The morning light streamed through the curtains, warming the bedroom as Vanessa stirred awake. She blinked slowly, her eyes adjusting to the brightness. Her hand instinctively went to her stomach, a small smile forming as she felt the flutter of life within her.
"Good morning, my love," came Vincenzo's deep voice from the doorway.
She turned to see him leaning against the frame, his arms crossed, an unreadable expression on his face. Behind him, Rocky and Teddy sat obediently, their eyes fixed on her like loyal sentinels.
"Good morning," she replied softly, sitting up. "You look like you didn't sleep."
"I didn't," he admitted, walking over to her. "Too much on my mind."
Vanessa frowned, concern etching her features. "Is everything okay?"
Vincenzo reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Everything's fine," he lied, his tone betraying nothing. "You and the baby are all that matter."
Before she could press further, Luca knocked and entered the room, her expression grave. "Boss, we've found something near the eastern perimeter."
Vincenzo's demeanor shifted instantly, his face hardening as he stood. "What is it?"
"A body," Luca said, glancing at Vanessa briefly. "One of ours. He was on patrol last night."
Vanessa's heart sank, fear gripping her. "Vincenzo…"
He turned to her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Stay here," he commanded gently. "I'll handle it."
"Be careful," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Vincenzo nodded and left with Luca, the wolves following closely behind. Vanessa sat in silence, her hands gripping the sheets as a sense of dread settled over her.
---
The eastern perimeter was eerily quiet when Vincenzo arrived. The body lay sprawled in the grass, the man's throat slashed cleanly, his blood staining the earth beneath him.
Luca crouched beside the body, examining the wound. "It's a message," she said grimly. "This wasn't a random attack."
Vincenzo's jaw clenched as he noticed something clutched in the dead man's hand. He pried it open, revealing a small, silver pendant—a serpent coiled around a rose.
The same symbol as before.
"They're getting bolder," Luca muttered.
"And reckless," Vincenzo replied coldly, his mind racing. Whoever was behind this wanted him rattled, but they had underestimated his resolve.
"Dispose of the body quietly," he ordered. "We don't want this spreading panic."
Luca nodded, signaling to the other guards to take care of the scene.
As Vincenzo turned to leave, a rustling in the nearby bushes caught his attention. He raised a hand, signaling everyone to stay silent. Drawing his gun, he moved toward the sound, his steps deliberate and quiet.
A figure darted out of the shadows, trying to escape. Vincenzo fired a warning shot, the bullet hitting a tree just inches from the intruder. The figure froze, raising their hands in surrender.
Luca grabbed the person, dragging them back to Vincenzo. It was a young man, barely out of his teens, his face pale with fear.
"Who sent you?" Vincenzo demanded, his voice dangerously low.
The boy stammered, his lips trembling. "I-I don't know! I was just told to leave the pendant!"
"Liar." Vincenzo grabbed the boy by the collar, lifting him off the ground. "You have five seconds to tell me the truth."
The boy sobbed, his resolve crumbling. "It's Silver's men! They're watching the estate! Please, don't kill me!"
Vincenzo's eyes narrowed. Silver was dead—he had made sure of it. But it seemed his influence lingered, his allies regrouping in the shadows.
"You'll deliver a message for me," Vincenzo said, dropping the boy to the ground. "Tell them I'm coming for them. Every. Last. One."
The boy nodded frantically, scrambling to his feet before disappearing into the woods.
---
Back at the estate, Vanessa paced the room, her anxiety growing with every passing minute. When the door finally opened, and Vincenzo walked in, she rushed to him, her relief palpable.
"What happened?" she asked.
"Nothing you need to worry about," he said, pulling her into his arms. "You're safe, and that's all that matters."
Vanessa pulled back, searching his face. "Vincenzo, please. I need to know what's going on."
He hesitated, his protective instincts warring with her plea. Finally, he sighed. "There's a threat, but I'll deal with it. You just focus on resting and staying healthy for the baby."
She nodded reluctantly, trusting him but still uneasy.
As Vincenzo held her, his mind was already planning his next move. The serpents in the shadows had made their play, but he would strike back with the full force of the beast within him.
This time, there would be no escape for them.