Page 67 of Legacy

Immediately, the lewd jokes, laughter, and the easy air of camaraderie died. The men stared, speechless and confused.

Laya’s lips quirked at the corners as she lifted her arms parallel to the floor, guns in both hands.

“What the fuck is this?” Cristo scooted his chair back but remained seated, glowering at the sisters, and then turned to me. “What the hell are you about, Elias?”

“Are you out of your mind letting her come in here like this?” Morisi shouted.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Possibly.”

“Son of a bitch, Elias set up a fucking ambush.” Pello shot to his feet, which had the other two following.

Panic and anger wafted from them through their movements and expressions.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at their outrage and stumbling. They were starring in a comedy routine as three bumbling drunk idiots.

“I can’t believe you’d betray us this way,” Cristo yelled. “Where is your loyalty?”

“With my wife.” I moved backward and crossed my arms, ready to watch the show. “My future comes first.”

“Andthisis how you see it going? You want aVitalisfor the future?” Morisi shouted, spittle flying from his mouth.

“Absolutely. Vitalis blood will run through my children’s veins. Why wouldn’t I secure all the Vitalis land for them?” Itilted my head to the side, seeing the realization fully dawn in their eyes.

They knew.

They weren’t that stupid. They had plans of their own.

“Your true problem in this isn’t Ozias. Am I correct?” Avra’s voice grew hard. “It’s Elias. Our marriage and the child we will create.”

For a split second, I wasn’t sure what the hell she was talking about.

Then it dawned on me, and the surprise on their faces confirmed it.

Avra and I would need to discuss her keeping secrets, especially when someone took a hit out on me.

My entire life, no one outside my mother had ever wanted to protect or defend me. The rage emanating from Avra was almost palpable.

“Wait, or do it now?” Laya asked.

“Wait. I want these fools to know the Danoes declined the job opportunity they proposed.” Avra shifted, and our men moved with her. “Only idiots forget how vast our family is. We all have different last names. Don’t take a hit out on someone’s family.”

Sweat slid down Morisi’s face, and he knew his time was up.

“Your estates are now under Vitalis and Xenos control. Everything you own, not just Vitalis lands, now belongs to me and my sisters.”

“Elias, how can you stand there?” Cristo growled. “You want a future of letting this bitch call the shots?”

My temper flared. Holding back as one of them disrespected my woman time and time again was over.

Maybe it was the look in my eyes or something else. Cristo reached for the gun at his waist. I ducked, and Laya redirected her aim, shooting off one bullet and hitting Cristo between the eyes.

My relief lasted barely a second before chaos erupted. Morisi and Pello jumped into action, pulling their guns alongside all our men.

Everyone’s soldiers, including the three fuckers’, were trained to stand by and wait for a signal, never to interfere with their bosses. Still, now, all bets were off the table. The Caras, Bella, and Korba men split up, attacking the Xenos and Vitalis forces.

I searched for Avra. I didn’t give a fuck about anyone else. I dodged a punch to the face and socked an asshole in the gut as I weaved my way around to the area where I had last seen Avra.

That’s when Morisi appeared and charged right at me.

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