Chapter 26: Welcome To Italy

Enzo's private jet touches down on a private airstrip near Naples as the Italian sun dips low, painting the sky in deep oranges and golds.

Julian stays close at Enzo's side as they descend the stairs, in his new silk shirt, while some of Enzo's men from America carry their luggage behind them.

Julian freezes when he sees the full mafia convoy awaiting them, The Moretti family crest gleaming on several of the doors.

There are so many men, all armed with subtle bulges of weapons visible under jackets, waiting below the stairs. Unlike Enzo's men these ones are dressed casually, but the look in their eyes makes it obvious that they're not to be messed with.

Enzo on the other hand seems completely used to such an entrance, silver eyes scanning the scene, his posture rigid. His grip tightening as they're lead toward the armored SUVs with tinted windows,

The convoy snakes through winding coastal roads toward the sprawling Moretti estate, an ancient villa fortified with several defenses--high stone walls, surveillance towers, and guards patrolling the perimeter like in a high-budget crime movie.

Julian's mouth fully drops as they pull through massive iron gates.

The cars all come to.a stop at once, like it was all planned, one of the armed men coming over to open the door for them.

The moment they step out, a figure rushes forward to greet them with a grin in the grand courtyard.

Julian freezes when he sees his face. He looks eerily identical to Enzo-- same sharp jawline, same silver eyes that catch the light with predatory intensity, though his hair is a shade darker and his build slightly leaner.

Other than that they're literally identical.

"My younger brother, Luca." Enzo whispers as the younger man comes closer, Alpha Pheromophones definitely calmer than Enzo's.

The moment his eyes fall on Julian, his steps slow, silver eyes lingering with subtle but obvious interest.

Enzo frowns.

A slow smile curves Luca's lips as he reaches them, his eyes tracing the elegant line of Julian's neck.

Okay, not a good first impression-- Julian notes, pressing deeper into Enzo.

He smirks, before fully turning to face Enzo.

"Brother," Luca says, clasping Enzo's forearm in a firm greeting. "Good to see you home. And this must be the infamous Julian for you to bring him all the way here."

Julian blinks.

Luca extends a hand toward Julian, voice smooth. "A pleasure to meet you, I'm the more handsome brother."

Enzo steps between them swiftly, his voice a low growl. "Luca. Do not talk to him, and keep your hands to yourself this time."

This time?

Luca only grins, raising his hands in mock surrender, but the spark of interest doesn't fade entirely as he steps back.

Alone, Enzo turns to Julian. "Stay away from my brother. Understood?"

From the look in his eyes, Julian knows the warning goes beyond simple jealousy.

Both brothers seem to have a history.

The group moves inside the villa, and Julian takes his time, scanning the entire space. Marble floors, portraits and ancient drawings lining the walls.

Several servants and family associates line the halls, their stares

curious, judgmental, and some outright hostile.

Julian knows that because he tries to smile at some random omega, but she rolled her eyes at him.

Not friendly--okay, got it.

Julian however tries to keep his head high, but tension coils in his shoulder as slowly they are led past the group.

In the grand study living room with ceiling-to-floor windows giving a nice view to a garden, Vittorio waits, seated wide legged on the huge leather couch.

The elder Moretti is an imposing man, silver hair cropped short, features carved from the same ruthless mold as his sons. His eyes narrow the moment they enter.

"I thought I told you not to bring any Omegas," he says coldly, and doesn't even glance at Julian directly at first, as if the Omega is beneath notice.

"This is family business, Enzo. I didn't call you here for a vacation. Send him back to the jet or to whatever quarters suit a distraction like him."

Enzo stands tall, hand tightening on Julian's waist. "He stays. Julian is not a distraction. He helps with my rut, and he stays here with me."

Vittorio's face hardens, and Julian notes how much alike they look when they're angry.

Did Enzo's mother's genes even try?

People in the adjoining rooms peer in, stares intensifying. Julian feels the weight of them like physical pressure, but he remains silent, trusting Enzo's lead.

After tense minutes of back-and-forth, the old man waves a dismissive hand, lips curling in distaste.

"Fine. Keep your Omega close, but do not let him interfere. We discuss real matters at dinner. Dismissed."

Enzo leads Julian away without another word, quiet anger radiating from his frame.

A few servants offer to lead them, but Enzo refuses, glaring them away. "Don't you think I'll know the way to my own room?!"

"N-no sir. We were- We're sorry." They bow and turn away, leaving Enzo with only the men he came with, carrying his luggage behind them as Enzo leads them toward his old bedroom in the east wing.

The door opens, and Julian's eyes widens. Again.

The room is a massive space with ceilings, heavy curtains, and antique furniture that screams old money.

There's a few posters-- of guns and black bikes, but other than that nothing here looks cosy at all. No personal touches, no warmth.

Like a museum of Enzo's hardened past-- Julian instantly wonders what kind of childhood Enzo had growing up.

"Is this your childhood room?" Julian asks softly, running a hand over the edge of the bed. He turns to Enzo, brown eyes searching. "It feels… empty."

Enzo closes the door behind them, pulling Julian into his arms. "Because it was never a home. More like a training ground."

Then he pulls Julian against his chest, pressing a wet kiss to his forehead. “Welcome to my roots.”

Julian chuckles as Enzo's shrubs rub on his temple, but nods. "Thank you for not leaving me there."

They unpack minimally, Julian's new clothes hanging beside Enzo's suits in the wardrobe. Enzo's phone buzzes occasionally with updates from Marco back in LA--sweeps holding, a few more trails found.

Enzo responds quickly, already calculating how to navigate a few days here with his family.

As evening deepens, a knock sounds at the door. A servant announces in accented English, "Dinner is served in the main hall. The entire Moretti family awaits."

Enzo's silver eyes meet Julian's, and he sighs. This is the part he's been dreading.

He adjusts the collar of Julian's shirt, fingers brushing the locket. "Stay beside me. don't trust anyone in this house."

Julian nods even as Enzo adds...

"Especially not my brother."