Cookie Lyons Empire Novels & Stories

“I’ve been hearing about ‘Lydia’s Gratte everywhere lately. I thought I’d be sick of it by now, but watching her make it here makes me want to cry all over again.” “Adrienne, are you watching this right now? Still refusing to bow out with a little grace?” “I’ll say it again! Adrienne’s three years mean nothing next to Lydia’s genius!” While online chatter reached a fever pitch, I sat comfortably in my private lounge, scrolling through my phone and browsing culinary platforms. Lydia had promised the world that “Lydia’s Gratte” would be featured prominently at The Ember Table’s launch. So, it wouldn’t be too hard to verify the credits. There was no need to dig deep.

Slowly, she reached for a box of dark chocolate biscuits drizzled with honey glaze and dropped them into the cart. I gasped. “She’s doing it!” “Don’t make this weird.” “Too late.” And then it devolved into chaos. Pure, beautiful chaos. Rowan tossed family-sized bags of spicy crisps into the cart like he was preparing for battle. Lyra added herbal teas, sauces, dried noodles, and an alarming amount of pastries. I piled in fresh fruit, sparkling berry drinks, creamy cheeses, and a triple-layer strawberry cake none of us needed but all of us emotionally deserved.

Both women paused, gazing at the menu engraved in 00glass above the bartender. “There it is,” Maya said, tapping the panel with one finger. “The drink we’ve been eyeing since the first night we arrived. ‘Moonfire Elixir.’ It’s a mix of exotic fruits, mint, and a touch of something stronger. Every review says it’s unforgettable.” Lily’s lips curved in a small smile. “And yet, we’ve never had the chance. Too busy fighting for our lives, dealing with Crescent rogues, or reading Clara’s venomous article about how weak we supposedly are.” Her voice hardened at the last words.

The Lycan, pulled back a stray strand of his luscious blond hair from his face as he addressed James. “What was so urgent that you had to disturb my day… and it had better be good or else I might just forget how useful you are when I snap your neck.” James didn’t bother to beat around the bush. “Are you poisoning our lands?” The Lycan froze and his jaw ticked as he processed what he just heard. How the hell did James know that? The Lycans had been very careful when they did it. They made sure to use specific poisons that were created specially by them…. Even if the smartest scientists checked the soil, they wouldn’t know what the problem was or how to solve it.

"I taught you well." "Did you bring it?" Lyra asked, looking at her father. Cyprian reached back into the helicopter. He pulled out a simple, white paper box tied with string. "Fresh from the bakery on Rue Cler," Cyprian said, handing the box to Lyra like it was a holy relic. "Still warm. Oryn insisted you weren't eating enough carbohydrates." Lyra hugged the box. "Pain au chocolat. Acceptable." "Come," Cyprian said, checking his watch. "I want to see this cafeteria Lyra complained about. I hear the structural integrity of the meatloaf is questionable."

“What can I say? I’m a natural.” I pinch the bridge of my nose, inhaling deeply. “Fine. I’ll make more.” Cam glances between us. “Uh, yeah, about that… They’re already demanding the Liam Special.” I blink. “The what?” “The Liam Special,” Liam repeats, looking way too pleased. “It’s my own twist on your croissants. Extra flaky, just the right amount of butter, and a hint of vanilla.” I gape at him. “You remade my croissants?”

“What’s this?” Mina’s tail swayed with excitement as she lifted the lid, revealing a single bowl of ice cream—but this was no ordinary flavor. The smooth, rich texture gleamed under the warm light, with specks of golden honey swirls infused within. “This,” Mina declared, “is my ultimate creation—Royal Honey Delight.” Mies raised an eyebrow. “Honey?”

I took out my phone from my pocket and texted Lily. 'Hey, girl, what's the celebration at your company about?' Lily replied immediately. 'Oliver Monero, the heir to Monero Empire, is in town, and he will be handling things here for a while 'What? Is he hot?' 'I have not seen him before, but I guess he is. Are they not always hot? By the way, what are you doing in my company?' 'Nothing. Some men from there are here, and Brad wants me to lick their feet.' Lily sent me a laughing emoji.

Jason enquired and Lily smiled and took the catalogue to look through Lily made a choice and they ordered their meal They talked and laughed as they ate Lily had to admit, Jason had a nice personality and he's fun to be with "I heard from Anna that you resigned from your current job" Jason said "Seems like you and Anna talk about me alot" Lily said "Well I called her this evening and we ended up talking about you, I'm sorry about that" Jason apologized "No it's okay" Lily smiled "I work at the DiCaprio Empire" Jason stated "The notorious Mafia Empire?!!" Lily exclaimed "So you are a Mafia too?!" "I.... Well I can't say I'm not but I mostly do the office work, we run some casinos and loan out

Lily replied. “I’m thirty-two,” he said “That’s basically ancient.” I laughed before I could stop myself. Cole returned holding three bowls of ice cream. “You’re both rude.” He handed Lily a bowl. Then me. “You’re bribing us,” I said. “I’m improving morale.” “That’s still bribing.” “It’s strategic dessert deployment.” Lily raised her spoon dramatically. “To dessert.” Cole clinked his spoon against hers. “To surviving fractions.” I took a bite. Chocolate. Of course.