Page 69 of The Honor Society

“Icing his dick.” Jenner deadpans.

I snort out a laugh.

Rhodes covers his face with his hands. “I’m in a throuple, no wait, what’s the phrase for when you’re surrounded by couples?”

“Chronically single?” Jenner offers. “Sad and alone?”

Rhodes flips him off and takes a seat on the couch. “The guy’s got stamina, gotta give him that.”

“Don’t compliment a Hale, it’s like complimenting a Mercer, it makes their egos grow.” Just as I say it, Jude pokes out his head. “What’s this about my giant dick?”

“I rest my case.” I give him a look. “You done in there?”

“Never.” He winks. “Sorry, Rhodes, she had to um, shower, and I should go before you murder me on accident.”

Rhodes stands. “I can assure you it would be on purpose and I would be smiling.”

“Are all Chancellors so violent?”

“Only celibate ones.” Jenner says helpfully.

Rhodes pinches the bridge of his nose. “Can you tell her to hurry, this dinner is important and in order to keep her safe I need to have her at it. She’s a hit with all the society women and extremely helpful in getting intel.”

“Gossip you mean?” I say.

“Tea.” He shrugs. “See I know slang.”

“The fact that you celebrate one slang word makes me sad.” I say under my breath. “You really should get laid.”

“Not unless my wife comes back from the dead.” He says sadly. “Oh sorry, mood killer?”

“Fuck.” Jude crosses his arms. “Your wife is dead?”

“It was the sacrifice I had to make.” He looks between us. “To become what I am.”

“You killed her?” I ask, voice shaking.

“In a way I guess I did. But no, that was the last Proctor. It would be unwise to have romantic ties that could work against you. Too much power and weapons at my disposal means that I’m given a handicap—in my case. My sin was loving too much, being willing to burn the world for one person isn’t celebrated or tolerated. None of you would be here if with the help of the current Proctor, I hadn’t abolished that ridiculous rule.” He smiles down at his empty cup.

“Ready!” Lilah comes rushing out of the bathroom wearing a black backless dress and black heels. Her hair is in a low bun. She’s stunning.

Jude lets out a low moan. “So glad when The Convocation is over with.”

Rhodes holds out his arm. “Same. I just want one night where I can watch Jeopardy without worrying about getting shot at.”

My jaw drops. “You watch Jeopardy? On purpose?”

He glares. “We all have reasons for doing what we do. See you tomorrow.” He and Lilah leave the apartment. I know Jude wants to chase after them but it’s only one more day and from the texts Lilah’s been sending all week, she’s genuinely been having fun and says Rhodes isn’t a bad guy, just lonely, sad, and a bit homicidal.

Big praise?

“On that note.” I toss the remote to Jenner. “Watch tv, I’m going to be like twenty tops.”

“Heard that before.” He grunts and gets into the comfy chair next to the couch.

I make a face and bolt into my room. So many things have changed in a week. It’s crazy to think about, and the more I do think about it the more terrified I get. We have until tomorrow night and nobody knows what’s going to happen. Axel thinks he has things figured out. Rhodes is convinced things will go smoothly now that Edward is dead.

And me? Well, I’m just hoping I can use my claim on Famine. All we know is that Famine has been in hiding for years, rarely comes out, and went somewhat awol five years ago. The dues are still paid. The debts collected. The information shared. So who’s the Horseman? I’ve received nothing so Axel thinks all of the threats had to have been coming from Edward.