“The world needs the Lords—or whatever you decide to call yourselves. I worry if we ceased to exist altogether that a lot of deplorable people would get away with doing a lot of heinous things. We’ve always existed as long as Britain was a nation. We’re natural predators, and without us, pests would roam the country unchecked.”
Everyone is quiet as we flip through the binder. It’s color-coded and organized alphabetically. I hear Otto snicker as he mutters about how organized it is, and as Harlow leaves us to study until dinner, I look up at Astern.
Her brows are pulled together as she flicks through the pages. She looks up at me and smiles, a pink blush breaking out over her cheeks.
Oh, little minx… I’m going to have fun with you.
After a few hours of lounging and reading, we’re summoned for dinner in the dining room. The old Lords and Lady join us, and it’s a quiet, tense affair. Once everyone finishes their pudding, Sterling Beauchamp puts his fork down on his plate and turns to face Lachlan.
“We will resume training tomorrow,” he says, eyes flitting between all of us. “Followed by your formal initiation ceremony.”
“And what does that entail?” Alexander asks.
“Taking the brand,” Alaric says.
Alexander’s eyes go wide. “I’m sorry, did you say abrand? Like… for cattle?”
“Yes.”
Alexander swallows and nods once before Alaric stands. The other Lords follow suit, and they bid farewell before leaving the five of us alone.
None of us moves as the front door closes.
“So, who’s up for an orgy?” Otto asks.
Lachlan glares at him before walking away, heading upstairs. Alexander follows suit as he shakes his head in warning.
Astern stands up and shrugs. “I got my period this morning.”
Little liar.
“You think I’m scared of a little blood, darling?” Otto asks, tugging her into him and kissing her.
She pulls away. “Not tonight. Goodnight,” she tells us both before walking up the stairs.
“Was it something I said?” Otto says, pouting as he dramatically drops into a chair and leans back.
I chuckle. “Keep it in your pants,” I tell him before going upstairs as well. “You’re coming on a bit strong.”
Otto sighs. “Fine. You’re all no fun.”
CHAPTER 14
Astern
I hardly sleep, and when I finally doze off, my dreams are riddled with nightmares about being covered in blood. I wake up just as the sun is beginning to rise again, so like yesterday, I change into running clothes and go for a long run. It’s warmer today, and the run feels harder somehow–probably from lack of sleep–yet I still manage thirteen miles.
By the time I get back to the manor, I’m famished, exhausted, and grouchy. There’s no one in the kitchen, so I make myself some toast, fruit, and coffee, eating until I’m satisfied. After washing my dishes and taking a quick shower, I head downstairs with my book until the others wake up.
I’m a few chapters in when Lachlan wanders down the stairs, rubbing his eyes. He stops walking when he sees me, and his face goes from neutral to on guard in an instant.
“Morning,” I tell him, admiring the black sweatpants that are hanging off his hips, and the impressive appendage that can’t be hidden by the flimsy material.
Stop looking at his willy,I tell myself.
“What are you reading?” he asks, sitting down on the chair opposite me.
“It’s a mafia romance. She’s a mafia princess and she just cut someone’s balls off for touching her.”
