Her eyes dart to the message that pops up on the screen, as do mine.
“Looks like I’m meeting with the interim president tomorrow afternoon.” I swallow, not recognizing the name…Leigh Damon. I wonder what she’ll be like.
The next day,dressed in a tailored suit and folding my coat over my arm, I give a sturdy knock on the new president’s office door. Two tall enforcers from the BALSAC open it. I’ve never seen either of them before.
Their glowing amethyst badges look sparkling new. Different. Something feelsamiss.
Behind the desk, standing at attention, is a woman with a short brunette bob. Her eyes crinkle with a smile that looks stoic. Fierce. My pulse throbs in my gut.
Next to her…is Dean Harold Twinston.
“Mr. Aiden Cardell! Welcome!” The interim president waves me in and aims a palm at the wingback chair in front of Harvey’s desk—well,hersnow. “So glad the president ofTheta Rho Zetacould meet me on such short notice.”
There’s no mirth to her voice. No esteem. Just strict duty lining every word.
The Dean hovers near her shoulder, even when she and I take our seats.
“Hello. It’s lovely to meet you.” I clear my throat. “Are…you meeting withallthe presidents?”
“Yes, I am. You’re the first, however. I wanted to inform each of you of some new rules and committees that I’ll be instilling starting next Monday.”
Jaw tight, I nod, wondering if she’ll explain whyshe’sthe one making guidelines. That’s the Board of Trustees’ job. My father sits on that board. And he would’ve told me if there were changes coming.
Her fingers lace together, nude nail polish perfect. Elegant diamond band on her ring finger. Like she’s never had a problem before that she couldn’t solve with brute force. Mauve lips part into a wan smile. “I understand you’ve always shown an interest in the BALSAC. That’s a noble cause, and it’s admirable to consider…However, we’re replacing that board with Amethyst Order Enforcement.”
We? With a glance over my shoulder, I spot a few more of the new men lolling about the room. An unspoken force. “Moreenforcers?”
“They’ll have elevated authority and make sure everyone maintains compliance. We’ve extended the budget to meet their recruitment needs.”
“I see?—”
She cuts me off with a lift of her chin. “New committees have been formed.”
“I wasn’t aware that the trustees had been called in for this.”
Expression growing cold, her mouth flattens into a firm line. “It was settled with the top decision makers before being brought to the board.”
Doubtful.Unless… Unless they left my father out of that meeting. Who are thesetoppeople? Theelders? Thegods?
That professional, cheery look returns to her cheeks. “Speaking of, appointments are now mandatory. All of them will be overseen by a new board of ethics. ThePairing Oversight Tribunal. Gone are the days of the Board of Trustees appointing matches.”
My mouth goes dry. I’m now feeling as if this wasn’t about me beingpresidentofThetaat all. I grab a glance at Dean Twinston, who bounces on his toes.
President Damon nods at him. “We happen to have the POT leader right here today.”
Lungs seize, but I manage a half-whisper, “Dean Twinston.”
As if he’s been waiting to speak for hours, he pipes up with a gloat in his throat. “Yes, Mr. Cardell. The POT has determined that those whorefusetheir appointments may lose their scholarships, housing, class registration. And of course, will be punished on Sin Sunday. Severe cases could result in expulsion.”
The way he says it makes me question my willingness to even continue here at NU. Maybe I should leave.
A vision of running away from Crest with Ashlyn enters my mind. My heart squeezes with an ache of longing and pain. Dare I admit that’s whatIwant? Should I steal her away even if she doesn’t want me?
“It’s an exciting new venture that will be combined with the genetic continuity program,” President Damon interjects, the vision of the steamy lake at midnight ripped from my mind.
“And what is that?” I’m almost afraid to ask.
The dean and president glance at each other with self-pleased smiles. She shifts her gaze to mine and straightens in her seat as if this is the best news she’s delivered yet. “It encourages approved unions to procreatesoonerand as early as possible with extra funding. Not to mention graduation honors and prestige.”