Page 36 of Bound By Honor

“The genetic markers...” Dr. Romano glances at his papers. “There are some unusual discrepancies in the DNA analysis.”Marco’s face drains of color while Enzo’s hands curl into fists. Dominic remains statue-still, but I catch the slight tremor in his jaw—the same tell he had when we discovered Maria’s betrayal.

“Impossible,” Marco growls, but there’s uncertainty in his voice. “Check again.”

I watch them, these men who’ve been her protectors, her prison guards, her brothers. The truth crashes through theircarefully constructed walls, leaving chaos in its wake. How many secrets lie buried in the Salvatore family crypt?

Dominic’s eyes meet mine, and in that moment, I see everything he can’t say. The weight of family legacy, the burden of truth, the desperate need to protect Aurora from revelations that could destroy her.

Dominic goes very still. “What kind of discrepancies?”

“She shares some genetic markers with you, but not enough to indicate full siblinghood. It’s possible?—“

“Test me.” I step forward, rolling up my sleeve. “Now.”

“Luciano—” Dominic starts.

“Now.” I meet Dr. Romano’s eyes. “Please.”

He nods, preparing another needle. As he draws blood, I watch Aurora through the window. Her face is too pale, dark lashes stark against white skin. Machines beep steadily, counting moments we might not have.

“This will take a few minutes,” the doctor says, hurrying away with my sample.

The steady beep of monitors fills the air as I watch Aurora’s chest rise and fall. Tubes snake from her arms, medical equipment casting eerie shadows across her too-pale face. The bullet wound nearly killed her—would have killed her, if the doctors hadn’t discovered the failing kidney in time.

“Mr. Vitale.” The surgeon’s voice cuts through my fog. “The test results are back.”

I tear my gaze from Aurora’s still form. “And?”

“You’re a perfect match.” He pauses, shuffling papers. “Though I must warn you about the risks, given your recent gunshot wound?—”

“I don’t care about the risks.” My voice comes out rough. “How soon can we do it?”

“Luciano.” Dominic’s command fills the doorway. “A word.”

I follow him into the hallway, where Enzo and Marco wait with identical grim expressions. The fluorescent lights buzz overhead, making everything feel surreal.

“You can’t do this,” Dominic says without preamble. “You’re barely recovered from your own surgery.”

“Watch me.”

“For Christ’s sake, think!” His discipline cracks slightly. “You’re our consigliere. We need you functional.”

“And I need her alive.” The words hang between us like smoke. “Or have you forgotten why she’s here?”

Marco steps forward. “We’re all worried about Aurora?—“

“Worried?” I laugh, the sound harsh. “Is that what you call it? While Alessandro’s still out there, while the Rossis play their games, you want to talk about being worried?”

“Hey.” Enzo’s voice carries rare steel. “We’re her brothers. Don’t act like you’re the only one who cares.”

“Then why aren’t any of you a match?” The question silences them. “Three brothers, and not one of you can give her what she needs. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?”

Dominic’s jaw tightens. “What are you implying?”

“Nothing. Everything.” I run a hand through my hair, exhaustion and fear making me reckless. “But right now, I don’t care about family secrets or DNA tests. I care about keeping her alive.”

“There are other options?—”

“No.” I cut him off. “There aren’t. The doctor says she has hours, maybe. So either help me save her, or get out of my way.”

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