4

Clinton

"Bring the consort to me," I ordered casually, without looking away from the window, my eyes fixed on the perfectly manicured lawn outside.

The mansion where I lived with the other members of the Elite was one of the privileges that came with being at the top of the school's hierarchy. It had taken blood, sweat, and a fair amount of violence to climb to my current position, a rank I had always aspired to reach. The expansive campus, known as the City of Hope, had been named by some long-gone founders who envisioned it as a breeding ground for the future leaders of society—children of the rich, powerful, and influential. They’d hoped these students would inherit a world still deeply divided by class.

The school’s administration had long since turned a blind eye to the activities that had formed the foundation of this secretive, elite union over thirty years ago.

Only the strongest survived.

And I was one of the strongest. I had control over nearly every aspect of what happened within the revered walls of the campus. Graduating at the top of my class was a requirement set by my father. With a master’s degree in business administration in hand, I was now prepared to take over his empire. The years spent in this compound felt more like a gilded cage than an education, despite the luxurious perks.

I still ached from the exhilarating encounter I’d had earlier that day, and though I’d already indulged myself once, by the end of the night, I wouldn’t need to hold back any longer. Ava would soon be ours, permanently.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Weston asked, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

I turned to face him, reading his expression carefully. "Kennedy belongs to us. We own her, body and soul. She'll do whatever it takes to be one of the chosen."

Chosen.

It was a term the girls had come up with themselves, excited by the prospect of being selected. They knew what was on the line—wealth beyond imagination, instant status as a socialite, ruling whatever city they moved to with their husband.

It was nothing more than a modern version of arranged marriages, just like my ancestors had endured for generations. My mother didn’t love my father, and he had plenty of mistresses, but they shared a mutual respect. Once married, their union was bound for life.

Only death could break it.

Even my father had warned me to choose wisely, knowing the power a woman could wield within the marriage.

However, if entering into a life of servitude was a goal, then the few women who were selected to serve our needs into the future had achieved success. They served a purpose, providing use of their bodies whenever commanded, offering other services as demanded. They did so willingly, all in hopes of marrying an Elite, living a life of luxury while producing heirs. Kennedy was no exception, although I’d yet to fuck her. I wasn’t interested in fulfilling carnal needs. I’d only had one thing on my mind.

Revenge.

But that had been until coming face-to-face with Ava .

“Are you suggesting Kennedy’s number will be selected tonight?” Christian threw out. He rarely spoke, yet when he did, those around him shuddered in fear.

“I’m not suggesting anything. We shall see how the night progresses, and if she’s a good little girl.” There was only one woman I was interested in, a lovely budding flower who had no idea three wolves waited in the darkness, prepared to strip away more than just her fake attempt at innocence.

I couldn’t wait to introduce her to the very acts she’d written about since arriving at the City of Hope.

Weston shook his head. “You can’t get enough of the woman.”

“Why should I need to?”

“Even I’ll admit, after reading that pasAva today, I was hot and bothered.”

Christian laughed at the two of us. “It will be much better in real life. Imagine strapping her luscious body to the bed spread eagled.”

“Or keeping her in a cage,” Weston growled.

When I heard two sets of footsteps, I took a deep breath. Tonight would be the crowning glory of a plan that had festered in my mind since the day the unsuspecting daughter of my greatest enemy had stepped foot on the pristine college grounds.

The selection of at least a few of the consorts to be listed as the Chosen was merely a formality, fulfilling our sacred duties as outlined in the Book of Law, as it had been labeled.

I’d laughed the first time I’d seen them. I had no interest in rules.

“You asked to see me, sire?” Kennedy asked.

I turned around, nodding to the fellow soldier who’d brought her into the great room. We called those just below the true reign of power ‘soldiers’, given all thirty of us living in the estate had been given our marching orders from our fathers to begin our rule of the world. Science. Politics. Media. Banking. Real estate. There wasn’t a single division of wealth that we wouldn’t represent, then control one day. We were a mighty force indeed, this graduating class in particular.

As required, she was kneeling, her head bowed out of respect. Anything else would result in extreme punishment, although I enjoyed when the few women who dared defy us graced our presence. I was a sadist after all.

At this point, I wasn’t in the mood to play games. I moved towards her, placing my hand on her head. We had rules of our own, perceptions that the three of us found ridiculous, but appearances were meant to be kept. We were examples to the rest of the grunts, legends to live up to.

“Congratulations, sweet bird. You’ve been anointed to handle a very special task for us.” I stroked her hair absently while my cohorts looked on in amusement. Like me, they loathed the bullshit pomp and circumstance. I slipped my finger under her chin, lifting her head. Her eyes were glassy as the anticipation built.

“What can I do for you, sire? I will do anything.”

Of course, she would. I preferred a woman who didn’t give themselves so easily.

“Good girl. You’re going to ensure that we have a very special guest at the party this evening.”

Kennedy narrowed her eyes in confusion. “Who, sire?”

“The lovely Ava Summers.”

Her brow furrowed but for a few seconds, her lower lip quivering as if she were worried what we would do to Ava . “But she’s not a member of the Chosen.”

Her insolence couldn’t be ignored. I slapped her face then fisted her hair. She was another one who enjoyed aspects of pain. I’d learned that early on. “You will do as I say. You’re not to question my orders. Are we clear?”

While there was hurt in her eyes, it quickly faded, her lust returning. “Yes, sire. I’ll ensure she’s here tonight.”

“Good girl,” I mused, gently caressing the sting away. “Very good girl. I know she’s become your friend, but you knew what was expected of you when I allowed you to share a suite with her. Yes? You also know your loyalty lies with every member of the Elite.”

“Yes, sire.”

I arranged almost everything inside the school, the administrators merely puppets. It had been imperative that Ava ’s head not be filled with vicious stories surrounding the Elite.

“Excellent.”

“Would you like anything else from me?” She dragged her tongue across her lips. She was still a junior but had shown significant promise. There was no requirement for her to remain until graduation.

“You’re a very good girl; however, I have other business to attend to prior to the party.” I stroked the side of her face as a reward. “With obedience comes rewards. Now, rise and attend to your task.”

She did as required, although I could see disappointment in her eyes. Perhaps she thought she’d be granted the gift of sucking our cocks. Not a chance. There was only one girl I hungered for.

After Kennedy left the room, I turned toward the others, smug from the vile thoughts running through my mind.

“You’re one sick bastard,” Weston said as he laughed.

“You have no idea.”

“I gotta ask. You’re certain her father is the one?” he continued.

“You’ve asked me that before, Weston. Do you seriously doubt me?”

He lifted his eyebrows. The man knew how hot-headed I was.

However, there was no need to think about his question. I’d seen the top of her father’s hand the day he’d dropped his daughter off, the scar something I’d never forget. My blood boiled with rage, my brother’s death yet to be avenged even though my father had tried to find out who’d dared kill his firstborn son. “I’m positive. The girl will pay.”

“So the plan is to fuck and feast tonight?” Christian asked.