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It doesn’t take me long to find my name right next to my family’s, and I’m disappointed to see none of my sisters are here, especially since Lexie is a great buffer between me and Dad. But we’re not sitting with the happy couple at the main table.

When Autumn’s dad died, it left her with only a human parent and no one to guide her in the ways of the Druid, so Dad stepped in to help. A quick look at the main table shows that none of Autumn’s remaining family is here, but it seems like Parker’s are, and they’re sitting at the main table instead.Interesting.

It’s worth doing a quick scan to see who else got invited. Each Supernatural Family has six families in total, with one family leading the Supernatural Empire, and I expect an even distribution of presence from each family. We can’t be seen playing favorites amongst the families after all.

Already, I know Dominic is here, and I need to catch up with him because it’s been a while. Looking around for some other names, I see very few Undead are here and unless married into a Supernatural Family, there is no Human Faction. Ohhh, scandalous. I wish I knew why. Pity that Luca is not here, because I know she would fill me in on the gossip. But then I seehisname is not on the list, and I can’t decide if I’m relieved or disappointed.

Sighing and snagging a glass of champagne from the tray at the entrance, I brace myself for the polite falseness that I’m about to endure as I walk into the venue with my head held high. While I search for my allocated seat, I ignore the eyes on me. The inside of the venue is simpler than I expected, but there are fairy lights covering every surface. A quick glance at the cutlery tells me it’s a designer label.

Pulling up the only available chair at the table next to my parents, I remind myself to stay calm. Dad only allowed me to go to university because Lexie stayed home to run the family business with him, but if I don’t play it smart, he could revoke my attendance with only a moment's notice. And right now, I want freedom more than I want anything else.

“Mother, Father,” I say in place of a greeting.

"Judith." Dad looks at my couture gown. Mom just glares at me and says nothing in response.

"Glad to see you've put your paws away for once, or have you moved on to wings now? You always were indecisive.”

“Well, I was decisive enough to spend your money to get here, so clearly some things have changed. And you know I prefer Jude now.”

It’s not worth it,I remind myself. A fight with Dad will only ruin Autumn’s big day, and I don’t want that. No matter how much has changed between us. Luckily, a waiter comes to the rescue and places our starters on the table. I’m famished, and the beef carpaccio with parmesan shavings looks delicious.

Digging into my meal gives me something else to focus on while I decide on the safest way to interact. When I’m done eating, I look up to find Dad’s eyes on me, so I meet him head on. He prefersdirectness, as he believes it “shows character”. So I humor him for a moment and make polite conversation.

“Where’s Lexie and Brooklyn? I thought they would be here.”

Dad inhales with a sharp breath, like I asked the wrong thing, and here I thought I was picking a safe subject. A quick scan around the table tells me why. When we have gossips like Zac at the table, we have to choose our words carefully before the whole Supernatural community knows about our business.

“We decided Brooklyn should focus on her studies. She has an important exam coming up, and Lexie stayed behind to keep the business running. Not everyone has the luxury to gallivant and do what they want with all expenses paid.” He raises his glass, a suave smile on his face–for the table, not me.

Ignoring his passive aggressive jab, I know what he really means.Hedecided. Our family wasn’t a democracy the last time I checked. Before I can respond with a jab of my own, the newlywed couple enters the room, and we all stand to cheer for them. Parker and Autumn make their way to their table, and the MC welcomes us with his opening speech. When he’s done, the chatter increases in the hall again with some upbeat background music to maintain the mood.

Excusing myself from the table, I make my way to the open bar because I need something stronger if I’m going to get through this evening without losing my temper. While I wait for my drink, another guy joins me at the bar and gives my outfit a once over. A sniff tells me he’s human and on any other night, I would have enjoyed the challenge of flirting with him. But not right now. Too many Druids are here and if hepisses the wrong one off for sleeping with their leader's daughter, his death will be on my conscience, and I have enough of those.

Abandoning any hope of getting laid tonight, I make my way back to the table with my prized drink in hand and eager for the next course so I can get this evening over with. Maybe I should go search for Dominic next? I’ve shown enough face with the family.

My moment of solitude is over before it even begins as Dad slides into the chair next to me. Bracing myself for whatever insult he has prepared, I’m ready to defend myself until I see his face.

All of my earlier frustrations are put to the side for now as my eyebrows knit together in concern as I take Dad’s arm. “Dad? What’s wrong?”

He looks like he’s seen a ghost as he tells me, “That was a call from security at home. They found Lexie with a silver knife in her chest. She’s dead.”

Chapter 2 | The Druids

Jude

“What do you mean, Lexie isdead?” My voice goes up an octave as the hysteria bubbles in my chest. Dad flinches at my tone before he hisses at me. “Keep your voice down! We don’t want someone to overhear this.”

Turning from him, I hastily grab my drink to give me something to do while I gather my thoughts. It also helps me try to cover the disgust I feel for my father when he behaves like this. I knew coming back wasn’t going to be easy. But never in my wildest dreams did I expect this. Silence fills the space between us as we try to figure out what to say. Watching the table of guests in front of us laugh, I realize I’m jealous of them. Their worlds haven’t been ripped apart like ours just has, and I envy them for that.

Dad’s right, as much as I hate to admit it. This isn’t the place to have this out. Even with the loud pop music blaring through the venue, we’re still surrounded by Supernatural ears. Clearing his throat, Dad tries to cover the distance between us as he shares more information. “Security found her with a silver knife in her chest. You know none of us can come back from that.” His voice wavers at that point, and it’s the only hint of emotion he shows at the news of his eldest daughter’s death.

It’s real.

My tears threaten to fall at that point, and it feels like I’m making a superhuman effort to keep my emotions under control. Again, I remind myself this isn’t the place as Dad pats my back awkwardly. Looking up at him, I search his hazel eyes, so much like mine, as I look for something, anything, to show he’s as upset as I am. To show me I’m not alone in my grief. But I find…nothing.

Okay, so we need to carry on and pretend like nothing is wrong until we have some privacy, and if we leave now, it will attract too much attention, something we don’t want yet.

I had hoped, as the head of our family, Dad would take control, but he’s more concerned with appearances than creating a sound strategy to manage this crisis. Grabbing the programme, I try to see how much of the evening is left, but it’s one big blur.