Taking a deep breath before he opened the door. Looking around he was listening for any noises around them. Going into the garage he saw him going on the leg machine looking right into his eyes. "Hey kiddo." Sean told him in between breathes. "Hey dad. Glad to see you aint skipping leg day." Gage laughed to him. "Me? Never?" Chuckling back to him. "I heard about your promotion." Sean told him. "Now come on dad. We both know better than that. I know you were there. I know you saw everything. For as long as I have been breathing on this Earth dad you have never. I do mean NEVER missed anything competition, play, concert whatever it was you never missed one thing. I know you were there dad. I felt you. I felt your eyes on me." Gage told him looking at him with love.
"Yeah. I saw it all. All of it. It was almost like watching you through someone else's eyes even. All in all. I am proud of Gage. That will never change." Sean told him simply. "Are you sure about that?" "I'm always damn sure about that boy don't you forget it either." Sean told him his voice raised a little higher finger pointing at him. "I bet mom doesn't feel the same way at the moment." "You're mom. She understands that you do what you feel you have to do. Things that are best for you. We can't tell you what's best for you son. We can only hope you do what's best for you. Hope we raised you right enough to know right from wrong. You know as we all get older I'm learning right and wrong is just all about perspective though isn't it. We did try hard to do what's best for you. Just we made a lot of choices in our life and we did what we honestly thought was best for you." Sean got up and was wiping his hands off with a towel.
"You see son that's all a parent can do. We take from our past. Our mistakes and we do what can to protect you. Not just mentally, emotionally and physically but to protect you from making mistakes like we or those who were around us made. The worst thing for a parent to see in their child is for them to end just like who we were. Our job is to make you better than us son. Just because we want better for you. Everyone in their life will always have moments where they wonder what could have been if they just had some of the opportunities others have. With so many opened for you young ones now sky really is your limit and we just want to help you reach up for it."
"You know when you become a parent son you will learn quick. Your child is the best thing you will ever do or make. When you. When you see them succeed. Being happy the look on their face when they are purely happy and proud of themselves. Working hard and just making it. Than you know you succeeded to. That's our whole purpose in life. Doing what we got to do to see your dreams or at the very least just your happiness come true. Not very often you can give both to your kids though. Blessing if you can. You are our blessing and your mother knows and agrees with me on that. She will come around. Just got to know how hard this is for her. Working her ass off to save you from that life for you to go running right into it. Not even working in it you are the boss." Sean shaking his head.
"Hell you even fell in love with the main boss. The damn Queen. Man son you really do go big instead of home when you put your heart and mind into something don't you. If I would have had a million guesses this could happen it would not even be the top ten. You have changed so much this past year son. I don't mean that in a bad now. Don't get me wrong. I'm actually really happy with all the changes you went through. Son you look better. Like in your eyes and face. It's like you got a glow and an aura around you now. I remember when I first got all that. It's what happened to you when you find your happiness. Your meaning. I guess I have a beautiful almost Donna to thank for that. For bringing me son. My real son home." Sean told him glowing with pride stepping up to hug his boy.
"I love you dad." "I know kid love you too." Walking into the kitchen to see his mother sitting there drinking her coffee. Shaking her head letting a huge puff of irritate air come out of her. Looking back up to him to see the effects of the night before. "It's not as bad as looks mama. Besides you should see the other three." Gage laughed off to quickly drop the smile as his father did the same when his mother was giving him that look. "I knew you'd win. I knew you would walk out of their title sworn in and all. I know my son. I know how much fire and how much you really had riding on this. I understood how you would let nothing get in your way of what you want or at least who." His mother added looking down to her mug staring at it like it was her focal point.
"I know the who goes so much more further than just Tessenia. But to all those you gathered yourself around this past year. The bonds you are making with those people. It is impossible to break them even if you wanted to. Most are good people. Growing up a learned quickly watching them with my parents. They were good people just doing bad things. They even brought us food, clothes, just random things they would see or have and bring them to us because they thought of us when they saw it. I remember how easy it is to be around them. Most of them. I understand your hearts judgement son I do. Your father and I understand them and you a hell of a lot more than you think. Being apart of all that longer than you have."
"Even if it really wasn't by choice. I never wanted those things for you. However when it comes down to family values I guess I did steer you into the wrong side of the grass there didn't I. I owe you an apology for that. I really thought that it would all by so much easier and better for you that life. I am proud of you son. For at least knowing what you want. Knowing who you are enough to go and live the life you want. Only you will have to live with your choices so make sure you are doing it for you. Now that all the heavy stuff is out of the way. Have you given any thought as to when you will hand over Tessa the Title of Don?" Maddison asked holding her cup of coffee to her mouth.
Sean looked at her confused. As did Gage. "Ugh no mama Angelo is claiming her as Queen Saturday evening she is to be crowned Donna of Dons then." Gage told her standing up a little better in front of her putting his hands in his pockets. "No son not that. Your title when did you plan on giving her the title of Don of America?" Maddison told him with a smile.
"See son she should have gotten it when she made it through the trials herself. However she claimed to have the trials as proof for when she came of age for her fathers main title. Since she was not even eighteen when she won she wasn't of age to claim anything. They prefer you to be at least twenty-one. The title is rightfully hers had she claimed it when she turned twenty-one however she could only claim one and that by law would have been the one she is receiving Saturday." Maddison explained to him.
Gage was still in shock by the question although he never knew that last bit of information. No wonder when you start the last fighting trial you have to be specific on what you're fighting for. It made sense now, so many things finally clicking into his brain. "I uh. I wasn't going to hand it over mama. I was going to keep it with Don Angelo as my lead advice counsel. He is training me as we go. I and the guys are all sworn in last night and I plan on taking it seriously. I can do this mama. So I am going to." Gage told her and watched as his mothers eyes glossed over like a part of her just died.
"ARE YOU KIDDIN GME GAGE?! WHAT IN YOUR PAST LIFE MAKES YOU THINK YOU CAN BE A DON?! You only know one language for fuck sake. You. You've never killed anyone. How are you going to shoot a pedophile in the face. What if Tessenia makes a choice you don't agree with it? You have to know son. No matter how romantically you are involved with her. Her word is law and you have to follow it you can't fight her on it like you are fighting over who washes dishes or the last piece of pizza. Her word is law because she has to follow the main rules of law and she has been studying a hell of a lot longer then you." Maddison said in anger and in facts.
Gage was happy his mother was praising Tess in front of him no matter how insulting she was being. "I know that mama. I know my place trust me. But I've always been a quick learner. Especially a hands-on learner. It's a good thing I'm surrounded by bilingual people who can teach me basics along the way. You need to have faith mama. I'm not giving this up. I worked too hard for this. I want people to take me seriously. I'm not dumb I know how many of these little fuckers think I will just hand it over to Tess because they think me weak. That I don't have what it takes. I do though mama I got this on lock. I swear. You will see everything will be fine. This. This is just something I got to do. I gotta see through." Gage told her as he pulled her into him.
Tears falling slowly down her face. "I know son. It's just I will never stop worrying about my baby. You call should you need anything I will be there in a heartbeat." "I know you will mama. I will I promise. No matter how old I get. Or how many choices I make that you think are wrong. I am always going to need my mama." He told her with a smile. Making her heart just swell with pride. "Do you think you will come out and watch Tess get sworn in Saturday?" Gage asked looking at both his parents.
"Well I got to say the girl has amazing taste when I planned and made the party." Maddison said glancing at the invitation on the fridge. "We'll be there son. After all she's family right? Or at least she will be if I'm guessing?" Sean told him in a teasing way. "How did she take the news of you staying Don?" Maddison asked him. "Did she take you back son?" Sean added on top of that. "OK ONE QUESTION AT A TIME!" Gage said with his hands in the air.
"She took the fact I plan on keeping my place about as good as mom did. Since she still feels blame and having a hell of a time forgiving herself for about all of this. No matter how many times I tell her I'm a grown ass man who made these choices myself she will always blame herself for them. But you know what I did that. I did that to her when I called her all those things and said all the unforgivable things. I did that to her. I'm the reason she will never forgive herself. I should have and could have handled that a lot better. Guess it's something well never forgive ourselves for. Anyways It was a long conversation but you know in the end there isn't a whole lot anyone can do about it." Gage shrugged his shoulders.
"Yes though she was big enough to take me back. I just got to find a way to propose to her again in some time here. Since I just destroyed the last time I did it. The night started so good and you know for the first half of that night we were really happily. I just got to find a way to make sure she is in that type of a way again. I mean just because she took me back doesn't mean she's ready to make me her fiancé again." Gage shook his head running his hands on the lower half of his face. "Don't worry son you'll figure it out. You guys hungry?" Sean asked as he turned around and started to make them sandwiches. Gage spent a good day resting up talking to his parents.
"Is Gage at the office today?" Angelo asked Tess as they were walking into one of their special low-key warehouses. "I made him take the day off. I'm guessing he is at his parents. I was gone before he woke up." Tess shrugged to her father. "Did you take the poor man back?" Tio Eddie asked her with a chuckle looking over some papers as the two walked in the room with their most trusted men. "Yes for the most part we are together." Tess said writing on some papers around her. Angelo signing off on some others. "Good finally put the poor man out of his misery. When is the date.?" Angelo laughed to her,
"Very funny dad." Angelo and the other men looked up in confusion. "What's funny?" Dre' asked her lost in thought. "Are you guys sick or something the party is Saturday?" Tess said looking around. "No Tess like the wedding date or engagement party if you want one." Jaxon asked in tone like she was just confused. "There is no date for that. We're together but not that far again. I think its best to start back slow." "Flower are you sure?" "About the Swedish problem." Tessa said cutting her father off. Making him nod slowly mentally putting a pin in it.
"Yes the Swedish problem. Well we know they clearly are having help from other Dons. The real problem is trying to pin point who." Hunter said looking over papers and tossing them on the desk. "Not to mention boss that all of them are in the same place at the same time for like what maybe another week or less." Lincoln told them. "Making harder to keep an eye on them. Luckily we still got our moles in there." Tio Eddie said. "Yes we need to reach out discreetly and check in on them. Do a loyalty test as well." Tessa told them lost in thought.
"It's very clear one of two things are happening. Either they lowered their trust in their inner circles and our moles no longer can get close enough to get deeper. Or the moles are in on whatever it is they are doing. I have a small hunch on who could be enabling the mastermind. There is actually seven of them I could name. I just need some time to actually prove my theory correct." Tess said to them. "Well if anyone could figure it out it's you boss." Lincoln laughed knowing how right she is about all of the other ones she has never been wrong.
The thing about Tessa is she never lets on about her theories. She always says its because the less people who know makes for a better play. Can't have anyone catching on about getting caught. Also sometimes she could get the wrong information when people follow a bad clue. Tess could spot a real clue from a bad one like solving a puzzle. The less people tried to help her the better facts and information she received. "Just let us know what you need baby girl." Angelo told her kissing her forehead.
"About that I think we need to talk about the new Swedish Don you are trying to swear in. I think we need to go another way." Tessenia said flatly. "What? Why? What's wrong with Tobias?" Hunter asked her confused on paper he is the perfect choice the most realistic choice. "Yeah I mean we obviously can't have anyone the last family had with them take the role." Dre' asked with his hand up. "The problem is I did the blood line back on Tobias He is not 100% Swedish. You know the rules. His title will always be up to be challenged. That is no way to lead an country. I can not have it be called as one of the few petty ass issues when I take over. We need to be finding these unmarked brothels right now also." Tessenia told them in a tone that they knew was fair.
"Wait are you talking about the fact his mother is a rape victim baby. The laws has an opening for child blood line in certain situations that can still let him have legal claim. We know his mother was a product of rape from his grandmother." Angelo asked being confused. "Well if that was the case he would be up to no less then 50% Swedish however he is not. In fact according to the mandated blood test he is only about maybe 35-40% the 40% is being generous Swedish. He is a mixed number of things. Look if he was going to be Don of maybe a couple of countries would I let it go because that would be the loop hole opening but he's not. The other people rightfully in line being pure blood needs to be called into play. This is the list daddy you can pick from these families." Tess told him giving him a paper with four families on it.
"Are you sure about this? He is so perfect for this." Tio Eddie said. "Yes that is kind of my main point of making sure he doesn't get it." Tessa said simply. "I understand now why you went this way with these four." Jaxon said with a plain face. Angelo looked up with a look of confusion. "None of them have last names with D." Angelo face grew into one of knowing and a little of anger. Tobias Dahlberg. Shaking his head looking around the room. "Which one is it you prefer my angel?" Angelo asked her sweetly.
"Lars Lundeen. He is tenth in line down the list but his loyalty is unfaulty. We can all agree to that. He is a man of his word pure and proven over and over again. He is smart, cunning, most importantly no one will have to hold his hand. He is the perfect soldier. I need a soldier who can handle his own and still hold down for me. What's even more impressive is I have always trusted him since I was came here. He is the one to save Sweden. It will take time but he is the one. Also clear blood line all the way back since forever. Tobias bloodline relates to other parts that make me question certain things." Tessenia told them lost in her thoughts.
"We go way back with all of them. Are you sure?" Hunter asked her knowing once they do this they can't go back. It was never set in stone that Tobias would be claimed as the Don it was just mentioned that he is the most likely candidate. This will be a huge surprise for the whole hall. "I guarantee it. It will be the first thing I do after I am crowned." She gave van evil smile to the men. "You all will tell no one." She told them as they all smiled and agreed. "IS that why he is in the waiting room angel?" Dre' asked with a smirk. "That's my flower always ahead of the game. Go ahead love. Go tell him." Angelo waved her off as they got back to paper work and going over who to send on runs and the shipments getting ready to show their work to Gage after Saturday they are given him a week before they show him the ropes.
The men walked Lars into a room with only Tessenia in the middle sitting on the desk. "It's been a long time Lars. How's the family?" Tessenia said with no emotion on her face. "We are well. We are going to be present for your coronation. We have brought a gift for you as well." Lars told her lifting it up a small box to her. Putting it into her hand. "You shouldn't have." Opening it up she could feel her heart smile. Looking down at the sweet wolf bracelet. "I think I can speak freely when I say we two are one of the few people the other one honestly whole heartily respect." Lars told her. "I am happy for you Tess and proud of you as well." He added with a smile that lead all the way to his eyes.
"Leave us. We have business." She told the men who brought her in. The shut the door loudly when they left. She got up and hugged him tightly leaving him happily surprised and hugged her back. "It is so good to see a good friend right now." She told him hoping back up on the desk as she gestured for him to sit. "After last night I could understand why. He is quiet the catch it was quiet the show. I enjoyed watching him in the second trial the best. I watched not participated." Lars told her with a smile.
"Yes he is something. Look Lars what do you know about the Sweden problem?" Tess was a smart man who knew most things before others. "I know the late Don was running unmarked brothels. Which I have a list of some places I have what I believe to be narrowed down on some of them. Don't quote me on them just yet. Just something to look into." Lars said giving her a paper. "I also know that his daughter sold her family out on a whim for a man using her. She just didn't want to believe it. I did warn her that her that her mystery man was using her. I'll be damned if the man didn't just disappear in thin air once she died." Lars told her like he wasn't shocked at all.
"What do you know of the Don issue now?" "Word is that Dahlberg is going to be getting the title. At least that is what everyone seems to think. That is what most evidence is leading up to." Lars told her scratching the back oh his head. "Do you believe that? Do you think he would be the best person for the role?" She asked him placing both her hands on the table. Crossing his arms leaning back. "No I don't believe it until I see it happen. I don't honestly want him in the position. You know I think it could go to someone a little more worthy. I mean on paper Tobias is perfect. Working along side him. Well you've been there you know." Lars told her flatly unimpressed with the man in question.
"I do know. I do agree with you. I need you to do me a favor though. I also need everything said in this room to be between us and never leave it. By orders of Don Angelo and myself." "As always angel I am quiet as the grave for you and the Don." She loved how she could trust this man. "I need you to pick some people you trust with your life. About 2 maybe even three of them. I need them here with you Saturday." "Are under attack?" Lars started to get up in defense. "No dear friend. I just want you to be ready. See after I am Queen I will be instating the Don of Sweden and let's just say I have other people in mind other than Tobias and you are one of them. I just need you prepared. You may tell the men you bring with you why the are needed. I will announce my choice Saturday." Tess told him looking him in the eye as his eyes started to glisten.
"You would make me a choice in the possibility of being Don of Sweden?" "I think of you when I think of Sweden. It's hard not to." "You don't know how much this means to be just to be in the running. I. Thank you Tess I know even on a long shot. Just to be thought of, considered. It means so much honor to me." He was trying not let his emotions roll down his face. "Lars. We don't have to be who we need to be in here. Not with us." She whispered standing in front of him pulling his hands up and wrapping hers around him.
He instead hugged her back putting his face in her neck to let some traitorous tears fall and he even let out a sob or two. This was such a huge thing for him and his family. He has worked so hard all of his life to prove his worth to his country and the Don Angelo and to know now that he is finally being seen for all of it hit him hard in the heart. Lars didn't have a lot of friends growing up he was on the low class of the academy being so far away to be Don and all. He didn't have much trust in people. Tess being an orphan and adopted they got a lot of crap together until people fought them and trained with them and then they were forever in fear of them both.
Many times he would venture off to be alone when he would find Tess in the same small corner. He would always tell his little friend when it was just them they were just simply that Lars and Tess just two normal humans needing to be human with their emotions. It didn't happen often but they were both forever thankful for those small moments to get them through life. "You good?" "Yeah I'm straight." Getting ready to walk out the door. "Oavsett vad som händer lördag. Jag kommer alltid att stödja min drottning. Med allt jag har. (No matter what happens Saturday. I will always support my Queen. With everything I have.)
"Må du alltid ha en drottning som förtjänar en sådan fantastisk soldatlojalitet." (May you always have a Queen who deserves such amazing soldiers loyalty.) "If I ever known one thing it's I will never have to question or think twice about that with you Angel." Walking out the door leaving her with a small smirk looking down on her list of places. "Welp better get to work." With a sigh she left the room feeling about fifty pounds lighter then when she went in.
Friday came and she was in the training room changing into her work clothes she got into the elevator. She went to the special training warehouse where only mafia related persons were allowed in. It was almost like a four-story gym. It was now 9:30 a.m and she was late for work. Lincoln already told her it was a more lay back day s she had a huge day tomorrow. She also has been sleeping at her own place since after Wednesday. Telling Gage she needed to catch up on a few things and needed to be there against his arguments of just coming home.
Just before the doors closed a hand came through. Pushing himself inside the doors finally closed. Looking to see they were already going the same way. "Well heart beat still if it isn't the future Donna herself. We should totally take a selfie." He teased with a wink. "Tobias how are you?" She smiled shaking her head to him. "I'm well excited for you tomorrow. Big day. You nervous?" She gave him a blank look that made him feel like he should have been set on fire.
"Sorry. Sorry. Forgot emotions don't come off you even if they wanted to." He said hands up in surrender. It would be pointless to ask a woman who's scared of nothing if she was nervous. Seriously though Tess. How you been?" He asked with concern they were still friends after all. "I'm fine. Why does everyone keep thinking I'm not fine?" She asked him in actual curiosity. "Come Tess. A civilian goes through the trials which everyone knew was for you. No one could blame him because you know you are damn well worth it. Yet here you are working last couple days all the way through night since then instead of being home where you belong. Seriously I mean you would think you be at least walking funny or something by now. Damn brotha is huge." He joked making them both laugh. Pushing him away from her.
"Your disgusting. Look I'm just making sure everything is set up for what happens after Saturday I'm how you say getting my ducks in a row. Maybe you should also be getting ready for what may happen after Saturday." "What's that supposed to mean my Queen?" He teased stepping closer to her. "Well You know how it works. Since we had to displace dishonorably the last Don we need to welcome the next five families in line to see who is the most qualified in the last few works to claim rightful title. You are among four of them. Aren't you even a little worried?" "Of being a Don? It would be stupid not to be somewhat worried. Look I know my chanced of getting the Don title are just as equal to not getting it. My work and factors speak greatly for themselves." Taking a deep breath looking at her.
"I would deeply cherish and honor the position should I be lucky enough to get it. No matter what I will serve you as you should be served. You know you still don't look any different then the day I first met you. Still so beautiful. So much going on behind those gorgeous eyes. I seen Gage prove his worth to you. What I haven't seen is you fully accepting him back. No ring back on this finger. You still shuttle around from your own home to I bet. It just makes me wonder is your heart still set on the man who gave up everything he knew for a woman he loved. Maybe your having doubts about the way he took the information in the first place? Whatever going on in that ever-going mind of yours. We are so much more a like then you think Tess. I still mean it when I say I'm right here for you if you ever need anything. I do mean anything." He whispered to her as he put a piece of her hair behind her ear.
With a blank face she got off the lift into her car and to her office. Lincoln smiling widely to her without looking at her. Any meetings Linc?" "Only one but I have a feeling it's going to be an interesting one." "Alright then." Opening the door she shut it looking up in her chair to see him sitting there laid back hands crossed and a look to make her one to run back out. "I think we got some things to discuss. Don't you?"