Song~ I know the End - Phoebe Bridgers Song~ Mount Everest - Labrinth Song ~ Way down we Go - KALEO TW- Violence



I'm freaking out.

The ball is in three hours.

That's three hours until I meet my father. The father my mom told me countless of times was dead.

I guess I just want him to like me.

I still don't understand why my mom would lie to me. I thought my mom loved me, that she was doing all those things to make me strong and better.

But Diovanna says those things were wrong. Diovanna is my big sister, and I love her.

However the more I live with Dio, the more I'm starting to feel like my mom was wrong.

I'm starting to feel like my mother was just doing those things to hurt me. She always told me to trust her- that everything she was doing to me and making me do was for a reason.

But I'm conflicted.

Dio has taught me so many new things- Even our brothers. Ares lets me color his tattoos. Matteo eats whipped cream with me. Luca likes to draw with me.

I wasn't allowed to do any of that when I was at the boarding school, or with my mom. But maybe she had a reason?

I mean, there is so much more that everyone has done for me since Diovanna took me in.

So why would my mom do that? Why would she do those things to me? Why would she make me do all that training if it wasn't love? It had to be out of love, she would never have the intention to hurt me.

She told me that.

I just don't understand.

I never understand.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

She had a reason.

She loves you-

"Bella?" Diovanna's voice sounds from the other side of the door.

"Hey," I say softly when she steps in the room. I was getting ready in my room right now while Dio got ready in her room.

I think it was so we could show each other our look when we both were in our dresses.

Like a reveal.

She gives me a smile when she sees me, "You okay?" She asks, "You look conflicted."

How does she always know?

I just shake my head, "I'm fine."

Dio gives me a pointed look but doesn't comment, "Okay, you know I'm here for anything you need."

I nod my head.

"Alright." She sighs, and for some reason I feel- bad? As in maybe I caused her to be upset. Maybe I just said something wrong, "Someone will be here to do your hair and make up for the ball. I'd do it but these events are like super richy and I'm not that good at doing makeup." She chuckled.

I laughed softly as well. Maybe she isn't upset.

"I'll be back to help you with the dress though, sometimes those dresses are so complicated but they are really pretty." Diovanna explains further.

I just nod my head, "Okay."

"Well I'll be back okay? The makeup artist should be here soon. Just wanted to let you know." She says moving back to the door.

"Bye Bella."

"Bye."

I don't understand.

~\~\~

The makeup lady stands up, seemingly looking over my face as if it was a canvas she just painted.

She had only done mascara, concealer, some other makeup I don't know the name of and lip gloss for me. Diovanna taught me about all the makeup and how to do it but this lady was a professional.

The lady also did my hair too. She spent most of the time making sure my hair looked perfect. She left most of it down but did a half up half down type of look.



"All done." She says packing up her stuff and beginning to leave. "I'll grab one of your siblings for you." And with that she left the room, shutting the door behind her.

Waiting for Dio to come in, I took a look at myself in the mirror. I don't understand why I felt so different, I didn't look so different.

My hair was the same color- just a little longer. My eyes were the same. I looked- so similar yet I couldn't understand why I felt as if I was different.

Different from myself.

Different from Dio.

Different from my mother.

Different from everything.

For some reason I changed, and I don't know if it was for the better or worse.

"Bella?" I hadn't even realized Diovanna was here.

I was caught up in my mind. My thoughts seem to be so dark and consuming lately and it confuses me. I wasn't like this when I first got here. I was happy, happy to be free.

"Hey." I greet Dio when she makes her way over to me. It is now that I notice her hair and makeup are both done for this ball.

Dio smiles softly at me, "Bella are you okay? You seem upset." She says trying to I guess figure me out.

I shake my head, "I'm fine."

"You know it's okay to not be okay. Everyone has up's and downs." She says trying to help me.

With a sigh, I say "I know, I'm fine. I promise."

She nods seemingly not believing my words but I pay it no attention and she seems to let it go for now.

"You look beautiful Bella." Diovanna says breaking the silence and giving me a real smile.

I blush at the comment, "Thank you." I mutter. "You look pretty too." I compliment back because no words could describe how beautiful she was. I want to be as pretty as her when I'm older.

Diovanna smiled, "Thank you Bella. Are you ready to get in your dress?" She smiles sweetly and a grin crosses my face.

I nod.

"Okay, I'll help you get into your dress and then I'll go change into mine and we will walk down together." Dio explains and we make our way over to my closet.

"Okay." I say grabbing the dress and putting it on my bed.

I'm actually excited. It's my first ball to attend and I'd be meeting someone special.

My father.



After I had helped Bella get into her dress, I made my way back over to my room to get myself changed.

The makeup and hair lady did an amazing job. She kept my makeup natural and not too extravagant, which I appreciated. My hair was straightened and flowed smoothly behind me.

All I was left to do was put on my dress.

The dress was a dark red; a slit going up the left leg of the long dress. A cross over strap went off my shoulder dangling behind me.



[I want the slit a bit longer for easy access to the gun strapped to her thigh]

My heels are all white, the straps crossing at my ankles.

To say everything was beautiful would be an understatement. So careful not to mess up my makeup or hair- I got in the dress before sitting down and placing the heels on my feet.

I strapped a gun on my right leg just incase. I placed two knifes in my bra incase things go wrong and I'm out of bullets. I quickly checked making sure none of the weapons were visible.

I did a 360 in the mirror- checking myself out one last time before making my way back to Bella's room where she was waiting for me.

Right before I left the room, I unlocked the drawer to my desk and took out a necklace, a bracelet, three earpieces out and the electric bug that listens in on other conversations.

I put my phone in my bra and left everything else in my hands before walking out.

I made sure to lock the drawer back before I left.

Making my presence known; I knock on the door before pushing it open. Bella is sitting on her bed- iPad in hand seemingly watching a show.

When she sees me, she politely shuts it off and puts it on the charger.

"Ready?" She asks offering me a smile.

I nod in response, "I just, well I wanted to give you something." I tell her while fiddling with the necklace in hand.

She furrows her eyebrows, "What is it?" She asks curiously.

I smile, "A necklace." I open my hand revealing it to her. "It's a dove. They represent peace, freedom, hope, and love." I explain.

"I want you to keep this on at all times, okay?" I wait for her to nod before continuing. "You know my code name, and you know who I am. If you're ever in any danger or trouble- big or small, even if it's just a gut feeling- press the back of your necklace. There is a small button that will alert me that you are in danger."

She nods slowly seeming to process my words.

"Okay." She replies meekly.

I pull her into my embrace, "I love you Bella. Don't ever forget that."

"I love you too Dio."

Without anymore words exchanged, we made our way downstairs. At the click of our heels on the marble floor, all heads turn towards us.

Elijah smiled the minute he saw us.

"You both look beautiful," he said taking Arabella's hand to help her down the last few steps. Sebastian came up and took my free hand- helping me down the last few steps as well.

"You look beautiful," he whispered softly to me. I gave him a gracious smile, "You don't look so bad yourself."

He chuckled lowly at my comment before nodding along.

Matteo, Luca, Giavanna, and Ares were arguing about something before Sebastian cut them off.

"Let's go." His voice said firmly as he made his way out. Giavanna was in front of me- behind Sebastian- Domenico came to my side while Elijah stayed at Bella's side. Luca, Ares, and Matteo stayed behind me and Bella as we walked out.

I scrunched my eyebrows in confusion at the way we walked out- because we never walk like this, we walked side by side like equals.

Right now they were in a circle and Bella, Gia, and I happened to be in the middle.

I knew what they were doing and it warmed my heart they cared so much for our safety.

Even if it agitated me- just a little- because I know how to take care of myself.

However i didn't protest and just silently got in the car with the rest. I put my bracelet on my wrist and made sure it was tight enough not to fall off.

The bracelet was connected to Bella's necklace. It had a dove on it and whenever Bella clicked the button her necklace my bracelet would buzz/beep.

One of the best jewelry I've built. It was bound to come in handy and tonight was the opportunity.

As the car ride went on, i could feel someone's gaze on me. Looking up it was Domenico who gave me a nod and a small smile. His eyes held a look of protectiveness and proudness.

I couldn't help but smile at him.

A couple months ago I wouldn't have believed someone if they told me how close I would be with my brothers.

But I know now that my love for them has no bounds.

There isn't anything I wouldn't do for them.

~|~|~

Sebastian had the driver take us in through the back entrance to avoid paparazzi.

We didn't want them to ask questions about Arabella or even overwhelm her. Our cousins would do the same when they got here as well just to avoid overwhelming the twins.

Paparazzi often held no boundaries and would just cause problems.

Once we stepped out the limo, we all made our way into the building using the back entrance of the building. Portraits and paintings lined the hallway walls as we made several turns to make it to the ballroom. I moved my gaze from a painting- which happened to be a fat guy in some old fashioned clothes- to the two grand doors we stopped in front of.

They were a dark brown- wooden- and went from the high ceiling to the floor. Guards stood at the door- one on each side. Each guard dressed in all black, an assault rifle in their hands.

Once they saw who we were, they straightened up- their cold demeanor's never once faltering.

"Mr. De'russo." One guard greeted my eldest brother before opening the large double doors and allowing us into the ballroom.

We all nodded at the guard in greeting before walking in. My hands rested on Arabella's shoulders- guiding her through the large ballroom.

The ballroom was not quite packed- after all the ball wasn't supposed to start for another hour.

We had gotten here earlier to ensure everything with security would be running smoothly. My brothers also seemed to want to talk to some businessmen in particular.

I'm sure all mafias in which were attending this ball had their own safety precautions and security as well.

No one was ever safe at these events, especially when every mafia was in one building together. Yet even with this information, it didn't excuse the fact every family member was to attend- even the children.

That pissed me off more than anything else about these mafia balls.

They were kids, they didn't need to be included in these things. Especially when something was bound to go wrong with Vito Pierson as mafia king. He was feared by no one, therefore no consequences would be faced for starting a war.

Making our way through the spacious area towards our assigned table, someone already came and begin talking business with Seb.

I discreetly pressed a button the bug and tossed it away. It began flying around almost as if it was an annoying fly. I smiled a little to myself knowing it worked.

Domenico had stopped as well to talk business with this man. However Elijah continued walking with all of us to our table.

The tables were assigned to each mafia. All three Italian branches sat together every year so the table was quite large- after all, we were a big family alone.

Elijah turned to us once we had all begun taking seats. "Remember to be aware and alert of your surroundings at all times. No one here is your friend, even if you think they are. If you must go somewhere such as the bathroom or anything else- you take someone with you. I don't care how old you are." Elijah reminded all of us the minute our butts hit the chair.

He's like a mom but in a man's body.

A courses of 'okays' 'yes's and nods were done to let Elijah know we understood so he could stop glaring at us. When he seemed satisfied with our answers he explained how he would be back and was going to go talk business with some others who were already at the ball.

It didn't take long for conversation to break out between everyone sat at the table. Although the topic was not something I expected to hear about at this ball.

"You mean to say," I paused rubbing my forehead. "You crashed your car into a donut shop, probably scared the shit out of everyone in there, and proceeded to ask for the woman behind the counters number after you told her 'sorry for the disturbance'?"

Matteo just nodded his head seemingly proud of his actions. Giavanna who was sitting next to Matteo slapped the back of his head. Luca and Ares shook their heads disapprovingly while Arabella just giggled from her spot between Ares and I.

Comfortable small talk filled the time and before I knew it our cousins were here and walking over to us.

"You look good girl." Elena commented when she made her way over to us. I thanked her complimenting her back.

Gia and I had stood up so now Luna, Ruth, and Arabella were sitting together. Ares remained next to Bella while Liam took a seat next to Luna. Ruth was sat in between as they conversed in sign language.

The boys had joined my brothers at the table, seating themselves accordingly before conversation sparked. From what I heard they mostly talked about the gym, work, and 'chicks' as they call it.

Gross- I do not need to hear that. Their romance lives need to be the last thing I hear about.

I focused my attention back on the three little girls who sat conversing by themselves. The three of them looked so care free- so innocent. I will never let anything happen to them. They deserve the world.

And I can only hope Silas is as good of a person as my brothers sometimes speak of him. Reliable. Trustworthy. Protective. And caring.

That's what I always heard of him. That's what I knew of him. He raised his sister- protected her from the evil this cruel world had to offer. The minute she wanted nothing to do with the mafia was the minute Silas did everything he could to get her out of it.

I only hope he can be as good as that to Arabella. Or so help me I will kill him.

She should be able to be a kid, to have fun and feel safe.

"- So then I told the guy, 'Get away from me before my brother slaughters you.' And of course he thought my threat was empty." I zoned back into the conversation with the girls as Elena told a story about the time she went to a club with Alejandro and a man put his hands on her even when she repeatedly said to stop.

Safe to say the man was missing some limbs after that night.

I took my time to examine all of our dresses while Elena continued the story.

Amara was in an elegant white silky dress, a slit running up her right leg which perfectly showed off her white strapped heels.

Aria however was wearing quite the opposite. She was in a black silky dress, a slit on each side revealing her perfectly tanned legs. Her heels were clear and elegant, the heel giving her a good 4 inches to her height.

Alessia wore a silky red dress, a slit running up her leg just as the others dresses did. The red complimenting her toned skin.

Elena was in something similar to Aria's dress. She was wearing a black satin dress, a slit that revealed her tan skin. She was wearing white heels in which only strapped once around her ankles.

Giavanna was in an elegant navy blue dress that was floor length. It hugged her curves in all the right places revealing her hourglass figure.



To say we all looked good would be an understatement of the night.

~|~|~

I watch as both of my grandparents- mom and my father's parents- had made their appearances, coming down the grand staircase.

My Grandma and Grandmother looked stunning. For being in their sixty's they looked good. Power radiated off of them with each and every step they took.

My Grandpa and Grandfather trailed behind them, almost as if they were bodyguards. They were the definition of power couples. If I wasn't family I think I'd be scared.

No you wouldn't.

I wouldn't but it seems nice to say.

They immediately made their way over to our table, my Grandma, Grandmother, and Grandpa greeting me with a hug. Grandfather shook my hand offering a small nod and a tiny smile.

I returned the gesture. He was after all my grandfather, even if I didn't like him much. We were making progress.

Conversation quickly returned and we chatted as more and more people began to fill the balloon. None of the people who walked in happened to be Silas Marucci or Aleksei Mikhail.

Silas knows I have something important to tell him; why is he so damn late? There is only ten minutes till the ball really should start.

I had told him on the phone to meet me the moment he got here.

I suppressed anymore angering thoughts and glanced around the ball room trying to find a black haired-green eyed man.

Every mafia branch had their own table. I saw the Americans conversing with one another. They have always been more conservative and quiet since their youngest daughter passed. They learned not to trust anyone and I completely understand that.

I shifted my gaze towards where the Spanish were. Their table was only about two tables away from ours. I could see Lucien standing next to Antonio while they discussed I'm assuming business with someone. Since Antonio was the same age as Seb and didn't have kids- Lucien would be the rightful heir. Therefore he would learn the business world with his brother help.

He was already trained in the hand-to-hand combat department. He knew how to handle doing torture and using weapons. He just had to learn the way around leading and handling the legal side of business.

I scanned my eyes over the other tables as well- the Irish, German, Arabic, the empty Russian table, Brazil, Korean, Turkish, Chinese, and Japan mafia until I stopped when my eyes saw the Greeks table.

Nikolaos was standing with his back to me while he and Atlas conversed freely on something I'm not sure of. Nik was wearing a black tuxedo, his white dress shirt underneath his buttoned suit jacket. A dark red rose- practically the color of my dress- rests in his suit pocket.

Atlas was in something similar- yet the flower he had resting on his suit was the same white color of Casandra's dress.

How did Nik know my dress color? I never told him.

As if he can sense my gaze, he turns around- looking around the ballroom before his eyes meet mine and a smirk grows on his face. Without hesitation he pulls out his phone and begins typing something before looking back up at me.

As if on cue I feel my phone vibrate. Chuckling to myself I take my phone out from my bra and check his message.

Nikolaos: You look beautiful.

Diovanna: Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself. Although the rose you have looks awfully similar to the color of my dress.

Nikolaos: Had to let everyone know your taken already somehow.

Diovanna: Of course you did.

I look up from my phone giving him a smile while shaking my head.

So possessive.

Before anything else could be said between us, the doors to the ballroom were slammed open.

There in all his glory was Vladimir Mikhail. Sasha was walking beside him on his right side while Aleksei was on his left, Ilya was walking behind them. However I was not expecting to see Lucia or Igor trailing behind them.

The minute I saw Lucia, I immediately made my way over towards Arabella.

She is not supposed to be here.

I didn't want to draw any attention to my sudden movements so I made my steps light and made sure my pace wasn't too quick.

I stood in front of Arabella- blocking her view of them and their view of her. Lucia wasn't supposed to be here. Blood Doves never announced their alliance with the Russians- nobody even really knew of their existence.

So how the hell did she get in here?

Sure I knew Sasha would be here. She is Vladimir's wife, of course she'd be here. But Lucia? She shouldn't be here.

The Russians all made their way to their assigned table- ignoring the different stares from others in this room.

I could tell my brothers were more alert now. We were on good terms with everyone here except the Russians. Sure we have never spoken or tried to form alliances with some but it didn't change the fact neither of us held a hatred for the other.

So the only threat in the room to us was the Russians.

After a couple minutes chatter soon started back up again after the interruption the Russians made. The only people I was aware of that weren't here was Silas and the Mafia king- Vito Pierson.

No surprise there.

I turned back around to look at Arabella. "You okay?" I asked wanting to make sure she was okay. The unexpected appearance of our tormentor wasn't something I prepared her nor myself for.

"Yeah, I'm ok. Just- just anxious?" She said but it came out more as a question.

I nodded not believing her at all, "it'll be fine- they won't go anywhere near you. Stay close tonight. To me, any of our brothers or cousins." I said sternly.

Something wasn't right.

Arabella nodded in understanding before the twins got her attention seemingly distracting her.

I could see Lucien beginning to walk towards us from the corner of my eye.

I gave him a slight head not before moving my eyes towards Arabella. He seemed to have gotten the message because he made his way over to her and began speaking.

"How's my favorite girl ever?" He asked which made Bella giggle.

I faked jealousy and put a hand over my heart for dramatics, "I'm standing right here you meany! I thought I was your favorite." I exclaimed.

He chuckled at that, "Sorry, you know I love you but I can't resist this cutie." He replied going to pinch Bella's cheek but she swatted his hand away- her smile never once faltering.

I laughed at his sentence and waited patiently for him and Arabella to finish talking.

When they were done, Lucien made his made his way over and stood next to me. We were a good ways away from our table so no one would hear us.

"Lucia is here." I stated the obvious. "I'm not sure how. She isn't part of a mafia, and she hasn't announced her alliance with the Russians."

Lucien nodded in agreement from beside me, "Your right, she shouldn't have been able to get in here. Something is definitely wrong, they have something planned."

I breathed out a heavy sigh- both from stress and annoyance. "We should make sure everyone is prepared. It will be a long night."

He grumbled an agreement and we fell into a comfortable silence, until I broke it. "Lucien, I have a device. It's a listening device but it looks like a bug. It's flying around as we speak right now. I've programmed it to fly to you within the next hour. Catch it and put in your pocket please."

Lucien nodded in understanding- not even batting an eyelash at my request- and went to walk away but I grabbed his arm, "Put this in your ear." I demanded handing him one of the ear pieces.

He complied and walked away back to his table where his brother was sitting.

I followed suit and made my way to Elijah to speak with him. "Elijah," I greeted my older brother. "Can you do me a favor and text Silas? He isn't here yet."

Elijah nodded pulling out his phone-typing something- before putting it away. "I'll let you know when he answers." He informed me offering a small smile.

"Thnaks Eli, I'm going to go speak with the Americans." I let him know.

I want to warn them that something will go down tonight. We may not be allies but they are very civil people.

"What? Why?" Elijah fired back.

I sighed, "I just have a bad feeling about tonight. I'll be fine Elijah, you can see me from here." I let him know. It was true, we could clearly see the Americans table from our seats here.

Reluctantly he nodded and I made my way over feeling the intense gaze from my older brother on my back.

I watched Mrs. Moore stiffen as she watched me approach their table. I continued my way over stopping in front of her and her husband who had also eventually noticed my presence.

"Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore," I greeted them both by shaking their hands. "Do you know who I am?" I questioned wanting to know how much they knew about the Italians.

Mr. Moore nodded, "Diovanna De'russo. Pleasure to meet you officially."

I smiled softly at that, "I wanted to warn you both." Mrs. Moore gave me a curious-questioning look as I spoke. "The Russians have something planned against me and my family. I'm not sure what or when but something is off. I wanted to warn you all ahead of time so you do not get caught in this mess." I explained hoping to get them to understand I was trying to help.

"There will be a war. I have a feeling it may begin tonight." I released a breath as the information settled in. "I'm truly sorry to hear about your daughter. I wanted to tell you this information in preparation." I said gently.

Mrs. Moore seamed shocked by my words- much less that I was informing them that the Russians had something planned. "Thank you, you truly are an angel."

If only she knew.

Mr. Moore cleared his throat- nodding at his wife's words. "Yes, thank you for informing us Diovanna."

I gave them both a kind smile beginning to leave, "If the Americans ever need assistance- I'm more than happy to help."

And with that I left making my way back to my table.

Oh how being nice to them now would make such a difference in the future.

~|~|~

"Good evening, everyone."Vito Pierson- the mafia king- says catching everyone's attention.

Everyone has already taken their respective seats at their tables. Food had been served but we all sat quietly listening to what Vito had to say. Not like it would be anything important.

"Id like to thank everyone for attending even though it was mandatory. Today is a day everyone can be at peace. Make business deals, talk, whatever. It is important everyone remembers this event is a peace event. Therefore no one should be fighting or anything. Cheers!" He say lifting up his glass of I'm assuming wine and downing the entire glass before walking away out of view.

Complete. Utter. Idiot.

I simply turned back towards the table; directing my attention towards my food. He is without a doubt the stupidest human being on earth.

He's an absolute dumbass. His father used to hold events like these to ensure peace at these events. Now that Vito's father is dead and the mafia king position was passed down to him; he holds these events because his father before him held them.

Yet it seems war only started to break out at these events once Vito took over.

Vito was only able to take over because his father died; In all honesty his death was both a good and a bad thing on the mafia world.

"Diovanna?" Someone calls out my name and I take my eyes away from the food in front of me to look at the culprit. It was only Grandma.

"Yes?" I answer back.

"Are you alright my dear? You look lost." She says giving me a concerned look.

I send her a gracious smile, "I'm fine, just thinking."

She nods slowly before directing her attention back towards my Grandpa who was speaking with her about something.

As dinner goes on, everyone slowly starts finishing their food. We've been here for probably a good hour or so and I was bored as hell.

People were out on the dance floor- dancing with one another. My eldest brothers and cousins were talking business with other mafias and people.

I sat conversing with Arabella and some of my brothers and cousins. The topic was about which dish they served tonight was the best. Their arguing just made me want to chop my ears off.

However my misery was stopped when a warm hand landed on my shoulder. His rings were a cold sensation on my skin.

"Mrs. De'russo" Nikolaos's voice rings out. "May I have this dance?" He asks offering me his hand.

I glance up at him from my seated position, "Of course." I take his hand and he gently leads me towards the dance floor.

I hear some of my brothers and cousins protest, telling me not to let him touch me but my Grandma quickly shut their protests down.

I looked over my shoulder and looked at Bella. I sent her a wink and she smiled back at me.

I diverted my attention back to the dance floor where Nik placed one hand on my waist- pulling me close- while his other hand held my own.

"You look stunning όμορφο κορίτσι." Nikolaos compliments. [pretty girl]

A slight blush creeps up on my cheeks and Nik chuckles. I roll my eyes as he teases me, "Is my όμορφο κορίτσι blushing?"

He's just making it worse.

"Shut up you overgrown baby." I try to insult him, but my mind came up blank when I looked at him. Therefore I settled on an overgrown baby.

He chuckles again- the sound sending butterflies in my stomach. "Is that what you've got? An overgrown baby?"

I let out a huff of annoyance while mumbling a 'yes'. He laughs at my despair.

I take my hand from his and punch him in the stomach before putting my hand back in his. He grunts but says no more. "Still funny?" I taunt.

He shakes his head in a no manner. "Good." I mutter continuing to dance with him.

When the song ends I begin to part away from him and back to my table but he grabs my arm and pulls me closer to him; "You'll pay for that later. Don't think I'll forget." He whispers in my ear.

His threat doesn't scare me but only makes me want him more. I glance over my shoulder giving him a half lustful smile and a half genuine smile. "Of course Mr. Doukas." I reply using his last name as he had done me earlier.

Without another word I take an earpiece from my bra- acting as if I'm fixing it even if Nik is blocking anyone's view of me- and hand it to Nik discreetly.

Nik holds my hand in which I just placed the earpiece in; he kisses my hand before pulling away from me.

"Put it in your ear." I demand before walking back to the table.

I see Sebastian and Dom glaring daggers at the back of Nik's head. In fact almost all of my brothers and cousins are glaring at him.

Even my uncles. I wonder what that's about.

"What was that?" Ares asks directing his glare towards me when I make it back to our table.

A sigh escapes my lips, "I-" A shot rang through the room and immediately got down bring Bella down with me.

My brothers and cousins immediately did the same, the aunts grabbing Ruth and Luna and getting them under the table.

The aunts are in charge of getting them out of here safe and sound. "Remember the plan!" I spoke over the loud gunshots.

Everyone nodded except Seb. He caught my eyes and I sent him a reassuring nod.

Without another word I got out from our little hiding spot and grab the gun I had strapped to my thigh. I began shooting anyone who came towards us.

"Go now, I'll cover you guys." They complied and immediately started making their ways to the emergency exit in the back. We had guards stationed at the exits and a driver ready in the back to take them to the safe house.

My brothers help me cover them, while my aunts and grandparents all leaving with any kids under 20. I stay back though.

"I'm going make sure they make it to the car, I'll be back." I say to Sebastian who nods.

I follow them out ensuring no one is behind us. I take the third earpiece from my bra and place it in my ear as I had told Nik and Lucien to do earlier.

"-do you know where she is? I can't see her." Nik's voice comes out sharp through the earpiece- gun shots ringing in the background.

"No i don't see her." Lucien replies to him.

I click my earpiece on, "I'm fine. I'm making sure my aunts and younger cousins make it to the cars." I inform them. They both voice 'okays' and I focus my attention back onto the group.

The minute I focus back on my cousins and aunts I see Arabella yank her hand away from aunt Maya's hand and run over to me.

"Dio!" She cry's running over to me. Tears are visibly falling down her cheeks as I pick her up and hold her close to me. "Don't let them take me! I don't want to go back!" She cry's into my shoulder.

I whisper sweet nothings in her ear trying to calm her. "I won't let anything happen to you, I promise baby." I assure her.

We continue to make our way to the exit- Arabella still in my arms- everyone else immediately making their way into the designated cars to leave. I gently place Arabella down- while I crouch down beside her.

"You stay with everyone else okay? Stay with Luna and Ruth. I'll see you when we get back. it will be okay, everything will be okay." I assure her, but she isn't looking at me. She's rather looking at something down the hallway.

Sensing the uneasiness radiating off of her; I follow her gaze. The one and only Sasha Mikhail stands in her tall ass stilettos.

Her heels click on the floor as she begins to walk closer to where we are. "Arabella, sweetie mommy's missed you. Let's go- your father is waiting." Sasha says sickly sweet; reaching her hand out to touch Arabella.

I immediately stepped in front of Bella, pushing her behind me. "Touch her and I will cut every single one of your fingers off and feed them to you." I said pointing my gun I had strapped to my thigh at Sasha's head.

She stepped back a little, "Diovanna- how amazing it is to finally meet again. Aleksei speaks very fondly of you." She counters giving me a sickly sweet smile. "Now, Arabella lets go. Your father is waiting."

"He is not my father." Arabella spat with venom- sticking up to her mother.

I feel so proud.

"Excuse me?" Sasha said, her composure slipping. "He is your father. He took you in as his own when your own father was a deadbeat." She snarled, anger easily taking over her emotions.

I went to say something but a voice stopped me, "You really speak that low of me to my daughter Sasha?" Silas asked walking into the hallway.

When did he get here?

"I suggest you back away from my daughter before I put a bullet between your eyes." Silas stated, his voice low and firm. He was out for vengeance- against the woman who put his daughter through hell.

She took a step back- away from Bella and I; even further from Silas. "Silas, long time no see."

"I'll kill you." He counters stepping toward her. "You hid her from me for eight years. Eight years! Putting her through God knows what with that fucking Russian."

I slowly backed Arabella back, she needs to get out of here.

Silas would deal with Sasha and I needed to get to Aleksei. I turned around to the exit and pushed it open- hastily getting Bella out of there.

"Hey!-" I heard Sasha yell once she realized what I was doing but Silas immediately quieted her.

She is not making it out of this alive. And I doubt Vladimir Mikhail would care. She is only a pawn in his game.

I notice only one of the cars remain that were stationed to get them home. Aunt Olivia immediately opened the door and ushered Bella into the car with her, Grandma, Grandmother Ruth, Luna, and Liam.

I nodded to her in thanks and made my way back inside- gun in hand just in case things got out of hand.

I'm not surprised when I see Silas and some of his men with Sasha.

"portatela nelle celle." Silas ordered four of his guards who without questioning injected something in her neck and threw her over his shoulder; carrying her out. [Take her to the cells]

Silas caught my eyes and took a deep breath, "Where is she?" I knew he meant Bella, but I couldn't tell him. I didn't want her to be overwhelmed meeting him alone. Besides giving up the location of the safe house was a death wish.

"I can't tell you that Silas, she's safe. I have to go find and kill someone. Come to the mansion when this attack ends." I say trying to move past him.

He grabs my arm his eyes making contact with mine, "Eight years, I missed eight years. I can't miss anymore."

"I can promise you Silas, you won't miss anymore. She needs her father." I pulled my arm away from his grasp and made my way down the hall.

I had something else to handle.

Someone to kill.



It was as if hell broke loose.

Tables were flipped and used as cover from bullets. People were shooting left and right- others blantely fighting with each other.

It was chaos.

Lucien, Nikolas, and Diovanna communicated through the earpieces they all had. Nik was constantly updating her on her brothers whenever he caught a glimpse of one of them. Lucien and Nikolaos warned each other if anyone was behind them or was going for them.

Casandra and Atlas were teamed up- killing anyone who came their way. Atlas quickly shot someone who snuck up behind Cas while she threw a knife at a guys skull when he raised his gun at Atlas.

Antonio and Lucien were both taking down men- refilling their chambers with the bullets hidden in their suit pockets.

The De'russo brothers were killing everyone. Sebastian and Dom were working together- killing anyone who wasn't an Italian, Spanish, or occasionally a Brazilian solider.

Elijah stayed with his younger brothers- Matteo and Luca- as they shot and killed people.

Ares however was a blood thirsty man. He was using his bare hands against the Russians, killing any Russian and every Russian who came near him.

They all glanced around the ballroom when they had the chance to see if Diovanna had returned but she had not. They knew she was okay- that she could handle herself. It just made them all feel better knowing they could see her and she was right here.

Nikolaos shot a man who aimed his gun at Luca. The guy dropped dead behind him causing Luca to look around trying to find whoever shot him.

Nikolaos turned before he could notice him though.

~|~|~ Outside the ballroom...

Vito Pierson ran out the building a few of his guards following him with obvious annoyance.

He had every power to stop the war that was beginning and he was coward running away. He had all of the power, yet he was afraid to use it.

A guard opened the SUV door for him and he quickly got in- some of his guards following behind him.

"Go! Start driving!" He yelled at the man in the front seat. The driver complied and started to drive.

The further they got from the ballroom building- the more Vito relaxed.

Oh how he shouldn't have.

About twenty minutes into the ride, the sound of gun shots being fired rang out. Vito immediately ducked down but it didn't matter.

One gunshot pierced a tire while the other pierced another tire. The car began to swerve and the next thing Vito saw, they were upside down in front of a tree.

Blood was dripping down Vito's forehead while he hang upside down; his seatbelt holding him in place.

He looked over to the guard next to him. His neck seemed to be snapped as he lay down on the floor. He wasn't wearing a seatbelt- he had taken it off to start shooting at the attackers.

The guard on his other side was in similar condition if not worse. He looked like he had been crushed. The car must have flipped onto his side before it flipped fully.

Lastly the driver, Vito couldn't tell if he was alive or not. However when a dark shadow came over and raised his gun to the driver's head before pulling the trigger; Vito assumed he was dead now if he wasn't already.

The dark shadow man got on his knees and put his head through the car door- looking directly at Vito.

"Hello brother."

~ | ~ | ~ Meanwhile...

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Diovanna was walking throughout the building, her heels clicking against the marble floors as she made her way from place to place in search of Aleksei.

She needed to kill him.

"I'm on my way back to the ballroom. I'm going to look for Aleksei." She voiced into her earpiece.

"I can't see him in here so go for it." Lucien encouraged her.

"Be careful." Was the only thing Nikolaos said.

She turned down a different corridor in search of Aleksei, the sound of loud gunshots sounded in her ears.

It was like music in the background.

Diovanna went down the last corridor. He was in none of these places which only meant that he was in the ballroom where everyone else was shooting. Lucien probably couldn't see him because he was busy killing some other people. With a heavy sigh she began to make her way back out towards the ballroom.

However before she could get close, the voice of a familiar frienemy reached her ears. "Diovanna De'russo, what a pleasure it is to see you up and moving." [Friend-Enemy]



"Igor," I say offering a very fake polite-sweet-smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" My sarcastic comment rolls off my tongue before I can stop it.

Not that I would, his annoyed face was enough to make me feel giddy inside.

Being mean to some people is just the best feeling.

"Nothing, just thought I'd check up on you since the last time we saw each other. You looked a bit ruff last time we spoke." He teases about the time he put me in a coma.

It was a moment of weakness, it should not have happened.

I roll my eyes letting a scoff leave my lips, "Your on thin ice Igor. I let you live this long- remember that." I murmur pointing my gun at him.

"Whats the matter," he scoffs. "You can't kill me yourself so you have to use a gun? Pathetic."

Oh he's testing me.

"You want a slow death? I'll give it to you." I said tossing my gun to the floor as he did the same. "You asked for this." I remind him.

"Can't wait to see my hand wrapped around the pretty neck of yours. Shame it will be to kill you and not something else." Igor taunted wasting no time before charging towards me raising his fist but I ducked fast and landed a punch to his stomach.

He only groaned but still glared daggers at me getting back into his fighting stance. I took the newfound time to look for any new weaknesses since the last time I saw him.

Just by his stance I knew he favored his left leg. He put more pressure on it than his right. He didn't hide that well and I wanted to scoff. Wasn't he trained the same as me? They drilled that shit into my head.

Shrugging off my thoughts, I waited for Igor to make a move. And he did, he tried to send a punch to my face but I quickly blocked it. He sent a punch to my stomach before sending a sidekick towards my stomach as well.

I stumbled a bit, and he took the opportunity to get another hit sending me to the wall. He grabbed my hair and slammed my head into the wall. I kicked his knee cap and he let out a sudden yelp- letting go of my hair.

I rolled out from my position between him and the wall regaining my composure. Black spots somewhat clouded my vision and my stomach and head were aching. However the pain i was feeling didn't overpower the adrenaline running through me and I was thankful for that.

Without wasting another second, I started sending hard blows to his torso he went down to block them but ultimately left his face wide open. Who trained this guy? And how did I not take him down last time. I punched his face before sending a roundhouse kick to his face- not giving him any time to recover.

He faltered- stumbling back- and spitting blood out from his mouth. Without giving him anymore time to recover I sent another roundhouse kick to his face again but he grabbed my leg. I took the opportunity to jump up- putting weight on my left leg to which he was holding- and kicking his face with my other leg. [A/N: I saw this on TikTok and idk if it's used in fights but it looked cool]

He fell- clearly not anticipating the second kick- however when he fell he took me with him as my leg was still in his hold. I took the impact of the ground with my arms and yanked my leg from his hold. Yet I didn't stop, I took the long strap of my dress and wrapped it around Igor's neck.

His hands shot up immediately- trying to pull the fabric away from his neck to allow oxygen into his lungs. I only pulled the strap harder; his gasped breaths were short and hi eyes had tears in them.

"Fuck." He gasped. "Y-you."

A dark chuckle left me as I tightened the strap, "You wish." Were the last words he heard before he went limp.

I removed the strap from around his neck- I decided I didn't want the strap of my dress to get in the way of anything else so I tied it around my waist- before feeling his neck for a pulse. When I found none I hummed in satisfactory to myself.

However just to be sure, I took my gun off the floor and shot him twice in the head. I also took his gun for extra bullets.

When I was done I made my way back to the ballroom like I had originally planned.

A Russian guard who was on the other side of the back ballroom door entrance spotted me and raised his gun to shoot but I had already lifted Igor's gun and shot him in the head.

"I'm back in the ballroom. Are you both alright?" I questioned Lucien and Nik as I got closer.

I silently made my way inside, making sure to stay in the shadows. I could see my brothers shooting, none of them looked harmed in anyway- at least from what I could tell- they were all still covered in blood and I could only hope it was the Russians blood and not theirs.

"I'm good." Lucien responded.

"Same here." Nik said after Lucien.

Nodding to myself, I scanned the ballroom for Aleksei only to see him shooting some of the Brazilians men. I noticed some mafias had left- evacuating the dangerous place. The Americans were missing and I knew they left- they wanted to stay neutral and get their children out of here I assume. Their kids were young so I understood.

I noticed the Irish had also left but other than that everyone else was here- shooting each other. I noticed how Brazil-Spain-and Italy were teamed up against everyone else. Some mafias weren't even working together- just simply shooting.

As i walked further through the shadows I saw Nik shoot someone who had pointed their gun at Matteo. I made a mental note to thank Nik later and to scold Matteo because he wasn't supposed to be here. I was being hypocritical but I couldn't care less.

I advanced forward when a Russian soldier came forward. I shot him in the head causing him to drop to floor. I was killing and killing anyone who came at me- whether they were Russian or another mafia. I was getting closer to Aleksei I just needed to move quicker.

I picked up my pace as the shooting was slowing down. Everyone was slowly running out of bullets- I was too. I shot two more men before my gun was empty.

I tossed it to the floor and grabbed the two knifes I had in my bra.

I continued my way towards Aleksei. I slit one man's throat and stabbed his buddy in the stomach.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Now I was about five steps behind Aleksei and I wasted no time in waiting. I ran up behind him- putting him in a headlock while my other hand held the knife to the side of his head.

Vladimir looked surprised- whether that was because I was drenched in blood or because he was surprised to see me so filled with rage- I'm not sure.

"I'm going to kill you." I whispered in Aleksei's ear as he struggled in my hold. "I will kill you and then bring your father down too. The Russian mafia will burn to ashes by my hands."

I pulled my arm tighter around his neck. He suddenly flipped me over his shoulder and slammed me to the floor- him falling with me. Pain shot through me as my back and head made contact with the floor.

Yet I didn't release him. I wasn't the same as when I had left that school. I wasn't some obedient little machine they could do whatever too.

No, no I was now livid. I was a human and I wanted revenge. I'll stop at nothing to get it. Even if that means I'll be in pain.

"Let go of him." Vladimir demanded but I denied and pulled harder. I was ready to snap his neck when a sharp stinging pain was felt in my side. I loosened my hold the tiniest bit but it was enough for Aleksei to slam his head back and break free from my hold.

I looked down to find a knife sticking out of my side. I ripped it out and stood up before anyone could come at me while I was still vulnerable on the floor.

I felt the familiar trickles of blood on my face as I took the knife coated in my blood and twirled it in my hand while I grinned at them.

Lucia grimaced before turning around to fight some guard that came her way but I only widened my smile- showing off my bloody teeth- keeping my gaze on Aleksei as he studied me.

We began circling each other ready for our own fight- ignoring the people fighting around us. "Now, now, wifey. Wouldn't want to hurt your dear husband, now would we? Let's say we talk this out, yeah?" No.

I scowled at him, "Were not married, never will be married." I snapped at him.

He let out a dark chuckle, "The contract says otherwise."

I groaned in frustration before charging towards him. I faked a right hook which he went to block when I threw a punch to his abdomen catching him off guard. I hit him with an uppercut and did a roundhouse kick hitting his chest.

He stumbled back obviously in pain. I didn't stop though, I took the knife I dropped and plunged it into his stomach like he had previously did me however I twisted the knife in his stomach before ripping it out.

He used one hand to hold his bleeding stomach while he swung the other at me. He landed a hit to my face and one to my stomach before sweeping my legs.

I landed on the floor but quickly got up. Shaking my head to dismiss the sudden wave of dizziness.

"That all you got s-sweat heart?" Aleksei mocked seeing my dizzy state.

I didn't pay him any mind and lunged at him again. We continued landing punches to the other, energy seeping out of me as my body was getting exhausted.

Blood was flowing freely from my stomach as so was his. I landed a kick to his stomach causing him to stumble back.

I saw his father- Vladimir- grab him before he could fall. "We have to go. We've placed a bomb in the building." Vladimir told Aleksei. I went to go after him when they started to get away but someone grabbed me. I turned to the person who had their hand grasped around my arm and glared.

Using my one free arm I clicked my earpiece and whispered the words "there is a bomb, get out."

Fucking Lucia.

Lucia glared at me before a different guard came up and restrained my other arm- keeping me from advancing forward or reaching for any weapons.

I could easily get out of this but I wanted to see what she was going to say.

"Dove, it's been a while." She said, her nails digging into my arm drawing blood.

A gun clicked and I watched as someone placed it against Lucia's temple while placing a different gun to the guards head. "Let her go."

What. The. Fuck.



Almost everyone was out of bullets.

People were fighting, throwing punches after punches. Everyone was enraged, fighting each other until one of Sebastian's men informed him of a bomb.

Seems that the Russians had placed it here after everyone had gotten in. It was only a matter of time before it went off and killed everyone in the building.

Sebastian immediately found his way to tell his brothers. He informed them of it and told them to get out and call one of their drivers to wait for them. They were reluctant but nonetheless would not disobey their eldest brother's direct order.

Sebastian however was going to find his little sister. He knew she was alright, Silas had sent him a message saying Diovanna had basically handed him Sasha. He just wanted to thank her but didn't have her information or number to tell her himself.

Sebastian scanned the ball room, his eyes only stopping when he saw his sister with a woman who looked three times her age and a Russian guard. Anger filled his body when he took in the state she was in. She had lots of blood on her- drenching her body in the red liquid. Some bruises had already began to form on her face and who knows where else.

He started to make his way over and get her out since there was a bomb, however another woman probably only a couple years older than Dio placed a gun to the back of the woman's head and the guards head.

The woman slowly removed her hand from Diovanna's arm and kept them by her side. However when the guard did not remove his hand the woman with the gun pulled the trigger. The guard fell limp at their feet.

Sebastian continued his way over, Dove- Diovanna- immediately aware of his presence. She made an explosion like motion with her hands trying to warn him of the bomb. Seb nodded and tilted his head towards the exit urging her to move. She shook her head and pointed with her eyes to the woman with the gun.

Sebastian continued his way over. The fighting around the ballroom had decreased dramatically when the word of a bomb got out. Now dead bodies lay scattered on the floor while people continue to kill others to get out the ballroom first.

"I suggest you put the gun down Rylee." Lucia spits out, venom lacing her tone.

Rylee only scoffs in return, "You don't own me- us anymore. We are not some machines you can command. I'll make sure you pay for every. Single. Thing. You ever did to us."

Lucia turned her back to Dove and faced Rylee. The action was stupid.

Never turn your back to the enemy. Always have an eye on them. Outnumbered or not.

Seems as though she was forgetting her own teachings Dove thought. Rylee nodded once and Dove immediately wrapped an arm around Lucia's neck before pressing a pressure point. Lucia was out in a matter of seconds.

She let Lucia's body drop to the floor and looked back up at Rylee who was already looking at her. "We need to leave, there's a bomb." Dove informed her not once taking her eyes off of Rylee afraid she'd disappear if she even blinked.

"Yeah," Rylee muttered, finally dragging her eyes away from her best friend and glancing at Lucia. "I'll drag her."

She stepped forward to grab her leg but Sebastian stopped her. "No need, I got her." He muttered bending down and tossing her over his shoulder like a rag doll. "Let's go before we all blow up."

They all began moving out of the ballroom. Rylee and Dio kept taking glances at one another as they made their way out of the building.

"We will talk at the safe house." Diovanna informed Rylee leaving no room for discussion in the mater.

Rylee only nodded in understanding preferably staying silent.

It will be a long night.

As if it wasn't already.



A/N: I'm so sorry for how long this chapter took. The chapter is over 10k words.

This chapter also plays a big part for my next book.

I started school this Thursday and I actually despise it. I'd honestly rather die. Even the thought of the school work, teachers, and the mean kids who have no idea how to be nice to others makes me want to crawl up into a ball and cry.

I also have a feeling this year will not be good.

I hope you all can understand.

Hope this chapter was worth the wait.

I love you all🫶🏻