Page 42 of The Vampire's Storm

They thought the same.

They almost fought the same.

After all, Ari had taught Ben. Taught all of them.

The six assassins in the room—Ben, Oli, Elijah, Jason, Alex, and himself—knew more about the mafia than the Moretti warriors. They’d studied the crime families for their own targets and jobs over decades.

They knew how they worked. They knew where many of their properties were. Who their families were.

What their weaknesses were.

The Russians—or as they were known, the Bratva—the Italian mobs, the Irish gangs, the Triad, the Mexican Cartel...they had knowledge of them all.

Craig and Brayden had been tapping into this knowledge for weeks. What none of them had was solid data on what they were up to now.

Most of it was speculation or gained through their insiders or threats from Nikolay himself.

That was the great thing about egos. Their lips flapped.

“All right, let’s do a recap so we know what we are dealing with,” Ari said, pointing the red dot of the laser at the screen.

Everyone shuffled to get comfortable.

“We know we have the Bratva leading the production of the serum, and that the Italians are giving them support with production and distribution channels through New York state.”

“Currently being disrupted by the feds and other government enforcement agencies globally.” Tom nodded.

“Which likely triggered the attack on the castle and this kidnapping,” Marcus noted.

“You are right. We are fucking up his plans, and he’s retaliating. He thinks we are behind it, not the humans.” Ari nods. “As far as the mob boss is concerned, the UN leaders do not know about vampires.”

They did, as Vincent Moretti had been working with them for a few years.

“So the Russians and the Italians. Who else?” Logan asked.

“Won’t be the Mexicans,” Ben mused. “I can’t see what they would have to contribute.”

“Distribution through South America.” Kurt shrugged.

“Until they have enough production—which the cartel doesn’t have the facilities for—Nikolay won’t need them.” Logan shook his head.

“Agreed.” Oliver nodded.

“Ditto the Triads then,” Mack said, proving he’d been doing his homework in and out of the training room.

“Correct.” Ari turned to the screen. “Possibly the Irish, who may be quietly producing a fuck ton over there.”

Jesus.

That was a blind spot for all of them if that was happening.

“Mikhailov would still need to move it throughout Europe and to America, if that were the case,” Logan said.

“Which I’m sure he’s working on, but first he needs to produce it.” Ari took a few steps. “This has been our only focus until now. Disrupting production. Now he has Willow and Isabella.”

“We can’t take our eyes off this, though,” Ben said. “It’s way too big a risk.”

“No,” Ari said, clicking the pointer until a few screens appeared.

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