NALEDI’S POV
Lucchese led us into his office, which was a hot mess if you asked me. I kept my mouth shut because honestly, I’d seen worse.
The doors closed with Matteo outside, ‘monitoring the situation’. I wouldn’t be surprised if I got out there and the entire humans were dead. Matteo was unstable.
“I heard that you are behind on your payments, Lucchese. What’s with the hold-up?” Caellum got to business.
The man had the nerve to crack a smile. Even I knew how interactions like this went. And if I were Luchesse, I sure as hell wouldn’t be smiling.
“The business has been a lot slower with the cops unto us.” He excused, scratching the back of his head. “I have it under control and in due time, I will get back to remitting the Alpha’s cut.”
“And when will that be? Before or after I rip your head off?”
Luchesse swallowed, looking nervous. I felt the room temperature go drastically down. That was fast.
“We are expecting some money this evening. I will be paying in something before the end of the day.”
“You seem so sure you are going to see the end of today.” Callum brought out his gun, and I couldn’t help but notice the lack of fear in the man’s eyes.
“I will get you your money, Alpha.” He said and I could see the chip on his shoulder.
No respect. No regard. Nothing.
“I already spoke with your father and he said there was no problem.” He added confidently. “You can check in with him.”
Caellum was silent. His hands lowered and I knew that was bad news.
“My father?” H said calmly, coming closer to him. “You’ve been in touch with the former Alpha, huh?”
“He brought me into the business. It’s only normal I still have contact with him. I respect your authority as the new head of the Cosa Nostra Pack but my connection with the former Alpha is personal.”
I wanted to make another side comment when I realised they were talking about the man I had tried to assassinate in my 22 years of existence. My eyes widened.
“Did he tell you to defy me? To hold my money and give me filthy excuses?” Caellum was face to face with the man, who swallowed but spoke nonetheless.
“I told you. The money would be paid by the end of-”
He didn’t get to finish his statement. Caellum shot him on the leg and a loud growl detached from his throat.
“These bullets are made with silver,” Caellum said, referring to the pistol in his hands. “The next one would be between your eyes.” His words were a promise. And packed behind his tone was anger waiting to be unleashed. “I was willing to give you till the end of today to get my money, but it’s clear that would be a waste of my time.”
Caellum brought up his gun, ready to shoot when Luchesse raised his hands. “Wait!” He looked panick ridden. “I have some money. I’ll give you part of the payment, and later I’ll balance up.” He bargained and Caellum scoffed.
“It’s either you pay in full or complete the balance with your life.” He shrugged and a grin grew on his face. “Now that I think of it, either way, is fine by me.”
“I don’t have it in full.” He got to his drawer and brought out a stash of money, piling them up on the table.
My eyes grew large. “That is barely half of what you owe.” Caellum hissed.
“This is 700k. I promise to bring the balance of 800 later on.” He pushed the money towards us. “Please, just take it.”
Matteo was nowhere to be found. I figured this should be a part of my job. To take the money for… safekeeping.
“Are you telling me if I search this office, this is all I can find?” Caellum called bullshit.
This man must be something if he lied straight to his boss’s face. I had worked for enough mafia bosses to know that the best card was honesty. Lying would only get you in trouble.
“I swear it!” He said, “I can’t lie to you.”
“Fine. Then you wouldn’t mind if your home is searched.”
I didn’t miss the shock that passed through his face. He lied. I shook my head. Goodluck getting out of that one.
“Is there a problem Lucchese? Do you have any reservations?” Caellum asked with a comic look on his face.
“Of course n-not.” He sputtered,
“Good. Because I have some men at yours.” The man’s face drained of colour. “They searched your property and there was one little hiccup.” Caellum brought out his phone using his other hand and handed it over to him. “They need the password to your safe.”
Luchesse shook his head, shaking. “It’s not what you think..”
“Take. the. darned. phone.” Caellum ordered, his alpha tone pressing behind his words while a murderous aura surrounded him.
Lucchese took the phone with shaking hands. “L-Luchesse.” He said into the phone and a cry was heard from the receiver’s end.
Daddy!
I heard the voice of a young girl and my heart broke. He had a child?
“Please! Please forgive me, Alpha! Don’t hurt them.”
“And why on earth would I do that?” Caellum said in a sarcastic tone. “Is there a reason why I should do that? Kill your human family?”
“Please!” He begged, bowing his head at Caellum’s feet. “Just this once, forgive me this once.”
“I already told you.” He tsked, “I am not a forgiving man.”
“Holy shit…” A voice said from the phone, and I was reminded that we were still online.
“That big?” Caellum asked with a smirk.
“A vault. There’s got to be billions in here.” The voice said, and I took in a deep breath.
“Please! That money is mine! You can take your cut and leave the rest,”
The guts of this man.
“Your money?” Caellum laughed, and this time, it ended with a gunshot to Luchesse’s thigh. “I thought you had no money?”
“Alpha…” His face morphed into pain, “Please…”
“Clear the entire place. Not even a cent should be left behind. Including his bank accounts.” Caellum fired his orders.
“Yes sir.”
“One last thing. Leave no witnesses.” He said in a cold tone and shivers went down my spine.
Witnesses? Last I checked…. his daughter.