Chapter 10
“Well, well, Emma, aren’t you something? Ditching the Moretti family to run to the Vasquez territory, and staying away this long.
“Assignment day is almost here. Did you forget your blood oath to the family that raised you?”
Perhaps because we hadn’t spoken in so long, his threatening tone had an
unusual hint of desperation.
I still didn’t want to talk to him.
I was about to hang up when I heard Don Moretti grab the phone.
“Emma, my daughter! Are you being treated well there?
“This son of mine, he tells me nothing! I just found out you two had a serious dispute.
“Don’t hold it against our family. When you come back, I’ll make sure you’re
properly respected.
“By the way, Ethan received his official captain papers today. Yours are waiting here too. When are you planning to come back for your oath ceremony? I’ve prepared a special position for you…”
Don Moretti had always been kind to me, treating me like a true daughter.
I couldn’t bring myself to hang up on him, so I listened to his fatherly tone until he
finished.
“I’m not planning a return, Don Moretti. My path has changed. I’ll be taking my oath with the Vasquez family.
“I probably won’t be coming back to northern territory. I’ll likely stay in Miami
permanently…”
Before I could finish, Ethan took the phone back.
His breathing was heavy–I could feel his rage across the distance.
“Emma, you’ve signed with the Vasquez family? How fucking dare you betray us
like this?
“If you don’t come back immediately, don’t blame me for what happens to you or your friend Maddie.”
1/3
4:44 PM Fri 18 Apr
10
After delivering this cold threat and not getting the response he wanted, he
added:
“Think about it carefully. Don’t regret this later. Father might forgive you, but I
won’t.”
I hung up immediately.
And instructed my Vasquez captain to increase security around Maddie.
94%
I was about to go for combat training to clear my head when Antonio Vasquez, the
heir to the southern family, asked for a private meeting.
Apparently, my loyalty oath ceremony would be held within the week.
Seeing my new family name on the official papers, I finally felt a sense of
belonging I’d never truly had with the Morettis.
The Vasquez captains were completely supportive.
“Emma, why didn’t you come to us sooner? Any woman treated like that by Ethan
Moretti deserves better.
“Does Don Moretti know how his son truly behaved? His mother was asking about you just yesterday through our intermediaries.”
Antonio Vasquez leaned forward, looking concerned.
“Sweetheart, we’re honored to have you join our family. You have valuable insider knowledge and clearly exceptional training.
“Didn’t you say you hate the brutality of the northern operations? You’ll find our business more civilized. We don’t kill bugs for you, we eliminate them systematically, haha!”
I was speechless at their warmth.
I had to express my gratitude for their acceptance, and assured them that Maddie would be joining us soon too.
They were immediately supportive.
“Did you and Ethan have a violent dispute? That’s more than enough reason to switch loyalties.”
“What if the Morettis seek retaliation? You’ll have our full protection.”
“This means permanent severance from your old life. Remember how during
2/3
4:44 PM Fri 18 Apr
10
94%
training at the Moretti compound, you always spoke of them as your true family…” I couldn’t stand hearing this anymore, so I decided to explain everything clearly, once and for all.
“Ethan has aligned himself with the Rossi family now. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to stay under Moretti control.
“Don Antonio, I need my own identity. I don’t want to live solely as Ethan’s shadow
anymore.
“So please expedite my loyalty ceremony, and keep preparations secure for now.” Antonio and his captains exchanged looks, fell silent for a long time, but eventually agreed.
They only asked that I begin intensive training immediately.
With my oath ceremony approaching, they wanted me fully integrated before the Morettis discovered my true whereabouts.
30
[
Add to Library – Read Anytime
