Chapter 18 - The Pledge

After recuperating in the living room, breathless and spent, all four retreated for showers, the hot water washing away the evidence of their shared intimacy. They reconvened in the kitchen, the air still humid and heavy, and sat around the table with steaming mugs—coffee for Steve, Evelyn, and Charlotte, while Heather opted for her usual tea, her hands cradling the delicate porcelain as she blew softly to cool it. The quiet clink of cups filled the space as they settled into a comfortable silence, their flushed skin and lingering smiles betraying the intensity of what had just unfolded.

“What were you saying about meeting locals, exactly?” Steve asked, his voice a low rumble.

Heather swirled her tea, the ceramic cup clinking softly against the saucer. “We have four years until the next clan election. The way I see it, there are four steps to your nomination.” She lifted four elegant fingers. “First, we need to promote you. That means you need to be known locally, and then you will have to travel and meet other branches of the clan.”

She ticked one finger down. “Second, you will need a platform. Why are you presenting yourself for a seat on the council?”

A second finger curled. “Third, we’ll need to grow your legend ... your prowess in bed.” Her green eyes glittered with knowing delight. “And finally,” she said, ticking down the last finger, “you’ll need to build yourself a team that will help you reach your goal.”

Evelyn, leaning against the table, her robe slightly open revealing a hint of cleavage, nodded along. “I’ve already started a list of influential local members, including the mayor and his family.” Heather leaned in, her emerald eyes sharp with intensity, her fingers lightly tapping the edge of the table. “When you meet them, I want you to listen to them—find out what issues they have with the clan. Learn their point of view and give them yours.”

She leaned back in her seat, the movement deliberate, and took a slow, deliberate sip of her tea, her gaze never wavering from Steve. “Of course, you’ll need to learn more about the clan and its laws, your mother and aunt will help you with that,” she said, her voice smooth but firm. “Meanwhile, I’ll set up some meetings for the near future. This is just the beginning, Steve. You’ll need to be prepared for every step of the way.”

The air in the room still carried a heavy undertone, but Charlotte’s voice sliced through it like a ray of sunshine. “Of course,” she purred, her tone dripping with playful mischief, “if you’re a good boy in your studies, we might just have to give you a special reward.” Her lips curled into a sly smile as she leaned back, clearly enjoying the way her words hung in the air.

Heather smirked, her emerald eyes glinting with amusement, while Evelyn turned to Steve with a smoldering look that left him momentarily breathless and the intensity in her gaze made Steve’s heart skip a beat. He wasn’t entirely sure if she was joking—or if he even wanted her to be.

Steve became pensive, his mind swirling with the complexities of the O’Connors clan. They were a masterclass in contradictions—bucking society’s traditional views on sex while fiercely upholding their own centuries-old traditions. The clan was a tightly guarded secret, with immense resources devoted to maintaining its clandestine nature, yet they also flaunted their power and wealth openly, as if daring the world to question their dominance.

As he sat there, a question floated in his mind. ”Why am I presenting myself exactly? Why do you need me on the council?” He asked

Heather studied her cup for a moment before answering, her voice calm but firm. “There is a faction within the clan,” she began, her tone measured. “They believe we should use our power and wealth to influence and shape the world according to our will.”

Steve was confounded, his brow furrowing as he processed her words. “Do we have that much power?”

Heather shook her head slowly, her expression serious. “The reason we remain so powerful,” she explained, “is precisely because we don’t involve ourselves in politics. Sure, some members of the clan are politicians, but we only leverage their influence for clan business. We don’t meddle in the broader world.” Her voice carried a surprising intensity, and Steve could see the depth of her conviction in the way she held his gaze.

Confusion etched across Steve’s features, his brow furrowing as he leaned forward in his chair. “Again, why do you need me?” he asked, his voice steady but tinged with frustration. “What makes you think I’m the right person for this?”

Heather sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of decades had suddenly descended upon her. She set her teacup down with a soft clink, her emerald eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made him pause. “Steve,” she began, her voice softer now, almost weary, “I’m tired. This internal fight—this struggle within the clan—it’s for the young. I’ve spent my life upholding our traditions, navigating the politics, and ensuring our survival. But I can’t keep doing it forever.”