Page 244 of Forced Vows

My father was given his ring here after my grandfather's death, and Sev after his. Both Dario and Salvatore's official ceremony to become capos happened here too. Just like their fathers before them.

Sev announced Salvatore's succession to his father's position when he promoted Uncle Sal to consigliere during a lesson in loyalty with all the capos, their seconds and a traitor who had sat at our table. But there still had to be a formal ceremony here.

Uncle Sal, Sev and I sit at the head table with our wives. Mamma is here too, on the other side of Róise. Ours is the only rectangular table in the room and set against the back wall.

Four large round ones filled with capos and their seconds face us.

Róise, Catalina, my mother and my aunt are the only women in the room. Giulia wanted to be here when she learned they would be, but she's part of the Vegas Cosa Nostra now.

While it's not the first time women are here to witness a new don receiving his ring, it is the first time in over three generations. And there is no way it would go over well to have a member of another Cosa Nostra family here to witness the sacred rite.

Everyone has a glass of predinner wine when Sev stands and lifts his. "Saluti."

We all raise our glasses and yell saluti before taking a sip.

"Alla famiglia." He takes a second sip.

Everyone toasts to the Cosa Nostra family.

"As you all know, Don Caruso chose to be both don and godfather." Severu waits for affirmatives to pepper the air before going on. "I do not choose to split my time or attention between two such important roles."

There is no surprise on any of the capos or their second's faces. They know why they are here, but that won't stop my brother from having his say.

It's tradition. And…it's Sev.

"Both for the good of the Cosa Nostra and the good of this family, as my father did before me, I appoint my successor."

I rise to my feet to stand beside Severu.

He lays his right hand on my left shoulder. "Miceli has been my right arm since before I became don of this family. Deciding whether to keep our God of War as my right arm or to put him in charge of this family was not an easy decision for me."

This is news to me. I didn't know my brother even considered a different course of action.

"But this family deserves the best and my brother is that," Sev goes on.

My chest tightens with emotion at his approbation, but my expression remains stoic. A don does not show his feelings.

A man might, with those he can trust, but never the don.

"Our father raised me to be don, to be patient. To be a diplomat when necessary. He raised my brother to burn down the city if necessary to protect this family. He will not be as patient with you all as I have been."

Remembering back to the day Salvatore was named capo, I think my brother is overestimating his patience.

"Miceli will lead this family into the future with strength, wisdom, and the ruthlessness necessary to keep a syndicate strong and protect the family."

Our family first, but to protect them I must keep the Genovese strong. I move my gaze from one person to the next, meeting the eyes of every single man in the room. Every capo. Every second in command.

Only then do I nod. "I will stand for this family until my death."

Always with the morbid. I can hear Róise's voice in my head, but thankfully she does not say it aloud.

Severu fixes the assembled crowd with a gimlet glare. "Al nostro nuovo don."

His toast to the new don is different from the others.

This is how he puts me forward to replace him. Everyone who joins the toast is voting in my favor.

Anyone who does not will die. At my hand. This family is mine to lead and to protect.

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