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Alora
We pulled up to the gate, the guard giving us a nod as he opened it. I looked at the home I grew up in as we made our way down the driveway. It had been two weeks since I was named head of The Volante Family and the eleventh member of The Consortium. Marco and Nick had come back a couple of days after, to get things ready and set up. Marco thought it would be best if he went first and prepared the men, got rid of anyone not willing to be on board with this. The home that held so many bad memories, so many things I wanted to forget. But yet it was the only home I had ever known. We pulled up, and I just stared out the window, looking up at it. Luka shut off the car and reached over grabbing my hand. “You, good?”
I turned and looked at him, shaking my head. “What the hell am I doing?”
“You’re about to go talk to your men, show them you’re ready to lead this family. You can do this, I will be right there with you, Nick and Marco too.”
I nodded and turned, looking back at the house. He leaned over and kissed my cheek before turning and opening the door. My phone dinged. I looked down to see a text from Gia. ‘You go in there and take over The Volante Family like the badass boss you are! You got this! I will see you soon when we bring Max to you. Luv ya Lor.’ I smiled and shook my head, texting her back. ‘Thanks, Gia, I can do this. Hug Max for me.’
Luka opened my door and offered me his hand. “Vixen.” He gave me a smirk. I grinned and reached up, he took my wrist and pulled me out of the car. “Damn I’ll never get used to that smile directed at me. Are you ready?”
I leaned up to the tips of my toes, kissing his lips. “I’m ready.” He grabbed my wrist and the two of us made our way into the house, side by side.
Marco and Nick stood at the top. Marco pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek. “They’re right inside ready for you to greet them, boss.”
I shook my head. “You calling me boss is going to take some getting used to.”
He laughed.
Nick gave me a wink and then pulled the door open. I walked in, Luka, Marco, and Nick behind me. At Least fifty men stood in the foyer and on the stairs, all looking at me. I took a deep breath and walked to the middle. “I am sure it was quite a shock to all of you as well when you learned I had been named head of this family.” I looked around at the faces, gauging their reactions. “Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat. I am in charge. You will follow me and any orders I give. If you can't do this.” I turned to point. “There is the door, see yourself out.” I crossed my arms to my chest, turning to look every man in the eye. “Good, now that that is out of the way. What questions do you have?” They all remained silent. I laughed. “Come on, I know you have questions. This is your one chance to ask whatever you want, no consequences.”
“No consequences?” A tall young man towards the top of the stairs asked.
I turned to look at him. “Yes. What is your name? Come down.”
“Yes Ma’am, I’m Lucio.” He made his way down the stairs and in front of me. “My question is, did you kill Gabriele?”
I looked him right in the eye and nodded. “Yes, I did, and I would do it again. Is that a problem with you?”
“No, in fact, I would love to talk to you about why I decided to become one of Gabriele’s men in private.”
“You’re pretty young, how long have you been with us?”
“I am not a made man yet, but I plan to become one at the next ceremony if you’ll have me.”
I gave him a nod. “Very well, as soon as we’re done here, we can talk in the library.”
He bowed his head to me and then took his spot back on the stairs.
“Any more questions?” Silence.
“Gentleman, we are at war! Half the families want me dead, and I can guarantee they are going to try. I need to know all of you have my back, and I promise you if you are loyal to me, I will have yours as well. I am not my father, I will not sacrifice my men to save myself, but you damn sure better be willing to stand next to me and fight just as hard as I am. Understood?”
“Yes, Boss.” They replied in unison.
“Good. And you will show my husband,” I turned to hold my hand out to Luka, he took it and stood next to me, “as much respect as you show me. We are one and will lead this family as one. Is this a problem?”
“No Boss.” They replied.
“Good, things are going to change around here, some of you might not like it, but I expect everyone to be on board with this. War is coming, and it’s likely to arrive right on our doorstep. Over the next few days Luka, Marco, Nick, and I will be restructuring things and speaking to each one of you individually. We will also be training with and welcoming all of the Rossi family in. Some of you will go to Bellissindale to train, and some of the Rossi men will be joining us here in Alboreville. I am a Volante, but I am also a Rossi now. Our families are one! You are dismissed, go on about your duties.”
The men dispersed, going their separate ways. “Lucio, let's have that talk now.” He nodded and followed Luka, Marco, Nick, and me into the library. We all took seats. “Tell us, why did you decide to become one of Gabriele’s men?”
“Because I wanted to kill him, you beat me to it,” Lucio replied.
“Are you saying you infiltrated to kill my father? How am I supposed to trust you now?”
“Because we want the same things.” He looked at Luka, “do I look familiar to you?”
