Becoming the Queen

BELLA ROSE

“So, tell me what we know about the attacks.” I ask the guys surrounding me.

“The raid last week wasn’t a raid. I contacted everyone I know. No one knows about a raid on us. It has to be a hit. The only thing is whoever did the hit were in police uniforms.” Elijah fills us in on his thoughts.

“Sounds similar to something I am looking into. Someone is making the product short and it looks like it is us doing it. We don’t have any proof though.” Zander adds on.

“So what good news do we have? What leads do we have? From where I am sitting we have over fifteen attacks over a long period of time and we don’t have anything yet is what you guys are telling me?” I ask impatiently. They all sit quietly looking around at each other.

“Miss Cox, may I say something?” Seth asks almost timidly.

“Well speak up kid. Don’t stop now.” I wave him on to continue.

“It could be an inside job. Or maybe whoever is behind it is pulling strings so far off our radar that we haven’t thought of them?” he seems confident in his line of thoughts.

“I want another meeting next week. Kid you get any leads fill me in immediately. Follow your instincts and talk to only those you know you can trust with your life. Bring me what you find. The rest of you keep looking, leave no stone unturned. I want facts yesterday. Help the kid learn the ropes. He is with us now.” I stand as I dismiss them. “Zander, Jones, can you go get the car. Kid escort me to the ladies’ room so they don’t have an aneurysm.” I don’t wait for anyone to respond as I make my way out of the VIP room.

For the past eight years or longer all the families have had random attacks. We just can’t narrow down where from. If what Kirill said is true, then it has been years in the making. But the question I need to be answered is how? Why? And the most f*****g important one is who? I keep making my way to the ladies’ room as I go over everything I learned tonight. I stop outside the bathroom and turn to face Seth.

“Back to the door kid, watch your surroundings, and don’t talk to anyone.” I tell him before stepping into the restroom and letting the door close behind me. I finish up my business before exiting. Before I can open the door, I hear talking outside so I stop to listen.

“Answer me, boy! What are you doing here?” someone spits out angrily to who I am guessing is the kid. “Niko deal with him. He doesn’t want to talk then we will just have to teach him.” I don’t wait, I immediately step out of the bathroom.

“Move Seth.” He steps to the side as I step next to him. I scan the first man closest to him. He looks like a fly I can squash. I turn back to Seth.

“I will deal with this. Go wait by the car. Tell the others I said no.” I turn back to the fly and the other man with him. The fly goes to follow Seth, I step in his way.

“If you want to keep your hand and your balls I would step back. That is your final warning. Seth continue what you were told.” I tell him over my shoulder without looking away from the men in front of me. “He was following orders, we were about to leave. Now if you don’t mind-“ I am rudely cut off by the giant behind the fly.

“See the thing is I do mind. This is my club and-“ I bust out laughing stopping what he was going to say.

“Call Kirill, I had a meeting with him earlier. Tell him Rose said hi. Go on I’ll wait.” I lean against the wall showing them that I am not scared. I watch as the grumpy giant Troll pulls his phone out and makes a call. I listen as he speaks Russian.

Who the f**k is Rose?

When did you stop by the club?

What f*****g meeting?

We will talk when I get home.

As soon as he hangs up Jones comes stomping down the hall and starts scolding me.

“Pourquoi diable avez-vous envoye votre garde et vous etes-vous tenu ici sans personne? Quest-ce qui se passe, bordel?” (Why the hell did you send out your guard and stand here without someone? What the f**k is going on?) he spits in French as he reaches me.

“I will explain later.” I tell him before I turn back to the giant. “So tell me giant troll, what did Mr. Volkov say?” I ask. His fly snorts and tries to hide his smile. I can’t help but grin.

“You are free to go for now. Next time you won’t be so lucky.” He spits out between gritted teeth. Before I can answer Jones steps next to me, and grabs me by my elbow before turning back to the giant. “Next time she will be free as well. She is under the protection of CNBS Mr. Volkov. If you have any questions contact Don Cox. Have a good night.” Jones says before dragging me down the hall.

“You know I can take care of myself right? Not to mention I am the boss.” I tell him lightly trying to ease his mind. He comes to a halt before spinning around and grabbing me by the chin, forcing me to look at him.

“You are on thin ice Bella. We will finish this at home. Now get your ass to the car before I throw you over my shoulder and carry you.” he says as he lets go of me. I smirk before sashaying away.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” I throw over my shoulder before heading to the car.

I make my way out of the back of the club to the car. Seth opens my door for me to climb in.

“Good job tonight kid. Jones will get you our schedule. I want you to train with us. Don’t make me regret my decision.” I tell him as I climb in. “You are made for great things kid. I can feel it. Make sure you deserve it.”

“Yes ma’am. Thank you, ma’am.” He stutters out. I give a small smile listening to him.

“It’s Bella. Goodnight kid.” I shut my door and lean back in the seat. We make our way home silently. It only seems like seconds before we are pulling into the garage. As we step into the elevator I lean against the back wall going over tonight in my mind.

“I have a couple of things to go over first. Why don’t we go to my office.” Zander chuckles.

“It’s like you are saying it for the first time.” He throws me a grin and a wink.

“Zander don’t play. We both know when she is in the big office she won’t have time for us underlings of hers.” Jones jokes but I can see his concern. Like he is questioning how long I will be theirs after I become Don.

“You both know I will always have time for you guys.” I tell them as we step out of the elevator and head to my office. I fire up my computer as Jones makes us a drink and Zander orders food. While we wait for food I turn to my fountains or information.

“What can you guys tell me about Kirill Volkov as a person, not the Don.” I ask both of them.

“You going to tell us what the meeting was about?” Zander grumbles. I can’t help but giggle at his pouting.

“I will but I want to know if I can take his word as a man, not as Bratva man.” They take a minute to think. I kick off my heels and get comfortable while they take their time.

“If you take away the ruthless Bratva man then you have a straightforward guy. Volkov and Romano are the only two men I would trust out of the rest. Kirill’s dad wasn’t a man you wanted to be around. Kirill though is 100x a better man than his father was.” Jones tells me his opinion. “I’ll go get the food.” He stands and leaves.

“I agree with Jones. Kirill Volkov for a Bratva man is a good guy. He has morels. He changed the way the Bratva is run. When his dad was still the Pakhan he made the Bratva look bad. If the older Mr. Cox hadn’t taken over when he did then Kirill’s dad would have run it so far into the ground, we would still be digging it out. Kirill is the one that started the legitimate business. As a man, he is one of the best.” Zander finishes his train of thought as Jones walks back in with the food.

“I might have more information not only about the attacks but also about my lineage. According to Kirill, he is 85% sure I am his dead best friend’s daughter. I look just like her apparently. He also believes her death was one of the first attacks, a battle before the war he said, he just isn’t completely sure. He also said that he and I are the only ones that know this. So, we are in for a long night. I’m going to shower and change into something comfortable. Can one of you please get me everything we have on the attacks?” I ask as I stand to leave.

“I will gather everything and dish out our food. You two can go shower.” Jones says, looking straight at me. I know what he isn’t saying. Talk to Zander.

I start up the stairs with Zander behind me. I have never been so nervous before. My hands have never been so clammy before either. I am literally sweating in places I didn’t know I could sweat. I swear if Jones is wrong I will kill him myself. I don’t look behind myself as I try to sound as calm as possible.

“Zander if you don’t mind, after your shower can you swing by my room before going downstairs?” I ask as we reach the top floor.

“Sure B.” he says as he continues to his room.

I hurry into my room and grab my pajamas. I keep my hair up and take the fastest shower possible. I dry off and put on my shirt I stole from one of the guys and my shorts. I walk into my closet to get a pair of socks. I hate walking around barefoot. As I am walking out of my closet there is a knock on my door.

“Come in Zander.” I say as I settle into a chair and wait as he joins me.

“I want to tell you something and if you will please let me finish before saying anything.” I start fidgeting with the arm of the chair. Zander reaches out and grabs my hands.

“Bella you can always tell me anything. You know this.” He whispers as his thumb gently traces over my knuckles.

“Remember a few months back when I got drunk and Jones carried me to my bed?” I ask after trying to refresh his memory. After what seems like forever he finally nods his head at me.

“That night when he helped me into bed I told him something and begged him not to say anything because the last thing I want is to lose you guys. That night I slipped up and told him I think I’m falling for you guys. Jones has been trying to get me to tell you but I was so worried th-“ I didn’t get to finish before Zander was pulling me into him. Crushing his lips into mine. Without thinking I start kissing him back. He pulls back a little and looks down at me.

“You have no idea how long I have waited to hear that.” He whispers against my lips.

“It’s not just you though it’s Jones too.” I whisper back. He takes a step back and looks down at me.

“I will still love you with Jones. We are obsessed with you. We have been for so long. How about we go join our guy downstairs before I throw you down and devour you.” he tells me as he pulls me out of my room.

“Your not mad that we kept it from you?” I ask curiously.

“I understand why you did. Do I wish you confided in me as well? yes. I am not going to hold it against you though.” He tells me as we descend the stairs. He pulls me into a hug and kisses my forehead. “Now let’s see what we can figure out about these attacks.”

Jones gives me a smile as if he told me so. I guess he did. We take our seats as Jones hands us our food and everything we have on the attacks. We take notes on everything we find. It’s hours later before we stop and that is only for a coffee and smoke break. I step out onto the balcony outside my office and sit down in a chair. Zander brings me a cup of coffee just the way I like it. Jones brings me a cigarette. I don’t smoke often but when I do it’s usually after a night like this night. We sit there in silence looking over New York City. Finally, we go inside and settle back down.

“Jones get the kid in here. I have a job for him. Also, can one of you get Kirill here as well, and set up a sit down with my dad? I have a couple of ideas to run by him. What did you guys come up with?” I ask them.

“Nothing different for me.” Zander grumbles.

“All of the attacks seem to be carried out in the middle of the week.” Jones says.

“Anything else?” I ask, just for them both to sake their head no. “Get the people I asked for here. Then you guys go get some rest.”

They both stand and make their way to bed. Almost an hour later the guard in the lobby tells me I have guests. I tell him to send them up as I make my way to the elevator. Kirill and Seth step out and follow me as I lead them to my office.

“Sorry about how I am dressed guys. I pulled an all-nighter in the office. I didn’t think to change before you got here.” I tell them as we take a seat.

“It’s ok malen’kaya Roza.” Kirill says.

“Ok, first thing first. What is said here doesn’t leave this office. Kid, I have a huge job for you. It will take a while. Get my lieutenants if you need to. They ask anything just tell them you are following a lead.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Ok, kid. I want you to follow Liam, James, Benjamin, and Samuel around. I want to know who they meet, where they go, what they eat, everything. If they piss I wanna know when, why, where, how, and why. Do you understand me?”

“Yes ma’am. No one will know and I will get you some answers.” Seth says as seriously as he can while he is like a kid in a candy store.

“Thank you. you can head out. Jones will be in touch later.” I dismiss him and wait until he leaves before turning to Kirill.

“Thank you for coming Kirill.” I yawn. “Sorry, long night. Now, I am going to throw an idea out at you, and I want to see what you think.” He nods for me to continue.

“There have been approximately 16 attacks, if not more. I found one common denominator. Besides the blockade I was in a few years ago there hasn’t been an attack on CNBS itself. Only the other families. I think our attacker is an outsider with inside help.” I throw my idea out there to see what he thinks. He is quiet for a few minutes.

“I would say that is very plausible. How would you prove your theory?” he asks.

“The kid. I’ll have him start at the top and work his way down.” I tell him. It has to be an inside job. How else would they have so much information?

“I have someone who can help him. No one knows he is a part of the Bratva. He is at your disposal. “ he offers.

“I may take you up on that.” I mutter.

“What else Roza.” He asks quietly.

“Can we do the test here? If what you said is true then no one can know I did it or about my situation.” I tell him seriously. If anyone finds out it could cause problems not only for my parents but for the whole CNBS.

“Just give me some of your DNA. No one will know it’s yours.”

I think about it for a minute. I pull out a knife and an empty tumbler. I slice my palm open and let the blood drip into the cup. Like I am doing some backwards hlilbilly ritual.

“I am trusting you Kirill. Don’t make me regret it.” I tell him as I bandage my hand.

“Not in a million years.” He says as he stands. Before he can leave Jones busts through my office door.

“Bells! There has been another attack. Don Volkov, your sons are looking for you. They attacked one of your restaurants you were supposed to be at. Bella, your mom was there. She is ok, just shaken up. It was a shooting this time.” Jones huffs out.

“Get everything ready.” I snap. “Kirill get your guy to kid. I want him to be protected. I’ll change and meet everyone at the elevator.” I rush out of my office and to my room. I don’t even pay attention my mind is on autopilot. I just throw clothes on. Zander comes in and fills me in on what he knows.

“I want it all locked down until I get there. Where is mom?” I asked as I run down the stairs.

“She is at home. She is ok. Your dad is with her. Job is on you.” Zander huffs out behind me. As I reached the elevator Jones hands me my knife and gun.

“The car is ready. We are going to the restaurant first.” Jones tells me as he calls the elevator.

“Got an extra gun Roza? I will ride with and meet my men there.” Kirill asks. I give him a nod as Jones hands him a gun.

“Who all is waiting to greet us? Is there anyone going to the chambers? Was any of ours hurt?” I throw question after question.

“A couple of the Bratva are scraped up. I don’t know who is there and who isn’t yet. We will be there soon.” Zander says as he helps me into the SUV. Kirill climbs in on the other side.

Kirill and Zander make some calls while Jones drives. I pray to whoever is above that my mom and anyone from the families is ok. Hopefully, there weren’t any innocent bystanders either. Before long we are pulling up to the restaurant.

“Jones go with Kirill. Zander with me. I want every single piece of information you can get.” I state before walking away with Zander on my heels. I take a look around as I am walking into the broken, shot-up restaurant. The Bianchi family is here which is kind of unusual.

“Zander find out why the Bianchi’s are here.” I tell him as I continue into the restaurant.

“I can’t leave you alone B.” right now is not the time. Breathe in, breathe out. He is just doing his job.

“Zander, I am fine. go do as I asked, please. We need as many details as we can get.” I walk off before he can respond. I look around and find Liam, one of my dad’s lieutenants talking to someone.

“Liam, what do you know?” I ask as I walk up to him. He gives me a nod.

“Boos lady. This is one of my capos. I was doing my normal check-up. Your mom was eating with some of the women. Her guards got her to safety as soon as bullets started flying. It came out of nowhere. There were 3 vehicles full of guys up front and 2 in the back. Your mom and the ladies slipped through the side door. Lasted maybe 10 minutes. A few got away, some didn’t make it. I have three in the freezer waiting for transport. That’s all I got ma’am.” He fills me in.

“I want them in my chamber room. no one talks to them until Don or myself do. Go home, kiss your wife. You did well today.”

“Yes, boss. Thank you.” he walks away grabbing a couple of soldiers to go with him. I walk over to where Jones, Kirill, Zander, and a couple of others are.

“Kirill if you don’t mind can we meet later to touch base?” I ask.

“Nessun problema caro. Fammi solo sapere quando.” (No problem dear. Just let me know when.) Kirill says in Italian.

“Grazie.” (Thank you.)

“Jones, Zander, did you guys get anything? Kirill, do you need a cleanup? I can have one here in five.” I ask before I leave.

“No, my men got it. Take care dear.” He walks away with a couple of men.

“Let’s go check on Mrs. Cox. We will fill you in shortly.” Jones mutters while he looks around.