Page 29 of The Clash of the Damned (The Titan Syndicate Saga #2)

Jude

“ F lip your hair,” Brooklyn instructs, standing behind me at my vanity. Tossing my hair, I flip it back and burst out laughing when I see the effect in the mirror. My curls have more volume than they ever should, and I look like a seventies movie star. “I look ridiculous.”

“Shhh, trust the process,” Brooklyn reprimands me lovingly.

Slowly she brushes apart my curls to reform them, the final step in her hair makeover for my Breakfast At Tiffany’s themed kitchen tea.

First, she blow dried my hair, then set it in rollers.

Now, she twirls each of my curls into a perfect coil before she applies hairspray.

Not wanting to change who I am, we decided that we weren’t going to go with the sleek updo that was displayed in the movie.

Instead, I wanted to keep my curls and adapt the look.

Brooklyn adds the final step of today’s hair transformation, the jeweled crown.

“Are you sure you want to go through with this, Jude?” Brooklyn’s eyes crinkle along the edges as she makes little effort to hide her concern for me.

We both know she’s really talking about leaving Sebastian in my past. I know she isn’t the biggest fan of it happening.

They’ve remained close despite our complicated history, and I don’t begrudge her.

But it doesn’t change what has to be done. How I feel about it doesn’t matter.

“I have to. The Druids need stability, and this is an easy way to create it. Plus, there are worse options than Jayden. If Lexie was here, she would have done the same for us.”

Brooklyn tucks her pale blonde hair behind her ear, the only sign I know she’s holding something back. “If Lexie was with us, she would tell us both to get over ourselves and not waste a minute of the life we’ve been gifted. No, she would demand it.”

“Yeah that feels like something she would say.”

I did not expect how protective my little sister has become of me.

It shows in her questions, and it doesn’t escape my notice that she’s been training hard.

While she may look the perfect debutant today in her baby pink, sheath dress, I know in her other form, she can be lethal.

Turning, I lift her chin. “What else are you worried about?”

“This Children of Christ business…” she trails off.

“Sloane has eyes on me; she’s not worried about you.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better? Must I bury another sister?”

Shit, I’m not handling this well. Letting her in was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time, and figuring out what our world looks like without Lexie is much easier together.

But sometimes, I’m worried I’m too honest. I want to choose my words more carefully with her, but does that make me any better than Sebastian?

“We will figure this out together. As long as we make smart choices, we will survive as our family has done for hundreds of years. This unrest won’t last forever.

” There is strength in numbers, a principle not only the Druids follow, but every Supernatural family as well.

Clearing his throat, Beau announces his arrival.

“Girls, I know it’s been tough for this family, but know I’m as proud of you two as if you were mine.

” It’s an out of character display for him, but I don’t question it.

It’s an emotionally loaded day for us all.

Next to Eric Rhodes, Beau is the closest thing I have left to a father, and I appreciate him more in moments like today.

Blowing him a kiss, I mouth ‘thank you’ to him.

“I know we don’t like many of the guests in attendance today, but I invited everyone from the Supernatural families as tradition dictates. If you’re set on going through with this, it’s time to go down.”

We decided to ignore the long cigarette holder that’s so common with my outfit.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a theme, but I’m also a fan of changing what doesn’t serve me–my new outlook on life.

Putting on my black silk gloves, I take Brooklyn’s hand and follow her downstairs to our sun room where our guests are waiting.

Upon entering our sunroom, I find it’s been transformed into the set of the movie.

Sunlight filters through the windows, catching on the delicate glassware laid out on the tables.

When invitations went out to every important Druid, as well as prominent Supernaturals from the other families, I was nervous that with all the murders happening recently, no one would attend.

But in true Supernatural style, we all love a chance to party, even if the bodies are dropping, and this is no different.

I almost breathe a sigh of relief when I see Luca amongst the guests, and almost start when I see Amelia.

I am surprised to see the twins here; with everything happening, Dom rarely lets them out of his sight.

They’re all in their matching colors as the event invite dictated.

The thinking is with all of the guests’ color, it should compliment me in the black velvet dress that became so famous in the movie.

Brooklyn leads me to my seat at the head of the table, and I greet guests as we pass.

When my little sister insisted on putting this event together, I was happy to give her whatever she needed to pull it off, even if it meant help from the Rogues and their new events business.

I can’t see Tatiana anywhere, but I know she must be here, coordinating.

“Jude, so good to see you darling.” Bree Haldin and I air kiss each other in greeting.

Next to our family, she’s from the most influential and largest Druid family and Autumn’s best friend.

If it wasn’t for Eric Rhodes’ business model, the Haldin Druids would have definitely challenged us for leadership.

But they know they can’t compete with our money, so they tolerate us. Barely.

Trying to remain discreet, I look for my cousin, but she’s nowhere to be found.

It also doesn’t help that Bree despises me, a fact that she likes to remind me of at every moment.

All passive aggressive though, no direct rudeness.

It’s beneath her. Like how she dressed completely in black, against my wishes. She needed the attention.

“Charmed,” I return to her as we take our seats.

Momentarily, I’m distracted by the attention to detail that’s gone into today’s event, and I forget Bree’s hostility.

Picking up the Tiffany blue box at each guest’s table setting, I see inside is a charm bracelet, with mine and Jayden’s names and the date inscribed on it.

Touched at the gesture, I unfold the napkin held together with pearl details as the servers come past with their silver trays.

I grab a macaron, and Bree follows suit, taking a croissant. A quick glance at the menu shows that this is only the beginning as we can expect more french pastries, quiche, bottomless champagne, and artisan tea in china, to name a few.

“Great turn out after that nasty business with the church people,” Bree remarks, trying to get the attention back on her. Ignoring her, I take a bite of the white chocolate, hazelnut macaron and want to groan as the rich flavor bursts across my tongue.

“You know the Druid families are losing faith in the Rhodes, right? There are talks of moving. Starting over.”

“Give it up, Bree; today is not about you,” Luca pipes up.

Never one to give up, Bree tries another angle. “It is a pity Lexie couldn’t be here today. It’s really so sad you’ve lost so many family members recently. Really casts a downer on a special moment like today.”

Standing abruptly, I glare at her as I breathe heavily to keep my temper under control.

Using Lexie is a low blow, and she knows it.

Reminding myself that it’s not polite to kill my guests, I tap my champagne glass, making sure I have everyone’s attention.

“What are you doing?” Brooklyn hisses under her breath, an impromptu speech not on her event agenda.

“Reminding everyone who the main bitch is,” I retort at full volume, knowing that Bree can hear me perfectly fine.

“The Druids have had a shit time since Lexie was murdered.” Gasps ring out amongst the guests, appalled that I would bring up such a grisly reminder on what should be an otherwise joyful day.

“Now, you have me, the young leader in charge. I may have been gone for a while,” I turn to glare at Bree for emphasis, “but I am still one of the strongest Druids our generation has seen. Would you rather have me as your leader as we navigate this crisis with the church folk, or would you rather have me as your enemy? You have until I get back from the powder room to decide.”

Turning on my heel, I’m met with solitary applause, and I know it’s Luca. I find Beau in the kitchen with a grin on his face.

“I know we’re supposed to be proper, but I’ve never liked that girl or her family. I’m glad you put her in her place, Miss Jude.” We both burst out laughing as the whole thing is ridiculous. Someone behind us clears their throat, and we turn to find Remi behind me.

“I have an early wedding present. Dom told me you had a magic problem, more specifically a Sloane problem?”

“Go on?” My issue was never with her and her sister. I won’t hold their brother’s actions against them, and Dom and I have called a temporary truce; having a common enemy will do that. In her gray jumpsuit and sleek chignon, Remi no longer looks like the kid I grew up with, but an adult.

She digs into one of her pockets and hands me a vial with blue liquid.

“Drink this. It’s a theory we have about blocking Sloane’s magic.

We don’t usually make potions, but we needed to get creative with our problem.

We promised Dom if we got it right, you would be one of the first people we would help.

Just keep in mind, while we think it will work, we won’t know until you come face to face with Sloane again.

We’re hoping it solves the whole mind control memory issue too. ”

Shrugging, I uncork the vial and down it without hesitation. “It tastes like ass,” I cough out. “Maybe work on improving that as part of your next batch.”

“Surprised you trusted me that easily. I could have had something to kill you in there.”

I wink at her before she leaves. “I have to believe if you wanted me dead, I would be.”

“Beau, can you show our guests out? I’m done with this charade.

I don’t need it for the marriage to go ahead, and with guests like Bree, I find I’m over it.

” He nods as he exits the kitchen while I stand, taking in the view of our grounds.

A feeling of anxiety settles over me, and I can’t shake it.

Are my animal instincts picking up something my human ones have yet to place?

Pacing the house, I go to what was once my father’s study and is now mine.

The sounds of the guests departing carry through the house, and it’s a relief.

But it still doesn’t ease my worry. I search for something, I don’t know what, until I feel someone watching me.

I turn to find Sloane dressed all in black, standing right behind me, like one of my worst nightmares turned into reality. “How did you get in?”

“Turns out the Druids aren’t very concerned with safety.

Climbed in through your bedroom window; I believe it’s a popular entrance.

” She flicks her hand at me. “Why is my magic not working on you?” I smile.

The twins got it right, and if I survive this encounter, I can’t wait to be the one to tell them.

Standing in defense, I ready to protect myself at whatever she plans to throw at me.

“You forget that while I can’t use my magic on you, I’ve still got magic. You’re not out of family members yet, Jude. That means, with the right motivation, you’re open to listening.” She waves her hand, and Brooklyn walks into the room with a glazed look over her eyes.

“I need to get Dominic’s attention, and he won’t listen to me if I approach him. Either you help me, or she will. It’s your choice. Pick. Now. I find I’m impatient.”