Page 90 of Whispers in the Dark
A massive screen dominates the far wall, three familiar faces staring back at me.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite cousin,” Caine says, arms crossed and a smirk firmly in place as his eyes set on me. On-screen sit three of my five cousins from my mother’s side—Marco, Caine, and Romeo Marchetti.
“I thought I was your favorite,” Vin mutters beside me, a faint pout tugging at his mouth as he pats the top of Thor’s head.
“We all know I’m the favorite,” Leo remarks as he stretches his legs out, intertwining his hands behind his head.
“There are no favorites,” Marco says sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose like he already regrets this meeting.
I fight a smile as I lean against the doorframe, locking my arms over my chest.
“Is there a reason we’re all here?” Alex asks with a hint of irritation laced in his tone as he checks his watch. His knee bounces, his usual calm demeanor nowhere to be seen.
“Someone’s moody,” Romeo remarks dryly.
“Yes, well.” Vin eyes Alex with a questioning gaze, then directs his attention to the screen. “What is it you’ve found?”
Marco exhales and straightens. “We don’t have much time, but we thought it imperative for you to know that the Vasilievs are making a move on the Alaskan ports.”
“What?” Vin’s spine straightens, fists bracing against his thighs. “Those ports have been secure for years. We’ve never had issues with them. Our allies would’ve flagged it if that were the case.”
“They would have if the Vasilievs weren’t being so careful,” Marco replies. “You’ve been intercepting their East Coast shipments, causing them to lose not only their resources but a substantial profit. And now, they’re looking for alternative entries. It makes sense that they would set their sights on Alaska. I’m surprised they haven’t claimed a stake in these ports yet, seeing as it would allow them easy access to ship women straight from their home base out of Russia.”
“Who’s running the ports up there?” Leo asks, his elbows resting on his knees. “Can we confirm with them?”
“The owner operates under an LLC. Their identity has never been revealed,” Romeo explains. “No one has ever looked into them because they’ve played their part well for years and have kept things secure. But we’ve…” He glances between his brothers. “We’ve heard some unsettling rumors.”
“What kind of rumors?” Alex questions.
“A new owner is taking over.”
The room goes silent.
“Who?” Vin asks, his voice dropping several degrees.
“We don’t know yet,” Romeo admits. “But whoever it is has close ties to the Vasilievs. Our tech guy is digging into every relative and ally they have, but so far, nothing unusual has been found.”
Vin drums his fingers against the table, thinking, then looks at Alex. “Find out who owns that port.”
“I’m on it,” he answers.
“Good. I want a conversation with them. Right away.” His gaze hardens. “Maybe make them an offer they can’t refuse.”
“You mean…” Leo drags a finger across his neck.
“If they don’t accept an actual buyout,” Vin starts, “then, yes.”
Knowing Vin, I’m sure he’ll offer a ludicrous amount to buy the damn port. He’s not used to not getting his way, and I don’t think that will start anytime soon.
“Mauro?” Vin’s gaze lands on me. “Can you spend tomorrow morning with the new guards? I think it would be best to keep them prepared for any imminent attack the Vasilievs might plan as a distraction. I want our borders protected.”
I nod.
An attack on the Alarie Estate won’t be happening on my watch. Especially not now that I have a wife to protect within these walls.
A woman’s voice filters faintly through Marco’s office. “Signore, your three o’clock is here.”
“Send them in,” Marco says, then stares back at the screen. “We’ll be in touch.”
