Fratelli: The Awakening (The Vampire Cartel #1)

36. The Consiglieri

Chapter 36

The Consiglieri

T he Palazzo Tower if any of the Master Vampire Brothers desired, they could delve into his thoughts and extract secrets about their brother’s dealings without him even knowing. Tristan relied on this mental fortitude now more than ever. Had Lucio not been present, he would have been dangerously exposed. He had to believe that his boss was seated amongst his brothers, protecting him. If he were still a priest, he would pray before he broached the doors that Lucio was there. But God had abandoned him to his fate long ago.

“Ready?” Shakespeare asked, his hand on the door, a sly smile of devilment spread over his lips.

Before Tristan could respond, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He retrieved it and saw the caller was Lucio. He was in trouble.

Shakespeare’s brow arched as he waited. Without explanation, Tristan answered the call, turned, and walked away. He heard Shakespeare make a low growl, almost of disappointment. He knew then that Domencio awaited him and was probably in his head at that very moment.

“Where are you?” Tristan said, heading for the elevators.

Lucio looked at his diamond watch. He was almost an hour late. The time in the shower with Dolly would cost him in strategy. Being late to a council with the brothers was the highest level of disrespect, especially when it concerned Father. “Don’t enter. I’m almost there.”

“I’m already here. I can’t not go in; it’s disrespectful,” Tristan whispered.

“Don’t go in,” Lucio commanded. “I’m blocking you right now. You go in and I lose that control.”

“Why are you delayed? Forgive me for questioning you, boss, but why tonight of all nights?” Tristan asked.

“Things with Dolly are getting out of hand. I’m not sure if I can protect her the way I want. My actions... I’m compromised,” said Lucio,

Tristan stopped in his tracks. “You drank her blood? Before this meeting?”

Lucio grimaced. “It happened on my plane.”

“Boss, how could you do this? Everyone is here!” Tristan whispered fiercely.

“Stay calm. I’m in control,” Lucio said.

Tristan wiped his hand down his face, pacing in an unseen part of the corridor past the elevators. He felt as if a hundred eyes were on him. He sensed that the brothers were now all seeking him out. It was unheard of for them to be late, especially for a meeting of this importance.

“I’m on my way up,” Lucio said. Tristan could hear the door of the vehicle Lucio arrived in close through the phone. “I’m here,” Lucio said. Tristan understood that he didn’t mean he was coming up by the elevator. He was relieved. Lucio would use his immortal powers to disappear into the night and arrive at the top floor without an elevator. Tristan held on to a glimmer of hope that his boss was strong enough to protect them both for the meeting.

Lucio materialized from black smoke before the emergency door on the rooftop. He entered without delay. Once inside, he descended a flight of stairs and walked into the Eclipse suite. He could sense his brothers reading his presence. Lucio smoothed down his tie and glared at Tristan. “Why are you worried? Stay calm, stay close to your Draca. Do you understand? Calm. I’ll deal with it,” said Lucio,

Tristan nodded, trying to steady his nerves. Lucio walked off, and he followed, the weight of the night pressed down heavily on his shoulders.