Page 113 of Sovereign Oaths

The van he’d hired to drive us honked as he pulled away, leaving us in the middle of an unknown forest.

What the fuck?

Javi and Cruz picked up the duffel bags and headed up the path to the front door. Derek stayed next to me, looking just as confused.

Marco turned and caught our hesitation. “Come on.”

Derek slipped his fingers through mine and half led, half dragged me into the house.

Javi shut the door behind us, and I scanned the small kitchen and dining area. A few feet beyond were two couches. Cruz had already collapsed on one.

Derek tugged me along, and we sat next to him. I pulled off my shoulder-length blonde wig and scratched my scalp.

Marco and Javi took the other, leaving us sitting and staring at one another in silence.

“This is it?” Cruz asked with his eyes closed, not bothering to take off his disguise.

“For now,” Marco confirmed.

Cruz groaned, and I had to agree with him.

“Where are we?” Derek rubbed his jaw with his free hand while tugging off his fake mustache and sideburns.

“Italy. Almost to the Swiss border,” Marco answered as he tossed his hat to the floor.

“Italy?” I cried.

They all turned to me. It was the first time I’d spoken since we’d gotten out of the ocean and into the first car that took us to the small airport outside of Miami. When they hadn’t given me answers, I’d stopped asking. Then bone-deep fatigue had taken over, and I didn’t have the energy to converse or care. I’d been a puppet getting dragged along from one city to another.

“Yeah.” Marco grinned, his green eyes sparkling even with the contacts in.

“Why the fuck would we stop in enemy territory?” Derek demanded.

His smile grew. “Because the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Well, the Italians hate us, so…”

I couldn’t be the only one who saw the huge flaw in his plan.

“The Italians hate the Velez Mafia.”

“Exactly,” I said slowly.

“We are not Velez.” Javi winked.

“You guys might be able to claim that since you weren’t born on Pack lands, but I sure as hell am.”

“Nope.” Marco seemed to be enjoying himself, leaning back and smiling.

“Can you guys just tell us what the fuck is happening?” Cruz asked with his eyes still shut, sounding as exasperated as I did. “I’m too exhausted to play any games.”

“Emilia Velez died four days ago. Along with Marco, Javi, Derek, and Cruz Velez. A true tragedy.” Javi put his hands over his heart.

Cruz snapped his head up. “It worked?”

“What worked?” My question was once again ignored.

“It did. Our obituaries were printed today. Emilia’s funeral is this Saturday.” Marco crossed his ankle over his knee.

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