Page 263 of Dark Angel
“What’s going on, Wolfie?” she asked.
“About a year ago, I needed my birth certificate. When I asked Mom, she said it had gotten lost. Knowing our parents, I didn’t believe that. They keep excellent records. Turns out, I found it buried in a folder in their home safe.”
Gabriel sipped the Santini liquor, savoring its smooth oak flavor.
“Our parents told Halston and me we were ten months apart, but the birth certificate showed my actual date of birth as six months earlier.”
“Oh, wow,” Halston murmured.
“Since there’s no chance we could be biologically four months apart, I did some digging,” Wolf continued. “Turns out, I was adopted. That surprised me. At first, I was resentful they didn’t tell me, but more curious than angry. I mean, we’ve got great parents. I had a fun childhood. No complaints. Got the best big sis.” He shot Halston a smile.
The color had drained from her face. She sat there in what looked like mild shock, her gaze locked on her brother.
“The adoption was closed… but money, power, and favors can unlock most doors. Am I right, gentlemen?”
“Always,” Luciano replied.
“Hell, yeah,” Teddy agreed.
Only Greystone remained stone-faced, his harsh glare slicing through the air.
“It took several months, but I got the information I needed.” He removed a folded piece of paper from the inside breast pocket of his tweed dinner jacket. Slowly, he opened it, set it on the table.
“Boyz, your daddy had a mistress. Turns out, there aren’t four Santini brothers, there are five.”
“No,” Greystone blurted.
“You’re lying,” Luciano hissed.
Tension tightened Gabriel’s shoulders, his hands curled into fists. As he glanced across at Greystone, his nostrils flared while Luciano’s eyes turned black with fury.
“Hello, brothers,” Wolf said. “I’m the fifth Santini.”
Silence.
Excruciating silence filled the lounge. No one spoke. No one could drag their attention from Wolf.
A smile split his lips. “Isn’t anyone going to welcome me to the family?”
“Oh. My. God,” Halston murmured.
Teddy made his way around the table to Wolf. “Welcome to the family, bro. I look forward to getting to know you.”
“It’ll be fun,” Wolf said. “Especially when I take back what’s rightfully mine.”
Teddy’s smile dropped as Gabriel, Greystone, and Luciano stood like lions defending their territory.
“What the hell does that mean?” Luciano asked.
“For now, nothing,” Wolf said. “But that might change after my lawyers get involved.”
“Wolfie, you wouldn’t,” Halston said.
“The Santini family is one of the most powerful families in America… and in Italy. From what I’ve learned, the name has tentacles that reach into many regions throughout the world.”
Wolf extended his hand to Teddy.
“Don’t shake it,” Gabriel said.
