21. Lexi

21

LEXI

A few hours later, Mia and I get ready together while the guys run out to pick up the drugs they're going to use on the generals and get Crow set up with the monitoring equipment. Under Mia's direction, I change my dress four times.

"Not red. It's too bold," she says, shaking her head. "Vincenzo wants submissive. Ugh, I hate myself for even saying that sentence out loud. Sorry."

"It's fine," I tell her. "You're not wrong. And I want this to work."

"Try the light blue one."

I strip out of the red cocktail dress and shrug into one with a high-necked halter top and flowing skirt that ends just above my knee.

"Perfect," Mia says. "And leave your hair down. It makes you look younger, sweeter."

I try to use her approval as encouragement for my real mission. But by the time Grey and the others return to pick us up, my heart is pounding. If I don't find a way to get answers tonight, they'll die with Vincenzo.

And I might be stuck as a human forever.

"Ready?" Grey asks as the others climb into the back of the limo we're all taking over.

"I think so," I say. "You?"

He nods. "We've got this." But the glint in his dark eyes tells me he's not so sure.

On the ride over, Dutch pours everyone a shot, and we all raise our glasses. "To the next generation of the mafia pack," he says.

"Cheers to that," Mia says with enthusiasm.

Razor and Crow murmur their agreement, and we all drink.

When we arrive at our destination, I can't help but think this office looks a lot like GV Industries. But Grey's right. It's taller. As if Vincenzo's compensating for being second in any way he can. Other than that, the interior's nearly the same modern design, complete with stark white surfaces and marble floors.

I shiver as we get into the elevator.

"Cold?" Grey asks.

"I'm fine," I say.

He takes my hand, squeezing it once, pressing my rings into my skin—both the gleaming diamond and the twist-tie I'm still wearing beneath it. Probably risky considering Vincenzo might see it, but I needed the reminder that I'm not truly alone in all this.

"Okay, once the generals go down, I'll challenge my father and we'll meet on the roof with the blade," Grey says, reiterating the plan one more time. "Any questions?"

No one asks anything.

"Let's fucking go," Dutch says.

Razor high-fives him.

The doors open into a hallway.

We file out, and Dutch leads the way to the glass double doors just ahead. Through them, I can see the space already filled with guests. I brace myself.

"Showtime," Mia says under her breath.

Dutch pushes the doors open, and the noise from inside the suite spills out. Music—loud and thumping—drowns out the conversations until the room is only a hum of voices. The scent of cigars and cologne hit me next. I press in close to Grey at the sight of two security guards blocking our path. When they see it's us, they back off, but their expressions remain wary and sour.

They're the only ones not joining in the celebration, and I make a mental note to remember they'll be watching me tonight.

Beyond them, the large room is crowded. Vincenzo and his three remaining generals are already here. Rocco and Alvaro are seated on a long, low sectional in the center of the room, hunched over a tray on the coffee table that's covered in white powder. By the window, Vincenzo and Charlie are speaking in low voices. There are at least a dozen other men I don't know, though some I recognize from the pack meeting. Along with half a dozen women in tiny dresses and sequined bralettes.

Mia insisted on picking out the entertainment herself. She swore every one of these girls is trained in self-defense and loyal to her and Grey. If anything goes wrong, they'll be able to handle themselves, so at least we're not putting innocent people at risk.

At the sight of us, Vincenzo pauses his conversation, but his stark expression never changes. There's a storm brewing behind his eyes, and for a moment, nerves grip me, making me wonder if he's onto us. But then he turns away again, resuming his conversation, and I remind myself he always looks like that.

It's his resting asshole face.

From his seat on the couch, Rocco twists around and offers a loose grin. "There's my boy," he calls, waving at Dutch to join him in front of the lines he's cutting. "Get over here and get this party started with me, son."

"That's not my kind of party, old man," Dutch calls out. "How about a drink?"

Rocco groans in disappointment, but the mood is light. Aside from Vincenzo, everyone seems relaxed.

Grey brushes his hand over the small of my back. "I won't be far," he whispers.

I nod as he follows Dutch over to the bar across the room. Razor and Mia drift off as well, joining conversations with various guests, and within seconds, they've integrated themselves into the party.

My turn.

I make my way slowly across the room, stopping to smile and say hello to anyone who speaks to me. They don't say much or linger in conversation—probably wise considering I'm here with the alpha's son.

By the time I reach the window where Vincenzo and Charlie are still locked in conversation, I've managed to snag a club soda. Feigning clumsiness, I start to trip, and the soda spills down Charlie Reyes's shirt.

"Oh! I'm so sorry," I say, wincing. "I am so clumsy. Here, I can get you some napkins…" I pause, looking around helplessly as if napkins might just appear in front of me.

Charlie waves me off. "No, it's fine. I'll be right back." He strides off, peeling his wet shirt off his abdomen as he hurries toward the doors.

When he's gone, I turn to Vincenzo, infusing my voice with what I hope sounds like innocence. "I hope I didn't interrupt anything important."

"You are pathetically human," he says, but the irritation is mild compared to what I know he's capable of.

"I guess I am." I laugh and toss my hair.

His disdain is obvious, but I shove that thought aside and touch him lightly on the arm. "Mr. Diavolo, I know we don't really see eye to eye, but you're going to be my father-in-law and…well, I was hoping you could help me with something."

"I doubt it," he says.

I bat my lashes. "Please? It probably isn't something he wants me to share but…I'd love to ask your advice about Grey. Can we talk privately? Just for a minute."

His interest sharpens at the mention of his son, just like I'd hoped it would. "Five minutes," he says grudgingly. "Come on." He pushes through the door and onto the balcony.

I glance behind me to see Dutch passing shots to the generals. Grey catches my eye, frowning deeply. I turn away, slipping outside with Vincenzo and hoping like hell it'll buy them enough time for what they're about to do.

"Well?" Vincenzo prompts impatiently. "What is it?"

I twist my fingers together with a nervousness I don't have to fake. "The truth is, I want to be a wolf, and I think your son knows how to make that happen. But he's keeping it from me."

He cocks his head. "I see. And why would Jericho know how to make that happen?"

I keep my expression carefully blank, like the clueless girl he thinks I am. "I don't know for sure, but…I think he could bite me… Right?"

His attention is suddenly focused solely on me. There's no question I've hit on something important. "What did my son say to you about this bite—exactly?"

"He didn't tell me any of this himself, and I don't really know who to trust, so I'm not sure what to think." I look up at him through my lashes. "Do you know what I should do?"

His demeanour changes, his eyes flashing with anger and suspicion. "Did Franco tell you this?"

"No, why? Should he have?"

Inside, a roar of laughter draws his attention. Vincenzo watches them with narrowed eyes, but when he speaks again, it's clear his thoughts are far away. "Franco's not nearly as powerful as he wants you to believe," he says in a low voice. "I'm not worried about that feeble bastard. And you shouldn't count on him either. He doesn't give a shit about you."

His reaction throws me off, and I lose some of my helpless act as I say, "Believe me, I'm not on Franco's side any more than I'm on yours."

His gaze swings back to me, his mouth pinched. "I don't need you to be on my side. I just need you to serve your purpose. Don't forget your fucking place."

He shoves past me and through the balcony door, leaving me alone and empty-handed. Through the window, I see him stalk over to the bar where Grey and the others are still serving up drinks.

I sigh, debating whether to go after him and try again. Before I can decide, Charlie Reyes walks out, joining me on the balcony. He's wearing a fresh shirt and holding a half-empty glass of something dark. His eyes are glazed over, making me wonder if Grey or one of the others made him that drink.

"Hello, Lexi," he says, coming to stand beside me.

"Hi." I eye him warily.

"Where's Ramsey tonight?" he asks.

"Home, I guess. He's not himself."

My answer sounds awkward even to me, but Charlie nods. "He's better off staying away for now."

Through the window, I watch Vincenzo snap something at Grey.

When I turn back to Charlie, he seems to be watching their exchange too and his expression has clouded. He takes another sip from his glass and sways drunkenly. "What d'you know about a Dr. Severin?"

I can't help blinking in surprise. Not what I'd been expecting. "Nothing." I frown at him. "Why?"

"Oh..." He flails his hand in a wobbling circle. "Not important. Just a name I read in your file."

"My..." I put my hands on his shoulders to steady him. Steady myself. Make him look at me. "I have a file?"

"You sure do." He smiles blearily at me then adds loudly, "Everyone does." I glance through the windows, making sure no one's paying attention. "But yours..." When I look back at him, his eyes on me are clear and focused. Intent. "Yours is the only one locked away. In his office. Downstairs." We stay like that for another moment then he nods once, almost imperceptibly, and puts his mask of drunkenness back on, reeling away when someone calls his name.

"Charlie!" Alvaro pokes his head out the balcony door. "Get your ass in here, we're doing a fucking toast for Anthony!"

Charlie hurries to join them, his steps zig-zagging, but I stay where I am, my pulse quickening as I think about what he's just said. A file. With a doctor's name I've never heard of. Whatever Vincenzo knows about me or my wolf, I'm willing to bet it's in that file.

I bite my lip. The fact that this file is in the same building I'm currently standing in isn't lost on me. Nor is the fact that Charlie chose tonight to tell me about it. Grey said Charlie didn't approve of Vincenzo's methods when it comes to me. Maybe this is his way of helping to make it right.

I slip back inside and spend the next fifteen minutes helping Grey and the others pour shots. Judging by the unfocused gazes of every guest here, the drugs have already begun to affect them. Grey's focus intensifies as he continues to work the crowd.

Across the room, the doors are shoved open so wide the security guards step aside to avoid being hit. Ramsey stands in the opening with a lopsided smile. He's wearing a suit, though the tie is crooked and his white shirt is stained. "Did I hear something about a party?"

He saunters into the room, pausing long enough to shake hands with some of the other guests before making his way over to the bar. He stops in front of Grey, his eyes narrowing. "You threw a party for my old man and forgot to invite me?"

"You were invited." Grey flashes a laid-back smile. "Although, you might've been a little inebriated when I told you about it."

Everyone waits, watching to see what Ramey will say or do. But he just throws his head back and laughs. "Hell yeah, I am," he says and pulls Grey into a hug. "Let's fucking party," Ramsey calls out when they step apart again.

The room cheers, and more shots are poured.

Everyone but me crowds around the bar.

I keep my gaze trained on Vincenzo and Grey as I take a step toward the door. Then another. The two security guards standing at the door glance at me as I pass.

"Just going to get some air," I say, but they ignore me.

Apparently, they only care who enters.

I shove through the doors quickly. No one calls out or stops me, but I hold my breath until I'm out of the room.

In the hallway, I press the button for the elevator and almost immediately hear a voice behind me.

"Hey," Mia calls.

I whirl and see her poking her head out of the door to the suite.

"You scared me." I force a laugh.

"Where are you going?" she asks.

"Um, bathroom." I nod at the restroom just down from where I stand, praying she didn't see me push that button. Or that the little light is now yellow.

"Probably a good idea. It's fucking crazy in here."

Someone yells for Mia. It sounds like Charlie. She rolls her eyes. "See you in there."

Then she's gone. And I'm alone.

The elevator doors open.

I hesitate only a second, glancing at the suite doors, then I step inside the elevator and press the button for the floor below this one.