Chapter 18
I slammed the passenger door of the SUV and looked up at the clock tower that was a part of the imposing university administration building. Fucking great, we were half an hour late. The clock face mocked me with the evidence that I still didn't have the control I expected over my house. We were late setting off after Cadence failed to reappear downstairs. I sent Ryder upstairs see what the fuck she was up to, and then, seeing her come downstairs with her eyes red and puffy, I could feel my patience wearing thin.
"What the hell took so long?" I demanded, my voice carrying an edge that made it clear I was not in the mood for excuses. Ryder shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips as he said,
"She just needed a moment to pull herself together." I clenched my jaw, fighting the urge to reprimand him for his casual attitude. Cade avoided my gaze, her focus on the ground as she hugged herself tightly. It was obvious she had been crying, and while a small part of me wanted to assure her that she would get used to everything, the larger part, the part that was concerned with maintaining order and control and was fed by the need to see her on her knees for me again, was simply annoyed by the delay.
Cole came around from the driver's side of the car as the crisp morning air nipped at our exposed skin. Ryder slid out from the back seat, his eyes glinting with an unsettling mix of amusement and possessiveness as he extended a hand to help Cadence out. She hesitated briefly before placing her small hand in his, a sight that sent a surge of irritation through me. I glanced at Cole, who watched the interaction unfold with a look that bordered on transfixed. My jaw ticked in annoyance. I was going to have to talk to these guys. This wasn't some fucking cheesy romantic book, the only happy ending in this story would be the one that saw her screaming my name as I buried myself balls deep inside her. My cock twitched at the visual and I swiftly suppressed a groan, adjusting my stance to hide my growing erection. Fuck, I needed to get my shit under control.
"Come on, we're late," I grunted, my voice laced with the frustration that was bubbling beneath the surface. The annoyance wasn’t just directed at them; it was gnawing at me, too. I could feel my own desires growing for Cadence, a complication that I definitely didn’t need.
The group formed a tense procession, walking towards the Administration Building. My frustration only mounted as I observed Ryder, his hand lightly touching the small of Cadence's back, a gesture that was both protective and possessive. Cole kept a cautious distance, but his gaze flicked to Cadence with a frequency that betrayed his growing interest.
This wasn’t part of the plan. Those two were supposed to be cold, calculating, and focused on our collective goal. Not falling for the bait. But I could hardly blame them when my own body reacted so viscerally to Cadence’s presence. The way she moved, the soft curve of her lips, even the damn colour of her eyes, it all conspired to drag me into the same trap. I needed this headache like I needed a bullet in my fucking brain.
I quickly moved up the stairs and in through the main entrance. The echo of our footsteps against the marble floor filled the grand hallway as we made our way towards the headmaster's office. The murmurs of students faded behind us, their whispers a blend of awe and fear. They knew who we were, what we represented. I could feel their eyes on us, on Cadence especially, and it fuelled my irritation. She was ours now, and every gaze that lingered too long felt like a challenge.
As we approached the meeting room, I saw Julia and her father standing outside, deep in conversation with Headmaster Williams and James Killingham. Fucking perfect. Just what we needed. Julia's face was a mask of fury, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of Cadence. Her father, Mr. Latters, stood stoically beside her, his expression measured but no less displeased. Julia’s voice cut through the air like a knife, her words dripping with venom.
"You think you can just waltz in here and take what’s mine? You cheated, you little bitch." Cadence halted, her eyes flashing with anger.
"The fuck I did." She snapped, "I never wanted this. You can bloody well have it." Her voice was steady, but I could see the tremor in her hands. She was standing her ground, and that, despite my annoyance, impressed me. Headmaster Williams interjected, his voice authoritative.
"That’s enough, Julia. The decision has been made. Miss Turner is the Consort, and that is final." Julia's father stepped forward, his voice low but threatening, like the rumble of distant thunder.
"We will be addressing this matter further. If I have to go all the way to the Trivium, I will. This is not over." I watched as Killingham turned sharply to face Latters, his eyes flashing with a cold intensity.
"Have you forgotten who you are speaking to?" His voice gave no room for argument. "I am the Trivium." Latters scoffed, his mouth twisting into a sneer.
"Oh, you think I can’t go over your head? You aren't the top of the triangle you know."
Killingham hissed, "As far as you are concerned, I am." The exchange piqued my interest. This was news to me, and it was clear there was more to the Trivium than I had known. The hierarchical structure of the ancient society was shrouded in mystery, but the thought of there being a power above James was both intriguing and unsettling. Williams stepped in, placing a restraining hand on Latters' shoulder and whispering something in his ear. Whatever it was seemed to appease the slimy old fool, and he backed down, though the tension in his posture remained palpable.
Killingham seemed to notice it too and raised an eyebrow at me. He then gestured for me to step aside. He pulled me a short distance away from the group, his expression serious.
"Logan, what the hell happened? From what I understood, it was Julia who was to be claimed."
"I made the decision, James," I hissed. I really was getting pissed off that people were judging my decisions. "I chose Cadence, and that’s final. Julia may have been in the running, but so were eleven other women." Killingham's eyes seemed to linger on Cadence in a way that unsettled me. I noticed when we had walked in that he seemed startled when he saw her. I wasn't sure I liked the way he was looking at my Consort. It was as if he couldn't believe that of all people, Cadence was the one who had been claimed. There was a glint of scepticism in his eyes, but also something more, a curiosity that made me uneasy. Finally, he nodded, though his eyes held a hint of disbelief.
"Fine. Just make sure this doesn’t blow back on you or the House." I glanced back at Cadence who was standing silently, one arm crossed defensively over her stomach, the sleeve of her jumper pulled down to cover her hand. Her sullen expression told me she was far from happy with the situation, but she wasn’t backing down either. It was a strange mix of defiance and vulnerability, and it stirred something within me I couldn’t quite place.
Ryder was at her side, his hand in hers, even if she clearly wasn't happy about it. He kept whispering something in her ear that made her squirm. I really wanted to know what it was that was making our little Consort blush so much. Cole was standing between them and a furious Julia, who was arguing with her father and shooting daggers at Cadence.
"Don't worry about the House," I said to Killingham. "I have everything under control." He seemed to believe my words, even if I didn't and nodded an acceptance.
"Very well," he said as he looked over at Cadence again. "Nonetheless, I will be keeping a close eye on the situation, if you don't mind." Of course I minded, but nobody said no to the leader of the Trivium Inner Council. I nodded curtly and Killingham turned towards the headmaster.
"Angus, if we are ready," he said formally. "I don't have all day." Headmaster Williams nodded quickly and then abruptly dismissed Julia and her father.
"We will handle this accordingly," his word was final. He then turned to me and the rest of the group.
"Now, if you all will follow me, it’s time to finalise everything." I nodded to Ryder and Cole to lead Cadence into the room behind Williams before following them. I nodded at Latters as I walked past him, not even trying to keep the smug smirk off my face. Killingham followed behind me into the office.
As the door to the office closed behind us, sealing us off from the rest of the world, I felt a mix of satisfaction and unease. This was it. The point of no return. Cadence was ours now, for better or worse.
An hour later and we were done. Of course, Cadence had to argue at every point, but even Williams was quick to remind her that the contract stated that she was already bound to the terms, and that this was just a formality.
Killingham was particularly quiet through most of the meeting, and I noticed his eyes lingering on Cadence more than once. For some reason he didn't seem all too happy about Cadence being here either. I didn't know what his problem was, but I was damn sure going to keep my eye on him, former Covenant Regent or not.
I led the way out of the office and back into the main part of our school confidently, ignoring all the whispers as we walked. Ryder and Cole flanked Cadence behind me in the formation of a triangle around our Consort. As we stepped out into the courtyard, I spotted Melody waiting exactly where I had instructed her to be. Her bubbly demeanour was a stark contrast to the sombre mood that hung over our group. I turned to face Cadence, who was already looking at me with suspicion in her eyes.
"Melody's here to take you shopping," I said, my tone leaving no room for argument. "Ryder will accompany you." As expected, Cadence's expression clouded over with annoyance.
"I don't need a babysitter for shopping," she protested, her words laced with frustration. I felt my jaw clench, my patience wearing thin.
"It's not up for debate, Cadence. Unless you're in class, you can't be seen alone without one of your Regents or an approved chaperone." Her eyes flashed with defiance, and for a moment, I thought she might argue further. "Or we can revisit the colour of your hair again." I made sure my tone was firm even as she glared at me. I knew she was ready to kick off but then her shoulders slumped slightly, a sign of reluctant acceptance. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of victory over our sweet little toy. It felt like each time I bested her, I was that much closer to breaking her.
"Ryder," I said, turning to him. "Make sure she gets everything she needs. And Cadence," I added, my gaze locking with hers, "remember who you represent now. Your appearance reflects on all of us."
"Whatever," she spat and turned towards Melody, who was trying to keep her cheery smile despite the tension between us. I watched as Ryder guided Cadence towards Melody, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. The gesture, seemingly innocent, sent a spike of irritation through me. The quicker I got this silly fascination of his under control the better.
As the trio walked away, I turned to Cole, who was watching the scene with a carefully neutral expression. "Let's go" I said, my voice low. "I have a phone call to make." We headed back to the car and towards Covenant House, my mind already racing with the tasks ahead.
First, I would need to break the news to my father, if Latters hadn't already. I was hoping the offer of taking a job with Ryder should appease his temper. And if it didn't, well that was tough. This was my plan, and I was sure as hell going to follow it through until I had that girl begging for mercy.