Page 90 of Vexatious Queen

I snorted. “We both know that there are different layers. Dean Henry is the last resort, but it’s the students, or specifically the student leaders, who truly keep control. I’ve had a lot going on this last year, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve let some things slip. Including what happened to your friend.”

He looked down and then to Blake, who he obviously trusted.

“You can speak freely,” Blake said.

“Sawyer is trying really hard, and that fucker Trent is still sniffing around. But she’s not the only one.”

“Do you know who he is working for?”

Camden shook his head.

“I thought he was just doing it himself.”

“No, he’ll have a supplier and someone he answers to. He seems like a low-level pusher, trying to make a mark,” I said, sitting on the edge of the desk.

“So, what are you going to do,” Camden asked.

“That depends on you.”

“Me? Why me?”

“What would you do to protect a friend?”

A fire lit inside of him that I could see burning in his blue eyes.

“I’d kill for a friend, and I don’t care if it landed me in jail for the rest of my life.”

“Well, that’s not very smart,” I said with a smile.

He clenched his fists.

“It’s far better to kill them and never end up in jail.”

Camden’s brows knit together at my comment. I pushed away from the desk and walked over to the kid that Blake had pegged as the next generation’s leader, and so far…he was right.

“Once the school year ends, I’m gone. So are Myles, Blake, and everyone else who have been keeping order and ensuring that people like Trent don’t flourish.”

“No offense,” Camden said, and I knew what was coming next. “But aren’t you like the son of some mafia guy who killed a bunch of people?”

“I am. And I hear you’re the son of a man who tried to gut you and left you to die.”

Camden flinched.

“Does that make you your father?”

“Point taken.”

“Look, one thing has always remained the same here. Wayward is a safe place, no matter who our parents are. This school is our home, your home, your friend’s home, and rules are a must to maintain peace. It was like that before I became king, and it will be that way once I leave.”

“So, what does this have to do with me?”

“Blake thinks you have what it takes to rule.”

“Me?”

Camden laughed and looked at our three very serious expressions.

“Oh, you’re fucking serious. No…not a chance. I don’t want to rule shit. I just want to survive and get the hell out of here.”