The Mafia’s Howl — The Alpha’s Forbidden Daughter

Chapter Ten: Escape Under the Moonlight

Rose's Point of View

Something explodes around me.

"Don't get up," someone orders.

I blink, focusing my vision against the white pillow. The pain in my back has eased up after they bandaged it while I was sleeping. Once again, I've been caught in Ethan's bubble, the one that makes me forget the world and zero in on those blue diamond eyes staring at me with intensity, like he can see straight into my soul. While he helped me put on my shirt, I felt protected in a way I never have before.

It's weird that this happened, we've barely had any contact, and the situation I'm in shouldn't allow for moments like this. Another boom snaps me out of my thoughts, and I huddle on the bed, scared of getting hit.

I look around to see what's going on and spot Kai positioned at the bedroom window with a Trident MK2 CRB rifle, a long-barreled semi-automatic with floats around it, capable of massive damage. Kai doesn't go for small, discreet weapons; he likes to make a mess of his targets and watches over his crew like an eagle from the rooftops. As Ethan's loyal Beta, he's always vigilant and deadly.

Niger always told me Kai's the sniper he trusts blindfolded to hit a fly buzzing over his head. Thinking about my brother makes me sad, not knowing what happened to him. My chest tightens at the mere possibility that he might be dead or seriously hurt in the hospital. Without my phone, I can't contact my family.

"How'd they find us?" I ask, sliding off the bed on the opposite side, keeping my head low.

"Your fever lasted a whole day, we couldn't fly while you were practically convulsing. Trent got a doctor to check you out, bandage your back properly, and hook you up with some meds and an IV." He goes quiet as a hail of gunfire erupts. "That gave them time to track us. Now that you're awake, we're getting out of here."

Kai slides something across the floor. I move slowly and pick up the black phone. It's a voice call to Ethan.

"Tell him you're up and we'll meet on the roof to fly out."

"Got it."

I put the device to my ear, waiting for Ethan to answer. When he does, I'm deafened by the gunfire from all sides, some sound different, like they carry a supernatural hum. Maybe silver bullets from the rivals, designed to hurt wolves like us.

"It's Rose. I'm awake. Kai says we can fly."

"Alright," his deep voice replies before the line goes dead.

I stare at the phone, then at Kai. I pocket it and crawl over, hiding behind the wardrobe, waiting for his orders to move. Kai pulls the rifle from the window and comes to me, striding with those broad shoulders, confident, his walk carefree, like getting shot while exposed isn't even a possibility.

I hadn't noticed how handsome Kai is. Pale skin, a square-ish face with a firm jaw covered in a light stubble. Medium-thick lips, black eyes, thick eyebrows well-set, and slightly long, messy black hair. From what I remember, he's 34, same as Ethan, Daniel, and Niger. All the heirs were born the same year.

"Can I trust you not to kill me if I let you use this?" He hands me a silver revolver.

"Sure, just don't point it at yourself." I stand up, gaining confidence that I won't die from a bullet coming through the windows. I'm not giving away that I know how to use a gun, if I have to shoot, I'll hit the target and call it luck.

I pop out the cylinder to check the ammo, snap it back in, then grip the handle with both hands and c**k it, ready to fire when we need to go.

"How'd you learn to c**k a gun like that?" He arches an eyebrow with a smirky grin.

"I watch my dad and Niger do it sometimes."

"Alright, here's the situation, pay attention." He holds up a finger. "We're on the twentieth floor, and we gotta get to the roof to board. Ethan and Daniel are on the thirteenth, probably heading up, taking out enemies who got into the building. We'll go first, then the soldiers follow by car. You with me so far?"

"Yeah." I roll my eyes and get a flick on the forehead. "Ow!"

"Don't roll your eyes at me and focus. I'll lead, you'll cover my back. Don't shoot our soldiers or Ethan and Daniel. You'll know who's on our side if they lower their weapon when they see you—if not, shoot without thinking twice. Let's go."

"Alright." I nod.

A twinge makes me wince as I walk. I glance at my clothes—same beige shirt Ethan put on me, jeans, and flats on my feet. There's a bandage on my right ankle; I remember losing my shoe when I got to the house in Utah.

Kai opens the door and sticks the rifle out, checking if the coast is clear. He beckons me with a finger, and I follow, watching our rear. Kai's face is serious as he scans ahead and behind, alert for anyone crossing our path. As Ethan's pack Beta, his loyalty is fierce, protecting the Alpha and his own.

I keep the revolver in front of my face, ready to shoot anyone who looks like they want my head on a spike. I still don't get how I became a target for the new Boston Mafia boss. I only know—and barely—the members of the Tanorra Mafia, the ancient pack that hides its protection under a veil of crime. Those who knew my secret, my dad made sure they went to hell. The info never leaked—proof is I'm still alive.

So how the hell did I become a prize for a rival mafia? It'd make more sense if it was Emily, the boss's daughter, or Daisha, the consigliere's kid. Even Josephine, Kai's sister and the underboss's daughter—she's the face of our organization at charity events. I don't go to those parties; I don't leave home except to study, and now I've got a target on my back. It has to be a joke or a huge mistake.

My dad's an influential Capo, who got a lot of flak when he decided I wouldn't live like the other mafia girls. A bunch of creepy old guys were against it and wanted marriages, but none could stand up to my dad.

I'd get those creepy old guys trying to take him down to grab his spot on the Capos' council and lead Nevada. But some unknown from the Boston Mafia, a dissident pack of hybrids hunting purebloods? That makes no sense. As tough as I act, I'm scared of what'll happen to me. My dad will have to explain how I got exposed and became a target. I don't know what the Council might do to him or me after this mess.

"Pay attention, Rose." Kai flicks my head again.

"Stop hitting me." I stomp my foot and groan from the pain on my skin.

"Did you hit her?" Ethan's booming, deep voice sounds. I spin on my heels and need a second to take in his stunning impact.

Ethan Tanorra is huge, way taller than me; I'd guess around 6 feet or more. His face has a dark vibe, amplified by the full beard on his chin and lower cheeks, with dimples on each side. Transparent blue eyes, thick eyebrows, white teeth with pointed canines—I'm losing my mind thinking I'd give anything for a bite from this man.

My cheeks heat up under his fixed stare. Broad shoulders, muscular arms, tailored shirt covering his wide chest, veins on his forearms disappearing into the rolled-up sleeves at his elbows. Gun pointed down, a trickle of blood dripping from his fingers. Ethan's got straight black hair messed up in all directions, making me want to touch the strands and fix them.

His mouth—two thin lines of lips. I feel a stir seeing the tip of his tongue slide between his teeth and bite the lower one before he climbs two steps. I tilt my head up, meeting his gaze and drowning in his spicy body scent. I want to wrap my arms around his wide waist and rub my face on his chest.

Desire ignites like a bonfire in my belly, remembering the times I saw him hidden behind door cracks or in glimpses. Ethan oozes masculinity and power mixed with sensuality. I always knew I could never feel anything for Ethan or any other man. But in the safety of my mind, whenever I saw him and remembered what it was like to be touched, little fantasies built up. I never imagined I'd run into him again, especially in a situation like this.

I'm afraid I won't control my nerves, craving what I could never have.

"Did he hit you?" he asks, close now.

"Just flicks on the forehead," I breathe, barely hearing my own voice.

His rough fingers rise, touching my forehead skin, brushing away stray hairs blocking my view. He slides gently, outlining my cheek and tucking rebellious strands behind my ear. His gaze meets Kai's in silent communication; I don't see the other's response. All I can do is stare at Ethan's firm chin and his Adam's apple bobbing in his thick neck with a vein popping out.

"Let's go." He points up, and I follow, trying not to let them notice I'm affected.

Gunshots echo from the lower floors. I hurry to the roof; some shots whistle sharply, like silver bullets from rivals, made to burn and slow wolf regeneration. Kai opens the door, and the wind from the helicopter blades knocks me off balance. I crash into Ethan's solid body; he wraps an arm around my shoulders and under my legs, lifting me before running to the aircraft. I focus on his tie knot, breathing slow to control the pain from the movement, and feel an "inner howl" echoing inside me during the escape—the ancestral wolf waking instinctively, fueling a primal precision that would guide my revolver if I had to shoot.

Inside the chopper, he buckles me in and puts on my headphones before sitting. Kai, Daniel, Ethan's loyal Betas, and the soldier I figure is Trent board while others on the ground provide cover. Cold hits my stomach hard as the helicopter lifts, targeted by enemy bullets. A second chopper joins, firing at the men on the roof.

"You can relax," Ethan says through the headphones.

"Alright," I affirm.

I hide my face in his shoulder, scared to look down and get hit by a shot through the window. I grip his shirt for comfort; Ethan doesn't push me away or pull me closer, he just lets me stay with my nose on his arm, inhaling his scent while I calm down. I feel a "pack bond" forming, like I'm meant to be part of his crew.

It'll be long hours flying to New York; I hope to hear from my family when we land. For now, I'll keep seeking comfort in the arms of one of the most dangerous men I know.