Page 31

thirty-one

The Council

Jade

Walking down the long corridor to the council room, I hold my mother’s diary with all the answers Flynn wouldn’t tell me. He felt I should read her words rather than hear his. Either way, it doesn’t make this shit any easier.

Tonight will be the night I open this and read the words written by the woman I loved and cherish most. But being that my whole life was a lie, I’m not sure I can still hold her on the same pedestal she’s been on for all these years. A throat clears, taking me out of my thoughts.

“You ready for this, Gra?” Kane asks, eye fucking me as usual.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I respond as I approach the doors. He grabs my arm gently, pulling me back to him.

“Don’t speak unless you are spoken to. Those men in there are ruthless, they shoot first and ask questions later. Being that you’re a woman, the first ever to grace their table, they will not treat you any differently than they treat each other,” he warns.

“I eat men like them for breakfast. I think you forget where the fuck I came from, or maybe you didn’t do enough research on who I am. Let this be another lesson for the books.” I smirk as the corner of his lip raises a bit. He schools his features, handing me a mask that is all black with a long bird beak. I raise a brow and he takes a deep breath.

“No one enters this room without it. Every man sitting at the table is unidentifiable except for their voices. Your father is the only one who knows who is who, and until you take his place, you will be oblivious, like the rest of us. So, to protect you from them, please put the mask on and do not take it off until you’re safely in your room.”

Placing the mask over my head, he opens the double doors, letting me enter first. My first thought is, I didn’t think it would be this easy to see and breathe underneath this thing, but it’s actually comfortable.

Glancing around, I see five other men wearing similar face coverings sitting around an oval table. Flynn is standing in front of the fireplace, and I know it’s himbecause I know his body language, and his mannerisms.

The room is gorgeous, with stained window panes of angels and different gods. Everything is very original to the space, just well taken care of. A throat clears as I approach and all eyes are on me, as I subtly straighten my stance, letting them know I’m not afraid, nor am I intimidated by their presence. One of the many things Big John taught me that has shaped me into the ruthless woman I am today.

Rounding the table, I sit to Flynn’s right and Kane sits on the opposite side of me. I lean back in the chair, placing my mother's diary in my lap as I fold my hands over it.

Taking a deep breath, I wait for this shit show to start. Flynn finally decides to sit and drone on about issues with different syndicates and shipments going in and out of the ports. The men speak for what feels like hours until, finally, it's over. All the men rise and file out one by one, but as I rise, Flynn places his hand on my wrist and I sit back in the chair.

“There’s been a rat in the ranks. He will be publicly executed tonight and then I’m sending you home with a job to do,” he says and I raise a brow that he obviously can’t see, but it’s an automatic reaction these days.

“Home?” I ask and he nods.

“Yes, Kane will go with you. The threat has been dealt with, so you are free for the next year to return home. You will have to come back here a few times for business meetings and such, but you will remain in the states and work from there. Plus, you have shipments that need disbursing and the Club is in ruins. Ryker has taken over as President, but he’s going to need some help. You already know that many big players in our world will only deal with you.” He reminds me.

“Got it. Why does he have to come?” I say, pointing behind me.

“Because he is your second in command. You both need to get to know one another. He’s there to protect you.” He confesses and I’m already shaking my head.

“But if–” I begin to say, but he interrupts.

“No buts, Jade. Do as you're told, and that’s the end of it.” He scolds and I huff.

“What's the order, Daddy dearest?” I chide, which makes him snarl.

“You know better than to act like a petulant child. You are an IRA Queen and a guns dealer. Fucking act like it.” He scolds again. I take a deep breath, rising from my seat.

“What is the order?” I repeat, slamming the diary down on the table.

“It’s an execution,” he states. The lack of information is pissing me off right about now.

“Who?” I ask, folding my arms across my chest.

“Cillian O’Cleary.” He simply says, and I gasp.

“You want me to kill Slim? Are you out of your mind?” I say as he walks back over to the fireplace.

“Word got back to me that he’s been sleeping with the enemy and though he may have fulfilled his orders in protecting you, that doesn’t mean he hasn't been a double agent this whole time, along with his father.” He states, and I shake my head. There’s no fucking way. I know Slim. He’d never go against the army. Not for anyone.

“I call bullshit.” I accuse as his eyes meet mine.

“Then why is he with the Bratva Princess?” He retorts. I have no idea who the fuck that is, but he better enlighten me.

“Who is that?” I ask, wanting to take this fucking mask off so I can read his facial expressions.

“Natalia Mozorov, or better known as Kayla Pierce.” He says, not taking his eyes off me.

“What the fuck?” I shout, not believing what he is saying. There’s no fucking way. I cannot. These are my best friends.

“I know what you’re thinking, but remember, you lost your memory. I need you to go home and get the truth, and if I’m right, then execute them.” He commands and I nod.

“How long do I have?” I ask, ready to get the fuck out of here.

“One month.” He says, as I pick up the diary.

“Okay,” I breathe out, “you have my word.” I say.

“Go raibh maith agat mo iníon.” He says.

“Sea, athair.” I respond, rounding the table and leaving the same way I came in with Kane hot on my heels. Once we get back to my room, we rip the masks off and I take a deep breath.

“When do we leave?” I ask, and he smiles.

“Within the hour. I can’t wait to see your hometown,” he says excitedly. Lord help me with this guy. As much as I am excited to get home, I’m also nervous as fuck for what waits for me.

Sitting on the jet just after take off, Kane finally leaves me alone, laying down a few rows behind me. Reaching into my bag, I grab the diary. Taking a deep breath, I unwind the leather straps and open it to page one.

Shutting the book as my eyes get heavy, I can’t help but picture how happy they made each other for a summer, and if I wasn’t so tired, I would keep going. I need to know what happened. Placing the book next to me, I close my eyes and drift to sleep. Hoping one day I’d find a love like theirs.