Chapter 5
Lucas
INITIATION: CEREMONY.
I rested on the floor of the Temptations theater stage, catching my breath from the last routine I had just finished running through. My hair was soaked, sweat beading from my brow as I pulled my shirt over my head and used whatever parts were still dry to wipe away the excess.
With my face pressed into the white cotton fabric, the sound of a bag hitting the floor caught my attention, and I dropped my hands to find my brother standing over me with a black garment bag in his hand, a second one resting beside me.
“What’s this?” I asked in curiosity, picking mine up before noticing the name Brioni stitched below where the hanger was exposed. “Holy fuck, how did you—”
“With the money I’ve been setting aside over the last few years for a rainy day…
After tonight, it seems as though we won’t have very many of those to look forward to in our dark new future.
Might as well start living our life of luxury now.
Thank god we’re the same size, right?” Levi laughed as he smiled—and not just any smile, a genuine one that I could feel through our bond—the warmth, the confidence, the fucking relief.
“Still no regrets?” Leaning back, my palms pressing onto the stage, I looked up at him, squinting from the bright lights blaring down on me from behind his head.
“Not a single fucking one.” Levi dropped his hand and crouched beside me, his face somber, a look he reserved for reminiscing about our past, what had brought us to this point. “I just wish we had someone else to share this victory with.”
While our parents were more than willing to push us out the door, and we took it in stride, I knew there was a small mark it had left behind on Levi—burned into him, a scar that I could never fully repair.
Time heals all wounds, but some are cut so deep that time only draws out the pain.
“Alright, come on. I want to try on this suit before the ceremony. Make sure you haven’t gained a few extra pounds and fucked up my measurements.” I chuckled lightheartedly, slapping the side of his leg before pushing myself up to stand.
“If anyone’s gained pounds, it’s you with your fucking sweet tooth.”
“I can’t help it if the ladies give me an addiction to sugar.” I bantered, draping my arm over my brother’s shoulders and pulling him in close as we left the stage together.
Levi rolled his eyes before pulling away with another laugh and punching me in the back of my shoulder.
“Enjoy the feast while you can, brother.”
As if I’d ever have to stick to just one.
The inside of the mansion looked vastly different from the first night we were here. Now, it was filled to the brim with dozens of men dressed to the nines in all-black designer suits, their hair slicked back—every single one of them, members of the MUR.
The grand foyer felt like a close inner circle, with everyone in attendance, mixing and mingling amongst the three revues—equals in every way.
The designation alone is what sold me on joining. While the money played a significant role on its own—a brotherhood… the feeling of belonging and being surrounded by others who were just as fucked in the head as you were—was so much more.
Chaos loved company, and we’d finally found our new home.
Nothing could stand in our way this evening. Completing the final step in our initiation process and celebrating our first night as official members of the MUR—the signature ring already calling my name, forged from a stone known for protection, grounding, and strength—obsidian.
“Sounds like only three of you are receiving rings tonight...” Dane stepped up behind us, his eyes searching the room from over our heads as if he were looking for someone in particular.
“Who failed?” Levi asked, turning his head back to meet Dane over his shoulder.
“That’s the thing. This time, although it was a failure, it wasn’t due to a lack of action.
Dustin implemented an elimination assignment.
One target, two protégés. Extremely rare and audacious.
From what I’ve heard, Heaven Down Under lost to the Red Magic legacy—which appears to be true…
” He drew out his words, dropping his head to where Cole Ryan, the leader of Temptations, had just entered with his son at his side.
Dane loudly cleared his throat, catching our attention with a nod to where members had started descending toward the ballroom.
“The time has come, boys. Let’s get you your well-deserved rings.”
In unison, Levi and I nodded to each other before sliding our hands into the front pockets of our slacks, proceeding to follow Dane down the wide staircase.
The ceremony felt lengthy and drawn-out. Dustin Slate announced his plans for the organization, which included expanding into cities worldwide.
I wasn’t doing this for world domination, so ultimately, I didn’t give a fuck about Dustin’s goals. All I wanted was the paycheck and the easy lifestyle that came with it—no longer having to question what I could afford or working my ass off just to pay for my next meal.
“—and now for the highlight of the evening, the reason we’ve all gathered here once again. To congratulate and welcome our three newest members. Sponsors?”
Dane tapped the side of my thigh and snapped his fingers in front of us to garner our attention before gesturing to the aisle.
“This is it, brother,” Levi whispered with excitement.
This was fucking it.
My ears were buzzing from the adrenaline that had taken over me, making my fingers tingle from the sensation.
Dane blocked my view of the crowd as he took my hand and pressed a thick black ring into the center of my palm.
“Remember the oath. Recite it as you put on your rings.” Dane mumbled under his breath, placing the second ring into Levi’s hand and then falling back in line.
“Ravish. Reign. Revue.” All three of our voices echoed in unison throughout the ballroom, my eyes meeting those of my brother with a devilish smirk as I slid the obsidian band onto my right ring finger.
Nothing could stop the Castiel brothers now.