Zion’s Point of View

The car was quiet, save for the low hum of the engine and the occasional shuffle of Deon’s foot tapping against the floor.

Dimitrios sat in the driver’s seat, his fingers drumming lightly against the steering wheel, while I leaned back, staring at the silver rings on my hand.

We’d been parked in this alley for nearly twenty minutes, waiting for a man who had the audacity to steal from our family.

Stealing from a Mafia family? A death wish if ever there was one.

My thoughts drifted, but I couldn’t shake my irritation.

“Are we going to tell Dad she went to a party?” I asked, breaking the silence.

Dimitrios didn’t even look at me. He just shook his head, his focus still on the rearview mirror. “She’s a big girl, Zion. Also, she’s still getting to know her way around. Let her be.”

Deon nodded from the back seat, his arms crossed lazily over his chest. “Yeah, man. Snow’s fine. She’s got Nia with her, and she’s smart enough to stay out of trouble.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I wasn’t so sure about that.

Snow wasn’t used to our world its dangers, its unspoken rules. Letting her loose at a party, even with Nia, felt like sending a lamb into a den of wolves.

Still, Dimitrios and Deon were the older ones, and their word carried more weight.

“Fine,” I muttered, glancing out the window. “But if something happens to her, it’s on you two.”

“Noted,” Dimitrios said dryly, his eyes flicking to the alleyway ahead.

I tapped my fingers against my knee, the tension in the car mounting with every passing second.

“When’s this guy coming out?” I asked, breaking the silence again.

Dimitrios let out a slow breath, his hand drifting toward the gun strapped to his side.

“Right... now,” he said, his voice dropping as he pushed open the car door.

The sound of the door slamming echoed through the alley, and I followed his gaze.

A man in a cheap leather jacket was stepping out of a side door, a black duffle bag slung over his shoulder.

“Damn, angry much,” Deon muttered as he opened his own door, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I chuckled despite myself, the tension easing slightly as I climbed out of the car. “Let’s just get this over with.”

The man froze as he spotted us, his eyes darting around like a cornered animal. He clutched the bag tightly, taking a step back toward the door he’d just come through.

“Don’t bother,” Dimitrios called, his voice calm but menacing. “The back door’s locked.”

The man’s face paled, and he raised his hands slowly. “Look, I can explain”

“Save it,” Dimitrios interrupted, stepping closer. “You stole from us. That’s all the explanation I need.”

“Wait, wait,” the man stammered, his eyes flicking between the three of us. “I didn’t know it was yours! I swear, if I’d known”

“You didn’t know?” I cut in, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Our name was literally on the shipment.”

Deon snorted, leaning casually against the car. “This guy’s either really brave or really stupid.”

“I’m guessing stupid,” I said, crossing my arms as I stared the man down.

“Please,” the man begged, his voice shaking. “I’ll give it back! Everything! No harm done, right?”

Dimitrios didn’t reply immediately. He just stared at the man, his expression cold and unreadable. Finally, he held out a hand. “The bag.”

The man hesitated for a moment before fumbling with the strap and holding the duffle out to Dimitrios. “Here, take it. It’s all there. I didn’t touch anything, I swear.”

Dimitrios took the bag, unzipping it and giving the contents a quick glance. Satisfied, he tossed it to me. “Check it,” he said simply.

I caught the bag and opened it, carefully inspecting the contents. Sure enough, everything was there cash, product, and a few other items I didn’t want to think too hard about. “Looks good,” I said, zipping it back up.

“See?” the man said nervously, his hands still raised.

“We’re all good now, right? No need for anything... extreme?”

Dimitrios tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. “You think stealing from us doesn’t come with consequences?”

The man took a shaky step back, his face going even paler.

“Please,” he whispered. “I’ve got a family. Kids. I—I can pay you back. Double!”

For a moment, none of us spoke. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of Dimitrios’ decision hanging in the balance.

Finally, he let out a slow breath. “You’re lucky today,” he said, his tone icy. “Get out of here. And if I ever see your face again, I won’t be so forgiving.”

The man didn’t need to be told twice. He bolted, disappearing down the alley as fast as his legs could carry him.

“Soft,” Deon muttered, shaking his head as he climbed back into the car.

Dimitrios shot him a glare. “Sometimes it’s smarter to let them go. He’s scared enough to spread the word—no one will try this again for a while.”

“Whatever you say, boss,” Deon said with a shrug.

I tossed the bag into the back seat and slid in beside it, my mind already drifting back to Snow.

“Think she’s okay?” I asked as Dimitrios started the car.

“She’s fine,” he said, his tone firm. “Stop worrying so much, Zion. Snow’s tougher than you think.”

I wasn’t so sure about that, but for now, I let it go.