to the Brotherhood.”
We’re branded on our chests right above our hearts, a small “B>” to symbolize our greatest tenet. I barely feel it, barely smell the burning of my own flesh.
We share celebratory drinks as my brothers recount our evening. Already, words likelegendaryare used to describe my actions tonight. Already, they see me as someone to revere.
The drive home is a blur.
I puke my guts out, coming to terms with the choices I’ve made to earn my place.To belong.
It will all be worth it.
Ithasto be worth it.
There’s no going back now.
Maverick
13 Years Ago
“Grievances against a fellow brother shall be addressed promptly and directly. If the grievance remains unresolved, the issue shall be escalated to the next highest lord in the region.”—THE ARTICLES OF BROTHERHOOD, N.A.L. 1 § 49
