Page 19 of Unpredictable

“Of course, I would be honored. Is there a list of interview questions I should ask? Do I base it off my best judgement? Do I approach who I think would best fit, or is there a list?” I rattle off my questions in rapid succession.

I can’t help but cringe.

Way to keep your cool, Davenport.

Marnie laughs lightly. “Don’t worry, Miss Davenport. We have it all under control. Today you will be receiving a packet by courier with everything you need to know. You can also meet up with the young man who will be interviewing the males as well and discuss your choices. His contact information will be in the packet and yours in his.”

“Easy enough,” I tell her confidently. “Thank you, thank you for thinking of me.”

“We have faith you will choose well, Miss Davenport. You know how important sacrifice is. Please remember that discretion is key. Have a great day.”

“You too,” I say before realizing that she already hung up.

Holy shit, I get to choose who to sacrifice.

I grab my phone to call Sage, but then slowly put it down.

I can’t tell anyone that this is my role. While I’m bursting with excitement, I can’t share it with anyone.

???

At three o’clock, Thomas knocks on my bedroom door.

“Sorry for interrupting, Miss Victoria, but you have a package,” Thomas tells me while standing at my door.

“Thank you for bringing it to me, Thomas.”

“Of course, and dinner will be ready at 6:30 p.m.,” he offers before turning away.

I wait until he closes the door behind him before I tear open the package. Within minutes, I’m surrounded by papers on my bed.

Welcome to the S.S. committee. While already a member of S.S., this is a process unlike any you have experienced before. Secretum Societatis is a unique society aimed to assist only those worthy of the cause. S.S. has many rules and structures that must be met, but every stipulation is worth it in the end. You have been chosen as an ambassador. With this position comes great power and knowledge not privy to most members. The information in this instruction packet is for your eyes only and must be burned after viewing.

My stomach fills with butterflies as I read.

When I joined last year, I knew that the S.S. was a society I wanted to be a part of. If you ever need someone with a special skill set, the S.S. knows someone and they will assist, no questions asked—be that a lawyer or something else. The S.S. isn’t just for the elite. There is no price tag to join. They don’t care about your bank account. They only care about those who will be loyal and support the cause, which is bettering the life of the members when called upon. I love being part of something that is designed to help one another. Now to be chosen as an ambassador and actually be a part of the process of choosing a new member is an honor I will always be thankful for being given.

I quickly move on to the instructional packet.

This is unlike what I thought the process would be. I thought it would be a series of questions that we would have to ask, but instead, there’s an itinerary that we must follow. Each day over the next week, I have a “date'' with an applicant. I have a one-sheet bio on the applicant, but that’s it. The last instructions on the page are what confuse me the most.

Trust your gut and follow your heart.

What if my heart can’t be trusted?

???

Chapter Six

“Hey, you’re Victoria, right?” a guy asks as he slides into the booth next to me.

“Taylor?” I ask, offering him my hand.

“Right.” He shakes my hand. “How have we not met?” he asks with eyes full of mischief.

No thanks.

He’s tall, lanky, with red hair and a boyish look.

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