ROSSO

When the door opened, I beheld the view before me. Black veins with blood red roses blooming from each stem crawling the pillars of the golden hall. My own people wore all black cocktail dresses and black suits with red undershirts while Romanov and Jedidiah are both wearing black tuxedos with Arcadi’s red wolf armbands emblazoned in their upper arms to distinguish themselves from the rest. The bosses wore black suits while Federico was clad in a black tuxedo and undershirt with blood red necktie. I, on the other hand, wore a black halter two piece dress with lace bodice and trail. The bottom can be removed by a clip at the back hidden behind the black lace belt. The only other color in my outfit are the blood-red bracelets I wore on each wrists. It is actually the command link camouflaged as wedding accessories and instead of an earpiece, they created the circlet I am wearing which is actually a small earpiece connected hands-free to the command link on my bracelets. Prepared for what is going to happen, I have strapped my personal handgun on my left leg inside my full, floor-length voluminous skirt while hidden on my belt just inside the detachable skirt are my knives and ammunition. If you see me, you wouldn’t think that I have weapons concealed behind my attire. I turned to my left and found myself staring at the glass door’s reflection. There I saw a woman who is prepared at anything. The beauty the image showed was enhanced by her clothes and dress revealing confidence but not for being in a happy wedding but because of the impending event that is to take place. She is geared up for the outcome of her enemies’ onslaught.

My eyes lit up with delight as I walk the path that will take me to the altar at the end of my estate’s grand hall. I  turn my gaze to my left seeing Jedidiah while on my right across from his is Romanov watching me with alert eyes. On the second row behind Jedidiah stood Lucas who is staring at me with mixed emotions. Sadness, anger, disappointment and all. But what made me almost stop was the look of love he has in his eyes. He was begging me not to go through with this nuptial. I shook my head inconspicuously as I continuously thread the path that will soon become a battle ground if these people carry on with their murderous scheme.

I walked the aisle while cautiously scanning the crowd. A lot of armed men stand guard around the grand hall. The other European Dons were alert while watching me with pride. Romanov stares at me stoically while my own men looked ready. Unsuspectingly, I searched where Wölfe are located and found them hidden behind the baluster of the mezzanine above us. My own men, Piero, Fabio, Victor, Castro and all the Sotto Capos under my direct command are scattered around the premise. I nodded discreetly at them as I navigate through the straight path where Federico stood at the end while having that maniacal leer in his eyes as he stares at me. I know what he is thinking, that after all these years he finally was able to capture his so called coveted price.

The Sicily’s La Riggina, La Signora Lupescu, Don of Sovran, and the Arcadi’s wild she-wolf he longed to contain. Now she is within reach.

His eyes showed conceit over his conquest. I sneered internally while thinking about it. He will most definitely be pleased if his plan succeeds. But we all know it won’t.

He leered at me when I stand before him as he took my hand and ushered me towards my chair. The minister officiating the wedding gave us a passive look before starting the event. I nodded at him as if acknowledging his presence but the truth is that I just gave him the go signal to begin the game.

The minister raised his hand as if to bless us but actually just sent a message to our people to prepare. They only needed my signal to begin operation. He called for the rings and blessed them before asking Federico to make the vow first. He was about to put the ring on my finger when chaos began. The bosses stood up and pointed the guns to our direction. Their men aimed theirs to the other guards while the rest directed theirs to everyone who had guns. The bosses grinned maniacally at the quandary before them. I, on the other hand, dryly watched the scene unfold.

“Did you really think that we will let you take over Sovran just like that, huh? Now here’s the thing Federico, we only  came to you for help so that we can keep an eye on your actions. It gave us advantage to know what you are planning. And we only allowed this marriage to happen to make sure that this woman’s loyal dogs be here so that we can dispose of them all at once. That goes for you too.” Giulio, one of my bosses, spoke while pointing his gun at Federico.

“You wanted to marry her not because you love her but because you wanted to dominate the Sicilian mob and we cannot let that happen. Sovran should be ours and not anyone of you. We are the only ones who will rule over it. We are not going to let you take possession of anything anymore than you already have.” Giorgio, the other boss, continued.

Federico glowered at them but didn’t move although his eyes showed that he is already planning something in his mind. I decided to stand down for now to see what he will do but I will not let these traitors to have fun. I stared at them looking bored with all their talk. I don’t want them to build chaos before I even start. I should be the one creating pandemonium on them. “And you believed that I will let that happen? You cannot kill me. Not with all the Dons of different countries are around us. You will be hunted and shot even before you make another step. Do you think you can do anything with them around?”

Herman, another boss, scoffed at me and pointed his gun at Lucas. My eyes turned into a slit when I realized what he just did. “That is true but we also know you are going to do anything for this man.”

Lucas stared at the gun with a brooding look in his face as his hands clenched on his sides. “Are you going to shoot me knowing that my father is Lennard?”

Herman laughed with mock. “Lennard knows what we will do. He doesn’t care about you as long as he gets a portion of this territory. We are willing to give a part of it to him as long as we succeed in getting rid of them. Even if you die.” Herman explained.

Lucas eyes’ widened at the knowledge that his father doesn’t care about his welfare but said in a grave voice, “Then so be it.”

Federico clicked his tongue making everyone turn towards him. He walked to the center of the room seeing all eyes are on him. “Huh? So you are going to kill me and Rosso to gain power over Sovran? Pathetic. Do you really think I haven’t thought of this as well? Let me tell you something, I knew what you have planned. You are the ones who should be wary of what I can do.” Federico warned us while showing something in his hand. When I glance at it, I found a detonator the size of his palm. I realized that it may have been the reason why he had his right hand inside his pockets while I was walking the aisle. So he is thinking of threatening me with that if I backed out. Well, that wouldn’t work anyway because Victor already found and disabled the bombs earlier and were already inside the trunk of our vehicle. I watched my so-called bosses with their guns still pointing at us while waiting for Federico’s next move. “I will be the new Don whether you like it or not because if you refuse, then every one of us dies here. Now.”

“So you think you can blow us just like that? If that happens, every mafia family will hunt you down and that will become the downfall of Sovran. As Rosso said earlier, you cannot do anything with these Dons around. If you hurt even just the tip of their fingers, you are going to die.” Matteo, the 4th boss, warned him.

“Besides, you think Rosso will let you overrule her chain of command? We had tried that for the past years and yet she still controls all of us. That is why we are doing this right now.” Giulio followed.

“You are going to kill us anyway so why not do it to you folks too?” Giorgio confirmed what Federico had planned.

I was getting bored with the talks so I finally decided to make my next move. This has to end now. I gave out a deep breath I didn’t realize I was holding before unclipping and flinging my voluminous skirt off to reveal my weapons and the black leather pants I was wearing. All of them turn their heads towards me before widening their eyes at my action. I flicked the safety off of my twin guns and raised it towards Federico and the bosses. That was the signal all my men needed to accomplish my command. From the corner of my eyes, I saw them sneaking on the enemies and subduing the traitors’ underlings as silently as possible. The bosses and Federico didn’t see what was happening behind or around them as their focus are on me only.

I gave my infamous sneer before I spoke, “Boys, boys, boys! I had fun watching you battle for my position. However, you all know that I will not let you take it away.” I turned to my bosses then nodded at my Sotto Capos who were standing behind them. They restrained the bosses all too fast they didn’t even had time to blink. Seeing them pinned down, I turned to Federico and aimed my gun at him before commanding my people. “Men, take those bastards back to Prometheus. Keep them alive but enjoy your worst with them.” The men snickered at my approval while the bosses paled at my words. They knew my reputation. Had seen it a few times over. They swore and pleaded as my men took them away. Federico stared back at me calmly. He may show the world that he is not afraid but that unconscious little twitch I saw in his face told me otherwise. “You have the guts to try this with me, eh? You damn greedy asshole! I’m going to kill you. Shred you to pieces. And have your inside out in the open. Oh, how I am going to love that!” I said in a deathly tone.

“Is that so? Then I will take you with me.” Federico worded as he pressed the button of the detonator. Everyone’s breath were held as they wait for the bombs to explode but when they saw Federico begin to panic, they relaxed a bit but still alert. He pressed the device multiple times before throwing it on the floor. “Men, kill them all!” He screamed his order.

That was when all Hell broke loose.

+++∆+++

Volleys of bullets fired echoing all over the place and within seconds, the sound of gunshots and empty shells dropping on the tiled floor resonated like an orchestra playing a dark symphony. I jumped to the side to deflect the bullets and upturned the altar table using it as a shield before peering to the side to check what is taking place as I aimed my gun at the man running towards me. Federico ducked down while pulling out the gun from his shoulder holster and pointed at me but when he was about to fire, he was thrown to the side by someone. I hide back behind the table for cover before sneaking a quick look just to see Lucas and Federico wrestling for the gun. The blur of the moment dissipated as I stared at the two men fighting. My shock almost made me run towards them if not for the bullets raining down on me. Federico’s men gunned us while the others rained shots at anyone who come near the Dons as they move away from the carnage.

I saw Romanov standing to the side firing with his own people barricading him while Jedidiah looked like he was having a fun time shooting down his opponents that doesn’t have our armbands on them. Then I saw the Wölfe team and Quinn with their sniper guns trained at the enemies. Good thing I ordered my men to wear the wolf crest to signify them as allies instead of rivals. The men fired shots at my cover almost  shattering it to pieces. I knew the upturned table wouldn’t hold down the fort and I need to find a better place to hide. While searching for a better spot, I found Federico standing behind his men as they step away to escape. I knew I had to take him down so I sent a command to my people via our link.

“Get me good cover. He is mine!”

“I got you.”

I don’t know who answered me but I trusted my people so I reloaded my guns before throwing myself through the barrage and shooting the remaining guards around my traitor adviser. He had his guns firing at the enemies and when he saw me coming, he fired at me. I ducked behind the pillar and sent them a series of my own bullets aiming at the men blocking him from my line of sight.

Quinn gave me an opening when she and her team sniped the men sending them dead on the ground. I walked calmly while still aiming my guns at them. When his remaining people tried to shoot, I pulled the trigger and watched them screamed out loud as they dropped their guns while holding their bloody hands. I felt more than saw the dull of gunshots around me as I calmly walk towards them who, on the other hand, tried to back away from me. I stared at them with my prominent cold-blooded eyes and signature sneer making them tremble beneath me as I stood before them.

“And you really think you can kill me just like that? Do you not know who I am? Aren’t you afraid of the Red Beast?”

“As far as I’m concerned, you are not worthy to be the Don. I am. I have been working my ass to get to that position but you just have to barge in and take it away from me!”

“You should be ashamed. You are the reason it almost plunge down to the ground because of your ineffective management. I am the reason it got back to where it should be!”

“Don’t be too proud of your work. If I was not there with you, your people will not follow you. Just because we made your reputation, you are getting full of yourself.”

“No, I'm not. Because I know who I really am. And once I get my hands on you, I will show you what my reputation really is.”

“Bite me.” Federico shouted before firing his gun at me.

I run for cover crisscrossing towards the pillar at the end of the hall before peering to the side to check if the enemies are within sight. That was when I saw the decorations ripped into pieces and now mixed with gore and bodies. Blood everywhere. Then I saw the very thing that snapped away my remaining rationality.

Federico stood haughtily with his arms crossed towering over Lucas who was all bruised and bloodied. He was grazed in the arm and shoulders. I stood from my hiding place and marched confidently towards him as he began backing away from Lucas and towards the exit. His men surrounded him as they aim their guns towards us. My men neared us ready to fire in case. I stopped just a few feet away from my man and stared at my traitorous Consiglieri.

“You shouldn’t have done this, Federico. You know how I feel about liars and traitors.” I snapped at him with my gun aimed at his retreating body.

“I don’t care what you feel. Watch your back, Vittoria. You don’t know what I can do.” He threatened.

“You watch your back, Federico.” I clicked my tongue before chiding him of what he called me. “You never learn, do you? Anyone who calls me by that name dies a gruesome death. And you have the guts to do just so and threaten me!” I glared at him who just smirked at my ire.

“If I cannot have you and Sovran then I will just take you to Hell with me.” He spoke disdainfully while slowly and continuously walking backwards with his own men.

“Oh, have you seen Hell? I don’t think so.” I mocked him before shaking my head in disappointment. Seeing his face contort to anger and insult due to my lack of fear gave me a whole new level of confidence. He is scared of me and what I can do. He should be. Nothing is more terrifying than a woman who knew no fear because nobody knows what she can do. Seeing Lucas on the ground because of him made my madness reach its peak. “I have been through that dark abode and I already conquered it. You cannot scare me with the very place I am most comfortable. With regards to the bombs, all of it were disengaged by my squad. Do you really think I didn’t know your plans? I knew what you are up to. I gave you the chance to back down but you still pursued your ambition. You cannot win against me. Look around you! You lost. So I suggest you stand down. Now!”

“Never! I will become the Mafia King. And nobody can stop me. Even you.” Federico answered and laughed maniacally while looking around but stopped short when he found Romanov showing indifference while Jedidiah seemed unfazed by the upheaval. They stood tall and superior. Their eyes showed nothing, like this is just an everyday occurrence to them. He thought he can scare everyone into submission but it seemed that is not possible. The reputation of these men are highly known in the underworld and anyone who hurts them doesn’t have long to live for. He doesn’t know what these men can do but they have the notorious and insane reputation exceeding that of Rosso’s to disregard just like that. Romanov, Jedidiah as well as my men appeared unperturbed by the events and are watching me. Alert for all reasons.

“You lost, Federico. I am going to enjoy Prometheus with you when this is over.” I retorted.

He taunted me as he threw the grenade towards me. ”I’ll be waiting, Piccolo.”

I flicked my hand and shot the flying grenade with precision before dropping to the ground as the explosion bombarded us. When the smoke subsided, I stood up and walked towards Lucas while scanning the area looking for Federico but didn’t find him nor any of his men anywhere. I dropped on my knees to Lucas’ side and check for injuries as he eyes me intently. Romanov and Jedidiah soon came to my side and ordered their men to get us an ambulance. Seeing that Lucas only had a grazed arm and shoulder, I stood up running to the door and saw Federico’s van speeding out of sight. I called on Giovanni with an order.

He came while my people and the other Dons’ men checked the whole place out. “Yes, Rosso?”

“Get that van tracked. I need to know where the asshole goes.” I instructed as we head back inside.

“Already on it now. We have the outside perimeter contained.” He answered waiting for further instructions.

“Take Romanov and Jedidiah to the Dowager wing and send the rest of the men on patrol. Federico most likely will return to finish this game. We should be ready.”

“Will do.”