Page 56 of Fratelli: Eternal Bloodlines

Tristan frowned. “Why?”

“Sophie and Shakespeare. The Guardians think we don’t know they’re here. I’ve prepared you for this. Vittorio feared this could be an outcome from Julia Brown. Now we know the old fucker isn’t crazy. He was right.”

“Does Marcello know?” Raven asked.

“He does now,” Phoenix replied.

“We need to tell the brothers,” Tristan said, but he had already sent the message to Lucio. He wasn’t entirely sure, but he needed to stay cool to get close to Charmaine again. With Phoenix involved, controlling Lucio and saving Dolly would be even harder.

Lucio replied: RENO

Tristan shook his head. Reno wouldn’t work. They needed another plan. The wolves weren’t ready and the compound still needed some things in place.

“Cat got your tongue?” Phoenix asked Tristan. “What is it?”

Tristan covered. Phoenix couldn’t read his thoughts when he shared them with his Master, but nothing escaped Phoenix’s notice. “Shakespeare is a loose cannon. I sought revenge, and now he’s on the warpath. Sophie is in his line of fire. The club has a big night tonight, and if the Guardian is there, then things could go wrong.”

“Then let’s roll and pick her up,” Raven said.

“No. Not that way. We need containment first. We must get to the Guardians and make sure they’re separated. Tristan, lure the one above to you. Raven and I will set up containment for them both, then we’ll go for the other. Have they started the work Marcello requested for the Chosen?” Phoenix asked.

Tristan nodded. “The vaults are impenetrable, and your team has added the equipment.”

“Then why delay. Let’s head to the Pussy and scoop her up. Bring back our mouse,” Raven said.

Phoenix rolled his eyes. “You have learned nothing. Tristan don’t disappoint me. We are ahead of schedule. Get the Guardian and take her in. Wait for our return.”

“I understand. I can handle it.”

Lucio’s gazeburned with pure hatred as he locked eyes with Domencio. He hadn’t thought it possible to loathe his brother more than he already did, but now the fury inside him was a wildfire, consuming any shred of restraint. Risking Dolly and Darlene’s lives—theirlives—out of petty jealousy? It was unforgivable. Domencio had always played at war, striking from the shadows, as he tried to sabotage Lucio with his childish schemes. But this? This crossed a line.

Lucio’s hands curled into fists, his nails bit into his palms. He wanted nothing more than to tear out Domencio’s throat for the chaos he’d caused. This wasn’t a game anymore. Before it was over, Domencio would pay—he’d make sure of that.

“I suggest you feed. Both of you.” Sebastiano’s calm voice cut through the tension, though the warning in his tone was unmistakable. “We have Guardians now. Everything has changed.”

Domencio shot a murderous glare at their elder brother before storming out of the room, his footsteps echoed through the stone halls.

A servant quietly approached, offering Lucio a goblet that brimmed with fresh blood. He took it, and focused on the warmth sliding down his throat, but his mind was far from settled. Every sip reminded him of what he had to lose—what Domencio had put in jeopardy. His beloved, Dolly, was out there. Separated from him, vulnerable, and it twisted his insidesnot knowing if he would survive the inquisition of the coven to keep her safe. His only allies now were Tristan and a fragile, desperate plan that barely passed for hope in Reno.

But there was something else. Despite the looming dread his brothers harbored over the arrival of the Guardian, Lucio found a sliver of comfort in it. The Guardian’s presence was a game-changer. Charmaine could protect them while he was trapped here, powerless to act. He just had to bide his time. He would rejoin them as soon as he could.

And when he did, he would settle things with Domencio once and for all.

Chapter 24

Soul Mates

Bellagio - Las Vegas, Nevada

April 17, 2018

(4 Days Before Death)

Where are you?

Lamont paused. Tristan had started to crawl around in his head again to entrance into his thoughts.

“Doing what you said. I have Carmen. I’ve put her in the security offices. The casino wanted to call the police. I told them to keep her, per your orders. She isn’t talking, boss. She’ll need some incentive to cooperate,” said Lamont.

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