Page 2 of Mafia Heir's Alpha
I’d been hiding my true identity my whole life. It wasn’t like I could tell my friends at school who I was. “So, I’ll be Ori Johnson?” It was the name I’d enrolled in college with. It was more my identity than Russo most days.
He chuckled. “A little obvious, but sure. If that worked for you at school, it’ll probably work for you here.”
A shiver ran through me as I accepted my new role in the family. I never expected to be in this position, but now that it was handed to me, I knew what I had to do. I had to claim my place in the Russo family and make it clear to the world that we wouldn’t go down without a fight. “Okay, I’ll do it.
His smile was subtle and reminded me of my father. “You’re a good boy, Orlando. Your father would be proud.”
2
ROSCO
I straightened the lapels of my jacket and left the surveillance room and hoofed it straight for Cord’s office. The Menetti compound was a mix of fortress and modern opulence, with columns thick enough to withstand a tank strike and chandeliers Cord’s father had smuggled in from Paris decades ago.
Cord’s office always held the faint odor of espresso and cigar smoke. He didn’t smoke often now that he had a baby in the house, but that didn’t stop the other guys from lighting up when they came in for a briefing.
Cord was at his desk with his jacket off and shirt sleeves rolled up to show off his thick forearms. AndroFerrini was perched in one of the plush guest chairs, looking like he just stepped out of a magazine ad.
“Bosses.” I nodded to them both, showing due respect. Technically, Cord paid my salary, but Andro was calling on me for special projects more and more often, so they both deserved the title. The partnership between the two families had made our stronghold in the city’s criminal activities nearly impenetrable.
Cord smiled and waved to the second chair in front of his desk. “Thanks for coming.”
“Rosco.” Andro shifted in his chair to better face me. “How’s everything looking?”
“Solid. No one’s getting in or out unless we allow it.”
Andro’s laugh was easy. “You've got people here you’re trying to keep in?”
Cord’s mouth twitched. “Sometimes.”
There was a moment of silence, and I knew what was coming. Cord was working up to ask me for something outside my job description. Though, there wasn’t much outside my job description anymore. I had managed security for the Menettis for many years, but my skills were vast, and lately, I’d helped in other areas. More than helped, if I was being truthful.
Cord steepled his fingers, elbows propped on his desk. “As you know, tomorrow’s Andro’s birthday party. Joey’s got it all planned out at the casino. He has the penthouse booked and extra security, but I want you to do some early surveillance and make sure no one’s planning to make a move.”
My hackles went up. “You expecting trouble?”
“Not in particular, but we have to be smart. With so many heads of families in one place, it’s a prime opportunity for someone to get bold. Besides, you could use some downtime. Go out there tonight and have a drink. Find a cute omega to hook up with. Then, take a look around and make sure everything is in line before we all start arriving tomorrow afternoon.”
I didn’t like the way they looked at me with pity. Maybe a quick fuck would do me some good, but I really didn’t have time for that. If they wanted me to make sure both families and their guests were safe, I had to be fully focused on my job. Even a small distraction wasn’t worth the risk to the families I considered to be my own.
But Cord was my boss, and refusing him wasn’t an option. “Yeah, okay.” I cleared my throat as I thoughtabout how I could be vague and noncommittal. “If you don’t need me here, I’ll head over there now and make sure the team is in place. We’ll start tracking everyone who enters the casino and monitor anything that looks sus.”
Andro chuckled. “And you’ll get laid, right? That’s part of the task.”
I shook my head and smiled. “If an opportunity is presented, I won’t ignore it.” That wasn’t a lie, but I had zero intention of being presented with such an opportunity. As one of Cord’s right-hand men, I received plenty of attention from women and omegas alike, but I rarely indulged. It wasn’t worth the risk.
“Try to fit in with the people, Rosco. You’ll see and hear more if you’re just a regular guest.” Andro stood up to leave. “Wear something…not bulletproof. And reduce the number of weapons you’re carrying by half.”
That was never going to happen.
Cord grinned. “That’s an order.”
“Got it.” I nodded as Andro walked out and then left behind him.
On my way down the hall, I watched a trio of Ferrini security trail behind Andro. They were all eager to earn their place in the pecking order, and I had a feeling at least one of them would be moving up the ranks soon. But that wasn’t my concern. I knew what I had to do, and apparently, that included having a little fun. It had been a while since I even considered a hook-up, but it didn’t sound so bad when it was presented as an order from the boss.
Back in my quarters, I peeled off my Kevlar and traded my work suit for black jeans and a snug-fitting charcoal shirt. I checked my reflection in the bathroom mirror and sighed. I’d had better days, but it wasn’t too bad. The five o’clock shadow that never really went away had always been an omega magnet. That was probably still true. A fit, unmated alpha with some cash in his pocket was a prime commodity when single omegas were on the prowl.
As I headed to the casino with just a pistol on my calf and everything else in a small roller bag, I had to acknowledge that maybe Andro and Cord were right. That biological need to find a mate was starting to become more persistent. I never let it show because I didn’t want to become a liability to the families whodepended on me for safety, but lately, seeing all the happy couples and their little ones was starting to wear on me. As much as I tried to turn off my brain at night, not even the best bourbon was giving me the distraction I needed.
