The Women of V Series by Danielle Allen

It wasn’t just the fact that it was a secret society at Hamilton University. It was also that their presence could be felt in every event, project, and donation on campus. Everything they touched reeked of wealth, power, and success. But for me, it was the garden V planted and maintained to feed the homeless and the hungry that captured my heart and left me a supporter of the mysterious organization... moreIt wasn’t just the fact that it was a secret society at Hamilton University. It was also that their presence could be felt in every event, project, and donation on campus. Everything they touched reeked of wealth, power, and success. But for me, it was the garden V planted and maintained to feed the homeless and the hungry that captured my heart and left me a supporter of the mysterious organization. Even without knowing all the details, it was clear to me that being a member of V was a game changer. So when I was selected, I was floored. But had I known the things I’d have to do, the people I’d have to hurt, the lies I’d have to tell, I would’ve declined. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself so I can sleep at night. People always want to know what V stands for. For me, V stands for villainous. I’m not the hero of this story. I’m the villain. And that’ll haunt me for the rest of my life. less

My family was rich with love, but we were broke. So, I was willing to do anything to make sure I created the life I wanted. My best friends and I catapulted to the top of the popularity food chain following V’s Halloween Costume Party freshman year. It was a lot of work keeping up with the social demands of popularity, but the networking opportunities set me up for future success... moreMy family was rich with love, but we were broke. So, I was willing to do anything to make sure I created the life I wanted. My best friends and I catapulted to the top of the popularity food chain following V’s Halloween Costume Party freshman year. It was a lot of work keeping up with the social demands of popularity, but the networking opportunities set me up for future success. Because I was willing to do whatever it took to secure my future, when V extended an invitation for me to join, I jumped at the chance. I was willing to lie, cheat, and steal to reap the benefits of the elusive secret society. A V membership meant doors opened and opportunities knocked. There was only one line I said I wasn’t willing to cross. But when it came down to it, I wavered. People always want to know what V stands for. For me, V stands for vicious. What I did was a betrayal. It was disloyal. It was treacherous. It was necessary. I’m not the villain in this story. But what I did was vicious. And that’ll haunt me for the rest of my life. less

Maybe it was the journalist in me, but if life taught me anything, it’s that nothing is free. When nepotism cost me the coveted position of Editor-in-Chief at the Hamilton Herald, I was pissed. And when I brought my complaints to the advisors, I was forced to quit. So, I was going into my senior year with a major chip on my shoulder. Although I kept my composure in public, inside I was fuming. The powers that be had officially ruined my life... moreMaybe it was the journalist in me, but if life taught me anything, it’s that nothing is free. When nepotism cost me the coveted position of Editor-in-Chief at the Hamilton Herald, I was pissed. And when I brought my complaints to the advisors, I was forced to quit. So, I was going into my senior year with a major chip on my shoulder. Although I kept my composure in public, inside I was fuming. The powers that be had officially ruined my life. As a journalism major, fired from the school paper, my future looked a little less bright. So when I was selected as a woman of V, my desperation superseded my moral compass and I accepted without hesitation. V would give me access to more opportunities than the Herald ever could. V would take my career to heights I never even considered. V would change my life for the better. V would have me sabotage my enemies and leave their ashes in my wake. I just didn’t consider the collateral damage. But like I said, nothing is free. People always want to know what V stands for. For me, V stands for vengeful. less