Chapter 192 Ultimatum
Dakota's P.O.V.
"What I wanted to talk to you about is having a meeting with all of the families except for the twins. I want to give them an ultimatum to choose a side. What do you think?" He smiles and leans back in his chair.
"I think you're proving to everyone why you're the boss. Where are you going to have the meeting, and how soon?" I'm glad he agrees because I need him for the next part.
"I want to have it at your place tonight." He looks thoughtful.
"Why my place?" he asks.
"It's deserted, and the grounds are big enough for the families and our entire family. I don't want anyone coming here because we have too many innocents in the house right now, and I don't trust the families around them." Galdino chuckles lightly.
"I have a feeling the fact that my property backs up to a forest that has proved useful in hiding bodies is another benefit." I shrug and smile.
"It may have crossed my mind." We both stand, and Galdino hugs me.
"Set it up, and we'll be ready." When we get to the dining room, breakfast is on the table, so we sit down to eat.
"Is there room for me?" I look up and see Courtney and my mom walking with Ari. I jump up and go to his side.
"How are you feeling?" I ask as my dad pulls up a chair next to mine.
"I'm feeling good, actually. I had to make sure you hadn't run off and married Enzo while I was sleeping." Everyone starts laughing.
"You haven't messed up yet, but you will," Enzo tells him. Ari shakes his head as he sits in his chair. I look around and see everyone is here, even all the new people.
"Before we start eating, I need to tell you all something. I am going to set up a meeting tonight with all of the families except for the twins. We're going to have it at the Buccheri compound. I would like as many of you as possible to come. I understand some of you may not feel comfortable, and that's fine; you can stay here. Anyone who recently joined our family, I don't expect you to come either. I'm going to give them a choice between our side and the twins’ side. If they choose wrong, it's their funeral." I look around to see if anyone is going to argue.
"It's about time." I look at my mom, confused.
"What do you mean?" I ask her.
"We've all been waiting for you to go on the offensive, and we have your back. Dakota, we're all your family, and we know sometimes you feel like you're in this fight alone, but you're not. Like I told you yesterday, we're here to help you in whatever way you need. If you want numbers to show a united front, then that's what we'll do. Don't be scared to ask us; we're not as old or weak as you think." Mom winks at me as I sit in my chair.
"Yeah, we've just been sitting around getting fat from all this food," Uncle Kozy says as he eats a piece of bacon.
"I know I'm new here, but I'll go with you. I'm not scared of them." I look at Shannon in surprise. Kylie, Shea, Gabe, and Rain say they'll go, too.
"You've made us part of your family, Dakota. Most of us have never had that, and we will fight to keep it." Rain smiles at me, and I feel like crying. They are all right. We're family, and we're going to show them just how big our family is.
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All the families agreed to the meeting, and now we're at Galdino's waiting for them. Everyone came, including Ari, who refused to stay home, and Enzo, who didn't want to be away from us. As the families arrive, they look around at all of us waiting for them. My cousins and siblings are here, too, so I know we look impressive. I'm standing on the porch with Ari, Galdino, Valentina, Benny, and Xavier while the rest of the family stands in front of the porch. The families gather and face us.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. In case you're not aware, the twins were not invited to this meeting. I'm sick and tired of everyone fucking with my family, so I only have one question. Are you with us, or are you with them? If you're with us, you can leave and continue doing business as usual. If you're with them, then you can prepare to die. The decision is yours."