Total pages in book: 266
Estimated words: 250787 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1254(@200wpm)___ 1003(@250wpm)___ 836(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 250787 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1254(@200wpm)___ 1003(@250wpm)___ 836(@300wpm)
“Lords,” a man calls out, and I swallow against the rope tied around my neck.
He stands on the side of a firepit that has four branding irons in it. They’re to mark us. Remind us for the rest of our lives who we are and where we belong. The Lords will own us as if they already don’t.
“Today is the day that you take your oath. And with that oath comes great responsibility.” He speaks louder than he needs to in order for his voice to carry to the Lords so the ones standing on the balconies can hear him.
They’re not wearing their cloaks and masks today. They get to be seen as they welcome their new members to the society. We’ve earned our place at their table. I’d rather starve.
“As a Spade brother, you will be the ones who must punish those who disobey their oath. You will show them that we do not take our life for granted. You are their jury and executioner. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir,” the four of us say in unison.
I should be glad I’ve made it this far. “It’s an honor to serve the Lords,” my father told me once, and I couldn’t understand why I didn’t share his enthusiasm.
The Lord nods and steps away from the firepit. The fire rages, and the smoke clouds around us, choking me almost as much as the rope secured around my neck.
My father steps in front of me, and I hate that a part of me has accomplished this much. “Haidyn Jamison Reeves, you have completed all your trials of initiation. Do you wish to proceed?”
Fuck no! But as I stand surrounded by my brothers, I answer, “I do, Father.” I won’t leave them. We’re in this together. I take this oath for them and no one else.
His jaw is tight, and his chest bowed. “A Lord must be willing to go above and beyond for his title. He must show strength and have what it takes. If you fail your position as a Lord, your brother will take what you earned.”
Dying at the hands of one of my brothers would be an honor that I know I won’t deserve.
He turns and walks over to the firepit. I take the time to try and readjust myself in the tight ropes. Fuck, they’re itchy, and the sun has me sweating so bad that it’s making the rope burn.
Picking up a brand from the firepit, he turns back to me. “Gag him.” He orders.
I open my mouth, knowing what’s coming as someone pushes something rubber into my mouth from behind me. I bite down on it, getting ready for the inevitable. There’s no going back after this. Not like that was ever an option.
“Haidyn Jamison Reeves.” The bastard actually smiles as if he’s proud of me. Like I’m a son he wants to claim. “Son…” He nods once. “Welcome to the Lords. For you shall reap the benefits of your sacrifice.” Then, like a man willing to sacrifice his only heir for his own gain, he places the hot brand into my sweaty chest, giving me something that will remain on my skin until I rot in a shallow grave.
FIVE
ANNABELLE
INITIATION
ONE OF THEM
Junior year at Barrington University
They say we live in a man’s world. That if you’re a woman, all you have going for you is what’s between your legs.
I was born into a secret society that isn’t any different. Even more so, really. The women are used and tossed around like we mean nothing. While the men are praised for knowing how to use their dicks.
It’s sickening.
I’m not saying I’m out trying to change the world; I’m just trying to change mine. I want to know that kind of power. I want to have women and men fear me. Is it too much to ask that I get a fair chance to prove I can be useful other than in the bedroom?
The Lords have given me the chance. My mother told me not to waste it because I won’t be given another one. Mistakes aren’t tolerated in our world. If you screw up, you’re dead. Life is too short to second-guess yourself. Know your worth and make others see it.
That’s what I’m doing.
I’m sitting with a hood over my head, trying to calm my heavy breathing. I have to remind myself that if a Lord can do this, so can I.
This is what the Lords do to you—test you. I’m not fucking weak. I’m a woman who can take on anyone or anything, anywhere.
My hands are zip-tied behind my back. I can no longer feel my fingers.
Someone yanks the hood from my head. I try to blow the hair from my face so I can see, but the back of my neck is grabbed. I’m pushed forward, doubled over where I sit, and the zip tie cut. The hand fists my hair, causing me to cry out as I’m yanked to my feet and shoved forward.