“We propose a compromise,” Adrianna continued. “You said it yourself, you have a legitimate trucking and construction business. In exchange for you shutting down all illegal operations, Muccino International will give Corvinus Trucking an exclusive contract to ship all our products and ingredients across the tri-state area, provided you meet our standards.”
“Plus, construction projects for future restaurants in New York and New Jersey, and additional work for Fenrir Corp. in both states as approved by my husband.” Frankie added.
Corvinus seemed appeased but eyed them suspiciously. “Why would you do this?”
“I know what happens when there is a vacuum in power, Anatoli.” Frankie folded her hands on top of the table. “If it wasn’t you, it would have been somebody else.”
“And you prefer to work with the devil you know?” Corvinus finished.
“Something like that.” Frankie smirked. “So, do you agree?”
“And you are to protect us?” Corvinus looked Adrianna directly in the eye. “Money is one thing, but my influence protects us. Pardon my directness, but you, who has never even lived in this territory, mean to keep the human authorities from knowing our secret? And what about the new enemies that are rising? According to my nephew, they wield powerful magic.”
“We’ve defeated them before and will do so again,” Frankie stated. “I—that is, your future Alpha,” she looked at Adrianna, “will fight when the time comes.”
“Yet you didn’t do anything to stop them,” Corvinus countered. “You are our Alpha, and you were supposed to protect us.”
Corvinus was much smarter than he seemed, and Adrianna hoped they didn’t underestimate him. “I will protect this territory,” she declared, her hands clenching into fists. “I’ll be moving back here and taking my rightful place as Alpha once my mother steps down.”
“We’ll be starting our own Lycan security team, just for New Jersey,” Julianna added. “We already have some potential candidates, and I’ll be leading their training.”
“New Jersey’s Lycans are mostly families and retirees,” Corvinus pointed out.
“We’ll have the support of the New York team,” Julianna said.
“The New York team is spread thin,” Darius stated. “You barely have enough people to cover the Alpha, her heir, and the rest of your family.”
Adrianna shot him a look of surprise, which he pointedly ignored. How the devil could he have known that?
“And how could you possibly know how to train anyone?” Darius said to Julianna.
“Excuse me?” Julianna shot to her feet. “I’ve been working on the New York team for six years.”
Darius merely shrugged. “That does not mean you can train fighters.”
“My nephew did not mean to insult you, dear girl.” He gave Julianna a placating look. “He’s been my enforcer for half his life, since he was sixteen. And—” He stopped short, his lips pursing together. “Which makes him an excellent candidate.”
“Candidate for what?” Frankie asked.
“To be part of your team, of course.” Corvinus declared. “Darius is a perfect fit.”
“Excuse me?” She couldn’t stop the words from coming out of her mouth even if she tried.
“It makes sense, doesn’t it?” Corvinus’s eyes gleamed. “He already functions as my own protector on most days, and is one of my top enforcers. You wouldn’t even have to give him any training.” He leaned back in his chair. “And, with these terrible mages out to harm our future Alpha, how could I not offer you my best bodyguard, to keep her safe, while you are still building the team.”
Oh, no. No way. She would never have a bodyguard ever again. Not after what happened the last time. “You can’t—”
“We agree,” Frankie stated, cutting off her protests.
She felt the blood drain from her face. “Mama.”
“Adrianna.” Her mother put a hand on her arm. “You do need protection. And we could use the help.”
“I can protect my own sister just fine,” Julianna declared.
“And who would train your team?” Corvinus asked. “Would your sister be staying by your side as you try to whip your recruits into shape?”
“He’s right,” Frankie said. “We accept your offer. But, what about our earlier proposal? About you turning legit?”
“We both know that is not a proposal,” Corvinus snorted then looked at Darius. “I suppose we could save a lot of money on bribes if we become legitimate businessmen, eh?” Darius remained silent as a rock. “All right, Primul, I accept your proposal.”
“Good.” Frankie gave him a nod. “I will give you thirty days to cease all illegal activities.”
“But Primul that is not enough—”
“Thirty days.” Frankie’s eyes glowed with the power of her wolf. “No more.”
Corvinus stretched his neck, showing his throat. “As you wish, Primul. Is there anything else?”
“No.” Frankie stood up, and so did Corvinus and Darius. “You may leave.”
“Thank you for your time, Primul. I shall see you soon. Come,” he said to Darius. “We have a long drive home.”
The two men bowed their heads, then slowly backed away towards the exit. Adrianna’s gaze followed Darius as he lifted his head, and though their gazes met for a brief moment, his expression remained neutral. His stoicism was starting to irritate the hell out of her.
“I don’t know if that went better or worse than we thought,” Julianna said wryly when the door slammed behind the two men. “But that was the plan, right? To let him keep his business while stopping all the illegal stuff? Better to make a friend than an enemy.”
It had indeed seemed like a good plan when they thought of it. They knew that trying to outright put a stop to The Family wouldn’t have worked, and they would have risked making another enemy—one who had the means to fight. Also, this way, they could keep close tabs on Corvinus and The Family.
“He was right though, he didn’t have a choice.” Frankie tapped a finger on her chin. “I didn’t think it would be that easy.”
“Why did you agree
