So much for an easy job. So much for a quick visit. No. This won’t be simple. This won’t be clean. This shit’s about to get bloody.
I look from Axel to his father, then the rest of his family, avoidingher. Because every time I see that woman, I want to put a bullet between her eyes.
Call me bitter. I don’t give a fuck. At least I’m honest about it.
They all stare back, eyes filled with questions they’re too afraid or stupid to ask.
Papa explained what went down with the Keepers before I was even born. He said they might be a problem. He was right. Most clubs mind their business. Most can be paid or persuaded to keep their distance from LSMC. But not all. Some clubs walk around like their shit doesn’t stink. Like, pushing boundaries is a sport.
Satan’s Keepers is one of those clubs.
I’ve kept tabs on them over the years. Not too deep—just enough. I know who they’re affiliated with. I know that connection makes them feel untouchable.Fools.Damn it. They could’ve been content with what I allowed them to have. But no—greedy bastards always want more.
The second I learned about their syndicate and trafficking ties, I knew it was too close for comfort.
“Salvatores,” I growl, the disgust laced in my voice.
“Most likely,” Armand says.
“Not most likely, Armand. It’s the Salvatores.”
I don’t look at him as I speak. My thoughts are already moving—calculating the next move. This changes everything. We can’t afford to keep pushing this off. Don Salvatore’s connection to Talon’s club is no longer something to deal with later. It’s come back to haunt them—and us.
When I came here, I hoped to keep this neat. Handle the traitor. Tie up loose ends. Leave. But now? Now we’re at war. Mafia families—we’re efficient. And we don’t forget shit. I turn back to the Mastersons. My eyes land onher.Valentina. The woman with too many secrets and sins tucked under hermanicured nails. The woman who let her family live in ignorance while the past stalked their every step.
“Listen, and listen well,” I growl. “Because this little incident? It’s just the beginning.”
“Mamma?” Malikai speaks up, his tone steady but worried.
“We’ll get to it,mio figlio,” I murmur, offering him a brief glance. I know he wants to reveal what he’s found about the rat in the club. And we will. But not yet. Not while this other fire’s still burning.
He won’t like that I’m holding back, but I have to. We need precision, patience, and timing.
No mistakes. No oversights. No survivors we didn’t choose.
We dismantle the chain link by link, then realign it to fit our design.
I look at Valentina—Talon’s mother. She made an oath ofomertàto my father. The mafia protected her when her Don from New York turned against her family. My father passed that promise of protection to Sam and me. I’m not the only reason my family didn’t go to war over what Talon did… But Iamthe only reason Talon’s still breathing.
I speak calmly, clearly. My voice was calm but left no room for misunderstanding.
“Valentina Tomasi,do you want to tell them—or shall I?”I ask.
She gasps. Her eyes fly open wide. They dart across the room, panicked, searching for a way out that doesn’t exist. Her familydoesn’t speak Italian. They don’t know what I said. Butshedoes. I say nothing else. I let the silence smother her.
She stumbles backward, collapsing into a chair, clutching her chest like she’s been shot. Her granddaughter rushes to her, eyes full of confusion. Everyone’s heads turn—ping-ponging between us.
Brick’s face tightens with rage as he wraps his arms around his wife. Axel and Nitro stare, annoyance painted on their faces—but still, they don’t get it.
“Grandma, what? What’s going on? GRANDPA?” The girl yells out. Brick is at Valentina’s side, whispering something low in her ear.
Whatever he’s saying—it’s not helping. She’s shaken. Pale. Breathless. She should be. She should know I carry the same oath my father did. So what the fuck is she reacting to? Guilt? Realization? Maybe she finally sees the truth. Her son is fighting for his life because ofher. She’s no stranger to causing the deaths of people she claims to love. And no, I don’t feel sorry for saying it. It’s the truth.
Itstartedwith her.
And it willendwith her.
She sobs against Brick, head shaking, lips trembling.
