Heretic: The Clans Book Ten

by Knox, Elizabeth

  Migual’s eyes drift to where Ivana’s lifeless body is, “Do you not see what he was doing? He was trying to turn her into you, Miss Elena. While Luca may not be . . . forthcoming of that fact, I know it, as do you from the looks of it.”

  “I take it you can clean up this mess, can’t you?” I seethe, heading toward the stairwell, but I stop. “Where is my darling husband, Migual?”

  “I believe he’s upstairs in his bedroom.”

  With Migual’s response I head up the two stairwells until I’m right in front of the bedroom I’d slept in that one night, the night before everything in this house changed. Heading through the door, I see the en-suite bathroom door is cracked and steam is coming through it.

  I walk into the bedroom, shutting the door behind me, and approach the bathroom, slowly pushing the door open and spot Luca’s perfectly chiseled body underneath the hot water. He takes the sponge across his body, lathering himself up, and I simply stare. Watching the man I want to hate more than anything, but can’t. Fuck, maybe this makes me as crazy as he is.

  “What are you doing here?” He asks, jolting me out of my thoughts.

  “I heard there was a mess to clean up,” I go into the bathroom, keeping my eyes glued to his, “And I saw the mess, and how she’d changed.”

  Luca’s eyes go wide, but quickly adjust. “She was nothing but a toy,”

  “I know that. I also know you were trying to turn her into a carbon copy of me.”

  Luca remains silent. Obviously, he’s not a fan of being caught.

  “You discarded me like I was trash, and then brought her back here, to what? To make her be me? Aren’t you in love with Mariana? Wouldn’t she have been much better turning into the fearless Clans queen. She had the body for it.”

  “I’m not in love with Mariana,” He snaps, walking out of the water, he rubs his feet on the small carpet and approaches me with haste. Once he gets directly in front of me, he brings his nose to the side of mine and stares down into my hazel eyes with nothing but outrage. He’s pissed I called him out, that I saw what he was doing. Well, he can be pissed. He can go cry in a fucking corner for all I care.

  From the corner of my eye I spot an old fashioned razor blade and before I realize it, I’ve grabbed the weapon and have it pressed to Luca’s throat, slowly pushing it closer against his jugular. “Tell me one reason I shouldn’t end this all right now. Not only for everything you’ve done to me, but all the women before me.”

  Luca breathes heavily, so much that I see his nostrils flaring and scoffs. “I don’t have one. You should do it you know, you should push that closer into my neck and end this all. I deserve it, don’t I, brat?”

  “Fuck you!” I scream, pulling the razor from his neck I throw it forcefully on the ground and it clinks against the wall, onto the tile floor below us. But, I realize I have nicked his neck and blood is slowly flowing down his skin. It isn’t necessarily a horrible cut, but it’s one that could leave a scar.

  Luca wipes his hand over his neck and can see the blood, and what he does surprises me. He fucking smiles. “Oh, how I’ve missed you.” He steps closer, shoving me into the wall and hoists me up around his legs, palming his hands at the chiffon material of my dress and rips it away like it was made of nothing but tissue paper.

  His hardness is obvious at the way he’s digging into my leg for but a moment, until he forces me down onto his cock. I thought it would hurt but I didn’t realize just how much seeing his face would turn me on. I know it’s morally wrong for me to care this much about a monster of a man, but I do, and I can’t help it. I think maybe the pain he feels is what I’ve felt my entire life and it brings me comfort. What comforts me is the fact I’m not alone, and someone else is as fucked up as I am.

  I had my arms at my sides, but as my thoughts run through my mind, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. This is the only thing I want, his body on mine, our pain meshing together, no matter how wrong it is.

  This is what I want, and I’m only left wondering when it will tear us apart.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Luca

  After our fuck session, where we went multiple rounds, I took my wife back to the bed which I only shared with her that one night. I’d expected Elena would’ve been tired, however I was poorly mistaken. Instead of falling asleep like I’d thought, she and I spoke for hours about Galina and how she must’ve had help in order to escape like that.

  I fell asleep with my arms wrapped around her, still left wondering how Galina got out. How she could’ve had some help, and who it could’ve been.

  I woke with the answer, remembering something that was brought to us by one of the Steele brothers. They’re these American gunrunner billionaires. Essentially, you can’t transport guns in North America without their help because they’re the best of the best. They had issues with an Italian guy a few years ago, ended up torturing him, and that’s how they obtained the information.

  One of the DiGiovanni men declared that the person behind the assassination attempts on Mariana was Giovanni DiGiovanni, the leader of the Italian Mafia, head of the DiGiovanni famiglia.

  Elena rolls over in the bed with her hair in a messy tussle, my Egyptian cotton sheets covering her body, and the most authentic smile I’ve ever seen from her sprawled across her face. “You look like you’re plotting,”

  “Not plotting, simply thinking.”

  “About?” She questions.

  “What we were talking about last night. The Italians were rumored to place a hit on Mariana a few years ago. I’m simply wondering if that’s the power behind Galina and Ivana’s failed attempt, and if that’s how Galina was able to escape.”

  Elena’s eyebrows shoot up, “They never said anything to me about an Italian man, but it would make sense in some regard. I mean, their father was outcast from the Clans . . . so how did they get this much money? And how did they fly around Europe like none of it mattered? Cost wise I mean.”

  I nod. Fuck, Elena is an intelligent woman. One that I almost threw away. I won’t make the same mistake ever again. Hell, Elena told me Migual called her with some bullshit excuse saying he needed help . . . and whenever he and I are alone I’ll properly thank him for bringing her back. Because without him, it would’ve never happened. I would’ve lost her forever.

  “He would’ve had everything taken from him when they were exiled. Did they ever make you believe that their childhood was full of luxury?”

  She shakes her head from side to side, “No, quite the contrary.”

  I know what we have to do, although we don’t have the proof to back us. “We need to call an emergency Clan meeting . . . because if this is true, and what we believe is right, a war bigger than ever before will be on the horizon.”

  “They couldn’t have been working alone. It would’ve been next to impossible for them to make as much progress as they did . . . and I think you are right, because, here’s the thing. If Giovanni wanted to make another play at the Clans, he’d do the same thing as last time and use someone else to actually do it. Assuming he had someone else doing the dirty work last time.” She goes on, and it starts making more sense.

  I don’t waste any more time. I grab my phone from my bedside table and call the queen herself, Mariana Petran. It rings a few times and I believe it’s going to voicemail when she answers. “Luca. Why in the world are you calling in the middle of the night. I just got Ysenia back to sleep and being five months pregnant means I’m getting to the stage where I can’t sleep for shit. This better be good.” Mariana and Ion just had their first biological child together, which makes Mariana’s second, Ysenia a few months ago. I think she’s around six months old now, but it seems Ion couldn’t wait to get her pregnant again since she’s five months along with her third child. Although, I’m sure Ion is thrilled since they recently made an announcement they’re accepting a boy.

  “Please accept my sincerest apologies, Mariana, however this couldn’t wait.” I forgot she’s
in New York so we have a few hours time difference.

  “Go on,” She urges,

  “We have reason to believe Ivana and Galina weren’t working alone. I believe we need to call an emergency Clan meeting, as soon as possible, where all the head Clan families are in attendance.”

  “For fuck’s sake. We don’t seem to ever catch a break. Do we?”

  “No, we don’t.” I reply, waiting for Mariana to take the lead.

  “Alright, meet us in Northern Ireland. I’ll give you the address to a private air strip and a location later. I’m going to call in a favor with Desmond Mackenzie and ask that he allow us to use one of his tucked away estates outside of Belfast, in the countryside. Do me a favor and reach out to the others.”

  “Noted.”

  “Luca, I pray that you’re wrong . . . but if you’re not, thank you for bringing this to my attention.” Mariana ends the call and Elena gives me a curious look.

  “What was said?” She inquires.

  “We’re headed to Northern Ireland. C’mon, let’s get dressed. We should be the first ones there and I have to call the other Clan heads.” I toss the sheets off me, throw my legs over the side of the bed and start walking toward the bathroom, but when I’m standing in the doorway, Elena asks me a question I should’ve been expecting.

  “What’re we doing, Luca? I mean, what will become of us?” Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and think carefully about the response I’m going to give her.

  I turn my head and look back to this beauty of a woman, wondering why the fuck she came back to a beast like me, “Whatever you want, brat. I’ll do anything for you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Elena

  Luca’s answer pleasantly surprised me and further proved the feeling I knew was in my heart. There is something real between the two of us. Even if I’m not sure what it is yet, I know what it’s leaning toward. We’re two flawed people, but there’s something about us that pulls at the other like magnets.

  I hopped on his private jet with him after he called the other Clan heads and we were the first ones to arrive at Desmond Mackenzie’s estate, which looks much more like a castle. He’s the head of the Irish mob, and a good friend to the Clans it seems.

  Since most clansmen had to fly in from different areas of the world it made the most sense to meet here. Plus, it was one of the safest options. I feel a tad bit odd being here with Luca since we’ve just rekindled our marriage, if that’s even the proper terminology for it. I’m pretty sure the rest of the Clan families know my marriage to Luca is very different than their own.

  Luca and I toured the estate and the grounds until the rest of the Clan heads started to show up. We had the home to ourselves for a couple of hours and ended up christening the desk in the study downstairs. What else is better to do with spare time?

  The meeting wasn’t officially made until six in the evening, Irish time, so everyone would have adequate time to arrive. Every single Clan member showed, from Mariana and Ion, to Mikel Lungu who rarely shows his face according to my husband, who had to make a comment that he came from his dark cave. I didn’t ask for details, but I’m sure Luca will fill me in later.

  “Let’s get this meeting started,” Mariana suggests, ushering everyone into the large dining room that will seat us all.

  I take notice that Ion hasn’t been seen in quite a while, and the rest of the clansmen take their seats. Luca and I sit in the middle of the table, while Carla and Philippe Sala sit across from us. Mariana is already seated at the far right head of the table, and every other seat is taken except the ones next to Mikel Lungu and David Lupei, signaling their the last of the Clan heads that have yet to be married. They were probably the two other options my father had chosen for me, but none of them were as devout as the Ungurs when it came to being the lamb of God.

  The door we came in through opens yet again, and Ion walks through with a small girl. She appears to be about eleven or twelve. And then it hits me, this isn’t just any girl. This is Bianca Petran, Mariana’s daughter. She’s not Ion’s because she was conceived and born when Mariana was held hostage by Jonas Masterson. Her hair is wavy just like her mother’s, and honestly, she looks like a carbon copy of Mariana with darker eyes.

  Every Clan member stares at Bianca in awe, wondering why a child would be present at a meeting like this. Mariana stands, motioning with her hand for her daughter to come up to where she is. Even though everyone is wondering the same thing, no one will dare speak up.

  “Why is the kid here?” Stefan barks, raising his eyebrows at Mariana.

  Okay, I guess that thought came across too soon. Stefan is the type who will speak up about anything he damn well feels like.

  “My daughter needs to understand why we’re called away to meetings such as this, especially if she’s going to take over one day.” And there we have it. Ysenia will not be taking over the throne, even though she has the blood of Mariana and Ion coursing through her veins. Instead, it will go to Mariana’s first born, Bianca. Hell, I can’t blame her. The power is through the Vasile bloodline after all. “Now, Luca, please convey what you told me earlier today.”

  Luca starts to stand, but stops midway. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d prefer my wife to explain this to the Clans.”

  Mariana gives her nod of approval, and so I stand prepared to tell them all what we believe is happening. “My husband and I believe Galina and Ivana were in no way acting alone. They were exiled from the Clans along with their family after their father acted in the most treasonous of ways, suggesting they elect him as king, and halt all searches for our beloved queen, Mariana. That being said, they had everything ripped from them. Their homes, their vehicles, and every single asset the Clans had provided. Now, how on the Earth would two women who went from riches to rags be able to make such power plays you might ask. The answer is simple—they didn’t do it alone. They had help, from one of the most powerful players in the mafia realm.”

  Anton Balan clears his throat, “All due respect, but who would be helping these batshit crazy sisters?”

  “Giovanni DiGiovanni,” I clearly state, making sure to meet my eyes with everyone in the room. “Am I wrong when I say that things have been quiet when it comes to the Italians since his daughter Caprice married Liam Mackenzie? And I should add, remember she was promised by her father to Sergei Kolosov, the Russian Arms Dealer.” Thank goodness Luca made sure to fill me in on the details I didn’t know prior to this meeting. I notice a red headed woman cringe, and remember she’s the daughter of Sergei. I hope what I said wasn’t too crass, although he wasn’t ever known for being a kind man.

  “It’s not like him to be quiet. He must be up to some trouble.” Leon pipes up, getting a lot of nodding heads in agreement.

  “Where is your proof?” Ion asks, crossing his arms from behind his arm.

  “Ah, we don’t have anything definitive—besides the fact the Steele brothers were able to get a confession from a man, stating Giovanni was behind the hits on Mariana.”

  Ion nods while Mariana looks up to her husband, “Is this enough proof for you?”

  “Yes, dear. It is . . . although,” Ion shifts his attention over to Marcellus Funar. “I think you know what this means. We will be going after your uncle, and we won’t stop until he’s dead. An attack against one of us is an attack against us all.”

  “I both understand, and after it’s said and done, I’ll make sure my immediate family understands it as well,” Marcellus confirms.

  “Good.” Ion mutters.

  Meanwhile, tears running down Natasha’s face cause me to grow concerned, so I take my seat and allow someone else to speak. I wonder if she’s crying because of her father, but she glances at her husband with rage filled eyes, and then looks to Ion and Mariana. “I told you my uncle was innocent. I fucking told all of you and still you ordered his death. But none of you believed me! And now look at what we’ve all discovered. It was the Italians all along and . . ,” Natas
ha rises up from her chair and it screeches against the floor, before she darts out of the room.

  Anton rises, looking to Mariana and Ion. “I’m terribly sorry,”

  Mariana raises her hand up, “No reason to apologize. We made mistakes in the heat of war, terrible mistakes that will never be able to be fixed. Please express to Natasha we will try, though, and that her uncle and any other innocent will get justice.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Luca

  Anton rushes out of the room to go after his wife. I can only imagine everything she’s just had to hear over the last fifteen minutes has been a shell shocker, not to mention, stirred up old feelings from years ago. Ion and Mariana wrap up the meeting saying how we all need to be vigilant, aware of our surroundings, so on and so forth, and that they’ll put their heads together over the next few weeks and let us know what our next move is. The key is that we know who’s behind everything. Okay, so it’s a well educated guess —but we have the power now, because Giovanni doesn’t have a clue we’re onto him.

  “Elena, before you go I think it would be a smart decision for us to be honest with you about something. From what I’ve heard, you believe your father was the one who contracted the marriage with Isaac.” Ion speaks up, causing my wife to look over at him.

  She narrows her eyes, “What do you mean?”

  “Mariana and I were the ones who orchestrated your union. Your father was simply helping us with the matter. We were trying to use your wedding as a way to lure the sisters into a trap, however, your nuptials happened very quickly.” Ion responds.

  “And to someone else,” I add with a chuckle.