Page 12 of Fratelli: Eternal Bloodlines

“Okay, Stoneclaw,” Lamont replied, matching the man’s steady voice. “I may not have Leonardo’s experience, but I have the backing of Lucio and the Di Salvo’s, so consider the shoes filled. We’re here to ensure your operations run smoothly and to forge a new alliance.”

The Alpha’s eyes shifted to Shakespeare, then returned to Lamont and narrowed with a flicker of interest in his gaze. “And what makes you think I need your assurance?”

“Because we have mutual interests now,” Lamont said.

“Such as?” Stoneclaw asked.

“Lucio needs to extend the agreement in Reno.”

“Extend?” Stoneclaw chuckled. “He’s got all the desert I’m going to give.”

“Yea but that deal always had an expiration date. I’m here to discuss the new one. Lucio needs access to the desert and the casinos as well. You have always wanted Vegas. What if I tell you that he’s ready to open that door,” Lamont said. He pushed through his fear. “For every inch we give you in Vegas we also want to open an alternative route from Russia through Alaska into North America. This benefits us. Lucio will take on the expenses going forward—no split—he does it on his own. No check ins, what territory you claim in Vegas you run it alone. Domencio will, in all things, step aside.”

The look on Shakespeare chilled Lamont to the bone.

“You just fucked up, homeboy.” Shakespeare shot a mental warning into Lamont with the force of a sledgehammer. For a moment, he felt his knees buckle. He visibly winced and others caught it. He remained on his feet. Shakespeare then glared at Tristan, who observed with a sly smile. Shakespeare stormed out of the meeting room. A murmur went through the room. The werewolves exchanged glances, their expressions readable. Lamont’s heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his composure. He had no choice but to wipe the blood that dripped from his nose. This was what he was told to do, but what had he done?

“Why so generous?” Stoneclaw asked, his tone measured. “I’ve never seen Lucio bend so far.”

“You get the same split and our cooperation in ensuring no one steps on your territory,” Lamont replied. “It’s all business, bro. We can provide security and ensure production is uninterrupted. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. Don Lucio understands that this has been a messy transaction with his brother’s interference in the past. I’m not vamp, my nigga. I’m a street kid. Put in the chair just like Leonardo was to do a job. You work through me; you know the play. And as show of Lucio’s generosity he’s gifting you and your pack the GoldenNugget Casino this very night. Yours to run, uninhibited. Our people are already clearing out.”

The Alpha leaned back; his gaze pierced. “You do speak well for a mortal. But you bleed easily, so there must be a reason Lucio put you in front of me with all these sweet treats. Something in Reno he wants? Or he needs?” Many wolves in the room chuckled. “No matter what expansion I give Reno is mine.”

“North America, every tree, every grain of sand belongs to Lucio. The other side of this coin is we take what we want.” Lamont opened his arms. “I am mortal, but Lucio isn’t. And if you want the brothers to come to Reno to seal the deal their way, they can.”

The alpha’s smile dimmed. A few in the room gave a low growl.

Lawyers walked into the room. One approached the Alpha and put the contract on the table before him. His Beta quickly snatched it up and read through the document. “The Golden Nugget is ours,” the Beta confirmed.

Tristan stepped forward, his presence commanded attention. “Lamont speaks for us all. Don Lucio stands behind this agreement. The Nugget is already yours. But just the Nugget. This alliance can be fruitful if we work together only under Don Lucio’s orders. No further side deals within the Di Salvo family will be tolerated respectfully. Are we clear?”

The room was silent for a moment. The tension, however, thickened. Then the Alpha nodded. “We will see. For now, the casinos in Reno are open to you. But remember, trust is earned, not gifted,” said Stoneclaw.

Lamont exhaled, and a wave of relief washed over him. The first step was taken, but he knew the path ahead was fraught with danger. He glanced at Tristan, who gave him his approval through a nod. He looked to the Triad, and all three Capo’s gave a respectful nod to him in unison.

As they left the meeting, Tristan clapped him on the back. “Not bad, kid. You might just survive this after all.”

Lamont managed a small smile. “One step at a time, right?”

“Exactly,” Tristan replied, his eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and approval. “Now, let’s get to work. We’ve got a lot to do, and the underworld doesn’t wait for anyone.”

Lamont followed determination steeled his resolve. He was in deeper than he ever imagined. He felt ready to face whatever came next. Who was Domencio? Would he be a problem?

Chapter 6

The Inner Child

Bellagio Casino, Las Vegas - Nevada

April 17, 2018

(4 Days Before Death)

The helicopter bladessliced through the crisp morning air as Lucio and Dolly ran toward it. He held the door open, and she struggled to hold down her hair. He caught her when she stumbled, lifted her into his arms, and placed her inside. Lucio shook his head, with a big grin over how her long hair wrapped around her face and neck.

“It’s not funny, Lucio! It keeps growing. I feel like Rapunzel. I need to get to a hairstylist,” she said.

He swallowed his smile, put her headphones on, and strapped her in as ascended from the canyon, leaving behind the opulent Arabian Nights tent. They traveled through the sky hand in hand. Dolly had accepted her love for Lucio and the reality of his nature versus her own. Lucio, in turn, was captivated by the connection they forged—now a true believer in his feelings and the real definition of love. He’d learned so much in such a short time with his lover. He didn’t fear her growing powers, thoughdeep inside, he knew he should. After all, there were so many things at stake. For now, he had hope.

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