Marked by the Mafia Twins

Ages: Abel & Carter — 10. Aubree — 11. Aubree Romano had always been small—small hands, small giggles, small footsteps that somehow echoed louder in the Moretti mansion than gunshots ever could. But to Abel and Carter Moretti, she’d never once been little. Not where it mattered. “Bree! Come on!” Abel’s shout bounced through the garden as he sprinted across the grass, dark hair wild, his grin even wilder. “You’re gonna miss it!” Aubree’s little legs pumped as fast as they could as she chased after him, trying not to trip over her sundress. Behind her, Carter walked—never ran—hands in his pockets, eyes scanning every corner like he was twice their age. Something about Carter had always been older, sharper. Something about Abel had always been louder, brighter. And something about Aubree had always pulled them both together in a way they would never understand. “Abel, slow down!” Carter called, but Abel only laughed, spinning in a circle before dropping down in front of the big fountain. Sunlight caught the water and sprayed rainbows across all three of them. “It’s a secret,” Abel whispered, dramatic as ever. “Me and Carter found something. But you have to promise not to tell your dad. Or our dad. Or anyone. Ever. Do you understand me?” Carter rolled his eyes but knelt beside him. “You don’t have to promise anything,” he told Aubree calmly. “We just.. wanted you to be the first to see.” Her heart fluttered. Like it always did when Carter said things like that, soft and serious, like she was special. But before she could answer, Abel grabbed her hand—warm, rough from climbing trees—and tugged her down between them. Where she always belonged. “Look,” Abel whispered. In his other hand was a tiny box made of dark wood. Inside, nestled in cotton, was a small silver pendant shaped like a heart. “It’s for you,” Abel said, almost shy. Carter’s lips twitched. “We saved up for it. Technically Abel saved up. I just negotiated the price.” Abel elbowed him. Carter elbowed back. Aubree giggled. “But why?” she asked softly. “It’s not my birthday.” Abel shrugged and spoke in a serious tone. “Because you’re ours.” Carter froze. Abel froze. Aubree blinked at what Abel said. “I mean—you’re our friend!” Abel corrected, cheeks turning red. “Our best friend.” “Our only friend actually,” Carter added quietly. She touched the pendant. It sparkled under her fingertips—simple, pretty, but still perfect. “And we wanted you to have it,” Abel said, softer this time. “So you remember.. we’ll always protect you.” Carter nodded, serious in a way a ten-year-old shouldn’t have to be. “If anything bad ever happens,” he said, “you run to us first. You hear me? To us. Not to anyone else.” Aubree didn’t understand the weight of those words—not yet. Not the way danger constantly stalked their families. Not the way their fathers ruled the shadows of the city. Not the way she had already become the soft spot in the two hardening hearts. All she knew was that Abel’s hand was warm. Carter’s hand was always right there with it. And when they helped her put the necklace around her neck, it made her feel.. safe. Claimed, in a way only children could love without knowing the truth behind the actual word. “Can I tell you guys a secret too?” she whispered. Both twins leaned in at the same time. She smiled shyly. “You’re my favorite people. Forever and ever. I want us to stay together forever.” Abel beamed. Carter looked away, because he felt his cheeks warm and his ears were turning pink. And in that golden summer moment—knees in the grass, laughter in the air, a silver heart resting against her small chest—the future of three intertwined destinies was sealed. She didn’t know it yet. The twins didn’t either. But this.. This was the beginning of everything. The beginning of love. The beginning of war. The beginning of the girl who would grow up to be the one thing two mafia heirs could never share— but would never survive without.