Chapter 52 Chaos
Alex’s POV
He takes quick steps into the foyer.
“Alex,” he whispers, then thrusts a folded parchment into my hands. “There is no time.”
I grab him and pull him in for a quick bear hug, and I close the door leading him into the suite. Alessia is watching us both seriously.
He settles on the single chair.
He glances at Alessia, giving her a small smile and a nod. “Hey Alessia.”
She gives him a small smile. “Welcome back, Luca.”
“Take some deep breaths, Luca.” I watch him until his breath is calmer.
“You have my full attention. Start from the very beginning and don’t leave anything out.”
Luca shakes his head vigorously. “Not sure we have the time. Selina carried out the locator spell.”
I sit straighter, my chest tightening.
“Is Selina Padre’s wife?”
“Yes, Alex.” Luca runs his fingers through his hair once. “Her eyes were originally green, but they turned all black when she did the spell. I have never seen anything like it. She mixed her blood with Padre’s and whispered some incantations. It whirled and dropped on a plain parchment which then turned into a map right before our eyes.”
I hear Alessia gasp and sit upright. I unfold the parchment on the center table and see the markings. “It’s not in Sicily or the outskirts.” I trace a finger on the spot. Alessia stands up and joins me, peering at the map quietly.
“It’s on the Red Sea,” I mutter to myself. Luca nods.
“Yes, that’s what Selina said, and apparently only one coven is powerful enough to move La Rosa that far.”
“La Geneva,” I add coldly.
“Oh, so you know?” Luca asks.
I nod. “Padre suspected them already and he told me and Alessia.” I face her, wanting to see how she is handling the whole conversation. Her eyes are still glued to the map, wide with wonder.
Luca continues. “Selina said the route will be filled with danger and lots of trials. You won’t be dealing with only witches. We don’t know what other magical creatures you could encounter.”
I exhale sharply, putting the info together piece by piece.
“What about the mafia lords?”
His jaw ticks. “Bastardi. There were at least a hundred mafia lords at the meeting.” That shocks me to the core, but I don’t react. I will kill a million to keep her safe. He continues. “They were separated in groups. A group near me even already suspected that La Rosa was moved. They pinpointed coordinates on a map.” I freeze, my hands tightening on the armrest.
“And were they correct?”
He shakes his head. “Their coordinates are wrong according to Selina.” He pauses, taking a deep breath. “Thomas got on the podium and announced La Rosa has been stolen from his mansion and he needs it found. They should start from the keeper. Alessia.” I hear her tense on my side. Luca looks at her softly. “He also offers the bounty of one million to whoever brings it back to him.”
Alessia is shaking like a leaf. “Dios Mio, that’s a lot of money, Alex! Why didn’t you…” She squeezes my sleeve tightly, panicking, as I hold on to her, fixing my gaze on her.
“That’s why I didn’t tell you, Alessia. Calm down. I will take care of you.”
Luca coughs. “A few lords arrived at Padre’s house just before we left the sanctum. Padre told us to leave through the back door and take his motorcycle. If they had seen me and recognized me from the meeting, we would be dead.” He shudders. “It’s a fight to the death. One million is a big motivator. They are hot on the chase for the jewel and Alessia. They think she knows where it is.”
I lean back, pulling Alessia with me.
“They went to Padre because he is the head historian. They would have asked him if his wife could track it, or where he thinks it is. We can only hope he led them on a wild goose chase to buy us some time.”
I feel anger scorching hot rise from my chest.
“If Marco talks,” he said, “they could arrive here at any moment.”
That was all I needed to spur me into action. I fold the map and put it in my coat pocket.
“Alex, what are we going to do? We…” I cut her statement, giving her a swift kiss, leaving a warm sensation on my lips.
I press her head to my chest.
“Alessia, let us deal with this, okay?”
She nods her head and takes deep breaths.
“Luca, I have tripled security around the perimeter,” I said. “Called the pilot. He is on standby. And Alessia’s bag is packed. She has been taking her lessons on La Rosa and Natura.”
Luca exhales. “Dios.” Leaning back in his chair, shoulders sagging with relief.
He pauses. “You must be one step ahead at all times because, Alex, you will be fighting two deadly wars.” Shaking his head.
“I know. Between mafia and witches,” I finish.
He nods.
Alessia mutters against my chest, trembling. “Dios Mio…”
We remain quiet for a few minutes until my phone buzzes in my pocket.
I lift Alessia, grabbing my phone from my jacket.
Staring at the screen, brooding silently.
Luca’s eyes clash with mine, worry etched deeply into the depths.
“Who could be calling at this precarious time?” he whispers.
I shake my head at him. I look at the screen, wondering if it’s better to answer it in the living room or move to the office. I think Alessia has heard enough for now. My thumb hovers on the screen and I reject the call. I ease her onto the chair. Crouching low, pulling her hair off her face.
“I need to take a call,” I tell her.
She clings to my shirt. “Alex, why can’t you answer here?” she pleads softly as I remove her fingers gently.
“It’s a call from La Magerita,” I lie smoothly. “I will return shortly.” She nods, relaxing in the chair.
“Luca, watch her,” I command, standing straight and walking towards the living room as my phone starts buzzing again, wondering why he could possibly be calling…