“So,” Anatoli turned to the leather-bound book on his desk, “we meet tomorrow evening at eleven o’clock at Muccino’s Italian Restaurant in Barnesville, New Jersey.”
“I shall be there,” Darius declared. “Is there anything else?”
“No.” Anatoli gave him a wave, signaling that he’d been dismissed. “You may leave. Alexandru, you and I need to have a talk about Councilman Evers …”
He gave his uncle a nod and got up, then strode out of the office. So, tomorrow he was meeting their Alpha. He wondered if Anatoli would be able to contain his hatred enough to treat Frankie Anderson like an Alpha. As the ruler of this territory, she would have every right to kick them out, and she would be backed by the Lycan High Council. In fact, she could send them all to the Lycan prison facility in Siberia if they didn’t obey her.
Tomorrow would certainly be interesting. If they survived.
Chapter Three
Frankie had set the meeting with Anatoli at the original Muccino’s Italian Restaurant in New Jersey after-hours. As she went about her work day, Adrianna had tried not to think about it, but her busy mind would eventually go back to the topic. What would the mob boss be like? Would he agree to their terms? Would she and her mother be able to pull off the plan they had concocted?
Her position as president of Muccino International demanded all her time, and it wasn’t unusual for her to work past nine o’clock most evenings, though today seemed extra long. She was glad when after she had sent off the last of her emails, Julianna arrived at her office to pick her up so they could drive from Manhattan to New Jersey.
When they got there, the restaurant was empty, the entire place scrubbed clean for the day, and their employees had left long ago. Frankie was already there waiting for them, and they went over what they were going to say. It would be a gamble, but hopefully, one that would pay off.
“He’s here,” Frankie declared as they heard the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. “Now we wait.”
They positioned themselves in one of the circular booths in the dining room, with Frankie in the middle and Adrianna on her right and Julianna on her left, spread out so they occupied the entire seating area. From across them, they placed a lone, uncomfortable chair. They didn’t take out any food or drink, not even a glass of water for their “guest.”
“Should we greet them?” Julianna stood up, but Frankie placed a hand on her arm.
“No. Let them come to us.”
She had to admit that her mother was smart. Having the meeting here and setting the scene was meant to put Anatoli Corvinus in his place and show him exactly who was in charge. Being a female in a male dominated industry, she knew how small things like these mattered, to gain respect and demonstrate to others they were not messing around. She’d always thought her father was the master negotiator, but clearly, Frankie Anderson was not one to be trifled with.
Minutes ticked by, and the front door remained closed. If Anatoli Corvinus was waiting for a welcoming committee, he would be sorely disappointed as they all stayed seated. Finally, the door swung open.
Two men popped their heads through the doorway, checking out the place. When they spotted the three women, they disappeared, and moments later, they came back inside, holding the door open. A tall, bulky man walked in, his face a mask of irritation. When his gaze landed on the women, however, his expression turned neutral.
“Primul.” His thick accent rolled over the r as he used the formal title Lycans called their Alpha. “It is an honor to be invited to meet with you.” He gave Frankie a deferential bow. “I hope you don’t mind if I say that I was … surprised by your request.”
Frankie gestured to the chair. “Anatoli Corvinus, thank you for accepting my invitation. As I’ve mentioned, I have my daughters with me. This is Julianna, my middle daughter, and as you know, Adrianna is my heir and will be taking over soon.”
“An honor to meet such lovely women,” Anatoli said.
Though it sounded like a compliment, it only made Adrianna’s skin crawl. She only hoped she could stay as expressionless as Frankie.
Her mother’s gaze landed on the two goons behind Corvinus. “I didn’t expect that you’d be bringing your … friends.” They hadn’t thought to ask anyone else to be here or bring backup from the New York Security Team. But surely, the mob boss wouldn’t try anything tonight, would he? Frankie was his Alpha. If he tried to hurt them, there would be hell to pay.
“They can wait outside then if that is your wish, Primul.” With a wave of his hand, the two men marched out of the restaurant, then he took his seat. “Although, I was going to bring one of my top enfor—I mean, my nephew.” His brows drew together. “But he’s nowhere to be found. Perhaps he’s lost track of time.”
“If your nephew didn’t care enough to be on time, then we proceed without him,” Frankie said. “My meeting is with you. And I don’t like to be kept waiting.”
“Yes but—” The door flew open and all eyes went to the figure who strode inside.
Adrianna could barely contain the gasp that escaped her mouth. The man standing by the doorway was tall, which wasn’t unusual for a Lycan, but built like a mountain. His white T-shirt strained against his broad shoulders and muscled chest, and tattoos curled out from underneath his sleeve, extending all the way to his wrists. When she saw the shock of silver hair on his head, she did
