She snapped at the fraternity guy who had stepped forward, “She took the pledge. She’s one of ours. That makes her one of mine.” Her eyes were fierce, her whole face tightening up and rigid. “You all know who my father is. My mother.”

I studied the sorority sisters and then Zeke’s fraternity brothers. Not one of them spoke up. Acceptance and resignation seemed to hang over the guys, and one by one, they looked at Zeke and gave him a small nod. As they did, they turned and left until it was just Zeke standing. He looked at Blaise, who was still holding Harper upright.

Zeke’s hands were still in fists at his side, but he cocked his head to the side and his arms jerked. He forced his fists open, his palms pressing against his sides before he took a large breath. “Let him go, dude. We got him from here.”

Blaise shoved him at Zeke, who caught him, and Zeke and Harper took off, too.

Jessinda cast us a shrewd look before addressing Blaise. “Kinda shitty you did that in front of witnesses.”

Blaise shrugged. “Did that for my boy and my girl. I keep my promises.”

Her head lifted back, and she was taking him in in a whole new manner. Want and lust flared for a brief second before she stamped it back down. “Too bad you and your brother are taken.” She looked at me. “I know you’re friends with Tab. I’ll tell her myself, but maybe it’d be good if she heard from you as well. She’s welcome back anytime. We’ll all have her back. There’ll be no judgment or shame in our house, not when it comes to one of our sisters.”

I nodded.

She dipped her head down before turning. She and her sisters left after that.

Then it was Blaise and the rest of us.

Cross and I had been holding Jordan back. He’d been moving in, closer and closer as that whole conversation happened, and sharing one look, both Cross and I stepped aside.

Jordan was through in a flash, and he punched Blaise, a clear hit across the face.

“What the hell?”

Jordan stood over him, seething. “You knew that shit for twenty-four hours and didn’t tell me? Fuck. You.” With that said, he left.

Cross and I followed.

From: Tazsters

To: Cain Group, Blaise DeVroe, Aspen Monson

Subject: YOU ALL ARE ASSHOLES

Aspen called me and told me the truth. The dirtbag was never Zach, or Zeke (who I thought it was), but Tim Harper. I hate all y’all. I’m kidding. I think Tabatha told me the real name, but I kept thinking it was Zeke that we were all hating. Okay. I feel like I’m there with you guys now.

By the way, Bren texted me that you’re all going bowling. I’m sending my twin a gift.