A Death to Seek (Thornes & Roses 3)

Finn will have to get his tattoo soon. Each one of them branded to the society. They no longer belong to themselves. Every decision they make is bound by the law that doesn’t follow rules. It’s all bullshit.

“I’m concerned,” Ares says as he turns to me again. “I’ve spoken with Bradford, and it seems that the girl, Zaria, is to marry Finn. Now, I didn’t tell Finn this because his father requested it of me and I cannot go against a promise I’ve made.”

Concern rattles me. I thought Zaria was honest, that she was real. I’ve seen her talk about her life, about her family, and none of it seemed off, but I wait for Ares to continue.

“Her mother wants this wedding to go through because of his connection to the society,” Ares tells me and my chest tightens. “The agreement was that the moment Finn takes on his role within the Silver Sovereign, his position would ensure their security for the family company.”

“I don’t understand. Zaria’s father had a lucrative business that is doing well, even after his death.” Nothing makes sense. My confusion has taken on a whole new high now. I know the Abadi chain was making more money than ever before. Her mother is at the helm, running it so they don’t lose anything. Even if Zaria didn’t marry Finn.

Ares pushes to his feet and heads for his desk. He picks up a folder and brings it over to me. “This is what I was given. There has to be a decision from my side before Finn completes his initiation. Perhaps you can take this to him, talk to him and see what his choice is. I don’t want him to be integrated into a society he doesn’t want. I was born for this; I’ve always wanted it. But I’m not my father, I will not force anyone to join if they don’t want to.”

“I don’t understand how you could sway the Elders. What could you say that would change their minds? And why is it Finn and not Damien that takes the seat?” I know the rules of the Gilded, the eldest son will always step up into the role the father played.

“Bradford, like Abner, was an Elder. He chose to put Finn in his position when he stepped down. Because he was an Elder, he made sure that Damien and Cassian would not be called on,” Ares explains, then he shakes his head. “It’s not an easy decision for any parent, I know it broke my family up. My mother was angry with my father for even considering having both me and Philipe step up into his seat, the only difference is, it didn’t end well for my parents.”

As Ares explains the situation that occurred within his own family, I wonder if Finn’s mother left because of the society. Perhaps she knew about it and wasn’t happy that Bradford chose his youngest son to become a part of a group of men who thought they could rule the law, the government, and the country, with violence and destruction.

“We’ll have the plane ready for you.” Philipe speaks this time. “It will take you straight to Thorne Haven. From there, you’ll need to talk to Finn. You’ll have twenty-four hours before my brother has to make the call,” he tells me.

I’m sure that will be enough time to get Finn to read what I hold in my hands. If I have to tie him up and shove this in his face, I’ll do it. Anything to save him from making an uninformed decision.

“Thank you,” I say to them both. With every moment that passes, I know I’m running out of time. I have to get there and do this as quickly as possible. “I don’t know what to say.” I’m grateful they’re offering me a second chance, it’s not something that comes with the Society.

“You know we will always have your back,” Ares tells me as we all stand. We walk out to the front door, where my suitcases are waiting. Thankfully the butler brought them down. “The car will take you to the airstrip.”

“I’ll be in touch,” I tell Ares before we say our goodbyes. In the car, my stomach tightens with anxiety as I try calling Finn again. The call is dropped within the first two rings. He’s been ignoring me since he left. Even when I leave voicemails, he doesn’t listen to them. But I try once more. “Finn, I need you to talk to me. I have information that you need to hear about the wedding.” When I hang up, I pray that he stops being angry long enough to listen to the message.

I sit back and watch the town pass by. It’s just as gothic and disturbing as Thorne Haven. With an enormous woodland surrounding it, the little oasis in the center is nothing more than a blip on a map, but it holds more secrets than anywhere else.