I snicker and shake my head. “That right there has always been your problem. It’s always about you. Magic isn’t about personal gain. It’s why it never works for you the way it has for all the other women in this family. Look at you bragging about how things have changed, never seeing that’s a bad thing. Your way spells the death of an empire.” I spit out the last sentence.
“Oh, climb down off your high horse,” Vit barks.
“Enough,” Mémé says quietly.
“Tell her, Mama,” Odette preens.
Mémé clucks her tongue. “She’s right. We’ve gotten so far from who we are. It killed me every time I had to turn someone away. Hearing you right now makes me wonder where I went wrong. You’ve always been a little conceited, and small-minded. I figured you’d grow out of it somewhat. Instead, you spread that cancer to your children.”
Odette stands, mouth flapping open and closed like a fish out of water.
“Sit. Down,” Mémé commands. She plops back onto the couch. “The future rests with, Lou. Any changes she plans on making, we’re going to go along with it.”
“So, you’re naming her as your successor?” Odette spits.
“When I do that, I’ll be clear,” she says. A boom of thunder shakes the room. Odette jumps. “Unless you want to challenge me for the top spot.”
“What? No. I never said that.” Despite her backpedaling, there’s a dangerous glint in her dark gaze. My stomach clenches. I believe she’d try to take Mémé on if she thought she had a chance at winning.
Hackles rising, I step forward and will a flame to flicker in the palm of my left hand. “I dare you to try it,” I growl.
“Do they even know what you’ve done? How you consort with that unnatural beast of yours? You’re attached to him. What kind of witch would do that? When have vampires been viable for mates? How are you going to continue the lineage? You ever think about that girl?” She rises, her purple and gold dress twisting with the movement.
Despite the fact I’m angry at her, I can’t help but think, I actually like that dress. It looks comfy. Now, back to the matter at hand!
“No, because my worth isn’t tied into my reproductive system. I don’t need to bear fruit to lead. It takes a hell of a lot more than babies to be a good ruler. And yes, I’m connected to Cristobal. I couldn’t stop what happened any more than I could make the world stop turning. That places me in an unusual, yet powerful position. I want to bring the Esçhetes further into the twentieth century and return our focus on helping others. Sacha is branching out and doing jobs on her own. I think we should join her and create a new avenue of business. One where we’re hired on a case by case basis, and our actions are separate from those that are family related. When shit hits the fan, as it does inevitably, I’m making sure our magical asses will be covered.”
“You claim you want to bring back the old ways, and then disregard our traditions for vampire dick,” Odette spits.
I crack my neck. “What did you just say?”
“You heard me.”
“Are we doing this, Tante Odette? Because once we start, I won’t back down until you concede.”
She gives a dry laugh. “Look at how quickly you prepare to defend him. What happened? Did you get a glimpse of your future? Is that why you high-tailed it out of here? Found out it doesn’t work like that, didn’t you? The princess has been knocked off her throne.” Tante Odette’s tongue is sharp, but I don’t value her opinion enough to be hurt.
“I can see you have a problem with me, Odette. Since you already started running your mouth, why you don’t finish getting it all out.” I take a sip of my coffee. The lights overhead flicker, and the tables rattle.
She pauses.
“Don’t stop now. We’re just getting to the good part.”
“I’m not afraid of you.”
Hail clicks against the window and bounces off the outer walls and roof. You were saying. She clamps her mouth shut. “You’re smarter than you look.” I turn my attention to the others looking on with expressions of shock and interest. “This is the time to speak up. Get whatever you need to say off your chest.”
“You’re bonded to a vampire. How could you be fit to lea—”
I cast a silencing spell on Tante Odette with a thought. “We need allies. Now we have one built in. I spent my life taking everything you had to give. I remember the snide comments, sneers, and hurtful actions, so I’m low on mercy. I suggest you mind your manners, and realize, the focus today is for the greater good. My days of walking on eggshells for you is over. You are one link in the chain, and we’re only as strong as our weakest point. I speak with the authority that’s been granted me. To question that is to question Mémé.”
If looks could kill, I’d be dead and buried. I release her from the spell.
“We don’t use our powers on one another,” Odette seethes.
I lean forward. “Trust me when I say, that was the lesser of evils.”
Her eyes widen. We have our own code. If you question or honor or offend, we can challenge one another to a witch’s duel.