Page 48 of Hunted to the Altar
I motioned to my cousin Daniele to hand me the Bible Marcello always carried.
He hesitated, then handed it over.
The Bible was heavy, adorned with an enormous gold cross. I carved it out and passed it to Daniele.
"For your betrayal, you’ll be branded," I growled. "A symbol. So you’ll never forget who you owe your loyalty to."
I leaned in and whispered to Daniele, "Mark his forehead."
"But he’sfamiglia," Daniele protested weakly.
"You’ll learn," I said coldly. "In thisfamiglia, there’s a price for betrayal."
Daniele nodded grimly and barked orders. My men moved efficiently, setting the cross over the flame until it glowed molten red.
Marcello stoically looked on, like seeing the brand wasn’t tearing him up inside with fear. I wanted him to scream in front of the men. I wanted him to beg and plead, ask for mercy.
My hands curled into fists at my sides in anger.
Normally, I wouldn’t bother getting my hands dirty, but he thought he could take my wife from me — and I needed everyone to see that would never be tolerated.
I was handed a pair of gloves. I tossed one aside and donned the other as I stepped closer.
"You thought you could save her," I said, voice low. "You thought wrong."
Marcello’s head dipped, dark hair falling over his forehead.
"I did it for her," he muttered. "Not against you. I would never go against you."
A bitter laugh rumbled in my chest.
When the smell of his burning flesh permeated the air, I pulled the gold cross away from his skin and allowed it to drop to the ground. Daniele wretched from the scent and fled the room. I shook my head at his weak display.
"I hope it was worth it,cugino," I snarled before leaning forward and whispering in his ear. “Never forget this lesson. My wife ismine,and I do not take lightly to anyone coveting what belongs to me.”
He shook and coughed. “I swear it wasn’t like that Samuel. I just got confused.”
I patted his cheek and let go of his hair. “Don’t let it happen again.”
Blood dripped steadily down the side of his head, staining the collar of his shirt. I watched him for a moment, taking in the broken man before me.
Nina’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Samuel, stop!” Her scream panicked, her hands gripping the doorframe so tightly her knuckles turned white. “What have you done?”
I turned slowly. My gaze locked on hers. She had put herself in danger. He had endangered her. That was unforgivable.
“What had to be done, Nina,” I said, my voice low but sharp. “You don’t understand what happens when someone crosses me.”
“You’re hurting him over me?” she cried, stepping forward despite the fear in her eyes. “Please, Samuel. Please stop this. He was only trying to help.”
I raised an eyebrow, amused by her bravery even as it infuriated me. “Help you?” I repeated, my voice dripping with mockery. “And what exactly was his plan, Nina? To take you away from me? To let my enemies think I couldn’t protect what’s mine?”
She flinched at my words but didn’t back down. Her bold display of disrespect only fueled my anger. I turned back to Marcello who was slumped in the chair, barely conscious. His breathing was labored, each inhale a struggle. I pulled out my blade, not ready to be done with him. I grabbed his chin roughly, forcing him to look at me.
“See no evil,” I murmured, pressing the blade against his cheekbone. “Hear no evil. Speak no evil.”
Nina lunged at me stopping my hand before I could do more damage, her hands clawing at my arm. “Stop it!” she screamed. “You’re a monster!”
