Page 103 of Scarred Hearts

Angelo put it on the table next to the dagger, then twisted back to him. “Since Giovanna hasn’t officially taken over and you’re not a part of our family yet, this ceremony’s going to be a little different. You have to join.”

Tyler nodded. “I understand.”

Frankie glanced at me. “You understand you’re giving up your rightful place tonight, and you’re fully okay with doing so?”

“I am,” I replied. “He’s perfect for the job.”

“I hope to God you’re right,” Frankie said, turning back to Tyler. “Do you swear to live by the gun and knife in front of you, protect this family, putting our best interests first?”

“Yes,” Tyler replied.

Frankie picked up the dagger, taking Tyler’s hand in his, facing his palm up. “Do you understand if you betray this family, you’ll burn in hell?”

“I do.”

Frankie recited five more of the laws my father had written specifically for our family when he wanted to break away from traditional ceremonies, but one thing remained the same. He took the dagger in his hand, its sharp edge glinting in the dimly lit room. Taking Tyler’s index finger, he pricked it before handing him a photo of a saint, though I couldn’t tell which one from where I was standing.

As Frankie held Tyler’s hand in the air, three drops of blood fell to the photo before he carefully lit it on fire. “Let it burn, and don’t drop it,” he instructed sternly.

Tyler met Frankie’s gaze, his expression resolute as he allowed the paper to burn in his hands, never flinching at the heat. Once the flames were close to his fingers, he rotated the photo before finally extinguishing them by clasping his hands over the ashes.

Frankie handed him his gun, then finished the ceremony. Tyler was officially the boss of the Aggio Crime Family and would soon be the most feared man among the families once word got out, especially considering he had many allies and was tied to the Knight family here.

One by one, each of the men lined up to shake his hand and give him a kiss on the cheek; a show of respect and loyalty that he may not have initially welcomed but ultimately accepted as tradition. As the last man stepped back into line, Tyler glanced at me with a small grin before turning his attention to my three brothers. The torch had been passed, and we were under his leadership.

“Now that that’s finished,” Tyler said, “I believe we need to talk. Carmine, you’re no longer needed to attend the fight as acting boss. I’m not going to hide my new position.”

“We’d still like to attend,” Carmine replied.

“And you should.” He shifted his attention to Luca. “Now tell me what you were talking about, regarding behind the scenes.”

Luca sighed. “My father had seven men locked up below the barn at the back of the property. He killed them, put them in freezers, and had me mailing their body parts piece by piece to their families.”

“And how many body parts are left at this point?” Tyler asked with a stoic gaze.

“Like half?” Luca snorted. “I have no fucking idea.”

“What were their crimes?” he countered.

“They tried to extort us.”

“Well,” Tyler arched a brow, bringing his hand to his chin, “Let’s see to it that the families get the rest of them soon. Bodies are evidence, and I don’t want evidence sitting on the property any longer.”

Luca dipped his head, and I grinned proudly. Tyler slapped his hand over his pocket, then pulled out his phone. Placing it to his ear, he answered.

Hello?

Yeah, but I’m kind of busy. Whatcha got for me?

He darted his eyes around the room before his gaze settled on Ian’s with anger painted on his face.

Okay.

I’m willing to meet with them, but my brother-in-law’s not going to like it.

He stared straight ahead while Ian grew tenser beside me. I could feel the anger radiating from him.

Got it, Tyler continued. Bye.

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