Elevation of the Marked (The Marked Series Book 2) by March McCarron

“So, you would need to become one of us. A Pauper’s Man, fully fledged. That is, I’m afraid, the only way for this arrangement to move forward.”
    Mae let out a laugh that sounded more like a crow. “No way he’s got what it takes.”
    Arlow lifted his chin. “What does being a Pauper’s Man require? Theft and tattoos?”  
    “The tattoo is optional.” Arlow realized suddenly that neither Linton nor Mae bore the infamous crowned fist on their own necks. “You will not be required to join in any unlawful activity after you are initiated, but you will have to swear loyalty and guard our secrets.”  
    Arlow’s brow quirked. “After?”
    Linton’s face split into another toothy smile. “Caught that, did you? Yes, there are certain,” he paused, “tasks which must be completed in order to be admitted. Three, to be specific. The first is that you eat nothing for three days and then steal food.”
    “I would never stoop—”
    “An individual who has never had to filch a meal, who has never been so hungry he must break the law to survive, cannot possibly comprehend the necessity of what we do.”
    Arlow nodded slowly. “And what are the other two tasks ?”
    “I apologize, but I can only reveal one at a time. It is tradition.”
    Arlow leaned back in his chair. He didn’t want to do this—joining a ring of thieves was not exactly on his agenda. If he refused, Quade could choose some other candidate to be his emissary. Arlow did not particularly relish the idea of spending time with Quade’s band of murderous teens, either. He glanced at Mae; her doubtful expression made him want to prove her wrong.
    “Very well. I agree to your terms.”
    Linton extended his hand and Arlow took it in his own and gave one, assenting shake.  
    Linton’s focus shifted to his sister. “This will be your fifth.”
    Outrage flashed across her face. “Me? You’re sticking him with me? I’m tellin’ you, it ain’t going to work with this one. It’ll take up my time, and then I’ll have to start all over again.”
    “I trust your judgment more than anyone else’s. It must be you. Are you in such a hurry to be done with me?”
    A tension Arlow didn’t understand passed between them. Mae deflated, her brother remained steady but with an affronted posture.  
    “You know it ain’t like that. I won’t be done with you, I just—”
    He lifted a hand. “Peace, Mae. I understand you.” He reclined in his chair and the stress eased. “We shall count this one as a success regardless of the outcome.”
    She considered this for a moment. “Alright. That’s fair.”
    Linton picked up his fork. “I hope you will forgive my sister and I for eating in front of you. I’m simply famished.”  
    Arlow gestured for him to proceed, though his stomach had already begun to rumble discontentedly. Mae tucked into her food like a ravenous wolf having at a rabbit carcass, a sight almost repellent enough to rid him of his hunger.
    When the siblings finished eating, Linton stood and moved back to the door. Arlow leapt from his seat. “Are you not staying?”
    Linton set his hat on his head. “I’m afraid I have pressing business elsewhere. Mae will oversee your initiation.”
    “You intend for me to stay in this shack with your sister? Unchaperoned?” His mouth fell open. “What of propriety?”
    Linton laughed as he tugged his overcoat on. “Propriety isn’t something we worry much about. Besides, if you were to attempt something untoward, I suspect you would find yourself missing a few of your favorite parts.”  
    With that unsettling assertion, he hugged his sister goodbye and stepped out into the twilight. Arlow went to the window. The rain had ceased, and the setting sun bled the clouds red. He watched Linton mount his horse and gallop away.
    Mae ambled into the kitchen and began washing the dishes.  
    Arlow joined her, leaning against the counter. “Would you care to explain?”
    “Explain what?”
    “The