Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

Dario

Alessio stares at me, appearing stricken. I don't blame him for being shocked. I was astounded at Valentino's plan as well. But I soon realized going along with this insanity was the only way to keep Alessio alive. For whatever reason, that has apparently became my life's mission.

"You can't be serious," he mumbles. "There's no fucking way that's happening."

"Trust me. I don't want to marry you anymore than you want to marry me." I sigh. "But Valentino needs his pound of flesh."

He squints at me. "How does us marrying satisfy him? I don't get it."

"Because that's not all he wants."

His cheek twitches. "What else does that asshole want?"

I brace myself for what I know will be an explosive reaction. "He also wants to bring the Abella Syndicate in under the umbrella of the Black Knives."

A flush creeps up Alessio's young face, and rage flares in his eyes. "No, fucking way."

I shrug, holding his rebellious gaze.

His lip curls. "Oh, I see. This is Valentino's way of humiliating me, just like he did my father."

"No. It's about sparing your life, while giving him something for all the trouble you've caused. You have to pay for what you tried to do. You know that."

"Fine. I'll pay with my life," he hisses. "I'm not handing over my syndicate to fucking Valentino. No way. I'd rather die."

I shake my head because he's reacting just as I guessed he would. He's too prideful to even grab hold of a lifeline when it's thrown to him. "Getting out of it won't be that easy, kid."

"What?" he asks sharply. "Even Valentino can't hurt me once I'm dead."

"He can hurt your men though."

He stiffens, clenching his fists. "What are you talking about?"

I hold his angry gaze as I say, "If you reject the marriage idea, and the merge, Valentino will slaughter all your men."

He recoils as if I've punched him. He takes a step back, looking shaken. "Why? Why would he kill my men? They have nothing to do with all of this."

"Because he's fucking Valentino Syracuse, and you can't say no to him without consequences." I must look and sound convincing because he's not even questioning that Valentino will execute his men.

He gives a harsh bark of a laugh. "That fucker is just using this as an excuse to grab more power. He's as bad as Carlo."

"Not really. Carlo wasn't wronged, Valentino was. Carlo is far worse. He turned on his own blood simply for power and greed. Valentino has every right to retribution after the disrespect you've shown him."

"He doesn't have the right to steal my syndicate." Alessio's voice shakes with fury. "That's my inheritance. My father built that mob with his sweat and tears. What fucking right does Valentino have to swoop in and take it from me?"

It's impossible not to feel sorry for Alessio. He looks like a trapped animal. I feel kind of sick watching him because I can feel his shock and confusion radiating. He can't stop Valentino from doing what he wants. He has two choices: live or die.

"This is how it's going to be. You either take the deal or you don't." I speak calmly, hoping by doing that I'll somehow influence him to accept the inevitable. I don't want him to die. I'm willing to go along with Valentino's plan just to keep him breathing a little longer. I hope his self-preservation instincts are strong enough to make him also go for the deal. "It would merely be a marriage of convenience."

"This is archaic. Ridiculous. He can't force me to marry you." He looks on the verge of tears. "That syndicate is all I have left of my father."

I wince at his pain, but try not to show it. He can't know that I'm sympathetic to him. He has to feel like he has no allies. No options. That feeling of isolation should force him to capitulate. Then he can live. That's what I want. I want him to stop fighting so hard, and just go with the flow.

"Your choices brought you here, as did mine," I say quietly.

He watches me, cheeks flushed and eyes bright with angry tears. "This isn't fair. It isn't right. I… I simply wanted justice for my father's death. This is bullshit."

I stand and move toward him. He watches me warily, his body rigid. I stop in front of him and say softly, "It'll be okay, Alessio."

"How?" he chokes out.

"You'll have the power of the Black Knives behind you. You'll still be the head of the Abella Syndicate, only you'll be protected by us. You'll have your own businesses making you money, just like you do now. Valentino has even said he'll give you the ports. Your father wanted that, right? Wasn't that the reason he grabbed Nico? Trying to force Valentino's hand? Well, now you'll have the ports just as your father wished. This merge is a good thing. You'll see that once you're calmer."

"Good?" he hisses. "That's a lie and you know it. This is the end of the Abella syndicate. Valentino will slowly dismantle us until we're nothing. No one will even remember the Abella name."

I exhale. "Kid, you're looking at it all wrong. You'll have money and power behind you now. No one will fuck with you, don't you see? You'll grow, and in turn, the Black Knives also grow. It's a good thing for everyone."

"You're a liar. You'll say anything Valentino tells you to say." He scowls at me. "Why did he have you tell me? Why wasn't he man enough to tell me himself?"

I laugh. "Would you have rather heard this from him? I doubt it. This way, you can hear his plan and vent all you want. I don't take your anger and words personally. Valentino might. You tend to be pretty mouthy when you're upset, and Valentino has no patience for that."

"Mouthy? You're ripping everything from me and I don't like it. Therefore I'm mouthy?"

"You need to learn when to hold your tongue. Valentino isn't the sort of alpha who likes being questioned. You have to tread carefully with him." I'd usually have less patience with Alessio, but I feel endlessly tolerant toward him tonight. The longer we're around each other, the more I'm beginning to really feel like his alpha. Is that good or bad? I'm not sure. It might come in handy, seeing as we're being pushed into matrimony.

He watches me with different emotions flickering over his features. He's obviously frustrated. Angry. But he's also scared. I can see that clearly. What I might have taken as arrogance in the past I now recognize as fear. I sometimes forget how young he is. This must be overwhelming for him.

"You'll have all the things you need and want, Alessio." I hesitate, needing to broach the subject of pregnancy, but not wanting to set him off again. "You realize your probably pregnant?"

He blanches. "Great. Just what I need."

He had to know having unprotected sex with me, especially after I claimed him, would result in a pregnancy. I try to put a positive spin on it since he looks so dejected. "If you are with child, you'll have an heir and the Abella bloodline will continue."

His face twitches. "What does that matter? If we're married, the kid would take your name."

"Yes, but your bloodline lives on."

"For all the good it does." He arches one brow. "I don't suppose you'd consider taking my name?"

"I also need an heir."

"Then we need to hyphenate the kid's name," he says, narrowing his eyes. "Little Anthony Abella-Coppola has a nice ring to it."

"Nah. I'm thinking more of something like Rocko Coppola-Abella."

"Rocko sounds like a thug, and why would your name go first?"

"Because I'm the alpha." I shrug. "It's how it's done usually."

His jaw juts stubbornly. "We'll have to negotiate that. In order for a kid to mean anything to me, he has to have my name too."

"Okay, we can probably work something out."

He wrinkles his brow. "Still, I'm not sure I want a kid with you. Even if I agreed to having a child, I don't know that I want a kid anytime soon. I didn't plan on having offspring this early in my life."

I shrug. "Well, if you're claimed, there's no reason to wait. Omegas are made to be bred."

He curls his lip. "What a typical alpha statement. Am I supposed to be flattered that I'm only good for one thing in your eyes?"

"I'm not saying you don't have other uses."

"Gee, thanks." He shakes his head.

"I should probably shut up cuz I'm just making it worse. My point really is only that I don't have an omega pouch. I can't exactly carry the kid, right?"

"Obviously."

"I know you're good at a lot of things, Alessio. I've seen you in action, okay?"

He frowns. "Is having offspring mandatory?"

I rub my jaw, not sure how to answer. I don't want to spook him, but I will eventually need an heir. "It is, but it doesn't have to be right away."

He scowls. "Having kids is a walk in the park for you alphas. You get to fuck and move on. The omega is stuck with the morning sickness and the birth of the kid. Then I suppose I'll get the pleasure of changing diapers and feeding the brat, while you're off living your best life."

I consider his words. It's true many alphas approach fatherhood like that. They hand over the care of the offspring to the omegas, and don't have much to do with the kids. "I don't think that would be fair to you. You'll still have a syndicate to run. We can hire a nanny for when we're both busy."

His eyes flicker with obvious surprise. "Really?"

"Seems only fair. Plus, I'd like to be hands on with my children. I didn't have a good role model growing up, but I'd like to be one for my kids."

He studies me, his expression difficult to read. "You're not scared to be a father?"

I grimace and admit, "I'm terrified. But I want that someday. I want to be to my kids what my dad could never be for me."

His gaze flickers. "Did your father really put cigarettes out on the back of your neck?"

My face warms. "Yes."

"What an asshole," Alessio hisses. "Why would he do that?"

"I think I was just there? My mom died giving birth to me. I'm sure he blamed me." I sigh. "He was a violent, bitter man. I hated his guts, and I vowed never to be like him." Trying to reassure him, I say, "If we move forward with the marriage, I'll be a good alpha. I don't know anything about being a father, but I'll do my best."

He squints. "If this is just a marriage of convenience, why bother?"

I frown. "Just because we're not marrying for love doesn't mean I can't still be a good alpha to you."

"Are we expected to share the same bed?" His eyes glitter.

"I would hope so. I'm not the kind of alpha who cheats, but I'm not going to become celibate. I'll want sex."

He sighs. "I suppose it would be my duty. A necessary evil, if you will."

I laugh gruffly. "Are you going to pretend you don't like it when we fuck?" I inch closer to him, enjoying the way his cheeks flush and his breathing speeds up. "You sure seemed receptive to me tonight. Outside in the rain."

"I was confused, that's all."

"Bullshit," I growl. "You wanted sex. Stop lying."

He turns his back on me. "Don't get a big head. I don't like you, Dario."

"I think you like me a little."

"No." He gives me a surly glance over his shoulder. "And even if I do enjoy the sex, I fucking hate whatever this thing is between us. It's unsettling. I don't like being run by instinct."

"I don't love it either, but it's happening and it is what it is." I move closer to him, and the fine blond hairs on the nape of his neck visibly raise. I can sense his speeding pulse, and smell his arousal. His attraction to me is like mine is to him: unwanted, but inescapable.

His voice is thick with frustration as he says, "I have no choice but to marry you, don't I?"

"It'll be okay," I say quietly.

"I doubt it."

"Once your mine, no one will hurt you." Those aren't just words either. The longer I'm around him, the more he becomes my focus. This hunger to protect him and own him isn't logical. The emotions feel primitive. I've never experienced anything like it with any other omega. This need to possess him is like a sickness; creeping in and permeating my body and soul. "I mean it. No one will hurt you, Alessio. Not if I'm around."

"Not even Valentino?" he mutters.

"No one. I promise." I step closer, and the heat of his body sinks into mine. "You'll have all the things you wanted, Alessio. All the things your father wanted for you. He'd want you to take this deal."

"You don't know that."

"I think I do." I take a chance and I pull him gently against me. He stiffens at first, but allows himself to lean on me. I swear I can feel his heart beating from outside his body. I'm so fucking in tune to him, it's disconcerting. I wrap my arms around him, and just hold him. At first, his body is rigid. I nuzzle the back of his neck, inhaling his now familiar scent. Gradually, he relaxes into me, and his breathing slows.

My dick is hard, but I don't push for sex. I know what my omega needs right now, and it's not that. It's comfort. I need to soothe him and tell him, without words, that he'll be okay. I'll keep him safe. He needs to believe he can trust me. Depend on me. I let him know all of that with soft kisses on the back of his neck, and gentle strokes down his body.

After a few moments, he whispers, "When would we do it?"

Excitement zips through me. He's giving in. He's accepting the marriage, which means he'll live. "Soon. This week." I keep my voice steady. Reassuring.

He touches the bite mark on his neck. "Okay," he says quietly. "I'll marry you, Dario. What other choice do I have? I can't just let my men be slaughtered."

I rub his shoulders and then let him go. "You've made the right decision, kid. You'll see."

He shoots me a resentful glance. "I sometimes wish I'd never met you, Dario."

I smile. "But you did."

****

Valentino is pleased at the news Alessio has accepted the arranged marriage, and merge. He doesn't seem the least bit concerned that Alessio is resentful and unhappy about being forced into it. I'm sure Alessio's happiness is the farthest thing from Valentino's mind.

Marie, Valentino's mother, has suggested we hold the small, private wedding ceremony here at their home. I'm fine with that. I think for now, it's best if Alessio and I stay at Valentino's mansion. I have a private residence, but I spend more time here at Valentino's home. I definitely think it's safer if Alessio is here. Carlo is still out there somewhere, no doubt scheming. He's gone underground for now, but a snake like that will slither back.

A few days pass. I'm busy with Valentino trying to find where Carlo might be hiding. I don't see much of Alessio. He's probably overjoyed about that. I've given him space, allowing him to have my bedroom for now. I don't worry about him running away again. There's no point. He knows what will happen to his men if he rebels. Or what he thinks will happen to them.

On the third morning, I walk into the dining room and find Alessio having breakfast with Marie and Valentino's younger brother, Paolo. Paolo and Alessio are close in age and they seem to get along well. They're laughing about something when I enter the room. Alessio's face is flushed and his eyes sparkle with amusement. I'm surprised to feel a spark of jealousy. Alessio acts like a brat around me most of the time, but here is laughing up a storm with Paolo.

Paolo glances up. "Morning, Dario." Paolo is a young, good looking alpha. He has the same dark hair and light blue eyes as Valentino. He's only twenty-four, but he's got the confidence that comes from being related to one of the most powerful men in Los Demonios. "Haven't seen you around much lately."

"Valentino has been keeping me busy," I murmur, helping myself to scrambled eggs and bacon from the buffet. Once I've filled my plate, I take the seat next to Alessio. "Good morning, Alessio."

Alessio gives me a surly glance, but says nothing. He instead scoots his chair away from mine a bit, and focuses his attention on his plate. His happy mood has evaporated instantly at my arrival. He doesn't seem to have missed me over the last few days. Can't say I'm surprised. Of course, even if the little shit had missed me, he wouldn't tell me.

"Have you found Carlo yet?" Marie asks brightly, holding a delicate pink tea cup between her hands. She sips from the cup as she waits for my reply.

"No. The coward is hiding," I say.

Paolo laughs. "Of course he is. If you had the Black Knives looking for you, you'd hide too."

Alessio glances at Paolo, but doesn't join in the conversation. I feel his tension though. The subject of Carlo bugs him. I'm sure he'd love to help find Carlo, but that's out of the question. I wouldn't allow that even if Valentino was okay with it. Carlo is way too dangerous. At this point, he has nothing to lose.

"I was thinking Saturday would be the perfect day for the wedding ceremony." Marie smiles at Alessio, but he just drops his gaze to his plate. His high cheek bones are painted a rosy color, and his hand trembles slightly.

"I haven't made any arrangements." I grimace. "I've been too busy." I turn to Alessio. "Have you planned anything yet?"

Alessio recoils. "God, no."

Stamping down my irritation at his boorish behavior, I ask, "Do you have any requests? Any favorite flowers? Or do you have an opinion on what flavor cake we should order?"

"No. It doesn't matter," Alessio grates out. "It's not a real wedding. We don't need to plan anything. We simply need to get someone to officiate the stupid ceremony."

Paolo laughs nervously, giving me a wary glance, and Marie pretends she didn't hear Alessio. She sips her tea studiously, probably wishing she could leave the room and avoid the brewing drama.

I have no desire to fight with Alessio in front of them. I keep my voice patient as I say, "There are still things that need to be done. We need to get the marriage license. Even if the marriage is arranged, it might be nice to have a catered meal afterward. Perhaps some flowers for the ceremony would be pleasant?"

"Why bother?" grumbles Alessio. "It's a sham marriage."

"You know, Alessio," Paolo says. "Valentino and Nico's marriage was also arranged, but they're extremely happy now."

"How nice for them," Alessio says under his breath.

"Did I hear my name?" Nico asks as he enters the dining room. He's holding baby Antonio, whose eyes are fixed like a tractor beam on the food buffet. Baby Antonio loves to eat. He's a chubby happy baby, with dark black hair and eyes. He giggles gleefully as Nico hands him to his Nonna.

Marie's eyes light up as she holds her grandson. "Are you hungry, Antonio? Shall Nonna get you something to eat?"

The baby claps his hands happily and she rises and heads to the buffet with him. I watch her with Antonio, wondering if she ever wishes he had her son's blood, instead of that rat Roberto's. If she does mind, she never shows it. She appears to love him as if he were her own son's child.

"We were just telling Alessio that arranged marriages aren't all bad." Paolo says, wiping his mouth with his napkin.

Nico glances at Alessio. "They aren't all good either. Relationships take work no matter how you meet."

Alessio says nothing.

I clear my throat. "Half of the marriages where people marry for love fail. The odds might actually be better for arranged marriages."

Alessio scowls. "Right. Nothing spells bliss like being forced into marrying someone you wouldn't usually give the time of day to."

My face warms at his disrespectful attitude, but I brush it off. Getting into a big argument in front of everyone will serve no purpose. "This marriage will be good for you and the Abella Syndicate. You'll see, Alessio."

Alessio opens his mouth to say something, but Nico speaks over him. "Are you having any morning sickness, Alessio?"

Alessio is definitely distracted by that question. "No. I… I don't even know if I'm… pregnant." That pink flush has returned to his face.

Nico laughs. "I'm sure you are. Dario gave you his bite."

"Still," Alessio mumbles. "Maybe I got lucky and my body rejected his baby."

Marie gives Alessio an irritable glance. "Alessio, Dario has been nothing but sweet to you since he came in this room, and you've been nothing but rude. Could you please stop that?"

Alessio winces. "Sorry." He doesn't sound particularly sorry. Knowing him, he isn't the least bit sorry.

But he's going to be mine either way.

Excitement sparks through me at that realization. He can bitch and complain all he wants. He'll still end up in my bed. Not that I would ever force myself on him. I don't have to. He likes sex with me. Regardless of his pissy attitude at the moment, he hungers for me the same way I do him. Plus, I haven't touched him since the night in the forest. I have a feeling on our wedding night, he'll be achingly responsive. I'm exhilarated at the idea he's going to be all mine. No other alpha will ever have the right to touch him.

Nico pats his baby bump. "If you are pregnant, Alessio, it'll be fun to have some company. We can bitch about our swollen ankles and indigestion together."

Alessio seems uncomfortable with the conversation. "I guess." He picks up a piece of bacon from his plate and chomps on it with a scowl.

"Have you informed your captains about the marriage?" I ask.

Alessio sighs. "Yes. They're confused, and I don't blame them."

"Just remind them that the Abella Syndicate is still the Abella Syndicate. You're just under the umbrella of the Black Knives. You're under our protection. You'll still operate independently, for the most part."

"I'm not buying it," says Alessio. "You're telling me that Valentino won't want me to ask him for permission when I make decisions?"

"Only if it's a huge thing. He'll want some say in how you handle the ports at first. Just until he can trust you're able to do it without issues," I say smoothly. "But I'll be there for you to communicate through. Valentino doesn't like to micromanage. You'll have plenty of freedom."

"If you say so." Alessio's tone is skeptical.

"You should see a doctor," Marie says, changing the subject. "If you are pregnant, Alessio, you'll need prenatal vitamins."

Alessio pushes his mostly empty plate away. "I don't feel any different physically. I'll wait to see a doctor until I think there's a reason."

Paolo laughs. "Man, you really don't want to be pregnant, do you? You're in absolute denial."

Shrugging, Alessio stands. "I'm going for a walk. Then I need to make a bunch of phone calls." He glances at me. "Am I allowed to leave this place? I'd like to meet with my captains today. There's a lot to discuss."

"You can meet with them. But I'll go with you."

His jaw tightens. "Awesome."

Marie sighs, giving Alessio a resigned look.

I ignore his insolence. "Let me know when you'd like to meet up with them. My schedule is flexible today."

He nods but says nothing.

"So Saturday then?" Marie asks, looking straight at Alessio. "For the wedding ceremony?"

He exhales. "Okay." He hesitates and meets my gaze. "Maybe while we're out we can stop by Sugar Supreme Italian Bakery and taste cakes." He frowns. "I mean, if this dumb wedding is actually happening, we need a cake."

I squash my smile, pleased he suggested that little excursion. I'm happy he's at least pretending to be on board. I don't relish the idea of dragging him, kicking and screaming, to the wedding ceremony. If he's willing to check out cakes with me, that's a good sign. "Sure."

"See you then." His cheek twitches and he leaves the room.

Paolo sighs. "He's a stubborn one, Dario. High maintenance. You'll have your work cut out for you married to him."

"Agreed," I mutter.

Marie lifts one shoulder. "He'll come around. As I told you the other day, I'm sure you're fated mates. He can't fight the pull of that forever."

I laugh gruffly. "I don't know, Marie. If anyone could, it would be that little bastard."