Syndicate Flower (Syndicate Next Gen #1)

Chapter 1

ANIYAH

“Idon't know how you can even dance in that thing!” Nova shouted over the pounding bass, pointing at my outfit. “I mean… Isn't your ass cold?”

I glanced down at my custom-made pink diamond bra with bedazzled strands dangling just enough to mimic a see-through crop top. Shrugging, I turned around and shook my ass. The pleated mini skirt bounced with me, its slits riding high enough to flash both cheeks. “I don’t like being constrained.”

The beat throbbed through the club, crawling up my skin like a lover's touch, each vibration speeding my pulse. Twirling, I raised my arms above my head and danced in our VIP area, the Syndicate-only lounge.

Tonight wasn’t just any night. It marked the end of my training and the beginning of our era. Our reign. The five of us were the next in line, the Syndicate empire’s heirs, and now was our time to shine.

Scanning the massive three-story club, with the DJ suspended in the center like a maestro commanding a sea of bodies, I reminded myself that tonight was our night, our last before taking on our roles, which was fitting as it was my twenty-first birthday.

Leaning against the railing, I caught the DJ’s eye. He nodded. A quick scratch sliced through the music, and the bass dropped into silence. I raised my glass high and screamed across the crowd, “It’s my motherfucking twenty-first birthday, bitches! Drinks on me!”

Chaos erupted. The floor surged as the masses swarmed the bars, their screams of delight echoing off the walls.

“Did you hear that, crew?” Holding the mic, the fairy DJ flew up into the air and called out, “Miss Aniyah Glovefox, the Syndicate Flower herself, is making history tonight and treating you all. Get your drinks while our princess is feelin’ generous!”

The music kicked back in, and just as I was about to raise my glass, a cool, bone-dry voice came from behind me. “Glad you’re making such responsible use of our money. Pretty sure tonight’s gonna be a profit-loss nightmare.”

I turned to beam at my eldest sister.

Ezra sat with her legs crossed, wearing all-black everything—wide-leg trousers, asymmetrical crop top, stiletto heels with blood-red soles.

Her hair, white like all of ours, flowed over her shoulders in clean simplicity.

Her rose-gold eyes, sharp enough to cut, narrowed beneath arched brows.

Everything about her screamed lethal elegance.

The only splash of rebellion was the ink that covered her body. Spiraling up from her knuckles, it traveled all the way up her arms, chest, and stomach, the inky darkness covering her skin.

“I should’ve known you’d pull something like this,” she said, arms folded in her signature I’ll-kill-you-but-lovingly stance.

I hit her with my best I’m-your-baby-sister-and-you-love-me smile.

Rolling her eyes, she sighed, but I caught the corners of her mouth twitching. Victory.

“Well... It’s your birthday,” she muttered, like that made it all inevitable.

“Damn right!” Calix strode over with his stupidly charming smile, his fangs peeking out from between his lips as he slipped his jacket over my shoulders and looked away like I wouldn't notice that stealth move.

I yanked it off and shoved it back at him with a grin. “Not happening. I look fucking de-lick-able.”

He folded the jacket over his arm, giving me a strained, defeated smile. “Had to try.” He kissed my cheek hard and slid into the booth next to Ezra.

“Look, I appreciate the big brother energy,” I said, leveling a finger at him, “but for the love of Satan and all his mistresses, do not cockblock me tonight. I’m on the hunt for some good birthday dick.”

His face twisted like I’d just served him sour milk, so I kept going.

“Not a pretty dick. Not a glamour muscle dick. Not a thinks-he’s-God’s-gift-but-can’t-fill-a-sock dick—”

“All right!” He held up both hands, glaring at me. “I get it! Just…” He swallowed like he ate something sour. “Just make sure it’s a dick you can control. It’s your fucking birthday after all.”

I squealed and threw my arms around him.

“You know me. There isn’t a man alive I can’t make dance to the snap of my fingers.

” I lifted my heel and turned it, yanking out the poisoned blade he’d hidden in these custom heels.

It was so nice to have a big brother that was a weapons-making genius.

“Plus, I’ve got myself covered. If someone doesn’t deliver on some dick that makes my eyes cross, I will stab him. ”

He scanned the crowd like he was already vetting future problems. “Don’t ever hesitate, Niya.”

“Never,” I said, shaking my head until the diamonds sounded like wind chimes.

Suddenly, a chill swept up my spine and goosebumps erupted. Then a familiar flat, cold voice brushed my ear.

“And if you can't stomach it, I’ll do it. Just call me.”

I spun, grinning. “Ri! You made it!” Damn air mage just had to sneak up on me.

Most mages only had one elemental designation, but when your father had two and your grandfather was the strongest spirit mage alive, you ended up following in their footsteps.

That meant my sister had ended up having both air and fire magic, with a hint of spirit from my grandfather Easton.

Riot’s left brow twitched, her version of a hug. “Finished my job early.” Short, sweet, simple. That was Riot, all right.

“Sure. Totally. Normal scheduling. Cool, cool, cool.” I wanted to make a bigger deal, I wanted to yell at her because this was my birthday, but I settled for hugging her, knowing she’d vanish into the shadows like some emotionally constipated ninja if I gave in to the urge.

She gave a silent nod to the others and moved behind Ezra like she was her shadow, which not only fit her personality but worked well for her place in the family, the heir to the Devil’s seat. The assassin. The executioner. The fixer of the Syndicate.

Family first. Always.

And now that we’re all here, I wanted to start the night off right.

“Guess what I got for us?” I bounced on my toes, clapping my hands.

Nova opened her mouth, ready to ruin the surprise because I couldn't keep my mouth shut around her.

“Snake Juice!” I cut her off, practically vibrating. “I saw it on Daddy’s top shelf, and it's like when-our-parents-met old. He said I could take anything I wanted.”

Right on cue, a petite redhead appeared beside me with a tray of shots. “Here are the drinks you requested, Ms. Glovefox.”

Ezra flicked her finger. A plume of shadow coiled out, forming a solid hand that lifted the tray from the girl’s hands. “Thank you,” she said coolly. Using her demon powers to exert dominance was very on brand for her.

The girl fled, her face etched in fear.

“E, why’d you—” My protest became a screech when her shadows poured the shots onto the floor.

“Don’t you remember the story?” Ezra said, arms crossed. “That bottle? It’s what Dad used to drug them all. I’m not blacking out tonight.”

The scent of sulfur bloomed, and a demon wearing a butler suit materialized next to her. Someone who’d been bound to her because he owed her money, I was sure. That was the perk of being the heir to the Desmond seat. Ezra was in charge of all the casinos, money laundering, and loan sharking.

Upon seeing her, the demon immediately bowed. “You rang, madam?”

“Six shots of hellfire mixed with lumin berries.”

The demon nodded once before he vanished, and I got excited.

Hellscape booze was one of her best ideas. Normal alcohol? Useless on supes. Our metabolisms killed the buzz in seconds. Drugs, same deal.

Ezra had brought back some plants from the Hellscape for Cal to investigate.

He’d run some tests, and they found out the plants contained a low-grade toxin.

It gave stronger supes like us a buzz, while some of the weaker ones could become fully drunk.

It fizzled out of our system within a few hours, but it was long enough to make a profit.

That was when the human government got their panties in a twist—something about the product conflicting with the treaty—but the parents stepped in and handled it. They whipped up a rune spell that could be used to neutralize the toxin if needed.

Now? As long as no humans died and the bodies stayed intact, no one gave a shit. Party on.

The demon returned with a tray of bubbling cherry-red shots, and I clapped my hands.

Ezra waited until each of us had one, then raised hers toward me, eyes dancing with rare warmth.

“Happy birthday, Niya.”

The rest of them joined in, circling around me.

“Happy birthday, baby sis!”

Ezra, the second oldest, recited the first line of the toast we had made up as kids. “May your enemies die a bloody death.”

“May your business always be fruitful,” Cal added with a wink.

“May your friends be strong and true.” Nova grinned.

Riot rolled her eyes. “May your lovers drain every last drop.”

Ezra lifted her shot high. “And never forget…”

We all echoed together, “Family is everything. Syndicate now, Syndicate forever!”

We lifted up the glasses and downed our shots.

Heat bloomed down my throat, sweet and spicy with an intoxicating kick at the end.

The world sharpened and softened all at once.

Nova smiled wider. Riot stared at her empty glass like it offended her.

Cal and Ezra exchanged knowing looks, and for once, Ezra smiled.

I melted into the music, my body humming.

“Go. Dance,” Ezra said, motioning to the floor, another shot already in hand.

Another round had somehow appeared like magic—or just good service. Picking up the lone shot that remained, I slammed it back, head foggy and heart light.

Nova double fisted, taking her second and third in a row, while Riot politely refused hers. So naturally, Nova and I grabbed her and dragged her onto the floor, kicking and cursing, like only good sisters did.