CHAPTER 80 — BLOOD IN THE SHADOWS
CHAPTER 80 — BLOOD IN THE SHADOWS
ALISTAIR’S POV
The underground fight club was hidden beneath an abandoned meat packing plant on the outskirts of Milan, it's accessible only through a maze of tunnels that reeked of mold and rotten things.
I pressed my palm against the cold brick wall as we walked, feeling the vibrations of the crowd above us, there are thousands of people gathered to watch men beat each other senseless for money and power.
“Are you sure about this?” I asked Violet for what must have been the tenth time since we’d left the yacht at dawn. When Damien had told us about the message she’d insisted on going alone, but we’d refused to let her face Marco without backup.
Donovan and Damien were disguised and already inside, posing as wealthy gamblers looking for action. I’d stayed outside with Laura, coordinating with our men positioned throughout the tunnels.
“I’m sure,” she said, adjusting the dark dress she’d chosen a sleek and black dress with just enough skin showing to draw eyes without looking vulnerable.
“Marco wants me to come alone. If I show up with anyone, he’ll kill you.”
She said side eying Laura.
“He’ll kill you anyway if he gets the chance,” Laura said from beside me, her voice sharp with anger.
“You don’t understand what he’s capable of.”
Violet turned to face her, and I saw the steel in her eyes.
“I understand more than you think,” she said quietly.
“I understand that you’re still in love with him, with all of them and that scares you more than Marco ever could.”
Laura’s face flushed, but she didn’t deny it. Instead, she pulled out a small earpiece and handed it to Violet.
“This will let us hear everything. If you need us, just say the word and we’ll come in guns blazing.”
“Thank you,” Violet said, and I could hear the genuine gratitude in her voice.
She turned and walked toward the steel door that led into the club, her shoulders straight and her head held high. I watched her go, my hands clenched at my sides as I fought the urge to follow her.
As a doctor, I was trained to heal and protect life. But in this world, sometimes you had to be willing to spill blood to keep the people you love safe.
“Let’s move into position,” I said to Laura, turning away from the door.
“Damien and Donovan should be in place by now.”
We made our way through the tunnels to the service entrance, where our men were already waiting.
Through the ventilation grate above us, we could hear the roar of the crowd as another fight ended and the sickening crack of bone followed by cheers and bets being paid out.
“Status report,” I said into my radio.
“Positioned at the VIP booth,” Donovan’s voice came back, steady as always.
“Marco’s not here yet, but his men are everywhere. Damien’s at the bar, keeping an eye on the exits.”
“Violet’s entering now,” Laura said, watching the surveillance feed on her tablet.
“She’s heading straight for the ring.”
I pressed my face against the grate, peering through the darkness to see Violet stepping onto the raised platform in the center of the club. The crowd fell silent as she stood there, bathed in harsh overhead lights, and I could see every eye in the place fix on her.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” a gravelly voice boomed over the speakers. “We have a special attraction tonight. The daughter of our city’s most powerful families, Violet Lancaster!”
The crowd erupted in cheers and catcalls, but Violet didn’t flinch. She stood perfectly still, her eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on a private booth at the back of the club.
Marco Moretti sat there, flanked by his men, with Donovan’s father bound beside him.
“Violet,” Marco said, his voice carrying across the silent club. “So good of you to join us. I see you came alone, as I asked.”
“I came to make a deal,” she said, her voice clear and strong despite the noise around us.
“Let him go, and I’ll help you take over the Gray Circle.”
Marco laughed, a cold sound that made my skin crawl.
“Such a generous offer. But why should I trust you? You’ve been running with the Einsteins for months now.”
“Because blood is thicker than water,” she replied, and I could see the lie in her eyes even though her voice sounded convincing.
“My mother is your wife. You’re my stepfather. The Einsteins took everything from us and I want what’s mine just as much as you do.”
I watched as Marco stood up, moving toward the ring with deliberate steps. “Prove it,” he said, stopping just feet from her. “Fight for me. Beat the champion, and I’ll know your loyalty is real.”
The crowd roared as a massive man climbed into the ring, he's at least six and a half feet tall, with muscles like carved stone and scars covering every inch of his visible skin.
He’d been undefeated for two years, and everyone in the club knew he’d killed at least three men in the ring.
“Violet, get out of there!” Donovan yelled, standing up from his booth. But Marco’s men were already moving, blocking the aisles and pointing weapons at the crowd.
“Don’t,” Violet said into her earpiece, her voice calm. “Let me handle this.”
Laura turned to me with a look that says what is that fool trying to do.
I just shrugged without saying a word, I don't know what Violet is trying to prove but I try to control my urge to go in there and drag her the hell out.
I want to ignore my instinct and trust her judgment and I hope to God I don't regret it.
No I can't, somebody should drag her the hell out of that ring.