Page 77 of Save Me
Descending from the stage, applause fading into a distant roar, adrenaline ebbs away, replaced by an anticipation sharp enough to cut. The guys converge on me—their pride is solid, wrapping around us like shields.
“I did it,” I say, though it’s more to myself than anyone else.
“Yes, you fucking did,” Harry replies with a grin that could outshine the sun.
I’m engulfed in a group hug that smells like cologne and ambition. We’re a knot too complex to untie, bound by love, secrets, and blood.
Pulling back slightly, Callum’s eyes search mine with an intensity that threatens to sweep away all ceremony. “You ready for what comes next?”
“Fuck, yeah,” I say with a wide grin and go to my dad, giving him a tight hug that he returns, kissing the top of my head in pride.
“Vogue,” he says softly but with an edge that slices through the dissipating chatter around us.
“It’s time we talked about your future beyond this milestone.”
I glance back at the guys, all looking elsewhere as they hang back. I narrow my eyes, frowning at them. They already know, the fuckers. They know what Dad wants to talk to me about.
“Let’s walk,” Dad murmurs, looping his arm through mine as Adam slips in behind us, never far away as the guys move in behind him. I stifle my snicker and touch the back of my neck. The chip is still there. I don’t mind it. They will always know where to find me, and the dark thrill that skitters through my greying soul, blackens it that bit more.
We find a secluded spot on the campus, the summer sun beating down on us as I slip my sunglasses on from my gownpocket. He stares at me, his arms crossed, exuding that same mysterious vibe that will never fade, no matter how close we get.
“This next move has been planned for the last two years, Vogue. It’s big. It’s going to be frightening at first, and you will get a lot of attention and criticism and a whole shitload of animosity and possibly hatred thrown your way.”
“Okay,” I say slowly. “Go on.” I’m not backing down. Hate away. I don’t give a flying fuck.
“The endgame is simple. Control,” he answers simply. “Influence. We need to stay ahead, and you’re going to help us do that.”
“By doing what?”Spit it out, old man.
“At the start of the next academic year, you will be the new Chancellor of Crestmont University.”
I stare at him for a few seconds before my blood runs cold. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“That’s insane,” I hiss. “I’m twenty-four.”
“And?”
“And—and…” Okay, I got nothing. “And it’s stupid.”
“No, it’s smart and what we’ve been planning. You are the only one who can do this. With you in control of the entire campus, its students, its staff, its funding, The Crowned Syndicate effectively owns Crestmont. No other rival gang will be able to set foot here. It will be a stronghold thatno other universityhas. Do you understand the scale of this?”
I nod, the weight of his proposition sinking into my very bones. It’s heavy, heavier than anything I’ve ever carried. But it also feels right, like the last piece of a puzzle snapping into place, albeit twenty years earlier than I could ever have imagined,ifI had dared to imagine this at all. I let out a shaky breath and try to wrap my head around the enormity of it all. Dad’s right. I’mgoing to get it from all sides. I’m going to be under scrutiny from, well, everyone, including the Government. This is… terrifying.
“So, what? I just waltz in there and take over?” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m a whirlwind of anxiety.
“Not just waltz in,” Dad clarifies with a half-smirk. “You’ll be groomed over the summer. We have allies placed in key positions who will support your transition.”
I laugh, a bitter sound that seems to surprise even him. “Groomed? Am I a fucking poodle now?”
He doesn’t flinch at my tone. “Stop fucking around, Vogue. This is serious.”
My nervous laughter dies as quickly as it erupted. Serious is my middle name—or it might as well be, considering the shitstorm that’s been my life up to and including this moment. “Alright,” I say. “Let’s say I do this?—”
“You will do this,” he interrupts.
“Fine,” I snap back, defiant even in acceptance. “What about them?” I jerk my head back toward where the guys stand, pretending not to eavesdrop but failing miserably. Even Adam looks interested, and that’s a fucking first.
