Page 25 of Anarchy

“I wasn’t hurt by anyone. I’m just sick,” he says, giving me nothing else.

“Like the flu?” I ask, and he shakes his head.Fuck.

“Worse. I’m dying. I have little time to live, so I called you out here not for your pity or sympathy, but because I need you to take over sooner than expected,” he says, and I gasp.

“This is a joke, right? Is this another lesson to see if I can handle being queen of the throne? Because this aint it, Dad. All you had to do was tell me what was needed. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble just to get me to take over. I know what my duty is,” I say as a tear falls down his face.Shit. I’ve never seen this man be vulnerable, let alone shed a tear. Jesus fucking christ.He coughs, reaching for his water. I grab the cup and tip it to his mouth, helping him take a sip. Placing the cup down on the bedside table, he grabs my hand and brings it to his lips.

“I’m serious. I’ve been hiding my illness for the past year, but it’s taken its toll on me and I needed to see you before it was too late,” he admits, and I nod.

“I understand, but Dad, I only just found out you’re my father and now I’m going to lose you? I’m sick of losing people. When does it end!?” I say, terrified of the answer as I place my forehead into his chilly hands. “Jesus, your hands are cold,” I say and he laughs, then coughs again.

“Cold hands, warm heart.” He smiles. It’s an old Irish saying I’ve heard over the years. “I’m sorry, child. I regret not telling you sooner about being my daughter and about my illness. I’ve fucked up a lot over the years and I have many regrets,” he whispers as tears fall from my eyes.

“I know, it just sucks. I’m pregnant again and I hope you’re here long enough to meet Prince,” I say, and he smiles.

“You are a great mother, Fallon. Tessa would be so proud of you. Don’t ever forget that. You hear me? We both are proud of the woman you’ve become, and I have no doubt in my soul that you will make the perfect queen for the council. Tonight is the night you get to meet everyone without a mask on. Do you think you’re ready?” he asks, and I nod.

“Thanks, Dad. I just wish we had more time together. Do you know how long you have?” I ask, disregarding his second question because he should know the answer. There is nothing in this world that I’m not ready for. Life has thrown constant curve balls my way and I knock them balls out of the park all day, every day. I may have been weak all those months ago, but today, my mind and body are strong and I know I can make him proud.

“It doesn’t matter. What matters is if you’re ready, my child,” he says and I shake my head.

“It matters. It matters to me. Do I need to stay and take care of you? How long do we have?” I grit. Getting pissed off that he thinks his time on earth doesn’t matter.

“Months, maybe less,” he answers, and I nod. I’m going to have to talk to Spade and figure out a plan. “Are you ready?” he asks again, and I nod with a smirk.

“I’m an O’Patrick. I was fucking born ready,” I say, and he smiles, which is kind of frightening because this man doesn’t ever crack a smile. He takes my hand, bringing it to his lips again.

“Fallon O’Patrick. My little Queen. Come back and see me after the meeting. I want an update. Welcome, Queen. Give them hell, my child,” he says, and I grin.

“You know I will. See you later. Get some rest, please. I have some things I want to discuss,” I say, and he nods, laying back against the pillows, shutting his eyes. Getting up, I exit his room but look back at him before shutting the door softly behind me.Tears stream down my face as I rush down the hall to find Spade. I need a hug from my husband before I enter this damn meeting.

Then I put on my game face and do what I was meant to do.

Reign as the Queen of the IRA.

Chapter 16

The Council

Jade

Walking down the long corridor to the council room with my mask in hand, I open the large wooden door and head straight for the room in the back where the council members get to speak with me without our masks on. Plus, I don’t know anyone, so it’s going to be a long fucking night.

Opening the door, I find the small, windowless room to be empty, just as I expected. I sit at the head of the oval table and wait. Being that my dad is the only one who knows the identity of each council member, it’s now transferred to me and I get to sit with each person and introduce myself. I specifically came early, so I didn’t have to wear the mask longer than necessary. I’m not sure how I feel about all of this, but I will never show any signs of weakness, especially in front of them. If they even smell fear on me, they will take that shit and run wild with it, and I don’t want to disappoint the only father I have left.

Having huge shoes to fill is intimidating, but I know I can do it and I’ll make him proud whether he’s still breathing or not. I don’t even want to think about that when I have to get this meeting over with. It’s nothing but a distraction that I can’t afford to get wrapped up in. There’s a time and place to break and right now, ain’t it. Kane will meet me in the main room after my little chat, plus I have my pistols if anyone tries anything funny. I’m in no mood for anyone's bullshit tonight. I just want to get back to my room and cuddle with my husband.

Everything that needs to be done within the council will have to go through me. They can’t make any moves without my permission first. Kane told me there have been two new members that have been added to the council that I will meet tonight.

Sitting in my chair at the head of the table, I fold my hands in front of me as the door opens and a tall blonde woman enters. I almost want to say something, being that I thought I was the only woman here, but I guess she’s one of our new members. She rounds the table as her heels click against the tile floor. She unbuttons her pant suit jacket, pushing her long hair from her shoulder before removing her mask and pulling out her diamond encrusted pistol, placing both on the table as she sits in her seat across from me.

“It’s nice to see another woman at the head of the table,” she states with a beaming smile.

“It is, isn’t it? I’m glad to see you here if I’m being honest. At least I won’t be alone while the others throw their dicks around like mine isn’t the biggest in the room.” I smirk as she laughs.

“I like your energy,” she says, and I nod.

“Thank you, I’m Jade, Flynn’s daughter. I'll be taking over the IRA. I’m already the largest distributor of weapons on the East Coast. If there is anything you need, just let me know,” I quip, and she nods.

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