Page 82 of Villainous Fate

“Who was affected is of no consequence to me. If your son cannot handle himself among his peers, then maybe that is a conversation we can have about his future place inmypack.” Marlo’s emphasis on ‘my’ causes his Second to clench his jaw and nod slowly.

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Any other business for today?” Giovanni asks, sounding bored as he sips his coffee like the king he has made himself.

“I have one thing,” Luca pipes up, pointing to the folders on the table. Each member moves to open them, and inside, I catch glimpses of blueprints and design schematics.

“We require a new packhouse and a training facility that will allow us to work on our human fighting skills similarly to our wolf team training. I have taken the liberty of designing and supplying a few workable locations for the expansion of our pack. If we are indeed trying to expand,” he pauses, his eyes flashing to me for only an instant before he continues.

“We will need room for the recruits. Frank has also mentioned that the training regime for our growing members has become less effective. A new training facility could allow for classes in weapons, hand-to-hand combat styles, team SWAT scenarios, in addition to a weight room and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.” Luca pauses momentarily, allowing the team to flip through the stack of images and paperwork.

“I’ve placed a sample budget on the green paper in the back, with ‘bare minimum funding,’ ‘meets standard funding,’ and ‘get everything we could dream of funding.’ As I haven’t had time to meet with the pack accountant…”

The meeting continues for another hour, with back-and-forth on where to place the two facilities, how to fund them, and what's necessary and not. I tune most of it out, as building planning means very little to me.

The thought that keeps bouncing around is that Luca just warned me that Giovanni isn’t opening borders because he has no interest in recruiting. He wants to invade. And from the information I gathered today, Vegas is high on his list.

Shit. Now what do I do?

Chapter 40

Grace

January 10, 1983

Tails,

We did it! My team won the final trial, and I made it out of there in one piece for you. Now, I know you’ve been pretending not to worry, so I hope Luca told you when he returned.

Even better, Stone is headed to work with the pack. At least I know I have someone there who I can trust. Luca can show him the ways, and he can keep you out of trouble. Yes, you, ma'am. Your southern charm doesn’t fool me for a second. You have a quick wit and a hero complex that will get you in trouble when it comes out.

If you’re reading this letter, I know you have met him. See why I call him Cap? He’s as much a do-gooder kitten rescuer as you are. Pro tip: He loves banana nut bread. He would eat a whole loaf while he was here. They remind him of his mom. If you find time, maybe let Bernadette know.

Hopefully, the two of you can help each other get through the six months until I return, and then we can decide where to end up. Marcus can lead, you and I can start our family, and give my mother the babies she seems so impatient about. I can’t wait for our lives together.

Use this address to write, but know the packhouse mail is monitored by one of the enforcers in Miami. Don’t reveal any of our plans, don’t include gifts, and keep them simple.

The phone lines are also tapped.

Always remember that I love you more than the stars in the sky, the freckles on your skin, and the number of breaths left in my lungs.

Where was I on missing you…

36: I miss my faded gray jacket. The one you stole sophomore year and never returned.

37: I miss the sound of the pages as you turn them while you read.

38: I miss the way your uniform sits right below your beautiful ass, so inviting while you flit around the diner.

39: I miss the way your fingers feel interlocked with mine.

40: I miss your confidence that we can do all this. I wish I had more of it as this six-month stretch starts.

I miss you, Tails—all of you.

Don’t let Professor Levitt overwork you. He never grades the essays anyway.

Smile. Laugh. I need to know you are finding joy.

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