Page 13 of Omega's Vengeance

I continue breaking fishing poles, and trying to get a sharp edge. It’s not like I have a lot else to do. My weapon making is interrupted by the sound of raised voices from behind the door at the top of the stairs. Frowning, I listen, straining my ears to hear what’s being said. I find it hard to believe Yellow Eyes and Alessio are having a quarrel. Yellow Eyes is too submissive and loyal to challenge Alessio. I continue listing, but before I can actually figure anything out, the door at the top the stairs opens.

I watch warily as three men I don’t recognize shuffle down the stairs. There’s one older alpha with short gray hair, wearing a dark designer suit with a pink tie. Accompanying him are two younger alphas. None of them look particularly friendly. There’s no sign of Alessio and Yellow eyes. Who are these jokers? Do they work for Alessio?

They don’t see me at first because the lighting is poor down in the cellar. But as they near the cot area, the older alpha spots me. He curls his lips and says something to the other two men in Italian. I don’t catch what he says. I speak Italian, but he speaks too softly for me to grasp his words. One of the guys turns around and heads back upstairs.

The remaining younger alpha moves toward me and I back away. I’m used to having a weapon. I feel naked without one. “Who the fuck are you?” I growl, hoping if I sound aggressive enough they’ll back off.

“I’m CarloFerrari,” the older alpha says in a tone that implies I should know who he is.

I’ve heard of the Ferrari syndicate, and I know there are blood ties there with the Abella family. I don’t, however, recognize this alpha. “Where’s Alessio?”

“That’s what you want to know?” He gives the grungy area a disgusted look. He tugs a handkerchief from his suit pocket and presses it to his nose. “I’d be more concerned with yourself. This place is a pigsty. Alessio must really want you to suffer to keep you down here.”

“I don’t suppose you’re the Cavalry?”

He purses his lips and shakes his head. “Sorry.”

“Do you work for Alessio?” I ask, frowning. He has an air of authority, which makes me think he probably doesn’t take orders from many people.

He laughs. “No. He’s my cousin.”

“I see.” I rub the back of my neck, trying to get a bead on the guy. He’s staring at me like I’m the prize heifer at the fair. But he’s not bothering to explain his presence in my little dungeon.

The younger alpha who went back upstairs comes down the steps. This time he has Alessio with him, and Alessio doesn’t look happy. I’m surprised, but not entirely displeased, to see Alessio’s lip is bleeding. He also has a cut on one cheek. My pulse picks up as I begin to comprehend the situation.

It would appear, Alessio is no longer running things.

I’m not sure whether to be happy about that or worried. Carlo has already admitted he’s not my ally. He’s been frank about the fact that he’s not here to rescue me. To be completely honest, I’m getting a really bad feeling about Carlo. Some people say, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the enemy of your enemy is still your enemy. I get the sense that might be the situation with Carlo.

The younger alpha shoves Alessio toward me. He stumbles slightly, but catches himself. That’s good because I’d be inclined to let the punk faceplant.

He faces Carlo and the others, chin lifted. “You must be out of your mind if you think you can get away with this, Carlo,” Alessio snarls. “If my father were alive, he’d have your throat slit.”

Laughing, Carlo says, “But your father isn’t alive, is he? He’s gone. Somebody needs to step up as the head of the Abella syndicate.”

“I have stepped up,” hisses Alessio.

“Oh, come on now, Alessio. That isn’t true.” Carlo examines his glossy nails and then looks up. “You’ve been too busy planning your revenge on Valentino to focus on your organization.”

“Of course I want revenge,” mutters Alessio. “Who wouldn’t in my place?”

Carlo grimaces. “What happened to Uncle Joseph was unfortunate. But he brought Valentino’s wrath on himself. Valentino had to do what he did. You’re lucky his retribution wasn’t worse.”

“My fatherdiedbecause of what Valentino did to him.” Alessio’s voice shakes with anger.

“Your father knew the risks when he kidnapped Nico.” Carlo shrugs. “It’s unfortunate his health was poor and the stress took its toll. But Valentino didn’t kill your father. You’re too blinded by grief to see that and to listen to reason. You’ve gone off the deep end trying to get vengeance on Valentino, and that’s forced me to take action.”

“Don’t pretend this is some noble deed, Carlo. You’ve always wanted to take over our syndicate.” Alessio touches his swollen lip and stares at the drops of blood on his fingertips. “Getting revenge is my duty as my father’s son, and as the head of the Abella Syndicate.”

“Your fixation with revenge is worrisome. Your men are concerned about your mental state.”

“That’s bullshit. My men trust me to lead them. If there was a problem, my captains would have told me.”

Carlo shrugs. “They’re not comfortable talking to you about their concerns because you’re so volatile. They don’t dare approach you.”

Alessio curls his lip as he glares at his cousin. “And you’re implying they’re talking to you instead?”

They’re both distracted which would be the perfect moment to make a break for it. If not for the other two alphas, I might have tried. But I wouldn’t get far with those two young thuggish alphas hovering.

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