Leader of Ombra Nera

"Yes," I breathed, because lying felt useless

He took a step closer to me and whispered. "Ombra Nera is no child's play. For your own good, keep your nose out of business that doesn't concern you," he said.

It almost sounded like he cared about my safety but no, I was sure it was a warning.

"I wouldn't indulge myself with mafia business, and I don't know why you would either," I retorted, keeping my voice at the same level as his.

His dark eyes stared into mine and I could feel my confidence being stripped away like a layer of onion.

  

He said nothing more but turned away and walked towards the mansion with two guards flanking him on both sides.

I took deep breaths to steady my breathing. 

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know he was going to be here," Isabella said, approaching me from behind.

Sighing, I turned to face her. "It's fine, not your fault. Let's just try to enjoy the party."

A wide smile found its way back to her beautiful face. "That's what I like to hear. Come on, let me introduce you to some people," she said, pulling me along with her. And this time, I gladly obliged.

I met Maria, Silas's mate. She was sweet, kind, nothing like the monster she was tied to. We even shared a few laughs, maybe because we had that in common. We had monsters for mates.

As planned, I mingled, though most women kept their distance. I didn't push, it wasn't worth forcing them just because I was Luna.

By the time my energy drained, I signaled Sofia. She was still enjoying herself, so I said my goodbyes and left with the new guard.

"Your name?" I asked as we neared the mansion.

"Trevor, ma'am."

I nodded, already turning to my door when my stomach growled. I hadn't eaten a bite since Moretti ruined my appetite.

"I'll grab something from the kitchen," I told him. He started to follow, but I stopped him. "Stay. It's just downstairs. Ten minutes, if I'm not back, then you can worry."

His expression stayed rigid, but he gave a reluctant nod. Finally, some alone time.

The kitchen was larger than I remembered, and to my surprise, a maid was there. She froze when she saw me.

"Luna. How may I be of service?" she bowed.

I waved it off. "Just something light. A sandwich will do." I said, plopping down on one of the barstools. 

She hurried to work while I sat at the counter. After a few minutes, she set down a tray with sandwiches, grapes, and a glass of orange juice.

I thanked her and grabbed the plate off the tray before walking back up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs, Trevor's back was turned. My eyes drifted to the far end of the hall, the Alpha's study and bedroom.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I walked towards a door I had seen him walk into twice. 

The door was shut, and I couldn't hear a single sound coming from behind it. I pressed my ear to the door, but was met with the same silence as before.

I had just turned to leave when the doorknob twitched. My breath caught as it turned, slowly. 

Someone was on the other side.

I froze. There was no escape, whoever was inside would see me the moment the door opened.

The door cracked open, then stopped. It hung there, ajar, but no one stepped out.

My heart hammered against my ribs. Run, my body screamed, but my legs refused.

Then I heard voices, clearly.

 It was Alpha Romano. And at least one other person.

"My instructions are final, Silas. I don't want us discussing Ombra Nera any further," Alpha Romano's voice, cold and authoritative, vibrated.

The person at the door hesitated. 

"Alpha, this can't work," Silas said. "We need all hands on deck. We have shipments coming in and out." His words had a stammer to them. He was also afraid of the Alpha.

Silas.

I could almost feel his claws rake my skin, see those human eyes watching as they tore into me.

A softer, clearly feminine voice joined in. "Silas, why don't we strategize on our own? See how we can make do with the resources Alpha has given us already."

"Ombra Nera shouldn't take a fall because you don't want to bury your pride," Silas snapped.

A sharp inhale followed. 

"You will not tell me what to do with my people," Alpha Romano growled, slamming his fist over something that sounded like a hard surface.

I leaned in, needing to hear more when......

A hand grabbed my arm firmly, wrenching me far away from the door.

My gasp was choked, swallowed by terror. The plate in my other hand, almost slipping from my finger.

I looked up in fear, Trevor's face loomed close, his eyes cold with disapproval.

"Luna," he said, in a low, stern murmur. 

"...the Alpha would be displeased if you were caught eavesdropping on his private discussions."

I pulled my arm away from his iron grip, smoothing the fabric of my dress with trembling hands.

My cheeks burned. "I wasn't eavesdropping," I argued, though my voice wavered.

"I was merely passing by the door."

Trevor said nothing in response, his gaze unwavering. "Let me escort you back to your room, Luna."

I joined him, my legs feeling like jelly as we walked towards my door. My mind reeled, replaying the fragments of conversation I heard. 'You will not tell me what to do with my people'.

My people.

The phrase froze me at my door. The weight of it crashed over me.

Did that mean Alpha Romano wasn't just tied to Ombra Nera

...but leading them?