Page 25 of Wrathful King

The long mahogany table was set in the center, and all the men sitting behind it exuded power. For the first time in a long time, I was hopeful.

“I couldn’t get in touch with him,” Dante said, making his way to the bar and grabbing a beer.

“That’s odd. Usually where there’s trouble, the three of you follow,” Marchetti deadpanned. “And he likes blood as much as you two.”

“We’re saints compared to all you old men. But don’t worry, we’re not far behind.”

“Another few months and you’ll be all caught up. Sinners just like us,” Manuel chimed in. “Who knows, it might even be this week.”

Dante flashed his middle finger at him. “You’re just jealous you can’t keep up with us anymore.”

Manuel just grinned. “At least I don’t have to stalk them like a creep.”

My brother’s growl vibrated through the room.

“I swear to God, Dante. Your moods are giving me whiplash,” Enrico gritted.

“I thought you’d be used to it with your young wife,” Dante taunted, grinning savagely and ignoring all our warning glares. “Trust me, when those girls are together… Yeah, nothing tranquil about them. One second they’re angels, the next they’re in jail for disturbing the peace.”

“What?” Illias narrowed his eyes on Dante and his big mouth. Fucking idiot.

Dante just rolled his eyes. “What? Your sister didn’t share that with you? Of course, if we knew she was your sister, we would have called, but hey… not my fault you all keep secrets.” Then, as if he wanted to emphasize the words, he said in Italian, “Tutti voi.” All of you.

“Best we don’t comment on that,” Romero chimed in, trying to prevent everyone from drawing their guns.

“Or we can let the fucker hang himself,” Kyran added, clearly up for some fun and trouble.

“Basta!” I snapped, ending all the bickering.

“Is Hiroshi coming, or should we get started?” Konstantin asked, his shoulders rigid.

I shook my head. “Let’s get started.”

The tense beat of silence followed. I hadn’t told everyone about Hiroshi. I’d thrown all my resources into uncovering details of the attack, but I still hadn’t found out how my location had been compromised. I couldn’t risk anything going wrong with this mission.

All I could think about was my wife. I had a reach that stretched across continents, but when it came to the Cortes cartel, it wasn’t enough.

“What about Phoenix?” Dante asked randomly.

Romero’s jaw tightened and his expression darkened. “Your interest in Phoenix and her whereabouts is disturbing, Dante.”

“Just looking out for you, old man.” Dante’s tone clearly stated he didn’t give two shits about him. This attitude toward Romero wouldn’t serve him well at all. “Actually, let me be honest with you for a change.” He stared at Romero, challenging him silently. “Your lack of interest or worry for your eldest is more disturbing.”

At this rate, these fuckers would kill each other before the rescue.

“What about her?” Marchetti demanded, clearly unaware that she’d gone missing. “Did Cortes get her too?”

“No, he didn’t,” Kian answered firmly. “Only Reina is mentioned on the dark web. Trust me, if he had both girls, he’d be bragging.”

“And we have no clue where Phoenix is?” Darius questioned.

“No, we don’t. Now, back to Reina. Her life is in danger; Phoenix’s is not.”

A line of heavily armed men stood guard along the perimeter of the room, each with their eyes on their respective bosses. The energy in here was steeped in apprehension, each man waiting with bated breath to hear the details of my plan.

“Did Perez reach out with demands?” Kian questioned. I shook my head.

“We have to infiltrate that fucker,” Darius gritted. “Level him to the ground. It’s been a month. Perez is one sick bastard. Do we know if she’s even alive?”