Fratelli: The Awakening (The Vampire Cartel #1)

49. When He Protects Me

Chapter 49

When He Protects Me

B ellagio Casino, Las Vegas - Nevada

April 15, 2018

(6 Days Before Death)

“Well, well, brother. You’ve certainly been holding out on us,” Domencio said in his smooth manner. It was the eye shift from Lucio to Darlene that she noticed first. And he caught her curious attention. Therefore, his complete attention remained on her. Domencio touched his heart and gave her a respectful, if not theatrical, bow of his head. “Hello, pretty. I’m Domencio Di Salvo, Lucio’s twin brother. And you are?”

“I’m Darlene,” she replied.

“New Orleans? Lafayette? Baton Rouge?” Domencio asked, his tone deep and thoughtful. He savored the question as it rolled off his tongue, as one would do with a fine wine, trying to identify its origin.

“Baton Rouge. Born and raised,” she answered.

Domencio’s eyes gleamed with renewed interest. “Ah, Baton Rouge. I’ve always found women from Louisiana the most fascinating. That state has... history. And its share of beauties, though none as stunning as you.”

Lucio’s expression darkened. “Careful, brother, your charm has turned into slime.”

Domencio chuckled. He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Apologies, no disrespect meant. She just caught me off guard. She’s so... what’s the word? Different?”

Darlene tilted her head. Her hand found her hip. “You mean black?” she asked. “You’re mad he’s dating a black woman. You’re mad he’s dating a black woman. You and your brothers have an issue with black girls.”

Domencio’s eyebrows shot up in surprise before he broke into laughter, rich and unbothered. Shakespeare, beside him, chuckled and swallowed a smile.

“I like her!” Domencio declared, his laughter melted into a sly smile. He gave Darlene an approving nod. “Spicy.”

“Thank you,” Darlene said. She flashed a confident smile. “You surprised me, too. You two look just alike. Double the trouble,” she added with a half-joke, but the air suddenly thickened. The tension between the brothers increased; if anything, her words seemed to amplify it.

Lucio and Domencio exchanged a look—silent, loaded with history and rivalry, a brief crack in the mask of brotherly camaraderie. Whatever lay between them was far from settled.

Domencio spoke as if she weren’t present. “Didn’t I hear her say she’s your mate?”He paused for Lucio to deny or confirm. Lucio refused the bait and the standoff between the brothers extended. Darlene received a telepathic warning from Lucio to remain silent. She was to look to Tristan if there was trouble, he’d get her out safely. She involuntarily nodded her obedience, and it seemed that Domencio caught the slight movement of her head, and his menacing stare returned to her.

“I’ve known some Browns in that area myself. Lucio has dated more than me, of course,” Domencio said with a hint of a smile, much like the way Lucio looked at Dolly when they first met. Thankfully, she had learned and remembered the coded meanings of Lucio’s seductive tone and deadly intentions through his eyes when he often lied to her. It helped ease her fear as the vampires before grew closer toward an extreme conflict.

“Wasn’t there a flight you were supposed to catch?” Lucio asked.

“Delayed,” Domencio said with a shrug. “Besides, I always support family—especially you, big brother.” His tone was calm, but carried a note of careful calculation.

“Shakespeare told me your event was today. I wanted to make sure I saw the production, and maybe offer my team’s help if needed. We do big things in Dubai when it comes to these events,” said Domencio.

As he spoke, Domencio’s gaze drifted from Darlene, but only after lingering a moment longer than Lucio would have liked. His attention shifted to Lucio, though it was brief, more a formality than genuine focus. It wasn’t until Domencio’s eyes landed on Tristan, who stood quietly at Lucio’s side, that his expression flickered with something unreadable—a mix of acknowledgment and curiosity. There was a subtle tension in the air, as if Domencio was sizing up the dynamic between Lucio and Tristan, though no one dared to voice it.

“ Tristano , ti vedo bene , you look well,” Domencio said. “No hard feelings, no?”

Tristan gave Lucio’s brother, Domencio, a curt nod of respect. Lucio’s grip on her hand tightened—like he feared she might slip away from him, even in the heart of the lion’s den. But she only shifted to get a better view of Tristan.

Lucio’s driver caught her eye, his posture straight and formidable, hands clasped in front of him, and despite the tension in the room, he shot her a quick wink. What was with all the winking? Darlene couldn’t help but grin back. Tristan looked as he always did—tall, blonde, and effortlessly handsome. She still couldn’t believe how quickly he had recovered. She’d seen him after the incident, broken and barely clinging to life. Now he looked as if nothing had happened.

Tristan, however, remained stone-faced—neither smiling nor scowling. He stood just a step behind Lucio, his eyes fixed not on Domencio, but on the man standing beside him, who held a similar air of authority. The intensity of Tristan’s gaze didn’t go unnoticed by Darlene, and she couldn’t help but wonder what silent message passed between the two men. Whatever it was, it had weight.

Domencio returned his attention to Darlene. “Now, I’m thinking I might stay awhile. How about we have dinner tonight? There are some misunderstandings that Sebastiano and Marcello would like for me to clear up.”

“I think we are clear. You and your men need to leave my casino, my event. Don’t worry, brother, I’ll be in touch when the time is right. We’ll finish the business that we left in the desert.” Lucio said.

The surrounding crowd faded into the background, the lights of the casino dimmed, and the calls from the dealers dulled. It was as if the three of them stood in a world apart, the stakes higher than ever. Darlene’s scent swirled around the two brothers involuntarily, and she wished she had more discipline in her powers to control it. It happened as her arousal over how sexy and powerful the brothers were in the darkness to her. Especially with her caught in between them. It felt intoxicating and irresistible, a siren’s call that unfortunately Domencio took notice of. She heard a low-vibration snarl of anger rise from Lucio’s chest to his throat.

“ Don’t make me kill every motherfucker in here, because you can’t behave, ” Lucio whispered in her mind. She closed her eyes and restrained herself to the best of her ability.

Domencio’s eyes softened with a hint of desire toward Darlene, and she caught it. The disappointment that she moved even closer to Lucio surfaced on his brother’s face. He quickly recovered and withdrew from his attempt to reach through his brother’s shield to seize her. He held up his hands in mock surrender again. “As you wish, brother. But remember, you can’t keep everything, and everyone hidden from Father or the Fratelli forever.”

With a final glance at Darlene, Domencio walked past them both, a little too close to Darlene as she felt the brush of him send a dark current of energy through her. She creamed a little from the contact and felt embarrassed that his power made her do so. His entourage followed. Shakespeare put his hand up to his ear like a mock phone and mouthed the words: CALL ME—to Tristan.

Darlene thought it was funny and laughed. Tristan and Lucio did not. Lucio took a deep breath, his body visibly relaxed as the tension in him slipped away. He turned his gaze to Darlene, his eyes softer now. “Let’s go. We have an important meeting.”

They moved on into the casino, weaving through the opulent hallways filled with high rollers and celebrities, towards the executive area. The lights became softer, more intimate, as they approached the private rooms reserved for the elite.

As they entered the VIP area, the scent of Darlene continued to draw attention, heads turned, and eyes followed her every move. It wasn’t long before they spotted Russell, her younger brother, in his wheelchair. He looked confident as he observed the jumbotron screen of the games and players. Lucio provided him with a bit of urban flare. It included a white cap, pristine white sneakers, and a large diamond medallion around his neck. She was emotionally stunted by the transformation.

Russell’s eyes lit up when his head turned, and he saw her.

“Dolly!” he called out. He had a new chair. It looked expensive in the way he could steer it with his weaker hand. He came to her with an infectious grin. He looked every bit the star. His confidence radiated love as he approached.

Darlene’s breath lodged in her throat, and she had to cough her way out of her shock to breathe again. Trapped at the sight of him, she couldn’t summon her voice.

What is he doing here? Darlene asked herself.

“Lucio brought him, apparently,” answered Dolly in her head.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shut up, go away. Not now , Darlene snipped.

“Yes, now. That’s our brother. We protect him, Darlene, and look what you’ve done. You’ve given him to the vampires,” said Dolly in a mournful voice.

“How could you let this happen? Oh wait, I know how. You were too busy sexing up Lucio to care about anyone but yourself!” Dolly said.

You did it. You were the one that went to New Orleans, and —and—and—Darlene tried to counter.

“I had it under control! You are the one who changed everything and brought us closer to Lucio’s world. You had a chance to destroy him, but you didn’t. You’ve shown me everything since I’ve woken up. You could have ended this. I’m locked inside of here with all your truths, having to face all the things I should have faced a long time ago. That’s on me. But this is on you! Look at our baby brother. Lucio has him. Do you still think this creature is the love of your life when he went behind our back and brought Russell here? He brought him here!” Dolly shouted at her.

Darlene wavered; tears welled in her eyes. She loved Russell with all her heart. He was the only person she ever loved, and who loved her back. She could remember when he was a baby before Dolly’s doctors taught her how to lock her away. At only four years old, she would sit and rock him in the chair. She’d talk about vampires and how they would kill them together one day. She loved Lucio, but she loved Russell more. Her parents got upset with her mentioning vampires constantly at such a young age. She should have known better. Just like she should have known that Lucio was masterful at the game they played.

“They’re going to kill him. Or what if they turn him into one of them? What then? Let me out. Let me out and I’ll get Russell out of here,” Dolly begged .

Shut up! No. I’m in control , Darlene said.

“Look around you, everyone smells you, you’re different when you’re in control. I’m normal when I am. I can get him out of here. I can convince Lucio to let him go,” Dolly pleaded.

I said shut up . Darlene said. She slammed the door in her mind. She blasted Dolly away.

The sight of her brother so changed and yet so familiar stirred emotions deep within her. Darlene felt the rush of fear and its weakening effect. She didn’t want the darkness. She didn’t care what it whispered to her. She wanted her baby brother to be happy and well. Dolly’s love for her brother mingled with hers, and they both enjoyed a surge of pride to see Russell brim with happiness and acceptance.

There was someone with him. It was the rapper from the gas station, named Lamont. Darlene's hand dropped from Lucio’s and curled into a protective fist. Was he there to hurt her brother?

“Nice to finally meet you, Dolly,” said Lamont, who extended his hand. “Russell has been talking nonstop about you.”

Darlene looked down at his hand and the grin on Russell’s face over the greeting. Her brows knitted together in confusion. She accepted the handshake, but not because she wanted to. It was Dolly doing it. She felt Dolly growing stronger. Darlene summoned her inner strength and shoved Dolly back down.

“Nice to meet you too, Lamont. Though we have met before,” she said with as much sarcasm as she could. She turned to Lucio and ignored the questions being hurled at her by her brother. “Can we talk, please? Now. Alone.”

Lucio nodded. He led her to a quieter corner of the VIP section, away from prying eyes and ears.

“Are you okay? You’re sweating?” Lucio asked, his voice low. He touched her forehead and frowned. “You have a fever.”

“It’s not a fucking fever!” she knocked his hand away. “You brought him here,” she seethed, her eyes flashed with fiery rage. “How dare you use my brother like this? He’s helpless! He’s an innocent. We don’t play games with people we love!”

“We don’t?” Lucio asked. “Didn’t you tell me you were going to kill my brothers and all vampires? Make me your slave,” Lucio asked. “Didn’t you tell me you love me?”

“I only meant—” Darlene wept.

“Weren’t you out there flirting with Domencio in my face?” Lucio asked.

“I didn’t mean to—”Darlene's tears flowed.

Lucio’s expression remained calm. “Weren’t you plotting to seduce me in the truck, weaken me, and then escape me tonight? Was tonight the night you were going to prove to me you were the one in control?”

“I love you,” she wept. “I was mad that you made the professor come and lie to me. To trick me. I’m sorry, Lucio. I don’t want to play any games anymore. Please. Let my brother go, so Dolly won’t?—.”

“You think your brother is helpless? I’m taking advantage. Look at him. Does he look like a victim to you?” He gave a nod toward him, and Darlene looked over at her brother. People were congratulating him. He laughed and talked fast to those around him. And there were girls, three girls who grinned and vied for his attention. Her brother was a virgin. A young man addicted to porn-hub. He lived an isolated life. Now he was a celebrity. He fit in.

Darlene felt Dolly battle for supremacy inside of her. She was so confused and concerned about Dolly’s determination that her own powers had slipped. Darlene suffered as if the internal struggle boiled her guts from the inside out. A wave of nausea came over.

“Something wrong?” Lucio asked.

Darlene touched her brow, now breathing hard and perspiring so much her makeup was ruining. The casino was ice cold, but to look at her, you’d think she was in a burning house. “Uhm, no, I—I—I need to go the bathroom Lucio, get, umm, some water?”

Lucio gave a nod to Tristan, who nodded in return and went to fetch her water. “Come here, sweetheart,” he said and pulled her in.

“What’s happening to me?” Darlene asked.

“It’s okay. I need you to let her in,” Lucio whispered.

Darlene closed her eyes and heard Dolly's shrilling demands and screams as she clawed her way to the surface. Did Lucio say to let her in? Did he do this to her on purpose? She’d never experienced Dolly exert so much emotional force since they were kids, and those damn psychiatrists taught her how to lock her away. It was the vampire bite that freed her from that prison. She was the one in control. She was the one that turned it on and off, and Dolly was the prisoner. What would happen to her if she slipped away again? Would she disappear forever? She didn’t want to die. However, living in Dolly was a certain death. Darlene wanted to live.”

“I’ve got to get out of here.” She turned to escape, but Lucio grabbed her arm and forcefully held her in place. Now weak in her legs, she didn’t have the strength to fight him. She looked up at him and saw the truth. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“You said you loved me, Lucio? Did you… did you do this on purpose? Was it all a lie, Lucio?” she asked.

“I love you, Darlene. With the heart you gave me, my Draca loves you. I need you to be you, and that means Dolly, too.”

“No, no, no,” she shook her head sadly. “You still don’t understand. We are not one. You don’t understand.”

“Trust me. You will not disappear. I will get you help,” he said. Lucio's eyes had blood tears as he kissed her. “I love you, Darlene.”

“Please don’t hurt me. I saved you. Please don’t send me into the darkness. Let me stay, I’ll be good. I promise. I will help your father. I won’t kill the vampires. I promise. I won’t kill vampires. I promise,” Darlene wept and fell against his chest.

Lucio wrapped them both in his cloak of darkness so her brother would not see her declining state. To everyone else, there was nothing more than a shadow in the furthest corner of the room. He embraced her and suffered regret. Was he doing the right thing? Did he love Dolly or Darlene? Who was the real person, and who should he choose?

“Lucio, it hurts to be alone. I thought you understood. Look at what you did to Tristan. How is that any different from me? We are the same, don’t you see that? Lonely and needing to feel that we aren’t alone. I had no one until I met you. Now I will have nothing?—.”

It happened fast. Within an invisible flash, she was gone. He knew instantly—her scent, her power, her essence all evaporated.

Dolly pushed free of the embrace, and the darkness dissolved like smoke. Dolly glared at him, not a weeping Darlene. “Stay away from me,” she said and fled him to go to her brother. Tristan returned with the water. He looked over at Dolly, who forced her brother to hug her from his chair.

“What happened? Something’s changed,” Tristan said.

Lucio gave a burdened sigh. “It worked,” he said and wiped the blood tears from his face. “The Professor told me it might, and I had hoped it would. It did. Darlene’s gone. Dolly’s back.”

Tristan looked on confused. Russell fought off Dolly’s desperate touches and checks of his neck. “Are you sure this is what you want, boss? I hate to say it, but I was beginning to like Darlene. She handled herself with Domencio well. This one, this Dolly, she umm. She won’t be as ready for your brothers when they come.”

Lucio blinked away what felt like more tears in his eyes. “Yeah. I want Dolly. I do. I—ah—I will have them both.”