After a pause, a smiling Giovanni rose. “My nephew has proven unfit to helm the DiRavello court, so as the eldest member of our bloodline, I have taken his place, by ancient right. Since we are all present, I will speak. I submit my formal claim to this council, as well as bring charges of impropriety.”
I stopped watching for Rocco’s arrival and waited for what would surely be a laundry list of complaints, not that I gave a single fuck about anything that came out of this traitor’s mouth. My eyes caught a flash of movement to my right, light reflecting off metal, followed by a burst of flame, followed by black, rolling smoke spilling from the high balcony.
One assassin down.
Giovanni paused, eyes widening as the acrid smoke reached us, reeking of burned flesh.
I gave him a sedate smile.Checkmate, motherfucker.
“We are here today to hear claims for the title of Don.” His lips pinched together as Dante leaned out over therailing and gave me a thumbs-up. A less subtle signal than I would have hoped for, but it had the desired effect.
Giovanni looked like he was about to stroke out.
“A respected and powerful role, one that should not be taken lightly,” he barked, glaring at me.
“We already have a standing claim,” Severin reminded him without an ounce of sarcasm, which was a testament to his poker abilities. “Gabriel is recognized by this council as next in line. Are you contesting his birthright?”
I gave the old vampire a nod of gratitude, wondering how Giovanni would spin this. Rocco still hadn’t arrived, and my stomach was a tangle of knots.
Two to two… I would have liked better odds.
“Gabriel Dominico is a traitor to this dynasty. He poisoned his own sire to claim the title, and I have the proof.” Giovanni’s smile was filled with spite. “I put myself forward as the next Don. I have served this Dynasty and this council wisely for centuries, advised Don Marcello himself, and am the logical choice to lead.”
“I second Giovanni DiRavello’s claim.” Vincenzo’s ingratiating manners grated on me even more when the little fucker glared at me across the table. “The Dominicos have held power long enough. It is time for new blood.”
I shifted in my chair, catching a glimpse of Nico above, fingers flashing in simple code—where is Rocco? What can I do?
“We cannot vote without a full council. A quorum is required for ascension,” I pointed out, voice echoing. Above me, Nico withdrew into the shadows.
“Ah, yes. You will notice one of our chairs is empty today.” Giovanni pinned that hate-filled stare on me, fingers playing along the edge of the table.
My instincts prickled in warning.
“Rocco Demente is being held under house arrest for consorting with the enemy, selling Dynasty secrets, and forging an unsanctioned blood oath. His trial is already scheduled for next week. Today, this council will rely on the active members for this vote. Vincenzo, in your mother’s stead, you may begin the proceedings. Paolo will tally the votes.”
For a brief second, my mind went blank, caught off guard by a development I hadn’t anticipated…but should have.
Severin sat up straighter, hand on his weapon, eyes on Giovanni’s throat. I shook my head. Spilling blood here today would not further our cause.
“I nominate Giovanni DiRavello as Don of the D’Immortali Dynasty, to lead us until such a time as he is incapacitated or death cuts his reign short.”
I studied the old vampire, wondering what he hoped to accomplish. Even with taking Rocco out of play, the vote would still be split two to two. A stalemate. Nobody leaving a winner. This didn’t make sense.
Severin lifted his hand. “I stand with Gabriel Dominico.”
I had to smile. The old master’s cold tone clearly said—he is the only reasonable choice, and the rest of you are idiots.
Vincenzo brought his fist down on the table. “I stand with Giovanni.” My lips tightened, even though I’d expected this. I scanned the darkened balconies, looking for Emberline, wishing I had taken her warning more seriously.
“As the Dynasty’s most humble servant, I cast my vote for myself,” Giovanni said, without an ounce of shame in his morally depraved body.
“Two to one,” Paulo announced unnecessarily.
I frowned. There was no way this would come out in Giovanni’s favor, and I couldn’t see what his game was. Hadhe only called this meeting to get me out in the open? Or was he simply grandstanding and testing my resolve?
I opened my mouth, about to make the vote two to two, when something whispered through the air, the slightest disturbance, like a moth’s beating wings.
There was a prick of pain at my neck, just beneath my jaw, like I’d been stung.
