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“We pretty much do what we want,” he shrugs. “The fights do, however, give us the flexibility to bring in all kinds of criminals that we can network with, find out what they’re doing, etc. It’s the perfect way to decide what we need to give our attention to.”
“Okay, so how can I help?” I ask. “I’m not smart enough or trained to help with something like this.”
David’s face clouds over and I cringe. I’m not sure what I said to make him unhappy. “I hate that your family has made you feel so small,” he mutters, blowing out a breath. “You’re passing all of your classes with flying colors. You see how things connect before others do, and you have a good intuition. The things you’ve been through have put you in a unique position to help others. Your health, Chastity, is important, and I would ask that you see one of our therapists before doing anything, so that you’re not triggered in the field.”
I nod, even as a ripple of fear crawls up my spine.
“Chastity,” David says softly, reaching out to carefully touch my hand. My eyes have dropped down to the carpet, and I slowly return them to meet his gray ones. “Our therapists are good people, and if you’re not happy with one of them at any time, you can fire her or him until you find one that fits.”
A small smile tugs at my lips as I think about that. “I can actually choose?” I ask.
“Yep. It is Levi’s and my intention that you have as many choices as possible, and facing some of the awful things you’ve had happen in your past is one of those steps, okay? The Society sometimes has to dictate things, but you’re different. You will be able to choose where you’ll be most needed.”
Wow, I didn’t expect this.“I think I’m having some information overload,” I mutter, reeling from everything he’s told me. “Good overload, but I have a feeling that there’s a lot more I need to learn. Can we talk again after I’ve processed?”
“Yes, of course. There’s just one more thing. The Adams’ initiation will be happening in less than a week. Are you going to be comfortable with that? I could ask Levi to give you something that will lower your inhibitions, if you’re worried…?”
Biting my lip, I realize he means drugging me. I need to think about that. The last thing I want is to be triggered by their initiation. “Can I think about it and book a therapy appointment before the initiation happens?”
“Yes, I have a list. Would you prefer me to text it to you, or send it to Levi for you?”
Taking a deep breath, I decide I want to handle it. It may sound silly, but other people have controlled my actions for a long time.
“I can do it,” I tell him with a grateful smile as I stand. “Thank you. This was all really helpful. I learned a lot.”
David stands, opening his arms for a hug. I would never usually be able to hug an older man, due to my memories, but I put down my coffee cup on the desk and step into his waiting arms.
“We’re going to need to talk a few more times. Should we set up a standing coffee morning date?” he teases me.
Giggling, I nod. I kind of like the idea of starting my day with my father-in-law. “I would like that,” I tell him, stepping away.
“Have a great day, Chastity. Know that you have more power than you think, and your grandmother doesn’t have the power she used to have. It’s vile that she held your freedom over your head, and I have half a mind to have her removed from her position,” David complains.
“Then who would run this place?” I ask with a shrug, as I wave goodbye to him. Some things are a needed evil, and my grandmother as headmistress is one of them.
* * *
I enteredLevi's classroom over forty minutes late. A few of my peers make comments about me having special treatment, and I fight not to roll my eyes.
I take my seat and ignore Bridget gossiping behind me. Levi stops his lesson and hands me a notebook with some handwritten notes.
I smile and roll my eyes. He laughs then moves back to torment the class.
“It's not fair,” Teri whines. “How did she land the hottest, most unattainable man here?” she continues, and Miles tells her to shut up. Bastian leans over and whispers into my ear.
“Because she’s the sweetest and most beautiful woman here in the Academy.” I grin from ear to ear and Levi shoots me a wink. I know he couldn’t hear what Bast said, but I think he can guess.
I reach over and hold Bast’s hand, hiding it under my desk, on my lap. I don’t need the masses talking. Levi continues on teaching, and I try to pay attention, but the laser beams in the back of my head make it difficult to focus.
“Okay, we will pick up on this during the next class. You’re all dismissed. Chastity, please stay behind for a moment,” Levi announces and I take an annoyed breath as Miles makes a comment about him wanting to punish me for being late.
Bast waits with me and Levi groans. “I seriously hate teaching. They’re adults that act like children, I swear. How was your chat with my dad, Little Sinner?” he asks.
“It was really good.” I grin, glancing over my shoulder to make sure the door to his classroom is closed. Bast takes the hint and checks the door, making sure to lock it. “I learned more about The Society, my role in it, and what my future could look like. David says he’d like me to work with some of the people you help save on, I guess, your missions…”
Levi’s eyes widen. “Help, how? It’s just… sometimes they get a little dicey, and I wouldn’t want you to get hurt, Baby Girl.”
Shaking my head, I say, “Helping to talk to them after trauma, is what he means. If what I’ve gone through can help people, then I want to.”
