The Veiled Syndicate Book 1: Shattered Loyalties

Chapter 1: The Unlikely Reunion

Chapter 1: The Unlikely Reunion

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, making sure I looked as sharp and commanding as I needed to. The goal was simple: look intimidating. I chose to go all black—black jeans, black boots, a black v-neck t-shirt, and a black jacket. Black is timeless, the kind of color that never fails. I finished my look with a touch of mascara, a sharp winged eyeliner, and a swipe of lipstick—not too much. I knew I’d be drinking tonight, and the lipstick wouldn’t last. Why waste it when I already knew the outcome?

Satisfied, I gave myself a quick smile. "You got this," I whispered to my reflection, the words more a command than a reassurance. Grabbing my keys, I rushed downstairs, headed for the car, and drove into the city.

The drive took about twenty minutes. Parking in my usual spot, I stepped out and made my way to the entrance of the club, but something made me hesitate. A gnawing feeling of unease. I shook it off, chalking it up to nerves. The night was too important to let anything get in the way. As I approached the entrance, I spotted Sam, the usual bouncer, and gave him a quick smile. He nodded and removed the rope barrier, allowing me to bypass the line. The people waiting in line shot daggers at me with their eyes, but I didn’t care.

Inside, the club was its usual mess—sticky floors from spilled alcohol, the heavy stench of smoke, weed, and sweat lingering in the air. I made my way upstairs. The place wasn’t packed, but it was busy enough that personal space was a luxury no one had. I headed straight for the bar, catching the bartender’s eye. Dean nodded at me, acknowledging my presence before tending to other orders.

Ten minutes later, I checked my watch—still plenty of time to kill. The club pulsed around me, a kaleidoscope of colors and movement. Bodies pressed together on the dance floor, swaying and grinding to the relentless beat that reverberated through the walls. The air was thick with a mix of sweat, alcohol, and the sharp tang of smoke. Neon lights flickered overhead, casting an almost surreal glow on the sea of faces—some lost in the music, others leaning in close, lips grazing ears, whispers exchanged in the dark. Couples clung to each other in shadowy corners, their passion hidden but not entirely concealed.

I scanned the room, my gaze drifting over the usual scenes—people dancing with abandon, some flirting, others making out in the half-light. It was the kind of place where time seemed to blur, the hours blending together in a haze of noise and heat.

As I turned toward the top of the stairs, my eyes landed on a trio of guys sitting at one of the bar tables. They were in a quieter section, where the music wasn’t as deafening, a place for those who preferred to chill, sip their drinks, and maybe share a plate of greasy bar food. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was seeing things, the faces too familiar, too out of place here. But as I squinted, the truth hit me like a shot of ice water down my spine.

One of them looked up, catching me in the act of staring. Our eyes locked for a split second, and I didn’t have time to look away. My mind raced, but I forced a small smile, trying to mask the unease that was starting to coil in my gut. He returned the smile, barely, and then motioned for me to join them.

Every instinct I had screamed at me to stay put, to turn around and lose myself in the crowd. But the moment had already passed, and there was no backing out now. I downed the rest of my drink in one quick gulp, feeling the burn as it slid down my throat, and made my way over, each step heavy with the weight of impending consequences.

Seriously? I thought, my mind racing. Of all places, on this of all nights, how were they all here at the same time? It felt like the universe was playing some kind of twisted joke on me. Something was definitely off, and the uneasy feeling gnawing at my gut was only getting worse.